3D FinTech Challenge 2014 drives accelerated innovation for the Investment Management Industry 

Dassault Systèmes announced the 6 finalists selected to participate in the 3D FinTech Challenge 2014, an immersive accelerator programme designed to empower and accelerate technology innovation within financial services and this year, specifically within the Investment Management industry.

The programme, led by Dassault Systèmes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company which itself has a strong track record in innovation, will commence on 17^th September for 7 weeks to 31^stOctober, 2014. It will be run from Level39, Europe’s largest accelerator hub for FinTech. It will be based on investment industry challenges set by senior industry executives. The Challenge aims to identify, nurture and accelerate high performance start-ups, focused on delivering solutions that have the potential to transform and shape the Investment Management Industry. Unlike other accelerator programmes, Dassault Systèmes does not take equity in the start-ups but may consider investing in them, should there be a good business fit.

Kevin Pleiter, Vice President of Financial and Business Services, Dassault Systèmes said, “We are excited to host 3D FinTech Challenge for the 2^nd year as part of our drive to bring innovation to the Investment Industry.  The sector is undergoing profound change: there’s an urgent need to redefine the investment experience, drive down costs and meet stringent regulations.  The 3D FinTech Challenge is a show case to demonstrate how technology innovation has the revolutionary potential to increase operational efficiencies and transform the entire investment journey for all stakeholders.”

The six finalists – chosen from a shortlist of high calibre applications from around the world by a panel of senior executives from leading global investment institutions are Closir, DATANEXT, Heckyl, PensionMandate Ponchartrain and PrairieSmarts.

The 3D FinTech Challenge finalists will be offered on-going mentoring from both Dassault Systèmes’ senior executives and leading figures from the global asset management industry to help shape the products and technologies being developed. In addition, master classes will be provided by leading domain experts, covering topics such as UX and interface design, intellectual property rights and licensing agreements.

The 6 finalists will gain full access to a dual–centre community of entrepreneurs, start-ups and high growth companies through Level39 in London’s Canary Wharf and ValueStream Labs, in New York

Eric Van der Kleij, Head of Level39, Canary Wharf Group plc said “Smart fund managers and investment professionals now realise that technological innovation is required to conquer the sector’s many challenges. The 3DFinTech Challenge will help drive the buy side forward, by facilitating the much needed dialogue between tech innovators and financial institutions.”