Frequently asked questions
The 3+6 months long partnership program is designed to ensure that bank-startup collaborations can deliver tangible results for both parties. It is achieved by ensuring strong integration with OTP Bank’s business through a dedicated sponsor department and hands-on mentoring from senior experts and highly ranked executives of OTP Bank and by offering dedicated project coordination and budget support starting from the pilot phase until the initial rollout period. Our goal is to carry out a Proof-of-Concept or Pilot project with the participating startups, which validates them within the banking group and opens the door for long-term collaboration. The cohort companies may even receive capital investment to achieve their objectives, with the help of PortfoLion Venture Capital Fund, a member of OTP Group.
Check out the Focus areas in the upper section of the website for the detailed list. Although we are eager to learn about as much innovative solutions as possible, please note that our program cannot accommodate:
Our program has two main phases: a 3-month pilot phase, followed by a 6-month rollout phase, which is available for the cohort companies conducting the most successful pilots.
Not all, but the majority will be OTP senior experts and executives since each startup will be assigned to a sponsor department at a bank belonging to OTP Group and will have dedicated internal mentors. Besides this, you will also have access to our leading Program Partners. They will put forward their global networks of expertise and relationships to support your business.
The application phase for the current program is closed, startups could apply until the 18th of April 2022. We expect the next program to start in early 2023. Make sure to check back then!
We evaluate submissions on a rolling basis, so make sure that you register early and increase your chances to participate!
We are looking for later-stage startups and scaleups, which offer relevant solutions for financial institutions, have an assembled team, a market-ready product possibly along with a growing customer base. Ideal applicants are startups and scaleups aiming to conduct a Proof of Concept or Pilot project with OTP for further technology validation and increased experience in corporate collaboration; and ultimately to have long-term partnership with a key banking player like OTP Group.
Yes, your company should be established at the time you submit your application.
No problem. Our focus is on conducting Proof of Concepts or Pilot projects with cohort startups and potentially transform them into long-term partners so chances are that there will be little overlap between your experiences at the OTP Startup Partner Program and other accelerator programs.