- WMNfintech is North America’s largest nonprofit financial technology (fintech)
accelerator for women-led startups, developed by BMO and 1871. - Applications are open from March 7 – April 10, 20
CHICAGO, March 17, 2025 – BMO and 1871 announced a call for applications at SXSW 2025 for its annual WMNfintech program, an award-winning program designed to empower startup founders as they create and scale innovative services and solutions that support the financial sector. In its sixth year, WMNfintech has become the largest alumni network of women-founded and women-led startups, granting entrepreneurs access to a powerful ecosystem focused on helping them to grow their business and bring technologies and products forward.
“WMNfintech continues to be an incredibly powerful ecosystem for founders in North America,”says Andrew Harrison, Head of Emerging Partnerships and Digital Innovation Fund at BMO. “For the past five years, we’ve put BMO’s ecosystem to work for entrepreneurs, helping them to grow their businesses, pitch products and services, create opportunities to secure capital and, most importantly, drive meaningful impact in our industry.”
Five startups will be selected to participate in the program, which is designed to support them through tailored resources and programming, including:
● 1:1 guidance and insights from top industry experts at BMO Financial Group in their
specific field
● Tailored curriculum focused on enterprise sales cycles, vendor management,
information security, and rise and regulatory requirements
● Six-month membership to 1871, including its space, resources, and a roadmap for
support
● Opportunities to attend industry events to build community and connect with
stakeholders, partners and regulators
● Pitching opportunities for feedback, mentorship, and strategic connections
● Exclusive alumni networking opportunities
This year’s program runs from May to August, including four immersive weeks of curriculum where founders gather in-person and/or virtually. This year’s WMNfintech cohort will also have the opportunity to attend exclusive events across the U.S., connecting with stakeholders, banking partners, regulators and trade groups in locations including NYC, Chicago, Austin, Las Vegas and San Francisco.
The WMNfintech Impact
Since launching in 2020, participating women-led fintech startups from across the globe have created over 200 jobs and raised over $45 million in capital.
“Empowering fintech startups isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart investment in the future of financial innovation. WMNfintech has built an incredible community of founders who are redefining what’s possible in this industry,” said Betsy Ziegler, CEO of 1871. “At 1871, we’re committed to providing them with the resources, mentorship, and connections they need to scale. We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with BMO to foster bold ideas and support the next generation of fintech leaders.”
To apply for the WMNfintech program by April 10, 2025 and learn more about the program, visit https://1871.com/membership/wmnfintech.
About BMO
BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.5 trillion as of January 31, 2025. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is adiverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future,
and inclusive society.
About 1871
growth-stage, late-stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~500 early-stage startups, ~250 growth and late-stage companies, and ~60 corporates, and is supported by an entire community focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds, and others. Since its inception in 2012, more
than 1,050+ alum companies are still active, have created over 14,700 jobs, and have raised more than $3.7 billion in follow-on capital.
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