The FinTech 50 2014 Mar. 2014 | Page 5

FinTech50 WHY DID WE LAUNCH THE FINTECH50? Photo credits: TheRealMikeyBoy, Harshil.Shah. For so many good reasons, but not least because the time was just right. The idea began with a conversation, and then very quickly took flight - thanks to the power of collaboration and four exceptionally insightful partners: ICON Corporate Finance, Silicon Valley Bank, Hotwire and Fox Williams. As business top 50s go, we all wanted to make this one different – which is why there is no outright winner, no call for submissions and why the list is not selected solely on the basis of turnover or recession-busting growth…however impressive the numbers. This 50 is all about the qualities that make FinTech a hot technology sector offering the most eye-watering investment opportunities available - anywhere. Every business featured has either the potential to become a game-changer or the competitive staying power to continue being one. It’s our small tribute to the pioneers who are redefining financial services globally. And to the movers, shakers and downright disruptive technologies across Europe who, in our panel’s view, will be the Ones to Watch in 2014. London may have the FinTech Factor right now. But the FinTech50 isn’t just about London. It’s about the FinTech Revolution taking place right across Europe. Very special thanks must go to The City of London, UKTI Financial Services Organization, Barclays Accelerator Powered by Techstars, Google, Monitise, Index Ventures, Octopus Investments, Eric van der Kleij, Level39, broadcaster and journalist Laura Kuenssberg – and, of course, to our FinTech50 panel. Their generous gift of time, expertise and resources on the FinTech50, and the first ever FinTechCity London, ensured that these were two ideas that didn’t just fly, but which also became a very tangible reality. Julie Lake and Nicky Cotter Founders, The FinTech50 and FinTechCity www.fintechcity.com