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Accelerate Your Fintech Growth

with expert guidance, a strong ecosystem, and a clear path to scale in Europe’s top markets

Apply
Learn More
260420-owenbphoto-HoFT-Level39-London-005

Accelerate Your Fintech Growth

with expert guidance, a strong ecosystem, and a clear path to scale in Europe’s top markets

Apply
Learn More
260420-owenbphoto-HoFT-Level39-London-005

The Scale-up Academy at a Glance

We believe scale-ups drive financial inclusion & democratizing financial wellbeing by overcoming barriers in a complex, fragmented landscape.

  • Scale-ups can innovate for underserved markets
  • They need tailored support for growth challenges
  • Their success boosts financial wellbeing

Our approach empowers scale-ups through tailored support and direct access to key players — from regulators and investors to international ecosystems. We connect founders with BaFin, leading experts, and VC networks, combining hands-on mentoring, regulatory insight, and market access to drive sustainable growth. 

2026: International Tracks

The Scale-Up Academy continues in 2026 with the Fintech Immersion Programme, sending Berlin fintechs into two target markets. The UK delegation ran in London in April — see what changed for Berlin fintechs entering the UK market. The Nordics track runs in Copenhagen, 22–24 September, and applications are open now.
 

Our Programs for Fintechs in 2025

Regulation & Compliance

Fintech scale-ups get the regulatory expertise and compliance frameworks needed to navigate complex financial regulations and build a bulletproof foundation.

Through personalized roadmaps, expert legal coaching, and direct BaFin access, teams learn to transform compliance challenges into competitive advantages.

Fundraising & Investment

Fintech scale-ups get the insider VC knowledge and fundraising expertise needed to become investment-ready and secure funding for growth.

With tailored coaching, direct investor access, and proven frameworks, founders learn to build winning strategies, deliver compelling pitches, and close successful funding rounds.

 

Market Entry into Key European Markets

This program helps WealthTech & InvestTech scale-ups expand into top European markets with confidence.

Through strategic preparation, personalized coaching, and direct access to clients, investors, and partners, you'll build and execute a winning go-to-market strategy in Europe's leading economies.

 

Program for International Fintechs 2026

Expand your business to Germany and accelerate with our immersive 6-months program

Market Entry Strategy

Market positioning, go-to-market (GTM) analysis, competitor analysis and benchmarking

Regulatory & Legal Environment

BaFin guidance, regulatory compliance navigation, licensing support for German Market Entry

Business Development

Corporate partnership facilitation, German ecosystem immersion, organised business meetings

Network Access

HoFT's ecosystem integration, German corporate partnershipsInvestor and stakeholder connections

Fintechs, Ready to Scale to France?

Applications are still open for Market Entry Program — your gateway to France’s fast-growing fintech scene.

Open to German WealthTech and InvestTech companies, this highly selective program with just ~5 participants per track offers tailored approach and access to investors, partners, and market insights to help you land with confidence.

Applications close July 20.

Scale to France
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Our Experts & Mentors in 2025

Scale-Up Academy brings a unique blend of expertise together to help your business successful scale.

Financial Institutions

Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, IBB Ventures

Legal & Advisory

Annerton, Luther, Schalast, KPMG

Regulatory Authority

BaFin

Fintech Champions

HOLVI, lemon.markets, Raisin, Pilant, Scalable Capital, Smartbroker+, SumUp, Upvest

Interested in Fintech Immersion Programs 2026?

Apply now to join the HoFT Nordic Delegation Trip 2026!
22–24 September 2026 · Copenhagen, Denmark

Includes participation in Nordic Fintech Week (23–24 September).

⏳ Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. The HoFT team reviews applications based on readiness, strategic fit, and expected program value. Selected companies receive full preparation materials and agenda details.

Questions? Contact Lana Brandorne — lana.brandorne@hoft.berlin

der Erwerbstätigen erleben finanzielle Sorgen mindestens einmal pro Woche. (1)
Learn More & Apply

Interested in our Scale-Up Academy 2026?

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Regulation & Compliance

Regulatory Insights

Providing knowledge on navigating regulatory requirements through external partnerships (outsourcing) and internal strategies such as licensing and acquisition.

BaFin Engagement

BaFin actively engages through dedicated workshops on regulated financial services and offers one-on-one coaching sessions, providing participants with direct insights and guidance on permission-relevant business models.

Problem-based Learning

Development of your individual case study focused on your own regulatory roadmap, identifying relevant regulatory requirements and evaluating strategic options such as licensing, outsourcing, or partnerships to enable compliant growth.

Individual Coaching

One-on-one coaching with experts and top-tier law firms specializing in finance and capital markets.

Networking opportunities

Offering of valuable networking opportunities through close and intensive exchange with other WealthTech scale-ups, fostering dialogue on shared challenges and enabling potential business development with participating B2B partners.

Wealth-Tech Focus

The cohort is composed exclusively of scale-ups from the WealthTech segment, enabling a focused, expert-level exchange and tailored discussion of industry-specific regulatory and strategic challenges.