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.
Accelerate Your Fintech Growth
with expert guidance, a strong ecosystem, and a clear path to scale in Europe’s top markets
Accelerate Your Fintech Growth
with expert guidance, a strong ecosystem, and a clear path to scale in Europe’s top markets
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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
Tailored Programs for Fintech Scale-Ups
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
Who Can Apply?
FTEs
15-75
Valuation Goal
€50M
Funding Stage
Seed+
Segments
WealthTech, InvestTech & InsurTech
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.
Our Experts & Mentors
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 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.