StudioFund

Utah’s Fintech Launch Pad

Incubating and accelerating financial technology and the companies creating it

What is fintechXstudio?

We are a startup incubator and accelerator for students and recent alumni from all universities within the state of Utah.

Stena fintechXstudio was created to fuel fintech innovation from students and recent alumni from universities across the state of Utah. Founded by successful fintech entrepreneurs, the studio is helping the next generation of fintech founders scale faster and sharpen their product vision.

fintechXstudio is launching an annual cohort of 5-6 startups, and will give participants access to advisors, office collaboration space, startup funding and other business services to grow their companies.

Cohort participants will work through the Stena Center for Financial Technology at the University of Utah. The program lasts a year, providing cohort members an ideal environment to build, test and launch their fintech solution.

Who Can Participate?

If you are an undergraduate, graduate student or faculty member from any university in Utah, this program is for you. Alumni that have graduated within the last three years are also welcome to apply.

Companies and business ideas should be focused on financial technology and are not required to be at a certain stage – anything from idea to seed stage will be considered.

How it Works

Our first application cycle opens October 2023 for participation in the 2024 cohort.

October - December 2023

Apply

The selection process starts with an application. From there, a group of finalists are invited to our December Pitch Day to present their idea to our review committee.

December 2023

Stage

Selected participants are notified and complete participation agreements. Initial introductions to advisor(s) and service providers are planned.

January 2024

Build

Participants start their cohort and continue through the year. Advisors meet regularly with their assigned cohort to offer advice, counsel, and mentorship. Participants also have regular opportunities to collaborate with fellow cohort members.

February 2025

Demo

The capstone of the program is Demo Day held the following February. Cohort members will demo and pitch their business to potential future investors.

Got a fire to create the next great fintech?

What We Do For You

With any meaningful endeavor, launch trajectory determines success.

To help you get launched right we provide several key benefits. These offerings are provided by outside entities that have donated a set amount of time, services, or products for your benefit.

Venture Funding

Let’s face it, once you have a good idea you need funding to fuel it. Through our partnership with a venture capital fund, you will receive an initial investment to get you rolling.

IT Services

Tech requires tech. Our partners will provide feedback on best practices and technical insights for systems integration, data management, IT infrastructure, and software development to help you build a world-class technology platform.

Legal Services

You’ll also likely need legal insight to set up an entity or for key questions. Our legal partners will provide services, along with educational sessions, and office hours.

Cloud Services

Great ideas are formed in the clouds. So, our partners also provide credits and consultative services to help set up or optimize cloud-based systems to help you innovate.

Branding & Marketing

First impressions go a long way. Our marketing partners will help you get out of the gate with initial branding: namely a logo and website, marketing and branding consultations, and mentoring.