September 12, 2024

The North American Fintech Coalition (NAFC) is shaking things up in the world of credit unions by fostering partnerships with early-stage fintech startups. On October 1 and 2, NAFC is hosting its Partner Pitch Event, designed to bring together credit unions and innovative startups for a two-day, live-streamed showcase. This event aims to inspire credit unions—whether they're tech-savvy or just exploring their options—to collaborate with startups to develop cutting-edge solutions tailored to their specific needs.

NAFC’s mission is to help credit unions create better products by working directly with startups that have fresh ideas and minimal viable products (MVPs). With a focus on building partnerships from the ground up, the event is the perfect space for credit unions to explore new fintech possibilities.

The Coalition, which grew out of the BECU Fintech Incubator and Techstars Seattle accelerator, has already seen early success thanks to partners like WSECU, Salal CU, and Lafayette FCU. Now, they’re looking to expand this collaborative network.

Paul Kirkbride, COO of WSECU and a key NAFC advisor, emphasizes the importance of these partnerships. "By partnering with early-stage startups, credit unions can shape solutions from the very beginning, ensuring they meet the unique needs of our industry," he said.

Diversity is also front and center at the event. Out of the 14 startups presenting, 11 are led by underrepresented founders, including women, Black, LatinX, LGBTQ+, Native Americans, and veterans. This commitment to inclusivity ensures a broader range of perspectives and innovative approaches.

Credit union executives are invited to join the conversation by registering for the event through the NAFC website. Don’t miss the chance to explore new ways to innovate and grow in the fintech space!

For more information, contact Nate Derby at nate@namfintech.org.

Let’s build the future of credit unions together!