Fintech to the United States of America
The NSW Going Global Export Program is designed to help businesses expand into international markets with confidence and ease. Eligible businesses can apply for free support to export Fintech products and services to the USA. Applications open on Monday 28 October 2024 and close on Sunday 1 December 2024.
Program dates
December 2024 to April 2025
Key event
New York Fintech Week (21 – 25 April 2025, New York)
In-person attendance at the event is required.
Why this market
The US fintech ecosystem, valued at over $1 trillion, is a dynamic and innovative sector. It boasts a diverse range of companies, from startups to established players, and has seen significant growth in recent years. Strong venture capital funding and a supportive regulatory environment have fuelled this growth.
VC investment in US fintech and cybersecurity sectors remained strong in 2023. Fintech startups raised $29.5 billion, significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Cybersecurity startups raised $12.8 billion, reflecting continued investor confidence in the face of cyber threats.
New York Fintech Week offers a unique opportunity to connect with key industry players, gain valuable insights, and showcase your startup to a global audience. Participating in a week-long program in New York is a perfect opportunity for NSW startups looking to:
- Connect with investors, partners, and clients
- Gain insights into the latest trends and challenges
- Generate attention around your company in the US market
Participation requirements and success factors
Eligibility for the overall Program
The applicant business will need to:
- Have headquarters in NSW
- Have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) registered for NSW
- Be export-capable and export-ready
- Have an employee number between 10 and 199 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
- The product or service must be produced primarily in NSW
- The product or service is achieving sales already in NSW
- Have a website featuring the product or service
- Be prepared to adapt the product or service for the new market
- Be flexible regarding market-entry method
- Have resources to support marketing and development for a new market
- Be willing to travel to the selected market and/or to Sydney for events, and must cover own travel expenses
Participants must be willing to accept the terms and conditions of participating in the program.
Note: this program is designed for NSW businesses who produce and own their own brand. This program is not for aggregators, traders, or businesses who sell services to exporters
Applicants who have not previously participated in a Going Global program to the United States will be given priority. Applicants who have already participated in a Going Global program must demonstrate previous commitment and participation in the program and an ongoing commitment to deliver on previous support.
Additional eligibility requirements for this stream
The applicant business should have:
- raised external capital or are considering it
- already identified targets or existing customers in the US
- A clear demonstration of product-market-fit and the competitive landscape
- A commitment to scale to the USA within the next 12 months
The ideal participant
- Fintech, Cyber, Enterprise Tech Solutions selling into Financial Services
- Be prioritizing the US market to scale business
Curriculum
Introductory sessions
- Welcome session – around early December 2024.
- Introduction to the fintech ecosystem and doing business in the USA.
- Access to factsheets and Intellectual Property briefings developed exclusively for program participants.
Market intelligence briefings and cultural training
- The Fintech tech ecosystem in the USA
- Go-to-market strategy
- Setup (business registration, tax and structure)
- Raising capital in the US (preparation, representation and legal)
- Recruitment strategies in the US
- PR and Marketing Strategies in the US
- Learn from Australian founders who have successfully scaled in market
Potential partner search and introductions
- In-person participation at Fintech Week with in-market assistance and logistical support from Investment NSW (includes ticket to attend Empire Startups Fintech Week Conference in New York).
- Identification of potential partners.
- Targeted 1:1 business introduction.
Ongoing advice and follow up
- Ongoing support provided by a dedicated NSW Government Export Adviser.
We estimate that you will invest 8 hours on our educational/training programs prior to travelling in-market. This does not include optional activities or work your businesses may need to do outside of sessions.
Note: final dates are to be confirmed and the curriculum is subject to change.