Catapult: Financial Inclusion in South-East Asia Program

This program is sponsored by Luxembourg’s Directorate of Development Aid and Humanitarian Affairs, with robust support from esteemed partners in the financial services and microfinance sectors.

This program is sponsored by Luxembourg’s Directorate of Development Aid and Humanitarian Affairs, with robust support from esteemed partners in the financial services and microfinance sectors.
Based on the incredibly successful Catapult: Inclusion Africa boot camps, the 1st edition of Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia program will accommodate up to 20 Fintech firms for the first week of the program in Thailand.

Ten of these Fintechs firms will be selected for another week in Luxembourg. The LHoFT covers the travel and accommodation expenses associated with participating in the program, ensuring a focus on innovation and learning.

Why Financial Inclusion in South-East Asia?

• Fostering a Landscape of Opportunity and Access
  • At the LHoFT Foundation, they harbor a profound belief in the transformative power of financial technology as a catalyst for advancing financial inclusion. It’s about empowering the marginalized, those overshadowed by the conventional financial frameworks, and fostering an environment where opportunities flourish universally. Whether it’s providing financing for rural farmers, offering point-of-sale technology for underbanked merchants, or developing specialized insurance products, entrepreneurial efforts are making a positive impact and improving lives worldwide.
• Innovation with Impact
  • In the diverse landscape of South-East Asia, the quest for accessible financial services is a prevailing challenge. The mission, in collaboration with the Directorate of Development and Humanitarian Affairs, is to champion fintech firms poised to make a significant impact on enhancing financial inclusivity within the region.
• Luxembourg: A Beacon of Responsible Investment
  • Luxembourg stands as the leader in responsible investment fund assets in Europe, with 31% of funds and 39% of all assets under management (AuM). Luxembourg is home to a vibrant ecosystem enriched with initiatives and institutions dedicated to fostering sustainable development. With a government steadfast in its commitment to eradicating extreme poverty and promoting sustainable development, Luxembourg emerges as a nexus where innovation converges with impact, nurturing fintech solutions that resonate with purpose and promise.

Covered Costs

• LHoFT will reimburse reasonable travel costs to reach Bangkok in Thailand, using Economy Class Airline Carrier, up to 2000€ (VAT included) for one person/company (or equivalent). One additional person/company can attend the boot camp but at their own costs.
• If selected for the second week, LHoFT will reimburse reasonable travel costs to reach Luxembourg using Economy Class Airline Carrier, up to 2000€ (VAT included) for one person/company (or equivalent). One additional person/company can also attend the boot camp but at their own costs.
• The selected participants will be hosted in the hotels selected by the LHoFT, located in Bangkok in Thailand for one week and in Luxembourg for those selected for the second week breakfast and lunches will be provided.

Eligibility Criteria

• Selected firms will have, at least, a demonstrable Minimum Viable Product (“MVP”) and will likely be in the pre-seed to seed stage of funding.
• Companies must be active in the financial inclusion field, helping underserved and unbanked populations in South East Asia get access to financial products and services.
• Companies will submit all necessary information to the LHoFT in order to assess the viability of the project, company, background of owners and key shareholders to limit the risks of non-compliance or doubtful application to the Program.
• The selected firm must guarantee that a founding team member, typically the CEO, will attend the program for the duration of the two weeks if selected to go on to the second week in Luxembourg.
• Companies must agree and shall provide on-going performance metrics and business status for a period of three years post program completion to the LHoFT for the purposes of program evaluation.

For more information, visit LHoFT Foundation.