FinTech has undergone turbulent changes in recent years, but one thing is certain – innovations have never been more necessary. According to a KPMG report, global investments in FinTech have fallen to $95.6 billion, the lowest level in the past seven years. Nevertheless, Europe remains a strong FinTech hub with over 350 unicorns, and major companies like Revolut and Klarna are announcing their stock market debuts, signaling a return of optimism.
Money Motion, the largest FinTech conference in the region, will take place on March 27 and 28 at the Zagreb Fair, sponsored by leading regional brands in the industry – Mastercard, Monri, ASEE, OTP banka, A1 Hrvatska, Croatia osiguranje, and LAQO – gathering over 2,000 participants from all continents and featuring a hundred speakers on four stages. Leading global experts in finance, technology, and cryptocurrencies will share their knowledge and experiences, while the startup stage will host one of the most exciting competitions of the year – Money Motion Startup Pitch.
Young entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to present their ideas to investors and partners ready to support the next big thing in FinTech. A total of 20 teams will bring solutions that can shape the future of financial services – from digital banking transformation and data security to DeFi solutions and AI automation. The top three will share the most valuable prizes to date – checks totaling €10,000, $20,000 worth of credits on platform X provided by Aleph, a €5,000 small booth at the next Money Motion, a $20,000 ‘Talk the Walk’ award from Infobip, six months of free coworking space at House of Blockchain in Zagreb, and an exclusive spot at the Fundraising bootcamp in London valued at €10,000.
We present the stories, visions, and innovations of the competitors below.
That small and medium-sized enterprises are the key to economic stability and growth of the Croatian, as well as the European economy, is recognized by A1 Hrvatska, which has been developing solutions for its business customers for years to facilitate their path to digitalization, optimization, and the development of new products and services in the digital age.
– We are aware that technology plays a crucial role in optimizing business operations, increasing productivity, and ensuring a competitive advantage. Our goal is to be their reliable digital partner, providing them with advanced ICT solutions through an as-a-service model – from cloud services, security solutions, data center services to business connectivity solutions – said Daniel Šimić, Chief Executive Officer for the business customer segment at A1 Hrvatska.
To enable entrepreneurs to operate smoothly, they continue to invest in the development of a gigabit network and the expansion of 5G infrastructure. Even today, their network provides top connectivity throughout Croatia, and they have recently added Starlink to their portfolio, enabling stable internet access in locations where there was previously no signal. This has particularly helped business customers in rural and isolated areas – from family farms and tourist facilities to construction and transport companies, and Šimić added:
– The SME segment has increasing needs for flexible and secure digital services, and we at A1 Hrvatska continuously develop innovative solutions to facilitate their daily operations. Digital transformation is not a luxury, but a necessity, and our task is to provide small and medium-sized enterprises with the tools they need to grow and adapt to a dynamic market. With a strong telecommunications infrastructure and tailored digital solutions, we continue to support the development of the SME segment and strengthen the local and regional economy – he said.
Hrvatska poštanska banka, one of the five largest commercial banks in the country, proudly supports the Startup stage, emphasizing an understanding of the ambition for continuous progress and top results. In line with this, HPB, ZICER, and EFZG recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to initiate cooperation in developing the FinTech community in the country to encourage innovation in the financial sector, connect the academic community with financial institutions and entrepreneurs, and support the development of startups through the ZICER Accelerator Program Startup Factory.
– As a key financial partner, HPB will provide startups with access to financial services and pilot projects and participate in the development of fintech regulations with the Ministry of Finance. The Bank’s goal is to strengthen the fintech industry and apply domestic fintech solutions to enhance business operations, while positioning HPB as a desirable employer for IT professionals. HPB is committed to innovations that improve financial services and customer experience, strengthening its role in fintech development through digital transformation and collaboration within the community – said Josip Majher, a member of the Management Board of HPB.
For the third consecutive year, the Money Motion Startup Pitch competition will be supported by the Croatian Agency for Small Business, Innovation, and Investments (HAMAG-BICRO).
