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FirstBank Fintech Innovators Pitch 2.0

Theme: “Banking Beyond Borders Pitch Challenge - Powering fintech solutions without limits"
Your fintech is validated. Now, scale. Partner with FirstBank for distribution to millions, API integration, and strategic growth. Apply for Pitch 2.0.

Apply for Strategic Partnership

The Challenge We Solve

The African fintech landscape is filled with brilliant solutions that never reach their full potential. Many startups with great products and early traction struggle with market complexities, regulatory compliance, and most critically, access to distribution. FirstBank Pitch 2.0 is designed to dismantle that wall.
Apply Now

What is Pitch 2.0?

From Pitch Competition to Partnership Engine

We’ve reinvented the model. This isn’t just about presenting to a room of judges and investors. It’s a rigorous validation and partnership program designed to integrate winning fintechs directly into FirstBank’s ecosystem for mutual growth.

Icon-Based Value Points:

🚀 Distribution Powerhouse: “Gain instant access to millions of our retail and corporate customers.”

🤝 Strategic Integration: “Fast-track API integration with our core banking infrastructure.”

🌍 Regional Expansion Leverage: “Tap into our network and regulatory expertise.”

💸 Growth Capital: “Compete for a share of over N45 Million in investment funding.”

 

Is This For You?

Built for Fintechs Ready to Scale

This program is designed for founders who have moved past the idea stage, have fully functional products and are ready for exponential growth.

For the “Growth Amplifier” For the “Solution Builder”
You have a tested product with strong user metrics. You have a launched MVP with early traction.
You have proven market validation and a clear revenue model. You have a scalable solution solving a real problem.
You are ready to integrate with a banking partner and scale regionally. You are technically ready for a strategic partnership.
You seek: Distribution, enterprise partnerships, banking infrastructure. You seek: Validation, growth capital, a powerful launch partner.

 

If you’re building the future of finance in West Africa, we want to hear from you.

Product Sectors Where We're Focusing Our Partnership Power

Digital Banking Innovation

Solutions enhancing digital banking experiences
(e.g., AI-Powered Personal Finance Assistant, Biometric Authentication Platform, Subscription Management Dashboard)

Financial Inclusion & Accessibility

Solutions addressing underserved market segments
(e.g., Agent Banking Network Platform, Low-Literacy Voice Banking Interface, Gig Worker Micro-Savings Tool)

Cross-Border Financial Services

Solutions enabling seamless West African fi nancial transactions
(e.g., ECOWAS-Europe Instant Remittance Corridor, Multi-Currency SME Wallet)

SME & Corporate Solutions

B2B fintech solutions for business banking
(e.g., Embedded Finance API for E-commerce, Automated Cash Flow Forecasting, Supply Chain Financing Platform)

The Awards Package

While there are significant cash prizes, the true award is the unparalleled distribution access.
1st Place: ₦20M + Strategic Partnership Package
2nd Place: ₦15M + Strategic Partnership Package
3rd Place: ₦10M + Strategic Partnership Package

 

The “Strategic Partnership Package” includes: Distribution Access, API Integration, Banking Infrastructure, & Expansion Support. As needed.

How It Works / Timeline

● Application Opens – February 4th, 2026

Submit your core application package (slide deck + optional attachments).

● Application Deadline – February 28th, 2026

All materials must be submitted by end-of-day.

● Finalist Notification – March 4th – March 6th, 2026

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to the summit.

● Pitch Preparation – March 6th – March 10th, 2026

Finalists receive support to refine pitches and partnership proposals.

● Summit Day – March 12, 2026

Pitch to judges, bank leaders, and institutional investors; winners gain access to strategic partnerships + cash prize.

Stop Pitching for Investment. Start Partnering for Scale. Apply Before March 1st

Application Form

Registration Closed!
Apply to the Fintech Innovators Pitch 2.0
Click here to see the full list of questions we would need you to answer on this form.
What sub-sector(s) does your company operate in?*:
For each of the founders, please provide the following: (up to 5 founders)* 1. Their Full Name
2. A working URL to the LinkedIn account (link) -
3. Their current time commitment to the company [part time, full time, full time post-raise]
4. Gender

Separate each founder entry with a gap. *
Please submit a link to a video that is between 60 and 120 seconds long (up to a maximum of 2 minutes). In the video, cover the following points: *
Share a brief introduction about who you are, provide an overview of your company and its mission, discuss why you are applying for this opportunity, and explain what you hope to gain from this experience.
Which of the below best describes the stage your company is currently at? *
It does not discount your application if you have none.
Do you have a product link or video you could share? Ensure it highlights key features & how they solve real problems. [A maximum of 2 minutes]
Only a max of two representatives from your company will be required to physically attend the Program, which includes the Pitch Prep & the Pitch Session.

For each of your representatives, please provide the following (up to 2 reps):
Representative 1 Details
Representative 2 Details
How did you hear about us?*
We will be physically available to attend the Program, which includes the Pitch Prep & the Pitch Session?: *
Terms and Conditions *
You are almost done! Now would be a good time to review all of your data before submission. Simply click the Previous button below.

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