When Dave and Trina Stone founded First Rate, they weren’t just launching a business; they were on a path to building something far greater. Their vision was not limited to simply pursuing growth; it was rooted in expressing God’s character—through how they treated others: coworkers, customers, and most importantly, the communities they are in. 

We had the pleasure of co-hosting an Agentic AI in FinTech Social Mixer alongside Asia Startup Network, Wantedly, and Monk’s Hill Ventures. The event brought together industry leaders, AI developers, startups, and venture capitalists for dynamic discussions on how agentic AI is transforming the FinTech landscape—and what this means for the future of financial services. 

As fintech entrepreneurs seek untapped markets with high potential, Sri Lanka is surging as a compelling destination. With a recovering economy, rapidly growing digital infrastructure, and increasing support from the government, this South Asian nation offers fertile ground for founders, investors, and digital disruptors alike. 

It is no secret that there are many accelerators in Singapore. Singapore prides itself as a hub for startups to flourish. Some of the largest players fund from Day 0, which is what attracts founders, apart from the brand name or other differentiators that make founders take up the deal. All of that being said, we think there is a time and space for accelerators and fundraising. Accelerators can be useful given that founders are very clear on the value add and that they align

This internship gave me the space to take ownership of my growth—both professionally and personally—by allowing me to explore new responsibilities and build meaningful connections with those around me. 

First Rate Connect is a great environment to grow, full of learning, ownership, and support, where I gained real hands-on experience and felt truly valued as part of the team. 

While there is no shortage of conferences in the business world, this one was different. It wasn’t just about scaling fast or pitching well. It was about asking the more difficult questions: What kind of impact are we creating with our growth? What legacy are we leaving behind? 

We’re thrilled to introduce the first batch of companies joining our program!

First Rate Connect: Venture Accelerator SINGAPORE – 3 September 2024 – First Rate US , a leading wealth technology (WealthTech)...