European tech leader eyes blockchain firms
(25 November 2016 – Europe) The former head of Level39, one of Europe's largest technology accelerators, Eric van der Kleij is seeking the support of financial institutions such as Swift and big international banks for the creation of a global network of blockchain labs and accelerators for technology startups.
Speaking to delegates at Swift's Operations Forum Europe event in Berlin, Van der Kleij said the new initiative would seek to invest in 104 projects and startups each year. The ambition is to have five cities operational within three years, beginning with inaugural programs in London and Zurich.
Van der Kleij's consultancy DV2C has already had success mentoring startups and corporate partners for the Swiss Kickstart Accelerator, an initiative of DigitalZurich2025, which saw six of the 30 firms selected walk away with engagements for proof-of-concept trials from the likes of European and International banks including UBS and Credit Suisse.
Van der Kleij will be looking to replicate this experience in the blockchain startup ecosystem and leverage his recent appointment as chairman of the advisory group and special adviser, fintech and blockchain for the UK Government's global entrepreneur program.
Referring to his aspirations for the putative blockchain startup network, he said: "We hope that Swift will join us to create a new global centre of excellence for blockchain and distributed ledgers."
Subscribe