Bringing the Next Wave of Transformative Tech to Credit Unions
Still glowing from the success of our first fintech accelerator cohort, Curql and gener8tor are excited to bring the next wave of transformative tech to credit unions. The first cohort showed us firsthand the power of hands-on collaboration - credit unions and fintech working together toward a common goal. It was clear how this guidance helped fintech refine their solutions while giving credit unions access to tech that’s tailor-made for their needs.
Fulfilling Our Ambition with
the Second Cohort
Now, with our second accelerator cohort, we are fulfilling that ambition, guiding a new group of fantastic fintech toward greater possibilities while helping credit unions explore technology tailored expressly for the industry. Curql Accelerate will steer each cohort fintech toward greater growth with structured programs and opportunities among credit unions throughout the process.
12 Weeks of Mentorship and
On-Site Collaboration
This includes 12 weeks of structured, mentorship-style programming and extensive networking resources for each fintech. Plus, the five Curql Accelerate cohort startups will each participate in three on-site events at credit unions to gain a deeper understanding of credit unions, their unique departmental needs, and how to ensure their fintech solutions address those needs.
Meet the Second Curql Accelerate Cohort
After reviewing hundreds of applications, Curql has selected the following companies for its second Curql Accelerate cohort: Coverbase, Gestalt, IDgo, Penny Finance, and Traduality. Together, this cohort offers a diverse array of technologies and solutions, covering everything from risk management, authentication, and data organization to financial planning, language tools, and more.
Coverbase – Coverbase automates third-party risk management for regulated institutions by leveraging AI to process vendor questionnaires and documents, identify potential issues, request clarifications, and ensure compliance. Credit Unions using Coverbase can quickly assess and leverage modern fintechs without needing to increase their vendor risk management headcount. Coverbase is located in San Francisco and led by Cofounder and CEO, Clarence Chio.
Gestalt – Gestalt provides a trusted data foundation for financial institutions. By leveraging Gestalt, a credit union’s siloed data is transformed into a single source of truth to make their data actionable and accelerate insights through direct access and intuitive dashboards. All of this lays the groundwork for advanced analytics and AI. Founder and CEO, Stephanie Hanson, leads Gestalt from Flower Mound, Texas.
IDgo – IDgo offers authentication as-a-service for credit unions and their members. Utilizing biometrics on a mobile device or a PC, IDgo delivers a Passkey based security solution that can be invoked in-branch, online or over the phone (contact center and IVR). IDgo’s authentication experience is easy and member friendly, reduces the risk of fraudulent account takeover, and improves operational efficiency. IDgo is based in Portland, Oregon, with CEO Rocky Scales at the helm.
Penny Finance – Penny unlocks financial planning and education for credit unions and their members through Penny’s personalized engagement engine. Penny provides valuable insights to credit unions about their member’s short and long-term financial goals and enables members to adopt new financial products and services specific to their credit union to aid their journey to wealth. Penny is based in Boston and led by CEO, Crissi Cole.
Traduality – Traduality makes it possible for English-speaking credit union staff in branches, contact centers, and the back-office to serve non-English members effectively in their native language using AI. Traduality’s data-compliant platform equips credit unions with the ability to translate conversations and content for marketing or legal in real time to help them excel at member satisfaction and acquisition while also gaining insights to language trends across their current and future field of membership. Traduality was founded in Bloomington, Indiana, and is led by CEO Diego Achio.
Diversity in Technology and Purpose
“This cohort brings together diverse technologies, perspectives, and solutions that are essential for credit unions to thrive,” said Curql CEO Nick Evens. “Credit unions need fintech that not only keep pace with big banks and fintech giants but also truly reflect the needs of their members. By focusing on this diversity—of thought, technology, and purpose—we ensure that the fintech of tomorrow are built to meet the real challenges credit unions face today.”
On-Site Events to Deepen Engagement
From September 16 through 19, the cohort headed to Raleigh, North Carolina, where they engaged with Coastal Credit Union stakeholders. From October 7 through 10, the startups will venture to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where they will visit Affinity Plus Credit Union. Then, from October 28 to 31, the cohort will connect with Desert Financial Credit Union in Phoenix, Arizona.
Shaping the Future of Financial
Services Together
As Curql Accelerate’s second cohort continues its journey, the collaboration between credit unions and fintech startups will set the stage for meaningful advancements in the industry, just as the cohort before it. With a focus on real-world solutions, tailored innovation, and a shared commitment to progress, Curql is helping credit unions stay competitive in a landscape dominated by big banks and fintech giants. This cohort is just the beginning, as Curql continues to drive forward the future of financial services, bringing credit unions the tools they need to thrive.
Follow Their Journey
Stay up to date on how these fintech innovators and credit unions are shaping the future of financial services. Follow Curql on LinkedIn to get insider updates, industry insights, and exclusive content as we continue to drive progress for credit unions.
For more information on how Curql is creating opportunities for growth, enhancing member experiences, and driving meaningful change across the industry, please visit https://www.curql.com/credit-unions/.