LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Aug. 31, 2022) — On the heels of a successful inaugural VenCent Fintech Summit, The Venture Center today announced growing its team of leaders to focus on building its fintech programming and expand entrepreneurial support in the global financial technology industry.
Hamza Qadir has been promoted to managing director of fintech programs and will lead the Venture Center’s efforts working with the most promising fintech founders and the world’s top financial services industry leaders seeking innovation to better serve their customers. Pierce Sloan has been promoted to senior program manager for fintech programs and Camille Santrach has been hired as program manager for fintech programs.
The Venture Center’s fintech programming includes two globally recognized accelerators that have been operating since 2016. The FIS Accelerator program provides mentorship for fintech entrepreneurs from experts in the field, as well as in-depth access to the FIS network and has graduated 70 alumni, 90 percent of which are still active or have been acquired. The ICBA (Independent Community Bankers of America) ThinkTech Accelerator is the only community bank-focused fintech accelerator in the world, helping community banks keep pace with disruptive financial technologies and connecting entrepreneurs with the ICBA executive network and hundreds of its community bank members.
“Our influence in the fintech space is growing as we continue to build strong partnerships with bankers and entrepreneurs around the world,” said Wayner Miller, executive director of The Venture Center. “A welcome spotlight is on Little Rock to continue as a desirable hub for fintech, and this strategic move to focus more of our time and resources on fintech programs and grow our industry reach makes sense as we keep an eye on what’s ahead for Arkansas. Hamza, Pierce and Camille are highly capable and passionate about equipping the entrepreneurs with whom we work.”
VenCent Fintech Summit concluded on August 17 in Little Rock, AR with more than 400 in attendance as the first event of its kind to connect bankers, fintech innovators and experts to find realistic solutions for the financial services industry. To learn more about how The Venture Center provides startups, entrepreneurs and innovators programming and tools for success, visit Venturecenter.co.
About The Venture Center
The Venture Center’s immersive accelerator programs are designed to accelerate the growth of early-to-growth-stage companies and help validate their solutions for real-world problems. Our methodology provides a unique opportunity for early-to-growth stage fintech companies to connect with financial institution executives, receive investment, and learn from a comprehensive curriculum aiding in strategically addressing go-to-market, business, and finance challenges. Learn more at www.venturecenter.co. Follow The Venture Center on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter(@VentureCenter), and Instagram.