CRM and cloud computing leader Salesforce has launched an EMEA version of its Salesforce Accelerate program aimed at fostering the growth of fintech and insurtech start-ups in the region.

14 start-ups have been chosen to participate in the four-month virtual program, which will help them accelerate their time-to-market for an AppExchange app, as well as forming the basis of a meaningful partnership with Salesforce. The program also includes three in-person workshops, with the first taking place at Salesforce Tower in London on 3 September.

“Over 87 per cent of Salesforce customers use AppExchange solutions to extend their success with their customers,” said Anne DelSanto, executive vice president and general manager for platform at Salesforce. “A strong partner ecosystem is the number one differeniator in todays digital world and thats why we couldnt be happier to welcome these 14 companies into the program. Lets win big together.”

Among those firms selected to join the first Accelerate EMEA program are Streamdata.io, a French firm that helps businesses increase efficiencies by turning web APIs into streaming APIs; Asperato, a UK company that provides a multi-merchant, bespoke payment processing service that integrates with Salesforce; and Octo Telematics, an Italian startup that blends the benefits of a horizontal IoT platform with dedicated vertical use cases built for the insurance industry value chain.

“We are dedicated to helping our financial services customers delight their customers by letting them focus on the experience rather than the product,” said Joaquin de Valenzuela, head of financial services in EMEA for Salesforce. “And, as the industry continues to be disrupted, thats never been more important for our customers. The solutions these fourteen companies produce are examples of the amazing fintech and insurtech solutions being developed across Europe and Israel, reinforcing this regions position as an innovation hub.”