Rich Hyndman, Global technology lead for Google Launchpad

Source | public Google developers

Launchpad Studio is a program that helps the world’s top startups grow. The founders work closely with product teams and experts at Google and Alphabet to use machine learning to solve specific technical challenges and optimize business development. Last year, we launched our first app ML peer group focused on the healthcare industry. Note: the Launchpad Studio link developers.google.com/programs/la… We have launched the link developers.googleblog.com/2017/11/goo…

Today, we are excited to welcome the following newly selected financial startups to Launchpad Studio:

  • Alchemy (US), building a bridge between blockchain and the real world

  • Axinan (Singapore), smart insurance for the digital economy

  • Aye Finance (India) is leading the revolution in financing services in India

  • Celo (US), promoting financial inclusion through mobile first cryptocurrencies

  • Frontier Car Group (Germany) is committed to revolutionizing the used Car market

  • Go-jek (Indonesia) to improve the welfare and livelihood of workers in the informal sector

  • GuiaBolso (Brazil), Improving the Financial lives of Brazilians

  • Inclusive (Ghana), provides financial authentication services across the entire African region

  • M.paani (India), supporting local Retailers and the next billion users in India

  • Starling Bank (UK), improving financial health through 100% mobile banking

The Studio startups, representing nine countries on four continents, were invited to discuss how machine learning could be applied to areas such as financial inclusion, stable currencies and identity services. They will identify how ML and blockchain technology can contribute to the development of financial inclusion and ensure greater shared prosperity. Data combined with user behavior will enable true economic globalization through inclusive and differentiated products in the banking, insurance and credit industries.

Each startup has a Google product manager to help speed up product development and work side by side with Google’s ML r&d team. Studio offers one-on-one coaching, and startups can tap into Google’s human resources, network, cutting-edge ideas, and technology.

“There are two major barriers to large-scale adoption of cryptocurrencies as a means of payment that need to be addressed, namely ease of use and volatility in purchasing power. When we heard about the Studio project and the opportunity to work with Google’s AI team, we were excited. We are confident that this collaboration will benefit not only Celo, but the industry as a whole.” – Rene Reinsberg, co-founder and CEO of Celo

“Our technology has helped millions of micro-business owners, including motorcycle taxi drivers, restaurateurs, small businesses and other professionals, improve their lives and boost the economy of Indonesia as a whole. “We are very excited to be working with Google to further explore how AI and machine learning technologies can help us enhance our ability to positively impact social change in Indonesia and the region as a whole.” – Kevin Aluwi, co-founder and CIO of Go-Jek

“At Starling, we believe that data is the key to a healthy financial life. “We are excited about the opportunity to work with Google to turn data into analytics to help consumers make better financial decisions with more information.” -Anne Boden, founder and CEO of Starling Bank

“At GuiaBolso, we have used machine learning in many of our workflows, and now we will take full advantage of this technology to provide a more satisfying user experience. We will use the Studio project as an opportunity to accelerate the adoption of this technology.” – Marcio Reis, Chief data officer, GuiaBolso

Since its launch in 2015, Google Developers Launchpad has become a global network of startup accelerators and partners whose common mission is to accelerate innovation and solve the world’s biggest problems. Choose a startup regional accelerator to join. Subscribe to The Lever for Launchpad app ML best practices. Note: the accelerator link developers.google.com/programs/la startup area… The Lever link medium.com/the-lever