SHIFT Open Finance, the UK’s leading invite-only fintech community, in partnership with Woodhurst, a digital transformation consultancy, has today opened applications for the 2026 Ignite Incubator.
Ignite is an exclusive, high-impact programme backing just one fintech or regtech founder per cycle through a tailored 3-6 month period of intensive, hands-on support.
Ignite is designed to give early-stage founders the practical momentum, strategic clarity and deep industry access needed to transform ambitious ideas into commercially viable businesses. By working with a single startup at a time, the programme tailors its support around each founder’s priorities - providing hands-on guidance, strategic partnerships and the flexibility to adapt as the business evolves.
“Ignite was created to give exceptional founders the hands-on support, clarity and momentum they need to deliver real change in financial services,” says Clara Balon, Head of SHIFT and Ignite Incubator Lead. “This programme backs entrepreneurs who want to take action and move the industry ahead.”
Ignite sits at the centre of the SHIFT Open Finance Community, a growing network of more than 300 fintech innovators, and draws on Woodhurst’s extensive experience delivering transformation across the UK financial-services sector. Together, they provide founders with direct access to investors, banks, technology partners and industry leaders shaping the future of financial services.
Throughout the programme, founders work closely with an experienced mentor group, including:
• Oliver Parsons - Head of Innovation, Lloyds Banking Group
• Helene Panzarino - Creator of global scale-up accelerator and advisor and ally of start-up and scale up fintechs
• James Varga - Former founder of DirectID and fintech scale-up advisor
• Tamara Kostova - Exited founder and member of the Forbes Business Council
• Nicholas Heller - Serial entrepreneur with two exits and 30 years’ leadership and investment experience
These mentors offer deep expertise across proposition design, customer validation, enterprise partnerships, go-to-market strategy and investor readiness: areas where early-stage founders consistently benefit from targeted support.
A Proven Track Record From the First Three Cohorts
Ignite’s first three cohorts highlight the programme’s value:
• Credit Canary - A credit decision platform now collaborating with credit unions nationwide after securing £600k pre-seed funding.
• Money Squirrel - A savings automation platform for SMEs and accountants, which has raised £185k pre-seed and is progressing through its seed round.
• LendView - A platform streamlining loan origination and servicing for property and construction lenders, adopted by early UK clients in bridging and development finance.
Reflecting on her experience, Andreea Daly, Founder of Money Squirrel, shares: “The Ignite programme was exactly what we needed when we needed it. It was tailored to what would have the most impact, and it truly accelerated our growth. It opened doors to conversations I would have never had access to.”
These alumni reflect the type of founders Ignite backs: entrepreneurs addressing real industry problems with bold ideas, strong execution and clear market potential.
What Ignite Provides
Each cycle, the selected founder receives:
• Tailored, hands-on support — including market-fit validation, lean solution design, and go-to-market planning
• Daily operational and strategic input as an embedded extension of the founding team
• Strategic partnerships through SHIFT’s 300-strong fintech community and Woodhurst’s 600+ industry leaders
• Practical infrastructure, including a cash injection, co-working space and technology resources
• Visibility and advocacy, with curated introductions and exposure across SHIFT channels
Ignite welcomes applications from founders aged 18+, particularly those at idea, pre-seed or seed stage, with early traction or a clear path toward it. Following the application period, shortlisted founders will be invited to explore their ideas with the Ignite team before one company is selected for the 2026 cohort. SHIFT will continue to support other high-potential applicants wherever possible.
Applications open 1st December 2025 and close 31st January 2026.