Online applications also officially opened to qualifying fintech startups.

This year's competition is slated to see hundreds of applicants all vying for a prestigious spot in the finals, and a chance to present on the keynote stage in front of thousands of members and high ranking executives from the fintech industry. This year's Exclusive PitchIt Partner will be global venture capital fund 500 Startups, the world leader in investing in and mentoring early-stage fintech startups. The finalists will present to a panel of expert judges and thousands of conference attendees at LendIt USA on March 6, 2017 in New York City.

PitchIt @ LendIt attracts hundreds of investors, asset managers, funds and entrepreneurs, bringing together a community of influencers in the lending marketplace. To apply to PitchIt 2017, firms must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a fintech company
• Two or more full-time co-founders/employees
• 2-10 full-time employees
• Less than 3 years in business (companies founded before 2014 not eligible)
• Raised less than 4 million USD since launch date
• Must have a professional business website
• Everyone registering on behalf of a specific company must have an email with that company's domain

"Innovation has never been more important for the Financial Services industry," said Jason Jones, Co-Founder of LendIt. "PitchIt gives startups with fresh, important new ideas a valuable chance to build and grow their firms. Even as the fintech industry matures, we are seeing exciting areas of breakout opportunities which we look forward to discussing and experiencing at LendIt USA 2017. We are honored to partner with 500 Startups, a brand synonymous with global innovation and the startup culture, to grow PitchIt and help fuel innovation in fintech."

Any company that applies for PitchIt and fits the criteria automatically qualifies for our startup ticket pricing of only $295 per ticket. Also, prior to the event, shortlisted companies will receive coaching from 500 Startups as well as industry leaders and other mentors. Eight selected finalists will receive a free all-access pass to attend the entire LendIt USA conference, up to $1,000 for travel to PitchIt, and a 50% discount Startup Zone booths. The overall PitchIt winner will receive a Bronze level sponsorship to future LendIt events, promotion and media support.

"LendIt has a proven track-record of bringing together thought leaders and decision makers from across financial services and fintech ecosystems," said Sheel Mohnot, General Partner of 500 FinTech, 500 Startups' global FinTech/InsureTech fund. "We're thrilled to be working with Lendit's extraordinary team, partners and sponsors on the PitchIt program to highlight startups from around the world who are poised to transform the financial services industry."