Exciting times as we’ve already signed three incubation agreements since our program launched in March 2017. Find out what GuideBox, a storytelling audioguide platform for transportation companies, VernHelps, an edgy insurtech startup, and Aggreg8, a financial data aggregation service, are all about.

GuideBox, a startup aiming to crank up the user experience of passengers on board, joined our incubation program at the end of July. And they’ve been busy developing their special media WiFi hub with GPS using HTML5 technology ever since. ‘The idea is simple: you connect to GuideBox with your smart device and it gives you all the relevant audio and multimedia info through storytelling, based on where you are and what you’re interested in,’ says Martin Rétai, CEO of GuideBox. The platform also offers personalized activities and entrance tickets to users so they can always be in the right place at the right time. GuideBox is designed mainly for hop-on hop-off bus and boat tours but it can easily be adapted to other transportation services like trains, airlines, public transport companies, car sharing companies etc.

VernHelps impressed us with their digital insurance adviser, Vern, and we signed an agreement in August. Vern will be able to handle the entire insurance process on mobile, web and messaging platforms, with 24/7 customer access. ‘It delivers insurance products based on where the client is and provides help exactly when it’s needed,’ explains Daniel Sarkadi, CEO of VernHelps. After entering the Hungarian market next year, they have set their sights on becoming the go-to digital insurance consultant in the CEE region, making a splash with their financial, professional and customer satisfaction indicators. For starters, a travel insurance assistant will be launched but the long-term plan is for Vern to gradually turn into a consultant for the entire consumer insurance market.

Our newest partner on board is Aggreg8.io, offering much-needed financial data aggregation services. Aggreg8 recognized that the reason why data aggregation is still a challenge is the lack of complex and fragmented data sources. That’s why fintechs and data consumers waste so much time and money on non-core activities and workarounds. ‘Aggreg8.io focuses mainly on opportunities within the CEE region and offers a single, standard gateway between data sources and data consumers. The three core building blocks ensure standardized, easy-to-use output for users,’ says György Mudri, founder of Aggreg8.

We’ve also been negotiating with other startups with thrilling ideas. There’s a finance management solution for young people in the pipeline, for example, so stay tuned!

BNL Start Partners supports promising startups with mentoring, coaching and product validation. We also provide seed funding and grants for startups selected by tender to get them through the earliest stages of their project and help them create their MVP. We provide two parallel programs for our incubees: the Preparatory Mentoring Program (PMP) is an optional step 0, preparing selected applicants to get a bit closer to seed funding, while the Seed Funding Program (SFP), our flagship program, is essentially when we really get down to business. If you are successfully admitted to SFP, you receive up to EUR 200.000 in seed funding and participate in our 6-12-month incubation program.

Application for PMP is continuous but we evaluate submitted ideas on specified dates only. We closed the ongoing cycle on October 4. After wrapping up each application period, the Board of BnL Start selects the most fascinating ideas and the most promising applicants will have the chance to pitch their startup to the Board and change their lives forever.

Have an idea that will disrupt the industry? And a team of superstars? Fill in our application form for PMP here and join us.