CALLING ALL STARTUPS FOR THE METLIFE DIGITAL ACCELERATOR POWERED BY TECHSTARS

CALLING ALL STARTUPS FOR THE METLIFE DIGITAL ACCELERATOR POWERED BY TECHSTARS

Jan 16, 2019

Unique mentorship opportunity to refine and fast-track capabilities alongside industry leaders

NEW YORK, January 16, 2019

MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) announced that applications are now open for the second MetLife Digital Accelerator powered by Techstars. The MetLife Digital Accelerator identifies and mentors startups around the globe that are developing transformational capabilities and potentially industry-disrupting technologies in the insurance space.

Selected entrepreneurs will join a 13-week mentorship program and gain access to a network of MetLife and Techstars leaders and technologists. At the conclusion of the program, each founder will present their accomplishments to MetLife, potential investors, local entrepreneurs and the media during “Demo Day.”

“MetLife’s digital-transformation strategy is focused on innovating internally while also looking across industries to gain critical external perspectives,” said Greg Baxter, executive vice president and MetLife’s Chief Digital Officer. “Digital Accelerator is an important part of our innovation ecosystem. Our goal is to have first-mover advantage on capabilities that are strategically important both to MetLife and its customers.”

MetLife’s first Digital Accelerator in partnership with Techstars concluded in October of last year, and MetLife is now pursuing pilots with nine of the 10 companies, with five tests already in flight.

“The MetLife Digital Accelerator powered by Techstars provides entrepreneurs access to MetLife’s 150 years of deep experience in a highly complicated and regulated industry, and it provides access to 10,000 Techstars mentors who have built and scaled successful businesses,” said, Andrew Bate, Co-founder & CEO of Safely and a 2018 Digital Accelerator participant. “I’d highly recommend it for any startup considering an accelerator program.”

Who Should Apply

MetLife and Techstars are looking for entrepreneurs who are building next-generation financial services solutions, particularly those focused on:

  • Customers, for example, solutions to support freelancers or those who participate in the gig or sharing economies.
  • Products, for example, new approaches to deliver employee benefits or experiences that will support the financial, emotional or physical health of customers.
  • Process, for example, new ways to underwrite and manage risk or technologies to accelerate integration across industry partners.

Startups selected will be hosted at MetLife’s Global Technology Campus in Cary, North Carolina, for the duration of the program. Startups may apply at www.techstars.com/apply.

Visit MetLife’s YouTube channel to learn more about the program and watch a “Day in the Life” video with 2018 Digital Accelerator participants.

About MetLife:

MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("MetLife"), is one of the world's leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 countries and holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.

About TechStars:

Techstars is the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed. Techstars founders connect with other entrepreneurs, experts, mentors, alumni, investors, community leaders, and corporations to grow their companies. Techstars operates three divisions: Techstars Startup Programs, Techstars Mentorship-Driven Accelerator Programs, and Techstars Corporate Innovation Partnerships. Techstars accelerator portfolio includes more than 1,300 companies with a market cap of $13.9 billion. www.techstars.com