The ultimate innovation platform in Paris
Uniting startups with the unrivalled tech expertise of Silicon Valley and the bank for a changing world.
Who
We Are
Revolutionary Fintech Startups.
At B! UP Accelerate powered by Plug and Play, we are a Fintech & Insurtech Acceleration Program based in Station F, Paris. With an international reach, we bring together BNP Paribas business lines and functions to collaborate with mature startups on innovative pilots for up to six months. Our goal is to drive the growth and transformation of the financial and insurance industries through cutting-edge technology and collaboration.
The program
Accelerate Collaboration, Grow.
Program Benefits
Program Track Record
60
Alumni startups
73
Pilots concluded
41%
of Pilots went into production
1100+
Startups sourced
$1.3B
Raised by our alumni startups
Benefits
01
Access to BNP Paribas departments
Collaborate directly with key decision-makers and subject matter experts within BNP Paribas, gaining invaluable insights and guidance.
02
Mentorship and workshops
Personalized mentorship and guidance from industry experts and entrepreneurs to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
03
Funding opportunities
Explore potential funding opportunities, investment connections, and access to venture capital firms within the Plug and Play network.
04
Testing and validation
Work with BNP Paribas to test and validate your solution in real-world scenarios, leveraging the resources and infrastructure of a global financial institution.
05
Network expansion
Expand your network and forge strategic partnerships with other startups, industry leaders, investors, and potential clients through our extensive ecosystem.
Inspiring Success
Stories
“I would like to say that I am proud, and we can all be proud of it [the Program], of what has been achieved so far and I think we can also be proud thanks to this ambition and what is coming up, thanks to this partnership and thanks to all this experience we have so far thanks to the business lines, the functions at group level and also by leveraging the BivWak know-how ”
“I believe that 99% of innovation will come from meetings between two different partners, two different industries, academics and industries, startups and big corporates, thanks to partnerships like the one between Plug and Play and BNP Paribas”
Marie Guillaume
Head of BivwAk! Set up – Transformation Hub at BNP Paribas
“I believe that 99% of innovation will come from meetings between two different partners, two different industries, academics and industries, startups and big corporates, thanks to partnerships like the one between Plug and Play and BNP Paribas”
Renaud Dumora
Deputy Managing Director, Investment & Protection Services
Our Team
Marie
Maffre
Head of Strategic Partnerships & Open Innovation at BivwAk!
Catherine Tonlorenzi
Program Director – BNP Paribas
Liza
Donskaya
Director Fintech – Plug and Play
Our Partner
BNP Paribas is a French international banking group that operates in 77 countries. Offering a range of financial services, it’s also the ninth-largest bank in the world by total assets. Established in 1848 as a national bank, BNP Paribas evolved from the merger between Banque Nationale de Paris and Paribas in 2000.
Testimonials
“Introduction to key decision makers, professionalism of the whole BNPP & Plug and Play team (huge availability and commitment), great support to better understand internal process decision, very inspiring meeting with Jacques d’Estais.”
François Nadal
CEO, OneUp
“Plug and Play made the introductions, facilitated the process and put us on an elite list which meant that we were introduced to various stakeholders and various opportunities. Without Plug and Play we would not be there where we are today.”
Jan-Jaap Verhoeve
VP Partnerships, Plan A
“Great access and insights into the bank. Focus weeks were a great idea to be able to manage long-distance setups. Really appreciated the level of involvement of the team in making sure the bank and startups work together smoothly. ”
Julia Richter
Sr Ops Manager, Savedo