In this exclusive conversation, Rachit Chawla, CEO & Co- Founder of Finway Accelerator, shares with Anannya Saraswat, Reporter (Public Sector & Leadership) at APAC Media and CXO Media, the thought behind building a platform that focuses on responsible growth.Â
Drawing from hands-on experience as an RBI-registered NBFC, Chawla explains how Finway was created to bridge the gap between early funding and practical mentorship, support fintech startups at critical growth stages, and encourage innovation that is aligned with risk, compliance, and long-term sustainability.
What gap in the fintech ecosystem led to the creation of Finway Accelerator?
When we started out, we saw a clear gap between early-stage funding and meaningful, hands-on mentorship. Many founders had solid ideas and ambition, but they lacked guidance on how to scale responsibly. Finway Accelerator was created to bridge that gap by combining capital with real-world insights. The idea was to support startups not just at launch but through critical growth decisions.
How does Finway differentiate itself from other accelerators supporting fintech startups?
What really differentiates us is our operating background as an RBI-registered NBFC. We don’t look at growth in isolation and instead help founders understand risk, compliance, and sustainability early on. Our approach is very practical and founder-first. We focus on building strong businesses, not just chasing valuations or quick exits.
What stages and types of fintech startups does Finway focus on, and why?
We typically work with seed and early-stage startups that are moving toward their growth phase and are valued under Rs. 100 crore. This stage is often where founders face the toughest decisions and the highest risk of mistakes. With the right capital and mentorship at this point, startups can set a much stronger foundation. That is where we feel our support creates the most impact.
What role do partnerships with banks, NBFCs, and regulators play in your accelerator model?
Partnerships are a key part of how we add value to startups. They help founders understand how financial institutions and regulators actually think and operate. This early exposure allows startups to design products that are practical, compliant, and scalable. It also builds credibility and trust much earlier in their journey.
How is emerging technology like AI, embedded finance, or open banking shaping the startups you work with?
We are seeing founders increasingly use technology to solve problems faster and more efficiently. AI, embedded finance, and open banking are helping startups personalise services and reach new customer segments. At the same time, we encourage them to be mindful of data security and regulatory expectations. Innovation works best when it’s balanced with responsibility.
Beyond funding, what kind of long-term value does Finway aim to create for startups and the ecosystem?
Funding is just one part of the journey. We spend a lot of time mentoring founders on strategy, governance, and decision-making. The goal is to help them avoid common pitfalls and build resilience. Over time, this creates stronger companies and a healthier startup ecosystem.
Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for Finway Accelerator and its impact on financial inclusion and innovation?
Our long-term vision is to build a platform that consistently enables responsible fintech innovation. We want to support startups that genuinely improve access to financial services. At the same time, we aim to strengthen trust and transparency across the ecosystem. Ultimately, it is about creating impact that lasts beyond individual success stories.
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