Intelligent SME.tech Issue 02 | Page 9

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Visa expands fast-track programme

The COVID-19 pandemic has created major financial challenges for businesses and consumers alike . As money management becomes increasingly digital , FinTechs play a pivotal role in helping to restore and rebuild the global economy .

To provide increased support for the ecosystem , Visa has announced two new components of its FinTech Fast Track programme :

1 . A rich Partner Toolkit to help FinTechs accelerate their growth and better serve their customers .

2 . A certification programme called Visa Ready for FinTech Enablers , which makes it easier for FinTechs to quickly connect with certified partners for digital issuance and other key services .

With the expansion of Visa ’ s industry leading Fast Track programme , FinTechs are armed with the tools to become category winners . Fast Track participation has grown 360 % year-over-year and Visa has welcomed hundreds of FinTechs who are actively engaged in the programme .

“ It ’ s thrilling to see fintech partners utilise our programmes and network to digitise financial services and improve the lives of the consumers and businesses they touch ,” said Otto Williams , VP and Head of Strategic Partnerships , FinTech and Ventures for CEMEA , Visa .

Opteran aims to solve autonomy using natural intelligence inspired by insects

Opteran , the natural intelligence company , has raised £ 2.1 million in seed funding .

Opteran will use the funds to pioneer its radical lightweight , low cost siliconbased approach to autonomy called Natural Intelligence and expects its technology will significantly expand the potential addressable market for autonomy in machines and robotics .

The round was led by IQ Capital with Episode1 , Join and Seraphim Capital also participating . Following on from a pre-seed round from the Connecting Capabilities Fund of the British Business Bank , the latest funding round also includes angel investors and a CCF grant , a part of the Northern Triangle Initiative .

Opteran is a University of Sheffield spin-out based on eight years of research by Professor James Marshall and Dr . Alex Cope into insect brains as part of the Green Brain and Brains on Board projects .

Research finds SMBs are concerned about cybersecurity vulnerabilities

Parks Associates research has found that 68 % of SMBs are concerned about cybersecurity vulnerabilities at their business locations , with 18 % reporting an increased need for data security solutions due to the COVID-19 pandemic .

Parks Associates hosted a webinar , ‘ Value-Added Services for the SMB Segment ’, to examine the current work environment for SMBs , their needs for data security and network management solutions and opportunities to create and deploy value-added services to this unique segment .

“ COVID-19 has affected businesses all over the world and , as a result , many companies have to extend their networks into households to allow their employees to work-at-home ,” said Jennifer Kent , Senior Director , Parks Associates .

“ These circumstances also introduce a variety of new connected devices to the business network , each of which can affect performance and expand cybersecurity risks .

“ Managing and securing their networks are top priorities for SMBs , which expands opportunities for ISPs , technical support service providers and other players to deliver Wi- Fi management , network security and other value-added services ( VAS ) to their SMB customers .”