SMU Cox School of Business has launched the SMU Cox FinTech Coalition in partnership with MassChallenge. The new platform will connect the strength of North Texas’ financial services industry with fintech founders, technologies and talent from around the world.
Building on North Texas’ financial services strength
The Coalition builds on the extraordinary depth of financial services already concentrated across North Texas. It will create more ways for financial institutions, technology companies, investors, founders and the broader SMU community to connect around fintech innovation.
As an always-on platform, the Coalition will help bring new companies and talent into the region. It will also give the people and institutions already there more opportunities to participate, build relationships and put new ideas to work.
Launching the SMU Cox FinTech Accelerator
At the center of the Coalition is the SMU Cox FinTech Accelerator, powered by MassChallenge. The highly selective four-month program will recruit early-stage fintech startups from around the world.
The hybrid program includes three in-person program moments in Dallas. Participating founders will work with fintech experts, financial institutions and investors to test use cases and explore pilot opportunities. They will also build relationships with potential customers and partners while navigating the realities of selling into a highly regulated industry.
Bringing MassChallenge’s fintech experience to Dallas
Bringing MassChallenge’s fintech experience to Dallas
MassChallenge brings more than a decade of fintech experience to the partnership. More than 11,000 fintech companies have applied to MassChallenge programs, and more than 220 have participated in its accelerators. More than 500 financial services experts have also worked with participating founders.
MassChallenge’s fintech alumni include five companies that have gone on to achieve unicorn status: Flywire, Bitso, Novo, Farther Finance and AlphaSense.
Building beyond a single accelerator
The Accelerator is the first major initiative of a broader effort by SMU Cox to build a durable platform for fintech innovation. Over time, SMU Cox plans to expand those opportunities through additional convenings and ecosystem activity.
Together, the Coalition and Accelerator will attract fintech companies and talent to North Texas and connect them with the region’s financial services expertise. At the same time, they will create more opportunities for financial institutions, investors, entrepreneurs and the SMU community to participate in what comes next.
Applications Open October 6
Applications for the inaugural SMU Cox FinTech Accelerator, powered by MassChallenge, open October 6, 2026.