One of the founders of North East-based bereavement tech service Settld has impressed judges in a fintech competition to win £5,000.
Vicky Wilson co-founded the online tool that helps people notify service providers of a death, and has gone on to attract £800,000 investment. Ms Wilson, who is Settld CEO, faced a Dragons' Den style panel of judges from the banking industry in a competition organised by FinTech North and supported by Lloyds Banking Group.
The entrepreneur scooped the top prize of £5,000 in the 'Grow with Purpose’ category, which aims to showcase innovative start-ups and scale-ups across the North. Settld, which is a free tool, now says it has helped thousands of families deal with admin following a death.
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Ms Wilson said: "It’s terrifying standing in front of some of the top banking executives in the country and explaining why you’ve swapped your career to launch a start-up - especially one in the bereavement services space. I’m thrilled and humbled to have won. It’s a testament to the Settld team and to the bereaved customers whom we serve. I hope, in a small way, that we are making their lives easier in times when they need help the most."
Joe Roche, engagement manager for FinTech North, said: "We are delighted that so many innovative startups took part and each of them had an inspirational story to share about their business and their journey. Vicky received a huge share of the votes on the night from the executive group, based on Settld’s purpose and potential to grow and generate returns. She is the winner of the £5,000 prize money. From everyone at Lloyds and FinTech North, many congratulations!"
Settld connects with about 950 service providers including banks, insurers and energy firms and helps users to close, transfer or amend accounts and get balances for probate. Last year the Sunderland-based start-up signed its first bank partnership with Starling Bank - a move the firm said would provide better bereavement customer service and sympathy.
Sophie Gregory, from Lloyds Banking Group, added: "Vicky truly inspired our group with the Settld story. She had the group hooked from the minute she walked in. Many congratulations and what a win."
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