Nexuslab, the Swiss blockchain startup programme powered by Startupbootcamp, has announced a partnership with Rabobank. The Dutch bank joins Nexuslab to support the first round of its programme geared towards early-stage European blockchain ventures. The collaboration adds leading financial industry expertise to the programme and further strengthens its international footprint.

As an industry partner, Rabobank will add its own experts to Nexuslab’s roster of mentors, contributing its leading know-how and expertise to help participants build and refine their business models and test their ideas against real-world requirements. Representatives of Rabobank will also join the programme’s in-person hangout sessions held in major European cities and support the startups during the programme’s final month in Zurich. The partnership will connect Rabobank with some of Europe’s most promising blockchain startups and Nexussquared’s ever expanding network of leading blockchain experts.

Harrie Vollaard, Rabobank Head of Innovation, said:

“With its novel approach to fostering startups in a virtual setting, Nexuslab has introduced an innovative way of enabling blockchain innovation. Rabobank has been experimenting with blockchain technology for a while, and by partnering with Nexuslab we can further deepen our own expertise in this field. This collaboration allows us to work directly with promising international early-stage ventures and help build up the European blockchain ecosystem.”

Daniel Grassinger, Managing Director of Nexuslab and co-founder of Nexussquared said:

“We’re excited to work with Rabobank on this first round of Nexuslab. The engagement of a leading international industry player demonstrates Switzerland’s ability to play a central role in the development of the European blockchain ecosystem. Together with Rabobank, Startupbootcamp and our infrastructure and IT-partner SwissQ we have created an unparalleled offering for aspiring European blockchain startups to turn their ideas and visions into viable businesses.”

The first round of Nexuslab has kicked off this past weekend with an in-person hangout session in Amsterdam. Further sessions will bring participants to London and Berlin, before they spend the final month at SwissQ in Zurich. In between those sessions, the programme will take place in a virtual setting, allowing participating startups to work in the locational setup of their preference.