EAST LANSING ― The Conquer Finance and Insurance Accelerator, a partnership between Michigan State University Research Foundation, MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU), and the Eli Broad College of Business’s Insurance & Risk Management Program, announced that it is opening applications for its third cohort.
Conquer Finance and Insurance Accelerator Is a Game-Changer for Startups:
The Conquer Finance and Insurance Accelerator is a highly selective 10-week program designed to help startups reach their next stage of growth. It offers hands-on mentorship, targeted education, and real industry insights. Each cohort accepts only five startups, ensuring close collaboration among founders. Participants also gain access to experts from all three supporting institutions.
In addition, selected teams qualify for investment support from MSU Research Foundation’s venture arm, Red Cedar Ventures, after completing the program. Last year’s cohort featured Crux Analytics, Housetable, Ribbon Financial, Sawport, and Salus Financial.
Founder Success Stories:
“The Conquer accelerator came at a pivotal time for Crux. It quickly became a cornerstone of our growth over the past six months. Moreover, the program’s greatest benefit was the unfiltered access it offered to stakeholders across the organization. Instead of limiting us to our usual contacts, it connected us with people we wouldn’t normally interact with. These new conversations, in turn, gave us a broader perspective on how our value proposition resonated across different business lines. As a result, we were able to directly shape our growth strategy,” said Jacob Crux, Co-founder and CEO at Crux Analytics.
“Additionally, the accelerator helped us discover and validate specific needs that still guide our product development today. Incredibly, within just 10 weeks, the program delivered insights that would have taken us a year or more to uncover on our own. Ultimately, it set us on a much stronger path toward our goals.”
Ben Maxim, Chief Technology Officer at MSUFCU, added, “Overall, this program demonstrates our deep commitment to empowering entrepreneurs. Furthermore, it advances the future of finance and insurance by harnessing the strength of Michigan’s thriving startup ecosystem.”
How to Apply for the Conquer Finance and Insurance Accelerator 2026 Program
The Conquer Finance and Insurance Accelerator begins in January 2026 for its third cohort and is accepting applications starting in September. The program will follow a hybrid format, with its initial week held in East Lansing, Michigan, providing participants with access to the rich resources and networks of the region.
For more information about the Conquer Finance and Insurance Accelerator and details on how to apply, visit msufoundation.org/conquer-accelerator.
Final Thoughts:
The Conquer Finance and Insurance Accelerator is clearly more than just a program; it’s a launchpad for founders ready to scale. What stands out most is the hands-on mentorship and access to stakeholders that startups typically spend months, or even years, trying to secure. With direct support from MSU Research Foundation, MSUFCU, and industry experts, selected founders won’t just gain knowledge — they’ll gain real momentum.
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FAQs:
1. Who should apply to the Conquer Finance and Insurance Accelerator?
Early-stage startups in finance, insurance, or related technology fields, especially those seeking strategic mentorship, industry connections, and investment support, are ideal candidates.
2. What do startups gain from participating in the program?
Founders receive 10 weeks of expert guidance, direct access to corporate and academic stakeholders, networking with other founders, and potential investment from Red Cedar Ventures upon completing the program.
