BGŻ BNP Paribas was the first bank in Poland to present a “Code for Cooperation with Startups” – changes that facilitate the Bank’s cooperation with new companies. From now on, startups that want to implement their solutions in the Bank, in accordance with the introduced “Code,” will do it much faster and more efficiently in cooperation with Bank experts and under the care of a dedicated mentor. As part of the “Code,” a simplified purchasing process for new technological solutions and templates for documents for the so-called Proof of Concept were implemented.
“The business culture in corporations does not always create optimal conditions for effective cooperation with startups and the development of innovations. Tedious procedures and a long purchasing process are just some of the difficulties that startups interested in working with a corporation face. Having this in mind and knowing the specifics of new technology companies, we have simplified the purchasing process, created templates for the necessary documents, built a dedicated test environment and outlined the principles of future cooperation,” says Piotr Widacki, Managing Director at BGŻ BNP Paribas Bank. “Startups have a much better sense of customer needs. We are heading in this direction. I believe that the Code we have introduced will bring us even closer,” Widacki adds.
The “Code for Cooperation with Startups” is a consequence of the Bank’s consultations with new companies that already cooperate with BGŻ BNP Paribas. However, bearing in mind the best application of good practices included in the Code, the Digital Transformation Team, managed by Piotr Widacki, will continue to consult with the startup environment on a regular basis, streamlining cooperation between the corporation and startups as much as possible.
What does that mean in practice?
We verify the technological needs of the Bank
We review the Bank’s needs, identify priorities and define a business owner. Then we form a team and budget to implement the PoC (Proof of Concept). It consists of representatives of business and IT. Finally, we start communicating about the current need of the Bank.
We connect business owners with startups
For about two weeks we look for technology on the market (scouting), and interested startups are welcome to contact us at startupy@bgzbnpparibas.pl. Then we help in preparing for future talks, and selected startups are invited to meet, including within the framework of Office Hours. We sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). During the session, each startup has 45 minutes to address our needs.
We work together on a solution (workshops)
We continue to work with selected startups and organize workshops (6-8 hours) during which we work on finding solutions. Then we define the scope of work, the schedule, planned outcomes (description of the PoC), as well as the content and conditions of the order for the startup. Together, we complete the documents and help to complete them. We sign one of the simplified contract templates for Proof of Concept.
We test the solution (PoC)
In the fourth step, we test the chosen technology in the test environment (sandbox). We define the time that is needed to test the solution individually. We draw conclusions from the PoC and – if they are successful – we continue to work. We set business goals (KPIs) and specify the scope of further work.
We implement the best solutions
We verify security and compliance aspects with obligatory regulations and together create a so-called business case. We make a joint decision on the best payment model. We present the contract model to the startup and get to work.
We care about relationships
The Digital Transformation Team recruits startups. Each company we decide to cooperate with receives a dedicated mentor. We help startups navigate all steps of the process; we give clear and specific feedback. We assume that the process from Proof of Concept to implementation will be closed within a quarter (depending on the level of complexity of the technology and scope of its implementation in the Bank).
Detailed information on the principles of cooperation between BGŻ BNP Paribas and startups can be found on the Bank’s website on the startup page (www.bgzbnpparibas.pl/startupy).
Office Hours are part of a simplified purchasing process, during which Bank experts select the best startups from the market that have technological solutions we are interested in.
To date, the Digital Transformation Team has organized seven events in the Office Hours series, during which experts looked at nearly one hundred solutions in the following areas: PSD2, antifraud, e-commerce for the moto industry, technologies for the agro sector and HR solutions. Startups that would like to take part in such events are invited to apply at startupy@bgzbnpparibas.pl
Source: BGŻ BNP Paribas Bank press release of May 22, 2018
