Barclays

How do you build a venture co-creation program that produces results, not just experiments?

BARCLAYS

PROJECT TYPE

Innovation Program Build and Launch / Innovation Project Support / Opportunity Mapping and Validation

CONTEXT

Barclays wanted to move beyond internal ideation and tap into the fintech startup ecosystem to solve real problems for their banking clients. They needed a structured approach to identify the right opportunities, find the right partners, and turn co-creation into pilots that the business could actually execute.
We designed and led Barclays’ Fintech Venture Studio co-creation program from the ground up. Each cycle began with structured opportunity mapping sessions with business unit leadership, identifying and validating the problems worth solving. We then ran a rigorous global startup scouting process, narrowing hundreds of candidates to a handful of finalists, and worked with both sides to formulate joint value delivery models and design pilots.

The program was built for handover from the start. Over three years, Think Creative’s involvement stepped down as Barclays’ internal team grew into full ownership. Seven fully developed pilot plans were delivered for internal execution.