The phrase “peer-reviewed” is more likely to make you think of research papers than venture capital, a space that has often been accused of being walled off. But Ben Franklin Technology Partners is adopting the peer-selection model used by D.C.-based Village Capital for its fintech accelerator program that we told you about last year.

The two orgs are partnering up to bring together a cohort of eight to twelve Philly-based fintech startups and provide them with mentoring sessions in Ben Franklin’s Navy Yard HQ. Here’s the twist: it’s the companies themselves who will select the two startups which will get $25,000 in seed funds at the end of the 12 week program according to nine indicators of investment readiness. Those companies may or may not give up equity — that is decided on a case by case basis, said Ben Franklin spokesperson Tyler Cameron.

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