Voice of FinTech®

In this episode of the Voice of Fintech podcast, Wani Baumgartner sits down with Stevan Bajic, the innovative Founder-CEO behind Manigo, to delve into the intricacies of FinTech orchestration. Discover how Manigo streamlines financial services by seamlessly connecting users to their preferred fintech infrastructure providers via a single API.

Join the conversation as Stevan shares invaluable insights into Manigo's journey navigating the dynamic FinTech landscape. Explore key milestones in their growth, the pivotal role of customer feedback in shaping platform features, and get a glimpse into their ambitious long-term vision.

Through Stevan's entrepreneurial narrative, listeners gain firsthand knowledge of the challenges he's conquered and the relentless drive propelling him towards future success. Tune in for an episode packed with inspiration, innovation, and the future of FinTech.

Nelson Chu, founder and CEO at Percent, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about the booming Private Credit market and how he built a three-sided platform in this space.

Here is what they discussed in more detail:

• Introduction - Nelson's entrepreneurial journey
• Why did Nelson decide to start his own company
• What is Percent? What is the problem that they are trying to solve
• What is their unique advantage? How are they different from other investment platforms?
• Business model
• Target customers
• Locations
• How to get going with the platform
• Percent's journey until now, and next steps this year and beyond
• Check out Nelson's website here.

In this engaging episode of the Voice of FinTech, MENA Series hosted by Dorra Mahbouli, we delve into the heart of Tunisia's burgeoning startup scene with Amin Ben Abderrahman, a pioneering force in the FinTech industry in Tunisia and beyond.

With a rich history of innovation across global financial capitals and a deep passion for the transformative power of technology in finance, Amin has established himself as a visionary entrepreneur. Through the lens of his latest venture, Konnect Networks, which aims to revolutionize payment solutions in North Africa, we explore Amin's entrepreneurial journey, the challenges and triumphs of launching a startup in the dynamic MENA region, and his strategic vision for the future. 

The conversation also covers the types of investors and talents Konnect Networks seeks to attract, its target clientele, and a practical use case, providing a comprehensive look at the company's efforts to navigate and shape the FinTech landscape. This episode offers invaluable insights into financial technology innovation, underscored by Amin's personal experiences and aspirations for making a lasting impact in the region.

Tess Bloch, co-founder of Spade, a provider of merchant intelligence solutions, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about enriching payment transaction data to facilitate better anti-fraud solutions and more.
 
Here is what they talked about in more detail:

• Tess's backstory
• What problem are you solving at Spade, and why is it worth solving?
• Why is merchant intelligence critical for optimal fraud detection?
• What are new use cases for merchant intelligence?
• What is your solution and your unique selling point?
• What has the feedback from customers been like?
• What's your technology angle, or do you have more brilliant engineers than other players?
• Who are your key clients?
• Recent series A and Spade's plans
• Favorite business book: Scaling People: Tactics for Management and Company Building by Claire Hughes
• What is the best way to reach out: tess@spade.com

Today,  in another episode of the MENA series hosted by Dorra Mahbouli, we have the privilege of hosting Faraz Amjad, an industry leader in FinTech with an impressive trajectory in payments, technology consulting, and venture building. Over 25 years of experience, he has architected 12+ ventures, served in 7+ corporate leadership roles, and delivered 6+ successful M&A deals.

Today's discussion promises to be enlightening as we dive deep into the FinTech scene of the MENA region, with a spotlight on the rapidly evolving Saudi Arabian market.

The podcast delved into the FinTech landscape in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region, particularly within Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The discussion encompassed the current state and potential of the market, addressing regulatory challenges faced by startups and offering navigation strategies. We drew comparisons between the FinTech ecosystems of the UK and the MENA region, extracting valuable lessons from both. The conversation also focused on the challenges of entering the MENA market, highlighting key players in the Saudi FinTech scene and their unique attributes. Corporate innovation was a notable topic in response to FinTech advancements, including collaborations and initiatives. The podcast explored opportunities and challenges in the Kingdom's rapidly digitalizing landscape, investors' perspectives on the Saudi FinTech market, and the trends attracting investment. Looking forward, we discussed predictions for the market's future trajectory over the next 5-10 years, influencing corporate innovation. Finally, considering its unique market dynamics, we explored strategies for supporting FinTech startups in Saudi Arabia. We concluded by thanking your guest, Faraz, for his deep insights into these sectors and acknowledging his contributions to the field.

Deniz A. Johnson, COO at Stratyfy, an ethical artificial intelligence (AI) company that offers predictive analytics software for credit and risk teams spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about transparency solutions for AI, biases, diversity and more.

Here is what they talked about in more detail:

• Deniz's background
• What is Stratyfy – what’s the problem you are solving and the outline of its solutions
• How do you define successful digital transformation? 
• What’s the role of AI in digital transformation? 
• What about Finance and AI?
• How would you advise corporates leveraging AI to tackle the biases issue?
• One of the ways to deal with biases is to promote diversity – how do you go about it?
• Can AI and sustainability co-exist?
• What are the milestones you want to achieve next?
• Favorite business books: Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy and Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't
• What’s the best way to reach out: deniz@stratyfy.com or Stratyfy website 

Daniel Yubi, CEO of Payable, headquartered in London, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about improving Treasury operations through their software. 

Here is what they talked about: 

• Daniel's backstory - how he got to do what he does today
• What problem is Payable solving, and why is it worth solving?
• What is their solution and their unique selling point
• What’s their technology angle
• Who are Payable's key clients
• What is the role of the finance team in scaling FinTechs?
• What is the CFO stack, and what is the FinTech market opportunity?
• What’s Daniel's advice on how to build and develop FinTech propositions the market wants and needs?
• What are the milestones Daniel wants to achieve next
• What’s your favorite business book? The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers and Marcus Aurelius works
• What’s the best way to reach out: Daniel Yubi on LinkedIn

Tonya Evans, professor, expert in crypto policy and law, and Board Member at Digital Currency Group, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about her new book, Digital Money Demystified, and hot issues still surrounding the crypto world.

Here is what they talked about in more detail:

• Tonya's journey into the crypto world
• You have written the book 'Digital Money Demystified.' Isn't most of the money digital already?
• Let's talk fact vs. fiction: What are the most common cryptocurrency myths?
• What are the hot legal and regulatory issues around this emerging asset class? 
• Do you see a future for crypto as a means of payment, or do you find other use cases more likely to succeed?
• How can the crypto-curious onboard & safely – and why should they do it?
• How can we empower women and diverse entrepreneurs for the future of Web3, blockchain, and cryptocurrency?
• What is your view on continued issues with crypto exchanges?
• Recommended reading: Choke Point 2.0, We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman's Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power, and It's About D*mn Time: How to Turn Being Underestimated into Your Greatest Advantage
• Best way to reach out: digitalmoneydemystified.com

Elliot Chun, Partner at Architect Partners, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about crypto and FinTech-related M&A.

Here is what they covered in more detail:

• Elliot's backstory: how he got to do what he does today
• Architect Partners' approach towards advising FinTechs - M&A or other matters? Does it mean AP advises only scale-ups or incumbents interested in this space?
• Specifics of the FinTech M&A and lessons learned
• The average time to go public has increased tremendously. As Fintechs grow larger and more mature, what are the liquidity and exit options for these companies? 
• Payments and lending were probably the first areas where FinTech grew. Are we bound to witness a significant consolidation wave in this FinTech vertical?
• SPACs used to be the favorite buzzword of the day not long ago. What's the status now?
• Why focus on crypto-related M&A
• Let's talk about the recent Bitcoin rise and fall – is it due to diversification because investors are worried about inflation due to Covid government support or anything else?
• A book tip: Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon by M. Lewis
• What's the best way to reach out? Website https://architectpartners.com

Colin Levy, Chief Lawyer @ Malbek, Legal Tech Author and Commentator, Fastcase 50 2022 Honoree, and Legal Tech Start-up Advisor and Investor, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about how technology drives the legal profession to be more efficient and benefit its clients, start-ups and incumbents and individuals.

Here is what they covered:

• Backstory: How did you get to do what you do today?
• Law practice is changing—why are lawyers and technology quickly becoming inseparable?
• Unraveling the legal tech ecosystem: how people, processes, and tech work together
• What are the three biggest mistakes when evaluating legal technology tools?
• What is the impact of AI on the future of the legal sector?
• Why should every lawyer start thinking about legal technology?
• Debunking five common myths about legal technology
• What are the key steps to develop innovative legal tech products and services correctly, plus real-world lessons successful founders learned along the way?
• How do we prepare students for practice in the 21st century?
• What is the most impactful business book for you (apart from yours)? Tomorrow's Lawyers: An Introduction to Your Future by R. Susskind

Check out Colin's book, The Legal Tech Ecosystem: Innovation, Advancement & the Future of Law Practice, on Amazon.

Geert Van Kerckhoven, CEO and co-founder at Oper, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about upgrading the mortgage process for the 21st century.

Here are the questions Geert answered:

•  Geert – what is your backstory? How did you get to do what you do today?
•  What problem are you solving, and why is it worth solving?
•  What is your unique selling point?
•  What’s your technology angle, or do you have more brilliant engineers than other players?
•  Are you a brokerage platform, or would you like to become a bank?
•  What’s your business model? How do you make money? 
•  How did you get going?
•  Who are your key clients?
•  Why do you focus on both Switzerland and Benelux?
•  What are the milestones you want to achieve next?
•  What’s your favorite business book? The Prince | Niccolò Machiavelli
•  What’s the best way to reach out: geert.vankerckhoven@opercredits.com or LinkedIn

Alysia Silberg, author, speaker, and AI Investor, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about her latest book, Unemployable – How I Hired Myself.

Here is what they talked about: 

• Alysia's journey from venture capital to writing "Unemployable – How I Hired Myself"
• The core message of "Unemployable" and what inspired Alysia to write it
• How does Alysia's venture capital experience influence her perspectives in "Unemployable"
• "Train the Trainer" program and its significance in today's business landscape
• How does "Unemployable" offer actionable strategies to businesses and individuals, especially in the AI domain
• What feedback and success stories have you seen from individuals and businesses engaged with your programs and products?
• What's your view on the immediate and long-term outlook for AI in businesses and its impact on the workforce?
• How does your eBook workbook complement the "Unemployable" philosophy?
• Any lessons learned from your journey and the impact of "Unemployable" on your life?
• How can businesses and individuals get involved with your programs, and what can they expect in transformation?
• Wrap up: Encouraging businesses and individuals to explore the offerings stemming from "Unemployable" to harness the power of AI and entrepreneurship.

Marcus New, CEO at InvestX Capital, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about providing access to growth companies (later stage PE / pre-IPO) to a wider range of investors and investing in growth companies.

Here is what they covered:

• Marcus' serial entrepreneurship journey
• InvestX Capital - what does it do? 
• Are you US-focused or global? How much money have you facilitated since inception, and for how many growth companies? How many investors?
• What kind of growth companies have you invested in - success stories of the growth companies that appeared on your platform
• What are your best tips for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses?
• How do you overcome a cold start problem and start a two-sided marketplace platform?
• Any lessons learned? What would you have done differently as an entrepreneur? Is the platform suitable for later-stage PE deals?
• How do you find investment opportunities and investors? What are your selection criteria?
• Favorite business book: The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations, and Your Team
• What is the best way to reach out? Reach out through the website here.

Sherry Jiang, a co-founder of Bluejay Finance, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about bringing private asset investment opportunities to more investors, leveraging technology to transform investment management.

Here is what they covered in more detail:

• Introduction: How did you get to do what you do today?
• What is the problem you are focusing on?
• You focus on Private Credit, Staking, and Tokenization  - why these products?
• Private assets are a much larger asset pool than public ones, yet, it is difficult for a retail investor to invest in them. Why should they? 
• How do you enable the democratization of investments? What is your technology angle?
• What are the minimum tickets and onboarding requirements?
• What is your business model  - how do you make money?
• What challenges did you need to overcome as a female founder? What advantages does it bring, if any?
• What non-fiction book would you take with you on vacation? Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success by Adam Grant
• What´s the best way to reach out and learn more about Bluejay? Sherry Jiang on LinkedIn.

Lisa Nestor, Chief Strategy Officer at Airtm, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about how her company leverages stablecoin  USDC (AirUSD)  - digital dollar in Airtm wallet to facilitate small cross-border payments faster and cheaper, supporting online workers everywhere.

Here is what they covered in more detail:

• Lisa's journey to Airtm
• What is the problem you are focusing on? Why is it worth solving?
• What is your digital dollar, and how does it differ from the 'green' dollar? Or from Tether?
• What is your technology angle? Do you use existing rails or blockchain, and how do you exceed current payment networks?
• You support 400 different ways to pay with digital dollars – can you tell us some examples?
• How do you make money?
• Tell us about your growth journey. How did you expand to new countries? What were the successes and challenges?
• What next? What major goals do you want to achieve within, say next 12 months?
• What non-fiction book would you take with you on vacation? 
• What's the best way to reach out and learn more about AirTM? Lisa Nestor on LinkedIn or website: Airtm 

Darshita Mehta Gillies, founder and CEO of Maanch, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about helping asset managers to engage better with their clients and follow through on their ESG promises.

Here is what they talked about:

• Darshita – what is your backstory? How did you get to do what you do today?
• What problem are you solving, and why is it worth solving?
• Can you provide insights into your platform's (data and analytics) capabilities that enable asset managers to make informed stewardship decisions?
• What is your unique selling point?
• What’s your business model? How do you make money?
• Who are your key clients?
• What are the best stewardship practices/recommendations that you’d give to asset managers?
• What wakes you up every morning and motivates you for work?
• What would it be if you could have a superpower, and how would you use it to benefit the industry?
• What’s your favorite business book? Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business and Principles
• What’s the best way to reach out: Darshita Mehta Gillies on LinkedIn

Emmanuel Daniel, the founder of the Asian Banker and the Wealth and Society, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about how banks face disintermediation as decentralized Finance or personalization is taking hold. 

Here is what they covered:

• Emmanuel –  what is your backstory? How did you get to what you do today?
• Are we experiencing another banking crisis?
• Banks have been complaining about low-interest rates for a long time (they enjoy better margins when interest rates are higher,) and now some are struggling with rate hikes. How come?
• Why is it easier to have a run on the bank in the digital age? How can banks and regulators manage this risk better?
• Your books cover the transition from platforms to personalization. Tell us more about that.
• How can you personalize your services profitably and at scale?
• There has been a discussion about using cryptocurrencies more widely as payment. However, regulations (or the lack of), scalability, lack of speed, volatility, and more hampered more widespread adoption. CBDCs seemed to offer more promise, but the progress could be faster. Why?
• Nowadays, you hear a lot about embedded Finance and the financialization of everything. What’s your take on it? 
• What’s your favorite business book? The Sovereign Individual: Mastering the Transition to the Information Age
• The best way to reach out: https://www.emmanueldaniel.com

Paul Resch, co-founder, and CEO of Valutico,  spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about leveraging technology to make the valuation process more efficient.

Here is what they discussed:

• Paul –  what is your backstory? How did you get to what you do today?
• What problem are you solving at Valutico, and why is it worth solving? What’s your focus?
• Many bankers want to simplify valuation models – they start with templates, and in the end, they go back and start from scratch. How do you see the standardization of valuation models?
• How interactive is your solution?
• Is there an audit trail? How do you test your solution for bugs?
• How does your solution work?
• What is your unique selling point? 
• Who are your key clients? 
• What’s your business model? How do you make money?
• What’s your favorite business book? Thinking, Fast and Slow: Daniel Kahneman and Amp it Up
• The best way to reach out: Paul Resch on LinkedIn

Rosalia Gitau, co-founder and CEO of Bixie, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about why women don't invest enough and how her platform helps to change that.

Here is what they discussed:

• Rosalia –  what is your own personal finance journey and family background?
• How has your background working in Fintech and blockchain inspired you to create Bixie? 
• What problem are you solving, and why is it worth solving? 
• What is your unique selling point? How does your platform help women, and how is it distinct from other platforms?
• Who are your key clients?
• What’s your technology angle?
• What’s your business model? How do you make money?
• A brief background on the Money Awareness and Inclusion Awards (MAIAs), its mission, and why winning this year’s award is significant.
• What’s your favorite business book? How to Win Friends and Influence People
• What’s the best way to reach out:  Bixie website and all their social media channels

Elliot Kallen, the owner of Prosperity Financial Group, a wealth advisor to entrepreneurs, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about the importance of financial planning for entrepreneurs and his charity helping tackle depression and thoughts of suicide.

Here is what they covered in more detail:

• Elliot's background
• Prosperity Financial Group's mission
• The importance of financial planning for entrepreneurs
• What common mistakes do entrepreneurs make when gaining wealth, and why staying the course to achieve financial goals can be the biggest challenge today?
• What are your tips on how to get your business in top shape and ready for a sale?  You have sold three companies, so you have a wealth of knowledge to share on how to do it successfully.
• What are the biggest financial lessons you have learned over his long financial advisor and entrepreneur career?
• Let’s focus on resilience for entrepreneurs: Strategies to overcome adversity. Despite great hardship, you were still able to run your companies and launch a charity that is today a well-known national organization after the death of your son
• Recommended reading: Think and Grow Rich and The Greatest Salesman in the World 
• Wrap up: the best way to reach out: +1 (5 1 0) 2 0 6 1 1 0 3 or elliot@prosperityfinancialgroup.com or  Prosperity Financial Group website