PitchIt

On today's episode, I talk with Kelly Fryer, Executive Director of the FinTech Sandbox.Kelly and I talk about the mission of the FinTech Sandbox, why she enjoys working with startups, current market conditions for fintech startups, why access to data is so critical for startups, the market shift to open banking, the banking crisis, horseback riding, and much more.One quick PSA. If you want to reach the best fintech community, we have all the tools you need to shape your message and reach new clients. Sponsor an episode, sponsor a webinar, buy ad space; we have it all. Please reach out anytime: todd@fintechnexus.com.Without further ado, I present Kelly Fryer, Executive Director of the FinTech Sandbox.Episode highlights includeKelly's interest in startupsTechstars experienceThe mission of the FinTech SandboxFintech Sandbox participants and partnersBarriers to underrepresented foundersFintech fundraisingOpen banking and data accessKelly's love for horseback ridingThe banking crisisAnd much more…Connect with Kelly on LinkedInConnect with Fintech Sandbox on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

On today's episode, we conclude PitchIt 2023. Before we start, I wanted to share a special thanks to our judges and participating companies.You will hear from the following finalists:Boss Insights CalqueDebbie FinGoalGrounded TechnologiesMomntNeofinUplinqPitchIt is a personal passion project for me; getting a peak into what's coming next in fintech is a privilege. All the founders are building fascinating companies. Innovation is alive and well.One quick PSA. If you want to reach the best fintech community, we have all the tools you need to shape your message and reach new clients. Sponsor an episode, sponsor a webinar, buy ad space; we have it all. Please reach out anytime: todd@fintechnexus.com.Without further ado, I present the finals of PitchIt 2023. I hope you enjoy the show.Connect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

On today's episode, I talk with Gavin Nachbar, Co-Founder & CEO of Column Tax. Please note this episode was recorded live at Fintech Nexus USA 2023.Gavin and I discussed the founding story behind Column Tax, tax refunds versus more money per paycheck, why taxes are so interesting, embedded finance, raising capital, and much more.One quick PSA. If you want to reach the best fintech community, we have all the tools you need to shape your message and reach new clients. Sponsor an episode, sponsor a webinar, buy ad space; we have it all. Please reach out anytime: todd@fintechnexus.com.Without further ado, I present Gavin Nachbar, Co-Founder & CEO of Column Tax. I hope you enjoy the show.Episode highlights includeColumn Tax founder storyWhy taxes are so complicatedTax educationAPI accountantThe lack of innovation in the tax marketEmbedded financeRaising capitalAnd much more…Connect with Gavin on LinkedInConnect with Column Tax on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

On today's episode, I am joined by Rodney Robinson, President & Co-Founder of TabaPay.Rodney and I discuss the shift toward faster payments, what that means for the overall payments market, and where the US sits today in payments innovation. TabaPay is a platform built for real-time money movement.One quick PSA. If you want to reach the best fintech community around we have all the tools you need to shape your message and reach new clients. Sponsor an episode, sponsor a webinar, buy ad space; we have it all. Please reach out anytime: todd@fintechnexus.com.Without further ado, I present Rodney Robinson, President & Co-Founder of TabaPay. I hope you enjoy the show.Episode highlights include:TabaPay's founding storyThere And Back AgainFaster payments costsFedNowThe banking crisisUS vs. International payments systemsRaising capitalRecommended reading - The Martian by Andy WeirAnd much more…Connect with Rodney on LinkedInConnect with TabaPay on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

On today's episode, I am joined by Oscilar's Co-Founders Neha Narkhede and Sachin Kulkarni.Neha, Sachin, and I talk about the founding story behind Oscilar, the importance of no code, the efficiency of out-of-the-box solutions, the benefits of engineering talent from all industries, the rising importance of fighting fraud, being married as co-founder, raising capital, and much more.One quick PSA. If you want to reach the best fintech community, we have all the tools you need to shape your message and reach new clients. Sponsor an episode, sponsor a webinar, buy ad space; we have it all. Please reach out anytime: todd@fintechnexus.com.Without further ado, I present Oscilar's Co-Founders, Neha Narkhede and Sachin Kulkarni. I hope you enjoy the show.Episode highlights include:Oscilar's founding storyNo codeOut-of-the-box solutionsFintech, BNPL, BaaSThe importance of diverse engineering talentFraud to the top of the stackAI risk managementBeing married as co-foundersRaising capitalAnd much more…Connect with Neha on LinkedInConnect with Sachin on LinkedInConnect with Oscilar on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

PitchIt is back and better than ever for its 9th year!PitchIt, a competition for fintech startups, provides selected finalists unparalleled access to industry experts and invaluable exposure, branding, and more.16 semifinalists. Best and Brightest VCs. 1 chance to Change your Future.Semifinal round 2AscentCalqueUplinqNeofinDebbieGlideLamaAIThe People's CardVC Judges include - Citi Ventures, JAM FINTOP, Team8, Prosus, BankTech Ventures, CMFG Ventures, Sutton Bank.Connect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

PitchIt is back and better than ever for its 9th year!PitchIt, a competition for fintech startups, provides selected finalists unparalleled access to industry experts and invaluable exposure, branding, and more.16 semifinalists. Best and Brightest VCs. 1 chance to Change your Future.Semifinal round 1Boss InsightsConductiv, Inc.FinGoalGrounded TechnologiesMomntPaperstackVC Judges include - Citi Ventures, JAM FINTOP, Team8, Prosus, BankTech Ventures, CMFG Ventures, Sutton Bank.Connect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

On today's episode, I am joined by José Carlos, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Palenca.José and I talked about the differences between the US and LatAm fintech markets, how hard it is for lenders to get an accurate picture of a borrowers income, Palenca's pivot from a lender to a data provider, Mexico's fintech journey and where fintech is today in Mexico, tae kwon do, raising capital, and much more.A couple of short PSAs:Applications for PitchIt have now closed; keep a lookout for the semifinals on April 26 and April 27. The finals will occur at Fintech Nexus USA on May 11 at The Innovation Zone on the Expo Floor.If you want to sponsor an episode, come on as a guest, or sponsor one of our many digital or in-person offerings, please reach out anytime at todd@fintechnexus.com.Without further ado, José Carlos, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Palenca. I hope you enjoy the episode.Episode highlights include:Palenca's founding storyJosé's time at UberWhy they pivoted away from lendingThe differences between the US and LatAm fintech marketsOpen bankingFinancial inclusionRaising capitalTae kwon doRecommended reading - The Cold Start Problem: How to Start and Scale Network Effects by Andrew Chen And much more…Connect with José Carlos Aguilar on LinkedInConnect with Palenca on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

On today's episode, I am joined by Ron Ross, Co-Founder, President & COO of Everee.Ron and I talk about his journey to starting a company, his CFO experience in raising capital, the problems with and incentives around payroll, the path to payday becoming every day, the Boston Red Sox, and much more.A couple of short PSAs:Applications for PitchIt have now closed. Keep a lookout for the semifinals on April 26 and April 27. The finals will occur at Fintech Nexus USA on May 11 at The Innovation Zone on the Expo Floor.If you want to sponsor an episode, come on as a guest, or sponsor one of our many digital or in-person offerings, please reach out anytime at todd@fintechnexus.com.Without further ado, Ron Ross, Co-Founder, President & COO of Everee.Episode highlights includeRon's journey from four-time CFO to founderThe meaning of the word EvereeThe history of payrollReal-time beer rationsMisaligned incentives around payrollPayroll as a competitive advantageHow payday becomes every dayThe SVB crisisRaising capitalAnd much more…Connect with Ron on LinkedInConnect with Everee on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

On today's episode, I'm joined by Ron Benegbi, Founder & CEO of Uplinq.Ron and I discuss his history of entrepreneurship and how it ties closely to his family's journey as immigrants. We talk about the SMB credit score, the shifting definition of small business, the overuse of as-a-service, getting more lenders to yes, fraud detection as a byproduct, raising capital, the NFL Draft, and much more.A couple of short PSAs:We are still accepting applications for PitchIt at Fintech Nexus USA 2023, head to (https://www.fintechnexus.com/usa/2023/startups/) Fintech Nexus dot com for details. The link will be in the show notes.If you want to sponsor an episode, come on as a guest, or sponsor one of our many digital or in-person offerings, please reach out anytime at todd@fintechnexus.com.Without further ado, Ron Benegbi, Founder & CEO of Uplinq. Enjoy the show.Episode highlights includeRon's entrepreneurial backgroundThe founding story behind UplinqThe lack of an SMB credit scoreThe overuse of as-a-serviceThe various definitions of small businessHow lenders get to yes more oftenBetter data equals lower defaultsThe fraud byproductNo regretsRecommended reading - Good to Great by Jim CollinsThe struggles of raising capitalAnd much more…Connect with Ron on LinkedInConnect with Uplinq on LinkedInApply for PitchIt at Fintech Nexus 2023 HEREConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

On today's episode, I'm joined by Lamine Zarrad, CEO and Founder of StellarFi.Lamine and I discuss his unique journey to the US and fintech, the inequities in the credit system, rebuilding your credit, why he chose to be a public benefit corporation, the health of the US consumer, banking regulation and failures, raising capital, and much more.A couple of short PSAs:We are still accepting applications for PitchIt at Fintech Nexus USA 2023, head to (https://www.fintechnexus.com/usa/2023/startups/) Fintech Nexus dot com for details. The link will be in the show notes.If you want to sponsor an episode, come on as a guest, or sponsor one of our many digital or in-person offerings, please reach out anytime at todd@fintechnexus.com.Without further ado, Lamine Zarrad, CEO and Founder of StellarFi. Enjoy the show.Episode highlights include:Lamine's unique journey to the US and StellarFiThe importance of being a public benefit corporationThe current credit health of the US consumerWhy credit building and repairing are so complicatedIs the credit score outdated?Lessons from his time in public serviceThoughts on the current bank crisisBank failures and financial inclusionRecommended reading - The Ghosts of Cannae: Hannibal and the Darkest Hour of the Roman Republic by Robert L. O'ConnellRaising capitalAnd much more...Connect with Lamine on LinkedInConnect with StellerFi on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

On today's episode, I'm joined by Rujul Zaparde, Co-Founder & CEO of Zip.Rujul and I talked about the frustrations he and his co-founder encountered, which led to the idea behind Zip, the importance of a consumer-grade solution, the growth trajectory Zip is currently on, raising capital, Roger Federer, and much, much more.A couple of short PSAs:We are still accepting applications for PitchIt at Fintech Nexus USA 2023, head to (https://www.fintechnexus.com/usa/2023/startups/) Fintech Nexus dot com for details. The link will be in the show notes.If you want to sponsor an episode, come on as a guest, or sponsor one of our many digital or in-person offerings, please reach out anytime at todd@fintechnexus.com.Without further ado, Rujul Zaparde, Co-Founder & CEO of Zip. Enjoy the show.Episode highlights include:Zip's founding storyA consumer-grade experienceMore spend visibility across the organizationBetter audit trailEasier budget management"Zip is where you do your best work"Recommended readingThe Master: The Long Run and Beautiful Game of Roger Federer by Christopher Clarey Raising capitalAnd much more…Connect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

On today's episode, I'm joined by Christian Maynard-Philipp, Founder & CEO at Pattern.Christian and I discussed Pattern's origin story, why Pattern is different from some of the investing apps in the market, scalability, and financial advisors, the investing education gap, her time in the public sector, the best fundraising story I've heard, and much more.A couple of short PSAs:We are still accepting applications for PitchIt at Fintech Nexus USA 2023, head to (https://www.fintechnexus.com/usa/2023/startups/) Fintech Nexus dot com for details. The link will be in the show notes.If you want to sponsor an episode, come on as a guest, or sponsor one of our many digital or in-person offerings, please reach out anytime at todd@fintechnexus.com.Without further ado, Christian Maynard-Philipp, Founder & CEO at Pattern. Enjoy the show.Episode highlights include:Christian's founder storyHer time at Acorns and Cash AppThe investing education gapConsumer advocacySmart scalabilityFinancial health and inclusionCompliance, Compliance, ComplianceThe gender gap in fintechRecommended readingRide of a lifetime, by Robert IgerBetter not Bitter, by Yusef SalaamRaising capitalAnd much more…Connect with Christian on LinkedInConnect with Pattern Financial on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

On today's episode, I'm joined by Susan Tanski, Co-Founder & Head of Strategy at Sunstone Credit.Susan and I talked about Sunstone's origin story, what drove her interest in the climate, how Sunstone is helping SMBs finance solar power, the 1 trillion dollar opportunity in commercial solar, raising capital, and much more.A couple of short PSAs:We are still accepting applications for PitchIt at Fintech Nexus USA 2023, head to (https://www.fintechnexus.com/usa/2023/startups/) Fintech Nexus dot com for details. The link will be in the show notes.If you want to sponsor an episode, come on as a guest, or sponsor one of our many digital or in-person offerings, please reach out anytime at todd@fintechnexus.com.Without further ado, Susan Tanski, Co-Founder & Head of Strategy at Sunstone Credit. Enjoy the show.Episode highlights include:Sunstone Credit's founding storyAn Inconvenient TruthWhy Sunstone Credit focused on SMBsCommercial solar's TAMWhere we are today on the ClimateWhy everyone needs to do more on sustainabilityThe broader embedded finance marketRecommended readingThe Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald The Water Will Come by Jeff GoodellRaising capitalAnd much more…Connect with Susan on LinkedInConnect with Sunstone Credit on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

On today's episode, I'm joined by Olga Chin, Founder & CEO of InterPrice Technologies, Inc.Olga and I discussed InterPrice's founding story, her path to financial services, how InterPrice helps corporate treasury teams, the most significant problems treasury teams face, an unlikely byproduct of their platform, raising capital, and much more.A couple of short PSAs:We are still accepting applications for PitchIt at Fintech Nexus USA 2023, head to (https://www.fintechnexus.com/usa/2023/startups/) Fintech Nexus dot com for details. The link is in the show notes.If you want to sponsor an episode, come on as a guest, or sponsor one of our many digital or in-person offerings, please reach out anytime at todd@fintechnexus.com.Without further ado, Olga Chin, Founder & CEO of InterPrice Technologies. Enjoy the show.Episode highlights include:InterPrice's founding storyOlga's acing of the MCATsInvestment bankingThe funny story about their web domainBiggest impediments for corporate treasurersRelationship bankingDealmaking mythsAdvice from the founder of NoomRaising capital in good times and badRecommended reading - Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up by Jerry ColonnaAnd much more fun along the wayConnect with Olga on LinkedInConnect with InterPrice Technologies, Inc. on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

On today's episode I am joined by Marcos Fernandez, Managing Partner of Fiat Ventures.Fiat Ventures is an emerging VC focused on supporting and growing the next generation of market leading early-stage companies in the fintech space. It's a fascinating time in fintech, one one hand, you have a lot of bad news with layoffs happening almost daily, but on the other you also have these incredible stories of growth and excitement.Marcos and I delved into where fintech sits today, how early stage founders should think about capital and when to raise, the precarious position crypto is in, the lack of diversity within the ecosystem, operator versus investor, the Las Vegas Raiders, and much more.A couple of short PSAs:We are still accepting applications for PitchIt at Fintech Nexus USA 2023; head to https://www.fintechnexus.com/usa/2023/startups/ for details.If you want to sponsor an episode, come on as a guest, or sponsor one of our many digital or in person offerings, please reach out anytime at todd@fintechnexus.com.Without further ado, Marcos Fernandez, Managing Partner of Fiat Ventures. I hope you enjoy the show.Session highlights includeMarcos's journey to FiatWhere the name Fiat Ventures came fromFiat's investing thesisFiat's portfolio companiesFiat's differentiated approach to investingThe state of fintech todayThe current fundraising environment The lack of diversity in venture capitalWhy crypto and Web3 still have a bright futureMarcos's love for the Oakland (Las Vegas) RaidersRecommended readingThe Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company by Bob IgerSecrets of Sand Hill Road by Scott KuporAnd much more…Connect with Marcos on LinkedInConnect with Fiat Ventures on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

On today's episode, I'm joined by Patrick Sells, Co-Founder of True Digital Group.True Digital Group's mission is to help financial institutions embrace digital innovation through investments in culture, capabilities, and capital.It really is a mission for Patrick and the team at True Digital Group. Over the last few years, he's had the chance to speak to 1,100 financial institutions. You can say he truly has the pulse of the banking community.Patrick and I discussed common themes from the 1,100 conversations; the biggest barriers banks still face today, the education gap amongst banks and fintechs, Mindshift, blockchain and crypto, raising capital, and much more.If you want to sponsor an episode, come on as a guest, or sponsor one of our many digital or in-person offerings, please reach out anytime at todd@fintechnexus.com.Without further ado, Patrick Sells, Co-Founder of True Digital Group. I hope you enjoy the show.Episode highlights include:Patrick's journey through banking to True Digital Group1,100 bank conversationsThe Mindshift productTop impediments banks face todayThe education gapSelling to banks vs. credit unionsBlockchain and cryptoThe impending recessionRaising capitalRecommended reading - When Breath Becomes Air by Paul KalanithiAnd much more…Connect with Patrick on LinkedInConnect with True Digital Group on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

On today's episode, I'm joined by Joe Cianciolo, Founder & CEO of HomePace.HomePace's mission is to enable homeowners gain financial flexibility. They do this by allowing homeowners to unlock the equity in their homes.HomePace's innovation gives homeowners more financial freedom without taking on more debt and gives institutional investors access to the real estate asset class.Joe and I talked about where the HomePace idea originated from, his time at SecondMarket and FutureAdvisor, the typical use of funds through this transaction, how the overall real estate market impacts their business, playing football at Penn State, raising capital, and much more.If you want to sponsor an episode, come on as a guest, or sponsor one of our many digital or in-person offerings, please reach out anytime at todd@fintechnexus.com.Without further ado, Joe Cianciolo, Founder & CEO of HomePace.. I hope you enjoy the show.Episode highlights include:Joe's journey to HomePaceLesson's learned from FutureAdvisor & BlackRockHomePace's modelCorrelation to the broader housing marketsEquity v. DebtThe education gap for equity housing transactionsRaising CapitalHis time playing football at Penn StateRecommend reading for kids: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Ronald DahlRecommend reading for founders: Moneyball by Michael LewisAnd much more…Connect with Joe on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

On today's episode, I'm joined by Dani Pensack, Co-Founder & CEO of Rightfoot. Rightfoot enables developers to add debt repayment to any application.Founding stories are always unique, but Dani and Rightfoot are thus far the most interesting to date. They moved into a retirement home to test out their initial idea. Yup, a retirement home, and only one out of 150 said yes.The idea was that high school kids could make good money by helping retirees with technical tasks like coding; the money would then go into a 529 education account.While the initial idea didn't pan out, it helped them to figure out their current business and gave them a life experience like no other. Dani is one of the most resourceful founders I've met thus far; just wait until you hear the vacation van story.Dani and I also discussed the core problems associated with debt repayment, how debt impacts households, her time in Southeast Asia, raising capital, and much more.If you want to sponsor an episode, come on as a guest, or sponsor one of our many digital or in-person offerings, please reach out anytime at todd@fintechnexus.com.Without further ado, Dani Pensack, Co-Founder & CEO of Rightfoot. I hope you enjoy the show.Episode highlights includeDani's journey to RightfootRightfoot's founding storyDani's time at IBM in SE AsiaHow Rightfoot's API worksEmbedded financeFinancial InclusionThe barriers women-led startups face raising capitalTips on raising capitalRecommended reading - The Messenger by Markus ZusakAnd much more…Connect with Danielle on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

On today's episode, I'm joined by Craig McLaughlin, Co-Founder & CEO of Finalytics.Finalytics.ai is the first customer-centric data platform designed to help credit unions translate high-touch service onto the digital channel. I find the community bank and credit union space fascinating, they do not have the luxury of throwing money at problems as they have to be strategic in how they solve their tech needs.Craig and I talked about the community bank and credit union market, how small financial institutions differ from large ones, current economic conditions, raising capital, the San Francisco 49ers, and much more.We have a lot of great offerings available at Fintech Nexus, you can sponsor the pod, sponsor a webinar, or one of our large-scale events. Feel free to reach out to me anytime, at todd@fintechnexus.com. Now with our further ado, my conversation with Craig McLaughlin, Co-Founder & CEO of Finalytics. I hope you enjoy the show. Episode highlights include:Craig's journey to FinalyticsThe importance of the cloudThe community bank and credit union tech mindsetWhy data is so criticalCommon mistakes made by community banks and credit unionsThe evolution of the fintech-bank relationshipHuman high touch vs. digital high touchRaising capitalThe San Francisco 49ersAnd much more…Connect with Craig on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

On today's episode, I was joined by Ben Weiss, Co-Founder & CEO of CoinFlip.CoinFlip is the world's leading bitcoin ATM operator, making it easy to buy and sell bitcoin via cash, card, or bank transfer.This was a refreshing interview on many levels. Even though we are in the midst of the latest Crypto Winter, Ben and the CoinFlip team are as bullish as ever on the prospects of crypto and blockchain-based financial products.The other refreshing part of the discussion centered around bootstrapping, which CoinFlip has done to date. Many startups feel the need to raise venture capital, and seeing a successful bootstrapped company is quite refreshing.Ben and I talked about how he became interested in crypto, CoinFlip's growth to more than 300 employees and 4,000 ATMs, current market conditions, financial health and inclusion, CoinFlip's new product Olliv, bootstrapping, the realities and motivations of raising money, state of mind, and much more.I hope you enjoy the episode and don't forget to rate the show. Now without further ado, Ben Weiss, Co-Founder & CEO of CoinFlip.Episode highlight includeBen's journey to CoinFlipWhy is asking advice asking permissionThe Crypto WinterTraditional FI adoption of blockchainThe differences between crypto and blockchain techBootstrappingLearning to clear your mindOllivFinancial health and inclusionPeople matterThe Crypto Experience CentreAnd much more….Connect with Ben on LinkedInConnect with Ben on TwitterConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

On today's episode, I was joined by Andrew Brown, Founder & CEO of Check.The Check platform makes embedded payroll possible. Check helps leading companies launch a successful payroll business in a fraction of the time for a fraction of the cost.Embedded products have taken off in recent years, which has helped enable companies like Check. Embedded finance has quickly become one of the hottest areas in fintech.Payroll is another area in fintech that's catching fire. Payroll is one of the biggest challenges for small business owners, especially since we've moved to a more distributed workforce. Check enables companies to offer payroll within a suite of management tools. The Check platform of platforms frees small business owners to focus on growing their companies.Andrew and I discuss the fragmented payroll market, the future of payday, the larger embedded finance trend, stories from the fundraising trail, and much more. I hope you enjoy the episode and don't forget to rate the show.Episode highlights include:Andrew's journey to CheckWhat's a platform of platforms?Why is payroll so complicatedThe fragmented payroll marketThe rise of embedded financeThe changing nature of payday.Recommended reading - Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life by William FinneganRaising CapitalAnd much more...Connect with Andrew on LinkedInConnect with Check on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

The Fintech Nexus weekly news show covers the top stories in fintech.Get ready for this week by catching up on last week's top stories:Bloomberg | Sam Bankman-Fried's Path to Jail Took Just Weeks in Speedy US ProbeNY Times | Prosecutors Say FTX Was Engaged in a ‘Massive, Yearslong Fraud'Atlantic Council | It's official: The United States is developing a bank-to-bank digital currencyAmerican Banker | Lawmakers caution SBA on admitting fintech lenders to 7(a) programAmerican Banker | Figure-affiliated SPAC plans to merge with mortgage bankTechCrunch | Why Checkout‏‎.com lowered its internal valuationFintech Nexus | LatAm22: VC ‘dry powder' can outwait everyone, McLaughlin warnsFintech Nexus | LatAm22: Pix hits 64 million user milestone, Central Bank official saysFintech Nexus | LatAm22: No magic to growth, Covalto CEO saysConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

On today's episode, I sat down with Jean Smart, Founder & CEO of Penelope.Penelope is the retirement savings platform for small businesses & entrepreneurs. Small is the key term; Penelope focuses on the smallest of the small businesses.Penelope currently serves companies that have no more than 15 employees. A lot of these small firms are local mom-and-pop shops. One of the biggest barriers these companies face is finding and retaining talent. Penelope offers them a chance to compete. Retirement accounts are one of the top asks from prospective employees. Having the chance to offer retirement savings helps level the playing field.Jean and I discussed her journey to Penelope, her family's immigrant journey, how Penelope designs content & education, do-it-yourself investing apps, risky asset classes like crypto, raising capital, and much more. Episode highlights include:Jean's professional journey to PenelopeThe biggest barriers SMBs face in trying to offer benefits Lessons learned from Schwab, TD Ameritrade, and othersLanguage and education barriersFinancial inclusionChanging the perception of SMBsCryptoRaising CapitalAnd much moreConnect with Jean on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

The Fintech Nexus weekly news show covers the top stories in fintech. With Fintech Nexus LatAm approaching, we focused on Latin American fintech news.Last week's top stories:MercadoLibre in talks with WhatsApp on business messaging payments -CFOPIX could go international as Brazil's central bank shares protocolsBrazil's Nubank announces $330 million equity capitalization in MexicoArgentine Fintech Ualá to Start Giving Personal Loans in MexicoBrazil postpones capital requirements deadline for fintechs amid weak economyThe Crypto Industry Struggles for a Way ForwardPlaid lays off 20% of staffMeeting the hype of fintech in remittanceDestácame closes $10 million series B round to consolidate expansion in MexicoConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

On this week's episode, I was joined by Chip Castille, Founder & CEO of GoalBased Investors.GoalBased Investors is the first goals-based investment community for investors and financial advisors. The real differentiator for GoalBased Investors is connecting to advisors.The retail investor has plenty of do-it-yourself options, with many fintechs filling that space over the last 5 years. Connecting to advisors and their expertise could be a game changer for investors.Chip and I discussed his journey to starting GoalBased Investors, how BlackRock enabled the founder mindset, why Chip decided to move to the startup world, investor education, crypto as an asset class, raising money as an older founder, and much more.Don't forget to register for Fintech Nexus LatAm taking place next week in Miami. LatAm's premier fintech event features all the biggest names across the region. Register now.Episode highlights include:Chip's journey to starting GoalBased InvestorsHow BlackRock enabled entrepreneurshipLessons learned from BlackRockWhy financial advisors are the keyThe structural issues around building wealthThe problems with do-it-yourself financial educationRecommended reading Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His, by David S. ReynoldsWhy Information Grows: The Evolution of Order, from Atoms to Economies, by César A. Hidalgo Raising CapitalAnd much more…Connect with Chip on TwitterConnect with Chip on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

The Fintech Nexus weekly news show covers the top stories in fintech.Get ready for this week by catching up on last week's top stories:Sam Bankman-Fried said he didn't know about Alameda's exposureSam Bankman-Fried Blames ‘Huge Management Failures' for FTX CollapseBlackRock CEO Says ‘Next Generation for Markets' Is TokenizationBlackRock's Larry FinkCrypto Lender BlockFi Follows FTX Into BankruptcyAs Pipe's founding team departs, tensions rise over allegationsBankers design a new blockchain that works like bitcoin — but it's regulated‘The more you submit, the more we get paid': How fintech fueled covid aid fraudCan the SBA make its 7(a) loan program attractive to fintechs?Surviving FTX: Fintechs and banks untangle themselvesConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

Thanks again for tuning into this week's episode of PitchIt. I recently sat down with Perry Rahbar, Founder & CEO of dv01.dv01 is a leading data intelligence platform with integrated loan-level consumer credit data and analytics that drives transparency in lending markets.Perry talks about his time in banking and some of the lessons learned from the Global Financial Crisis; dv01 helps to solve some of the structural issues that plagued market participants back then. The insight you get from data, and its transparency allows potential issues to be caught early before they blow into a Lehman-type crisis.Perry and I talk about his time in banking, why he decided to start dv01, the meaning behind the name, the evolution of fintech lending since starting the firm, what a recession might do to the lending markets, the acquisition by Fitch, adventures on the fundraising trail, visiting Iran, and much more.Before you begin the episode, please take a minute to rate the show and provide feedback; I take listener comments very seriously. And don't forget to join us in Miami on December 13 - 14 for Fintech Nexus LatAm; this is LatAm's premier fintech event.Without further ado, I present dv01's Founder & CEO, Perry Rahbar. I hope you enjoy our conversation.Episode Discussion points include:Perry's journey to dv01When he got the entrepreneurial itchThe asset classes they cover and report onAcquisition by FitchHow the acquisition impacts dv01's futureHow fintech lending has evolvedThe impact of Covid on lendersHow lenders can adjust for the impending recessionThe importance of transparency Recommended reading - The Divine Matrix by Gregg Braden and The Shah by Abbas MilaniVisiting IranRaising CapitalAnd much more…Connect with Perry on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

The Fintech Nexus weekly news show covers the top stories in fintech.Get ready for this week by catching up on last week's top stories:New Chief Calls FTX's Corporate Control a ‘Complete Failure'Sam Bankman-Fried tries to explain himselfWill the FTX crash hurt fintech overall?U.S. banks to pounce on fintech deals as valuations plungeTreasury calls for more fintech oversightHow Chase Plans to Revolutionize Rent Payments with a Digital SolutionCustodia Bank's master account lawsuit against Fed advancesHow deep of a banking threat is Walmart's One?Shopify, Balance teaming up to modernize B2B paymentsWhy the Investing Pros Were Such Suckers for FTXConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

Thanks again for tuning into this week's episode of PitchIt. I sat down with Able's Co-Founder, Diego Represas.Commercial lenders use Able to quickly collect information from borrowers, streamline the loan process, and book loans faster.The commercial lending process is still very document-driven; while many documents have moved online, the overall market is still using a process developed years ago. Able is helping to change that equation by streamlining the lending process.By using Able, lenders can cut down on mistakes and repetitive tasks and save time on the overall process, increasing the time to yes.Diego and I talk about Able's technology, how AI can help automate aspects of a commercial loan, the impact Able can have on the bottom line, Diego's time in the Army, raising capital, and much more.Before you begin the episode, please take a minute to rate the show and provide feedback; I take listener comments very seriously. And don't forget to join us in Miami on December 13 - 14 for Fintech Nexus LatAm. This is LatAm's premier fintech event.Without further ado, I present Able's Co-Founder, Diego Represas. I hope you enjoy our conversation.Episode Discussion points include:Diego's journey to AbleBiggest pain points in commercial lendingHow AI can help lenders get to yes quickerThe state of commercial lending todayThe acceleration of digital lendingThe impact of Covid and the PPP on commercial lendingHow Able integrates into existing tech stacks Diego's experience in the ArmyRecommended reading: The Power Broker by Robert Caro - Raising capitalAnd much more…Connect with Diego on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

The Fintech Nexus weekly news show covers the top stories in fintech.Get ready for this week by catching up on last week's top stories:Binance Walks Away From Deal to Buy FTXFTX Tapped Into Customer Accounts to Fund Risky Bets, Setting Up Its DownfallSam Bankman-Fried Says Alameda Winding Down, Promises FTX US Customers' Funds Are 'Fine'SEC, DOJ Investigating Crypto Platform FTXCoinbase CEO Says Company Doesn't Have 'Any Material Exposure' to FTX or AlamedaElon Musk details his vision for a Twitter payments systemGoldman Sachs, Eager to Grow Cards Business, Courted Credit-Card Technology FirmsHow Upgrade became a ‘marketing engine' for deposit-hungry banksFedNow gives fee holiday in 2023Connect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

Thanks again for tuning into this week's episode of PitchIt. I sat down with Klavi's Co-Founder & CEO, Bruno Chan.Klavi is a SaaS platform that provides Open Finance (or Open Banking) solutions. The company has a mission of becoming a leader in Open Finance solutions in Brazil.Open finance has the potential to help reshape the financial services market. The impact is felt very differently depending on where you live and what the regulatory appetite is for open finance. Bruno and I talked about his unique background, which included 9 years in China during their fintech boom. We also talk about the biggest potential impact of open banking, whether or not consumers want to control their own data, misplaced anger from the banks, why Klavi is the key, raising capital, and much more.Before you begin the episode, please take a minute to rate the show and provide feedback; I take listener comments very seriously. And don't forget to join us in Miami on December 13 - 14 for Fintech Nexus LatAm. This is LatAm's premier fintech event.Without further ado, I present Klavi's Co-Founder & CEO, Bruno Chan. I hope you enjoy our conversation.Episode Discussion points include:Bruno's journey to KlaviHis nine years in ChinaKlavi is the “key”The status of opening banking in BrazilFinancial inclusionWhy bankers misunderstand open bankingRegulation as an open banking enabler Recommended reading: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight and Genghis Khan by Conn IgguldenRaising CapitalAnd much more…Connect with Bruno on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

Thanks again for tuning into this week's episode of PitchIt. I sat down with Unifimoney's Co-Founder & CEO, Ben Soppitt.Unifimoney is a multi-asset investment and money management platform that makes building and protecting your wealth effortless. It is the only fully integrated digital consumer financial solution in the US.What Unifimoney does is help FI's become a money superapp by offering a comprehensive range of self-direct investment services accessed via the bank or credit unions existing digital infrastructure.Ben and I talked about why they chose the focus on community banks and credit unions, the rise of the retail investor, how they got their name from a pretzel barter, raising capital, and much more.Before you begin the episode please take a minute to rate the show and provide feedback, I take listener comments very seriously. And don't forget to join us in Miami on December 13 - 14 for Fintech Nexus LatAm, this is LatAm's premier fintech event.Without further ado, I present Unifimoney's Co-Founder & CEO, Ben Soppitt. I hope you enjoy our conversation.Episode Discussion points include:Ben's journey to UnifimoneyThe drag that is working at big corporatesHis time in Southeast AsiaWhy they chose to focus on community banks and credit unionsCustomer acquisition costThe retail investing boomThe Amazon of digital wealth managementThe average millennial has 50 money apps on their phoneThe complexity of payments infrastructure in the U.S.Raising capitalAnd much more…Connect with Ben on LinkedInConnect with Ben on TwitterConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

Thanks again for tuning into this week's episode of PitchIt. I sat down with Commonstock's Founder & CEO David McDonough.Commonstock is a social network that amplifies the knowledge of the best investors, verified by actual track records for signal over noise.David describes it best during our conversation, investing has been democratized, but information has not been. Commonstock aims to change that by providing investors with verified information and track records.David and I talk about the rise of the retail investor, the impact of the various meme stocks on the overall market, the perception of the markets, payment for order flow, crypto, raising capital, and much more.Before you begin the episode, please take a minute to rate the show and provide feedback; I take listener comments very seriously. And don't forget to join us in Miami on December 13 - 14 for Fintech Nexus LatAm; this is LatAm's premier fintech event.Without further ado, I present Commonstock's Founder & CEO David McDonough. I hope you enjoy our conversation.Episode Discussion points include:David's journey to CommonstockThe democratization of stock investingDemocratizing the flow of informationStock market perceptionFractionalized investingCrypto markets and speculationThe social aspect of investingPayment for order flowThe impending recession and retail investorsRaising capitalRecommended reading - The Shoe Dog by Phil Knight and Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey MooreAnd much moreConnect with David via LinkedInConnect with David via TwitterConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

The Fintech Nexus weekly news show covers the top stories in fintech.Get ready for this week by catching up on last week's top stories:CFPB announces open banking ruleMarqeta launches demand deposit accounts in banking pushPayments Giant Adyen Starts Offering Banking Services, Going Head To Head With Stripe, Square And PayPalCross River issuing AmEx cards on behalf of FintechsAndreessen Horowitz Went All In on Crypto at the Worst Possible TimeEx-Goldman Sachs Partner Adam Dell's Crypto Startup StumblesSmall-Business Lender Fundbox Cuts 40% Of Workforce In Latest Fintech LayoffLendingClub has a warning about the marketplace modelConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

Thanks again for tuning into this week's episode of PitchIt. I sat down with our 2022 PitchIt Winner Sivo. Joining me for our conversation was Sivo's CEO, Ravi Sattuluri, and Sivo's Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, Kate Hiscox.Sivo provides debt as a service for fintechs, neobanks, and gig platforms to lend money to their users at scale. Sivo is changing the way debt capital is acquired and deployed.The debt capital process has always been built on relationships, handshakes, and bad terms. Sivo changes all of that, they enable lenders and investors of all shapes to raise or deploy capital efficiently.Ravi, Kate, and I talk about the Sivo founding story, the flexibility of Sivo to scale with lenders, the top 5 issues with raising debt capital the traditional way, the macroeconomic environment, the impact of programs like YC and PitchIt, raising capital and much more.Before you begin the episode, please take a minute to rate the show and provide feedback; I take listener comments very seriously. And don't forget to join us in Miami on December 13 - 14 for Fintech Nexus LatAm; this is LatAm's premier fintech event.Without further ado, I present Sivo's CEO, Ravi Sattuluri, and Sivo's Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, Kate Hiscox. I hope you enjoy our conversation.Episode discussion points include:Kate's journey to starting SivoRavi's journey to Sivo's CEO roleDebt as a serviceThe story behind the name SivoWhy debt capital traditionally takes 7 months to raiseHow debt capital constraints foundersHow debt as a service scalesDebt as a service provides lenders and investors with flexibilityReal-time reporting and complianceSivo IgniteRaising capitalThe importance of competitions like PitchItRecommended reading - Light in August by William Faulkner, Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy, and Token Engineering by Lisa TanAnd much more…Connect with Ravi on LinkedInConnect with Kate on LinkedInConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

The Fintech Nexus weekly news show covers the top stories in fintech.Get ready for this week by catching up on last week's top stories:Goldman Plans Sweeping Reorganization, Combining Investment Banking, and TradingAlso -  NY TimesMastercard will help banks offer cryptocurrency tradingVoyager crypto customers may recover 72% from a bankruptcy saleChase's Playbook to Beat PayPal and Square in Digital PaymentsPlaid Unveils ‘Wallet Onboard' Tool, Promises Crypto Product PushBrazil's Largest Digital Lender Nubank to Roll Out Own Token to 70M Users in 2023SBA wants to add fintechs to its biggest lending programSEC Management Receives Stinging Report from Office of the Inspector GeneralWarren roasts Wells Fargo's ‘severely bad performance' on Zelle fraudHow much fraud is on Zelle? Depends who you askConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

Thanks again for tuning into this week's episode of PitchIt. I sat down with Alex Liegl, Co-Founder and CEO of Tenet.Tenet is changing the way consumers buy and finance electric vehicles. Financing through Tenet will enable consumers to save hundreds of dollars every month, track their carbon emission savings and vehicle performance, and help them achieve their sustainability goals.Tenet is ultimately a technology platform that enables investors to fund consumer loans to buy EVs.Alex and I discuss his journey to Tenet from Stanford Business School, the motivations behind building Tenet, where the climate economy stands today, why using Tenet in a recession would make even more sense, raising capital, and much more.Before you begin the episode, please take a minute to rate the show and provide feedback. I take listener comments very seriously. And don't forget to join us in Miami on December 13 - 14 for Fintech Nexus LatAm; this is LatAm's premier fintech event.Without further ado, I present Alex Liegl, Co-Founder & CEO of Tenet. I hope you enjoy our conversation.Episode Discussion points include:Alex's journey from Germany to TenetBitcoin mining to stabilize energy gridsThe infancy of the climate economyWhy financing is the missing piece in the climate economyWhy electric vehicles hold valueConsumer permissioned dataFuture sustainability productsRecommended reading: The Prize by Daniel YerginRaising CapitalMuch more…Connect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

The Fintech Nexus weekly news show covers the top stories in fintech.Get ready for this week by catching up on last week's top stories:Under Pressure, Goldman CEO Ditches Dream of Consumer DominationApple partners with Goldman Sachs to introduce high-yield savings accounts for Apple Card holdersNeobank Step Raises $300 Million in Debt Financing, Targets Next Generation with Investing Services Including CryptoAmerica's Oldest Bank, BNY Mellon, Will Hold That Crypto NowCustodia Bank Files Court PetitionBuy Now, Pay Later' Is Still a Credit-Score Blind SpotOCC wants more data on banks' crypto-related activitiesOctober Becomes Worst Month for Crypto Hacks With Two Weeks to GoMorgan Stanley Says Crypto Ecosystem Is Becoming Less DecentralizedConnect with PitchIt: Tweet me @ToddFintech Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous PitchIt episodes Email me at todd@fintechnexus.com Until next time.

The Fintech Nexus weekly news show covers the top stories in fintech.Get ready for this week by catching up on last week's top stories:Crypto Could Threaten Financial System, Federal Risk Panel WarnsWhat the White House's blueprint for an AI bill of rights means for banksCrypto Overhaul Fizzles in Congress, Leaving Industry and Investors in LimboBanks send each other $500 million on day of blockchain launchAfterpay Launches 12 Month BNPL Payment OptionBiden's War On ‘Junk Fees' Won't Help Americans' Overdraft ProblemPPP loan servicer KServicing files for bankruptcy amid fraud probesKim Kardashian pays over $1 million to settle SEC charges linked to a crypto promo on her InstagramThe Fintech 250: The most promising fintech companies of 2022

On episode 66 I talk with Demetrius Gray, CEO & Founder of Captain. Captain is a new fintech platform that helps homeowners rebuild 6x faster in the wake of natural disasters. Captain offers a solution, so homeowners do not have to pay their deductible upfront. Captain offers a reprieve — up to 36 months with 0% interest — to pay it back, so their current available assets can instead be used for more pressing expenses such as food and temporary housing. Flexibility and insurance don't go hand in hand, this is where Captain steps in. Demetrius and the team offer homeowners an option, one that allows them to get back into their home a lot faster.Demetrius and I talk about how he became involved in the space, the entrepreneurial bug he got from his father and grandfather, the size and scope of the market, the differences between insured, underinsured and non-insured, raising capital, pickle ball, and much, much more.Without further ado, I present Demetrius Gray, CEO & Founder of Captain. I hope you enjoy the episode.Episode discussion points include:Demetrius's journey to CaptainThe influence of Demetrius's father and grandfatherEveryone needs a Captain in a time of crisis$92bn of insured losses in 2019$200bn of uninsured losses in 2019The insurance gapThe impact of climate changeMost consumers misunderstand their insurance rightsInsurance company mistreatment"the hard things about hard things"Recommended reading: Burn Rate by Andy DunnRaising CapitalMuch more…

The Fintech Nexus weekly news show covers the top stories in fintech.Get ready for this week by catching up on last week's top stories. FTX in talks to raise up to $1 billion at valuation of about $32 billion, in-line with prior roundStash debuts its own core systemBinance and FTX Make Top Bids for Bankrupt Lender VoyagerAdyen Selected as Fintech Platform to Introduce Cash App Pay Outside Square EcosystemNasdaq Starts Crypto Custody Service for Institutional ClientsSardine raises $51.5M led by a16z to sniff out fishy fintech transactionsCFPB to Unleash BNPL Rules that Would Also Impact Data MiningDigital Bank Marcus, Part of Goldman Sachs, Being Queried by Federal Reserve: ReportSynctera announced the first Baas industry line of credit product. Celsius Network: the flaming car wreck that keeps on burning

On episode 65 I talk with Archie Ravishankar, Founder, and CEO of Cogni. Cogni is a next-gen platform that combines banking, commerce, and lifestyle.Cogni's mission is to offer personalized banking products suited to the lifestyles of those 18-to-35. Too many banking products talk with a single voice for all customers; Cogni is aiming to change that dynamic.Archie and I discuss how he's building a financial platform that is suited for people's lifestyles, why he thinks it's now more attractive to build on web3 than web2, and his vision for the company and advice to young entrepreneurs just getting started.We also touch on bank partnerships, reducing carbon footprints, FDIC insurance, raising capital, and much more. Without further ado, I present Archie Ravishankar, Founder, and CEO of Cogni. I hope you enjoy the episode.Episode discussion points include:Archie's journey to CogniWhy building for people's lifestyles is so importantWhether or not focusing on 18 - 35-year-olds is a riskHow they came to launch the digital gift card productHow Cogni navigated the pandemic to surviveWhy Web3 is so attractiveThe importance of reducing carbon footprintsWhether or not FDIC insurance is a must-haveLessons for fellow foundersRaising capitalAnd much more…

The Fintech Nexus weekly news show covers the top stories in fintech.This week's list of top stories includes:Ethereum switches to proof-of-stake consensus after completing The MergeMilk, Diapers and Checking Accounts: Banking Comes to WalmartEmbedded Finance Transactions Predicted to Jump to $7 Trillion by 2026: ReportVaro's CEO Addresses Missteps & Reveals the Neobank's Rebuilding PlanAmid a market of faltering crypto platforms, EDX Markets is bornFintech Ramp Introduces Network for SMB LendingJPMorgan Chase acquires payments fintech Renovite to help it battle Stripe and Block

On episode 64 I talk with Lily Liu, Founder & CEO of Piñata. Piñata®, the reward and credit building program for renters, lets you earn rewards, save on everyday expenses and boost your credit score for a sweeter rental experience. The rental market is changing. There is still a large segment that wants to own a home eventually, but more people than ever before want flexibility.Piñata comes in and helps them get credit for the rent they're paying. Piñata reports rental payments to the bureaus and offers rewards so renters can shop or save.Lily and I discuss some of the misconceptions about renters, the credit scoring system, her time politics, the psychology behind rewards for renters, raising capital, surfing, and a whole lot more.Without further ado, I present Lily Liu, Founder & CEO of Piñata. I hope you enjoy the episode.Episode discussion points include:Lily's journey to PiñataHer background in the public sectorThe problem Piñata is solving for rentersLily has paid more than $350,000 in rentThe different renter cohortsTransparency is the biggest problem with the credit scoring systemRewards are the primary reason renters sign up for PiñataHomeownership is better solved by the private sectorHomeownership is not the dream it once was$20 or $30 in cash back can be a big deal for consumers"You don't know what you don't know""Stay persistent"Recommended watching - The Offer on Paramount+

On episode 63 I talk with Brendon Kensel, CEO and Founder of PrimaHealth Credit. PrimaHealth Credit is a fintech company that's working to democratize access to healthcare by improving financing options available to patientsHealthcare is one of the top reasons why people go bankrupt. People do not always understand the terms they agree to take on, and providers typically hide fees within these plans.PrimaHealth Credit aims to solve this issue by making healthcare financing simple and straightforward. Brendan comes from the dental industry and has first-hand knowledge of the issues patients face.Brendon and I discuss the simplicity of their model, what procedures are covered through their platform, the complicated world of insurance, bank partners, how they approve close to 90 percent of borrowers, raising capital, and a whole lot more.Without further ado, I present Brendon Kensel, CEO and Founder of PrimaHealth Credit. I hope you enjoy the episode and be prepared to learn:Brendon's journey to PrimaHealth CreditWhat it's like to produce 50-plus rodeosThe inequities in healthcareThe problems with patient financingHow to move beyond the prime plus borrowerLesson's learned from his time in the dental industryBank partnershipsHow PrimaHealth is able to approve 89 percent of borrowers"Business plans typically don't survive contact with reality"Recommended reading: Amp It Up by Snowflake CEO Frank SlootmanRaising CapitalAnd much more…

The Fintech Nexus weekly news show covers the top stories in fintech.This week's list of top stories includes:The 30-Year-Old Spending $1 Billion to Save CryptoGoldman may tap brakes, again, on consumer unit's next big thingGoldman Sachs Should Kill Its Planned Marcus Checking AccountFintech Ramp Dives Into ‘Buy Now, Pay Later' Market With New ‘Flex' Offering For BusinessesAs Crypto Slumps, Goldman Sachs Aims for a Wall Street Built on BlockchainA showdown is coming over who is liable for P2P payments fraudCoinbase CEO says crypto exchange has ongoing plans to cut costs and is actively engaged with regulatorsAndreessen Horowitz Says Crypto Can Shift Power Away From Big Internet Companies: ReportBank of America Beefs Up Tech Offerings as Digital Logins Rise to a RecordTornado Cash sanctioned by US Department of Treasury, OFAC.Seedrs Tops £2 billion

On episode 62 I talk with Charles Phillips, Founder & CEO of Sawa Credit. Sawa Credit is creating a community debt servicing technology platform to help the underserved pay their bills so they don't lose their homes.Keeping people in their homes can have a profound impact, not only on the individual household but also on the community. Sawa ensures people stay in their homes with the help of the community.The concept dates back to Charles's childhood when his father ran the local church. He was able to offer help to his local community through the church. That sense of community is what drives the mission of Sawa. Charles and I discuss the impact of George Floyd's murder on Sawa's founding story, why the community should be the 5th C in accessing credit, paying it forward, credit scoring and the credit systems, raising capital, and a whole lot more.Without further ado, I present Charles Phillips, Founder & CEO of Sawa Credit. I hope you enjoy the episode and be prepared to learn:Charles's journey to Sawa CreditThe meaning behind the word SawaThe impact of his father and how he ran the local churchThe importance of communityThe 5 C's of creditThe credit scoring system and characterThe partnership with Comment Cents LabThe underserved debt market is $140bn annuallyHelping to crowd out predatory lendersHow to get people talking about money with good informationRaising capital"Be quick but don't hurry""Plan B is no plan"Recommended reading: The Once and Future King by T. H. WhiteAnd much more...

The Fintech Nexus weekly news show covers the top stories in fintech.This week's list of top stories includes:Federal Reserve Finalizes Guidelines for Access to Its Payment SystemsWhat Would A Bank Account From Apple Look Like?Can the Visa-Mastercard duopoly be broken?Affirm CEO Says Next Recession Will Silence Fintech Lender's DoubtersRising Interest Rates Put the Squeeze on Fintech LendersBitGo seeks $100M in damages from Galaxy Digital for calling off $1.2B acquisitionPoW vs PoS and why you should careCrypto Is Taking a Few Small Banks on a Wild RideFederal Reserve issues guidance for banks considering crypto activities

On episode 61 I talk with Stefanie Sample, Founder & CEO of Fundid. Fundid is driven by a mission to empower business owners on their growth journeys by simplifying business finance and access to capital.I have to say this might be my favorite episode thus far. Stefanie was incredibly candid and engaging, she is as passionate a founder as I've come across.The smallest of small businesses have never been served by banks, and as Stefanie points out, they really haven't been served by fintechs yet either. Most of these companies have fewer than 10 employees, and many have 1 or 2.Stefanie and I talked about some of the main barriers these small business owners face when looking to raise capital, why it's a myth you cannot serve these companies, how her marketing background played a crucial role in raising capital, and much more.Without further ado, I present Stefanie Sample, Founder & CEO of Fundid. I hope you enjoy the episode and be prepared to learn:Stefanie's journey to starting FundidHer extensive small business experienceWhy the problems with the PPP mobilized herHow she used her marketing expertise to solve CACBrex never served, nor were they focused on small businessesWhy the "can't make margins on SMBs" argument falls flatWhy coming from a small business is a differentiatorFailure rate metrics are misleadingTrust your gutFundraising: "I prepared for it as if I was like preparing for a battle."Play your own gameStefanie prefers reading email over booksAnd much more...

The Fintech Nexus weekly news show covers the top stories in fintech.This week's list of top stories includes:Plaid deal lets Wise customers use fintech apps bank-freeInside Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon's struggles to right his Marcus consumer banking unitU.S. Sanctions Crypto Platform Tornado Cash, Says It Laundered BillionsAlso thisFigure Teams With Visa to Improve Banking in a Box PlatformCFPB fines fintech Digit $2.7M over ‘faulty' savings algorithmCoinbase Under SEC Scrutiny Over Its Crypto-Staking ProgramsCoinbase Reports 63 Percent Drop in Revenue Amid Industry SlumpMarqeta Seeks New CEO, Founder Looks to New RoleUpstart earnings disappoint