The Vestigo FinTech Podcast

AI is reshaping the financial services industry faster than ever—but what does that mean for subsectors like WealthTech, investing, and the future of exits? In this recording of the Vestigo Ventures' Future of FinTech Webinar, Frazer is joined by Vestigo Ventures' Mark Casady, Ian Sheridan, Nick Kim, and Dave Blundin to break down: How AI is driving a massive transformation in WealthTech, from compliance automation to AI-augmented decision-making The key factors that separate winning AI startups from weaker ones—and why go-to-market strategy is now the biggest differentiator The latest advancements in AI infrastructure, chip development, and hyperscalers—and how they're shaping the future of financial services Why 2025 could mark the long-awaited reopening of the IPO window and what it means for founders, investors, and liquidity in the venture ecosystem From generative AI in wealth management to the next wave of exits, this conversation unpacks the biggest opportunities and risks shaping the year ahead.  

What does China's race to zero-cost energy mean for AI, automation, and the future of global business? In this episode, Frazer and Ray discuss: > How China's energy strategy and AI development could reshape the future of global industries and competitive dynamics > How automation and the rise of the "robot economy" are transforming labor markets and redefining economic power > Why the future of AI and enterprise adoption will depend on controlling energy, data, and compute—and who's positioned to win — Ray Wang, a tech luminary, is the Co-Founder & Chairman of Constellation Research, a Bestselling Author, and a Keynote speaker. Renowned for his insights into digital transformation and enterprise technology, Ray's expertise stems from influential roles at Altimeter Research and Forrester Research. His bestselling books, including "Disrupting Digital Business" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," delve deep into the impact of digital technologies on business models.  

Ned Koh of Aaru, Guy Assad of Clerkie, and Samir Dutta of Farsight AI sit down with David Blundin and Frazer Anderson of Vestigo Ventures at the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos to share how they're leveraging technology and AI innovation to transform industries. In this panel, they discuss: Where the real profits are being generated in AI systems Why timing is everything for entrepreneurs to seize opportunities  Strategies for navigating the pace of innovation in AI  -- To learn more about how Ned is predicting the world's events with Aaru, visit its website: https://aaru.com/ To learn more about how Guy is automating the full debt life cycle at Clerkie, visit its website: https://www.clerkie.io/ To learn more about how Samir is leveraging AI agents to automate the most complex tasks in financial services with Farsight AI, visit its website: https://farsight-ai.com/ To learn more about how Dave and Frazer are accelerating the AI age in financial services at Vestigo Ventures, visit its website: https://www.vestigoventures.com/

Daniela Rus, Director of MIT's CSAIL, joins Frazer to explore the intersection of leadership, innovation, and the transformative potential of AI.  In this episode, they discuss: How CSAIL has become a global leader in AI and robotics, driving breakthroughs that impact industries worldwide. The essential frameworks for deploying AI ethically and efficiently while building trust in intelligent machines. The role of visionary leadership in using AI to address challenges, inspire innovation, and shape a sustainable, tech-enabled future. — Daniela Rus is the Director of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) at MIT and the Andrew (1956) and Erna Viterbi Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. A trailblazer in robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, Daniela's groundbreaking research spans soft robotics, underwater exploration, and autonomous systems. Her innovations include printable robots that unfold into functional machines, underwater robots for coral and fish studies, and algorithms for self-driving cars. An IEEE Fellow and member of the National Academy of Engineering, Daniela has earned numerous accolades, including the Engelberger Award for robotics and the IEEE Edison Medal. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from Cornell University.  

What does it take to turn a bold vision into a transformative business, especially in a complex, data-driven industry like insurance? In this episode, Frazer and Ashwin discuss:  > How applying first principles and balancing operational grit with strategic vision can turn complex markets into playgrounds of opportunity. > Why product differentiation and data transparency are key to disrupting traditional markets and building scalable, impactful businesses. > The value of leveraging technology to automate compliance processes, reduce operational friction, and unlock new growth opportunities in financial services. --- Ashwin Agarwal is the CEO & Co-Founder of Advocate, a high-growth technology company providing modern insurance operations for the commercial real estate space. Before founding Advocate in 2020, Ashwin was the lead insurance and technology investor at Elysium, the multi-billion-dollar family office of the Founder of Apollo Global Management. At Elysium, he sat on the boards of Convene, ITMA, Risk Settlements and Augustus Specialty. Prior to private equity, Ashwin worked in the TMT investment banking group at Goldman Sachs.

How can businesses leverage AI to create data-driven solutions and scale efficiently in today's competitive FinTech environment? In this episode, Frazer and Conor discuss: > How AI is transforming business innovation by enabling companies to reimagine workflows, fuel growth opportunities, and expand market reach beyond mere cost-saving > Why a strong data strategy is crucial for leveraging AI to drive precise and confident decision-making > How generative AI is democratizing advanced technology by lowering skill barriers and making it accessible for businesses of all sizes - - -  Conor Twomey is an accomplished executive with over 15 years of experience in addressing complex data challenges for leading global corporations. He is currently an AI Co-Founder at Stealth Startup. Conor is the former Head of AI Strategy at KX, a pioneer in real-time data analytics and decision intelligence. Under his leadership, KX successfully transitioned from a time-series database company to the Enterprise AI platform of choice for large-scale AI implementations. Before this role, Conor managed a 400-person organization encompassing Presales, Professional Services, Support, Managed Services, and Customer Success Management.  Renowned for his insights on data and AI, Conor is a sought-after speaker and contributor on frontier technology topics, including Data, Analytics, Machine Learning, AI, and Generative AI.

In this recording from our 2024 Annual General Meeting, Dave and Mark discuss: The importance of early career diversity and gathering varied experiences before specialization The role of technological spikes such as the PC and internet in shaping wealth creation, but the next AI-driven spike is expected to surpass previous waves significantly  Why you need to run hard during windows of innovation  AI's low barrier to entry in changing how talent and innovation are leveraged

In this recording from our 2024 Annual General Meeting, Ian Sheridan, Managing Director at Vestigo Ventures is joined by Vestigo portfolio founders in a panel on building capital-efficient businesses in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape. John Cottongim, Co-Founder and CTO of Roots Automation, Jimmy Hatzell, Co-Founder and CEO of Hatz AI, and Emma Zhang, Co-Founder and CEO of PactFi, dive into the strategies they've implemented to achieve capital and operational efficiency at their respective startups: As Roots Automation matures from early-stage R&D, it now focuses on product cost efficiency and cost trends, with attention to second-level KPIs like the rate of change in pricing Hatz AI shortened its time to market by augmenting its engineering team with AI to write, review, and document code faster and more efficiently PactFi leverages larger, more established vendors as well as strategic design partners to build a trustworthy and secure platform for the large alternative asset managers in the world  

In this recording from our 2024 Annual General Meeting, Mark and Charles discuss: The importance of deep relationships among co-founders in shaping company culture Technical debt is a constant concern that requires attention and balance with new features AI as a tool to enhance human intelligence rather than a replacement  

Ever wondered how to navigate the complexities of FinTech innovation and leverage AI for your startup's success? In this episode, Frazer and Kris discuss: Building and scaling FinTech startups, including strategic leverage, technology adoption, and effective partnerships with banks The importance of measuring and managing complexity within banking systems to drive innovation and efficiency The transformative potential of AI in financial services, enhancing customer experiences and streamlining processes --- Kris Hansen is the CTO at Sagard. His extensive background includes a mix of technology startups and banking and payments architecture roles. Previously, Kris was the CTO and Co-Founder at Synctera, a bank-as-a-service marketplace connecting community banks and consumer-facing Fintech firms. He also served as the Chief Technology Officer at KOHO Financial, Canada's leading challenger bank, and at Portage Ventures, a Fintech-focused venture capital firm. Before these roles, he was the Head of Solution Architecture at the Royal Bank of Canada and the Chief Architect at ATB Financial. Early in his career, Kris created one of the first internet service providers in Canada and established one of the largest Hawaiian professional services firms. Additionally, through his angel investment company 4Utopia Inc., Kris is a pre-seed angel investor and advisor for high-potential technology companies.

Curious about the evolving landscape of growth equity investments in the FinTech sector and the role of AI in shaping the future of finance? In this episode, we discuss:  How FinTech and AI are reshaping financial services and investment strategies Opportunities for applications of LLM technologies within financial services Matt's learnings from being a member of the Goldman FinTech mafia Matt Alfieri is a partner at Centana Growth Partners, leading investments and serving on boards in the financial services, FinTech, and related software sectors. Prior to this role, he spent 9 years at Goldman Sachs, focusing on financial technology, market structures, and enterprise software, where he was both an investment banker and served on the principal investment group.

How is AI reshaping geopolitical complexities and the competitive landscape of enterprise? In this episode, we discuss:  The complexities of AI markets, from navigating open source versus closed systems to balancing innovation and margins in AI-as-a-service models AI in Enterprise: Scaling Startups vs. Incumbent Giants The geopolitical impact of AI on Middle Eastern energy politics and China's techno-authoritarianism Ray Wang, a tech luminary, is the Co-Founder & Chairman of Constellation Research, a Bestselling Author, and a Keynote speaker. Renowned for his insights into digital transformation and enterprise technology, Ray's expertise stems from influential roles at Altimeter Research and Forrester Research. His bestselling books, including "Disrupting Digital Business" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," delve deep into the impact of digital technologies on business models.  

What role does AI technology play in shaping the businesses of the future? In this episode, we discuss: What it takes to build an AI business on today's most cutting edge technology stack The challenges and opportunities presented by the new digital divide Building technology for small business customers Jimmy Hatzell, a seasoned SaaS startup professional, is the CEO and co-founder of Hatz AI, revolutionizing AI as a service for small businesses through MSPs. His leadership at Hatz follows a successful tenure as VP of Revenue at CyberQP, where he significantly contributed to revenue growth and strategic product direction. He continues to influence the company as an advisor.   

Victor Cheng is a CEO Coach and independent board member for founders of SaaS companies. He has been featured as a business expert by major media outlets including MSNBC, TIME magazine, and The Wall Street Journal, Victor is a former McKinsey & Company consultant and has been a senior executive in several publicly owned technology companies. He's the author of Extreme Revenue Growth: Startup Secrets to Growing Your Sales from $1 Million to $25 Million in Any Industry   Vipul Shah is a Co-founder & CEO at SaaSWorks. SaaSWorks is the first purpose-built Continuous Finance Platform, powering the single source of truth for Subscription, FinTech, and Payments businesses and delivering accurate data, timely signals, and peace of mind. Prior to founding SaaSWorks, Vipul held Managing Director or Managing Partner roles at the likes of ArrowMark Partners, Brightwood Capital, SVT Capital, and Goldman Sachs, where he invested in mid-market private equity, growth equity, and debt across the SaaS, software, and tech-enabled services sectors.  

In this exclusive interview from our Annual General Meeting this past October, Frazer Anderson sat down with general partners Mark Casady and Dave Blundin to discuss the profound differences between blockchain and AI, with a focus on the transformative impact of neural networks. The interview explores concrete examples of AI applications in financial services, emphasizing the imminent shifts in customer service, risk management, and coding practices. Casady and Blundin also share perspectives on the adoption of AI in enterprises, discussing the challenges and opportunities in navigating this technological revolution. The interview concludes with insights on attracting top talent and fostering a dynamic learning environment. Watch as these industry veterans provide valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of financial technology and artificial intelligence.

Scott J. Alberi is a founder of Fc Centripetal and has been an institutional technology investor since 1999. As a professional institutional investor for over 20 years, Scott has researched, analyzed, advised, and invested in hundreds of public enterprise technology companies. His career began at Eminence Capital in 1999, where he spent 19 years focusing on Enterprise Technology, Media, and Internet companies. He later joined Point72 as a Technology, Media, and Telecom Portfolio Manager before founding Fc Centripetal in 2022, an enterprise technology program that aims to de-risk and accelerate innovative solutions for enterprise IT architecture and security.

John Markell has over 20 years technology industry experience having worked as an engineer, project manager and investment banker. His career in finance began at JP Morgan in New York and he has worked in New York, Toronto, London, and San Francisco as an investment banker prior to co-founding Armentum over 11 years ago. John has an MBA, a degree in Engineering Mathematics, and he is also a Licensed Professional Engineer.

Oliver Belin is a thought leader in Supply Chain Finance with over 13 years of experience in this sector. He is the CEO of Calculum.ai, a company leveraging AI to generate Free Cash Flow by optimizing payment terms. During his career, he worked for leading institutions in Supply Chain Finance, such as PrimeRevenue, GSCF and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., where he was responsible for setting up and managing multiple trade finance programs for multinational clients. In 2008, Oliver founded Swiss Commercial Capital, a company specialized in trade finance solutions, which was successfully sold to Macquarie Bank. In 2011, he released the book Supply Chain Finance Solutions, published by Springer. He holds a Master's degree in Finance and Capital Markets from the University of St. Gallen.

Peter McKee is the co-founder & CEO of Aeqium, a total compensation management platform. Prior to founding Aeqium, he spent his career leading teams as an engineering manager in the tech industry and as a cyber warfare officer in the US Army. He experienced the challenges of compensation planning firsthand as a leader at fast growing companies like Uber and Braze. Peter studied computer science at MIT and graduated with bachelor's and master's degrees.  

Austin McChord is a relentless entrepreneur whom many of you will know as the founder and CEO of Datto, which was recently sold to Kasaya for $6.2 billion dollars. He is also a founder at Casana (a medical device company where he is the CEO), Havoc Robotics, Outsiders Fund, and serves on the boards of Zorus and Shelf. Perhaps most importantly for this show, he is a co-founder and chairman at Cork, a cybersecurity solution for managed service providers (MSPs - heads up I'm going to use that term a lot in this episode). Carlson Choi is a co-founder and CEO of Cork. Prior to founding Cork, Carlson held technology leadership roles at Datto, Superluminal, Jack in the Box, Jollibee Foods Corporation, Mattel, and Activision Blizzard. He has dedicated his career to launching disruptive industry product and solutions from the earlier days of online digital gaming, digital to life toys, and mobile food ordering.  

Asiff Hirji is a Director at Forge (formerly Equidate), one of the largest private company equity marketplaces and custodians, and an advisory board member for Vestigo Ventures and NuBank. Before his current roles, Asiff had a truly remarkable career as a technologist, operator, and investor. Most recently, he was President of Figure, a blockchain-based fintech lender. Prior to joining Figure, Asiff was the COO and President at Coinbase, an Operating Advisor at a16z, Chief Restructuring Officer at Hewlett Packard, and President and COO of TD Ameritrade. In addition, Asiff has also held senior leadership positions at TPG Capital, Saxo Bank, and Bain Capital.

Frazer speaks with the founders of SaaSWorks, Vipul Shah (CEO) and Jim O'Neill (CTO), where they each discuss their paths into entrepreneurship and how their experiences drove them to start SaaSWorks.

Frazer speaks with the General Partner of Portage Ventures, Steph Choo, where they discuss her path into FinTech and how she views the ever-changing world of FinTech.

Jon McNeill is a former President of Tesla, COO of Lyft, and 7x founder. He is currently the CEO of DVx, a company creation platform that he co-founded. In this episode of The Vestigo FinTech Podcast, he shares what it means to be a company that creates companies, Elon Musk stories, his influences, and what excites him about the future.

Christie Horvath is the CEO & Co-Founder of Wagmo. In this episode, they discuss her experiences and lessons learned as a founder, from ideation to realization.    

Tommy Nicholas is the CEO & Co-Founder of Alloy, which recently reached unicorn status with a $100M Series C financing led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, valuing the company at $1.35B.

Guy Assad is the CEO of Clerkie. In this episode, Frazer and Guy discuss debt-automation, frameworks for company building, and the future of FinTech.

We sit down with Vestigo Ventures' Managing Partner Mark Casady to discuss his career across financial services and venture capital, and to hear some stories and lessons along the way.