Interviews with Leaders in Fintech & Web3

Work in Fintech

Hear from industry leaders about what is fintech and web3, how to get into it and how to make a mark in the fastest growing sector in the world. Work in Fintech Founder Matt Cheung teams up with Founder Members to interview fintech and web3 founders, CEOs and CTOs about what you can do to gain an edge in fintech and web3. Essential listening for any student, young professional or curious person looking to secure a role in fintech, web3, banking or finance. #fintech #web3

  1. How Christian Nentwich Built a $100M+ Fintech Business

    16 JUIL.

    How Christian Nentwich Built a $100M+ Fintech Business

    In this episode, we are joined by Christian Nentwich, founder of Duco, a B2B data automation company valued at over $100 million. Christian shares how he started his first business, how he entered the world of fintech, the challenges he faced while scaling a company, and the mistakes he made that, if avoided, could have accelerated Duco’s growth. He also explains why B2B fintech is one of the best, yet most difficult businesses to be in, and why being exceptionally good at sales, along with having resilience and a never-give-up attitude, is crucial when dealing with $100K+ ticket-size deals. What makes his story even more compelling is that both startups he founded were ahead of their time, offering cloud and automation solutions when banks and financial institutions weren’t ready. Duco nearly failed before a major market shift in 2015 turned the tide. If you’re building in fintech, SaaS, or enterprise tech, this episode is full of deep insights and actionable lessons from someone who's been through it all. Connect with Christian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiannentwich Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

    44 min
  2. The Secret to Paying Off Your Mortgage Faster: Jinesh Vora’s Game-Changing Fintech

    22 JANV.

    The Secret to Paying Off Your Mortgage Faster: Jinesh Vora’s Game-Changing Fintech

    Jinesh Vora, Founder and CEO of Sprive, shares his journey from a corporate career at Goldman Sachs to launching his own fintech startup aimed at helping homeowners pay off their mortgages faster. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in the mortgage market, the importance of financial education, and the strategies for growth and networking in the fintech space. Jinesh emphasises the need for innovation in personal finance and the potential for fintech to disrupt traditional banking practices. Takeaways Janesh's entrepreneurial spirit was influenced by his familyThe idea for Sprive was born from personal experiences with mortgagesFinancial literacy is crucial for making informed financial decisionsNetworking is essential for startup success and finding the right talentUnderstanding mortgage terms can empower users to make better choicesEntrepreneurship offers unlimited potential compared to corporate jobsChapters 00:00 From Corporate to Startup: The Journey Begins 02:47 Identifying Pain Points: The Birth of Sprive 06:04 Innovating the Mortgage Market: Sprive's Unique Approach 09:13 Financial Education: Empowering Users for Better Decisions 11:59 Growth Strategies: Navigating the Fintech Landscape 14:56 Building a Network: The Key to Entrepreneurial Success 18:14 Hiring for Success: Skills and Experience in Fintech 20:59 Reflections on Career Choices: Corporate vs. Startup Life 24:12 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Taking the Leap 26:58 Conclusion: The Future of Sprive and Personal Finance Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

    33 min
  3. Mike Hudack on Building Fintech Unicorns: Lessons from Monzo, Facebook, and Deliveroo

    23/11/2024

    Mike Hudack on Building Fintech Unicorns: Lessons from Monzo, Facebook, and Deliveroo

    Mike Hudak shares his journey from dropping out of high school to becoming a prominent figure in the fintech industry. He discusses his experiences at various startups, including Facebook, Monzo, Deliveroo, Blip TV and Sling Money, his latest venture. Mike reflects on the differences between the UK and US startup ecosystems, the challenges of raising capital, and the importance of product management in building successful companies. He emphasises the need for dynamism in the UK to foster growth and innovation. Mike discusses the evolution of team autonomy as a technology, the inception of Sling as a global payment solution, and the challenges of navigating regulation in the financial landscape. He emphasises the importance of user experience in blockchain technology, outlines potential revenue models for Sling, and offers valuable advice for the next generation entering the workforce during a time of rapid technological change. Takeaways Mike dropped out of high school due to a lack of interest in traditional education and learned coding at home before taking a job at a startup.Transitioning to Facebook was like moving from the minor leagues to playing for Yankees.Persistence and learning from failures are key to success.Product management is crucial for aligning teams and ensuring project success. The product way of working is a form of technology.Timing is critical in the tech industry.Embracing novelty and risk is essential for career growth.The current era is a golden age of technological advancement.Learning from mistakes is vital for personal and professional development.Future careers will be shaped by emerging technologies.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mike Hudak and His Journey 01:00 Dropping Out of High School: A Personal Choice 04:15 The Birth of Blip TV: A Startup Adventure 07:12 Transitioning to Facebook: Learning in a Big League 09:54 Moving Back to the UK: A Personal Perspective 13:17 Starting a New Company: Insights on the UK Startup Scene 17:28 Navigating the Startup Ecosystem: Challenges and Opportunities 22:05 The Role of Product Management: A Key to Success 24:53 The Technology of Team Autonomy 27:07 The Birth of Sling: A Global Payment Solution 34:38 Navigating Regulation in the Financial Landscape 37:55 Building a User-Friendly Blockchain Experience 41:13 Revenue Models and Future Growth 46:23 Embracing Change: Advice for the Next Generation https://twitter.com/mhudack Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

    51 min
  4. Building Fintech Success: Christian Faes Shares Insights on Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Resilience

    18/10/2024

    Building Fintech Success: Christian Faes Shares Insights on Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Resilience

    In this episode of Interviews with Leaders in Fintech & Web3, we sit down with serial entrepreneur Christian Faes, Co-Founder and Chairman of LendInvest and Founder of Faes & Co, to explore his remarkable journey from lawyer to fintech leader. Christian recounts his transition from practicing law in Australia to becoming a major player in the fintech industry. He shares how he built LendInvest into a market leader, tackled the challenges of scaling the business, and the hard-earned lessons from taking the company public. Now launching a new venture in the US, Christian provides invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, the importance of resilience, and the ongoing disruption of financial services through technology. In this conversation, he debunks misconceptions about entrepreneurship, reflects on the realities of IPOs, compares the UK and US fintech markets, and highlights the supportive ecosystem in London. He also stresses the importance of building a profitable business while enjoying the journey along the way. Whether you're a fintech enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is filled with practical advice for building a sustainable business in a rapidly evolving industry. https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianfaes/ https://x.com/ChristianFaes https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcheung50/ Chapters 00:00 From Law to FinTech: Christian's Journey 03:45 Building LendInvest: Challenges and Successes 08:08 The Reality of Entrepreneurship: Misconceptions and Hard Work 12:37 IPO Insights: The Holy Grail of Entrepreneurship 17:27 Navigating Market Perceptions: UK vs US FinTech 20:29 Supporting FinTech: The Founders Group Initiative 24:15 Political Climate and Its Impact on FinTech 27:55 Why the US? Christian's Move and New Ventures 30:42 Building a New Lending Business: Strategies and Focus 34:02 The Ideal Founding Team: Traits and Dynamics 36:08 Breaking into FinTech: No Prerequisites Needed 37:54 Reflections on Career Choices: Learning from Mistakes Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

    42 min
  5. Unraveling Retail Trading: Insights from Elina Pedersen on Fintech Innovations and Leadership

    04/10/2024

    Unraveling Retail Trading: Insights from Elina Pedersen on Fintech Innovations and Leadership

    Eager to unravel the intricacies of retail trading and fintech innovations? Join us as Elina Pedersen, the dynamic co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Your Bourse, shares her fascinating journey from the fast-paced world of Admiral Markets to spearheading her own venture. Through Elina's insights, gain a unique perspective on the rise of retail trading and how it sets itself apart from the institutional giants. She offers an inside look at the motivations behind launching Your Bourse, emphasising the critical role of technology in bridging gaps for retail brokerages and enhancing trading safety and conditions. In an enlightening conversation, we cover the transformative trends shaking up retail trading, from the essential role of data centres and low latency to the emergence of brokers crafting their own trading interfaces. Elina provides an honest account of navigating the competitive fintech landscape, particularly as a female leader in a predominately male field. She discusses the hurdles faced by startup brokers and the pivotal importance of education and advanced tools for success. As we reflect on the historical evolution of the trading industry, Elina's candid insights leave us pondering what, if anything, she would change about her remarkable career. Takeaways Retail trading is speculative trading for personal gain.Elina's journey from marketing to CEO showcases rapid growth.Identifying gaps in the market led to the creation of Your Bourse.Your Bourse connects brokerages to execution venues and risk management.Low latency is crucial for trading efficiency and scalability.AI is simplifying developer tasks but won't replace them.Prop trading is a new trend in the retail trading space.Gold remains a popular trading instrument due to its predictability.The broker technology space is competitive and knowledge-intensive.Leadership requires transparency, feedback, and addressing blockers. Elina Pederson https://www.linkedin.com/in/elina-pedersen-59676014/ Matt Cheung https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcheung50/ Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

    31 min
  6. Secrets of Sales Leadership Revealed: Tamsin Hobley's Journey to the Top at SIX

    27/09/2024

    Secrets of Sales Leadership Revealed: Tamsin Hobley's Journey to the Top at SIX

    Summary Tamsin Hobley, Country Head for UK and Ireland at SIX, shares her journey in the finance industry and the importance of sales leadership and strategic sales. She emphasises the value of curiosity, listening, and building relationships in sales. Tamsin also discusses the role of SIX in the financial industry, including its various business units and its focus on technology. She highlights the significance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in the industry and the need for companies to comply with ESG standards. Tamsin talks about the importance of culture in the workplace, supporting working parents, and promoting diversity and inclusion. She offers advice for aspiring leaders, emphasising the importance of being brave, trying new things, and being open to diverse perspectives. Tamsin also discusses the future of SIX and her interest in non-executive roles and giving back. Takeaways Curiosity and building relationships are key in sales.ESG compliance is important for companies in the finance industry.Culture, support for working parents, and diversity and inclusion are crucial in the workplace.Leaders should be open to diverse perspectives and communicate effectively.The future of SIX involves innovation, growth, and potential non-executive roles. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Tamsin Hobley's Background 03:27 Transition from Retail Banking to Sales Leadership 08:54 The Importance of Learning from Experience in Sales 16:46 The Significance of ESG and Diversity in the Financial Sector 21:55 Building a Supportive Culture and Fostering Leadership 29:41 The Role of Diversity of Thought in Leadership 33:55 Effective Communication and Listening as a Leader 38:23 Future Plans and Giving Back Tamsin Hobley https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamsinhobley/ Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

    39 min
  7. Surrounding Yourself With Exceptional People - William Quigley (Part 2), co-founder of Tether & Wax, first institutional investor in Paypal

    05/09/2024

    Surrounding Yourself With Exceptional People - William Quigley (Part 2), co-founder of Tether & Wax, first institutional investor in Paypal

    In his second appearance on the Work in Fintech podcast William Quigley and Matt Cheung discuss career options, education, big companies vs startups and it what it takes to succeed when you start your own company. William Quigley, a long-time VC - he was Paypal's first institutional investor - and entrepreneur, from gaming to blockchain  (he cofounded Tether and WAX) shares his insights on: Foundational skills, such as critical thinking, are valuable in career development.A university education can provide a broad set of skills and opportunities.Working in a large, established company can offer exposure to exceptional business practices and experienced professionals.Assessing the financial health of a company and understanding market perceptions is important for career stability.Identifying opportunities and launching new products or services requires assessing market demand and managing resources effectively. Finding a co-founder or small team is important when starting a startup to share the workload and bring complementary skills.Assessing who would work well as a co-founder is a skill that needs to be developed.Consider the amount of capital needed and the potential for growth when deciding whether to raise funding.Surround yourself with exceptional people who challenge and push you to grow.Curiosity is a key trait for entrepreneurs and can lead to insights and new business ideas.Assess the size and potential growth of an industry to guide career decisions and identify opportunities.https://x.com/williamequigley https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcheung50/ Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

    1 h 4 min

À propos

Hear from industry leaders about what is fintech and web3, how to get into it and how to make a mark in the fastest growing sector in the world. Work in Fintech Founder Matt Cheung teams up with Founder Members to interview fintech and web3 founders, CEOs and CTOs about what you can do to gain an edge in fintech and web3. Essential listening for any student, young professional or curious person looking to secure a role in fintech, web3, banking or finance. #fintech #web3