IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Hey, fintech fam! 💜

It’s that time of year when my Apple Music app (no Spotify here!) reveals my “year in music.”

Proud to report: all my top artists are powerhouse female musicians. Check out my highlights in the Fintunes section below!

Speaking of incredible women, I’m thrilled to announce that The Academy of Fintech, our exclusive community at Fintech Is Femme, is now 45 founding members strong!

This elite group includes industry veterans, startup founders, global brand operators, and investors shaping the future of fintech. I can’t wait to see what magic this cohort creates together.

Want to join as a founding member? Reply to this email—we’ve got just five spots left!

Still deciding? Come to The Femmy Awards on December 9th in NYC.

Inspired by the first Academy Awards in 1929, this event kicks off our community with a celebration of excellence. We’re honoring icons Lule Demmissie and Sheila Lirio Marcelo.

Because when people think of fintech trailblazers, they’ll think of us. 👑

Now, onto the news!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NASDAQ

When Nasdaq moved to Times Square, it wasn’t just about swapping Wall Street for Broadway—it was about redefining the future.

That iconic tower? It’s not just a backdrop for photos; it’s a symbol of ambition. 

It’s where Whitney Wolfe Herd celebrated Bumble’s IPO, baby on her hip and a yellow power suit blazing. It’s where startups like yours take center stage.

And now, Nasdaq’s Fintech Trailblazer Contest is giving you the chance to step into the spotlight. 

It’s about amplifying the voices that are reshaping finance, from data-driven platforms to revolutionary investing tools.

The prize? Picture your company’s name in lights—literally—on Nasdaq’s tower in Times Square. 

Add a live experience of a Nasdaq bell ceremony, an exclusive interview on Trade Talks, and a guest spot on Humans of Fintech, and you’ve got a launchpad for greatness.

If you’re a fintech founder ready to change the game, this is your moment.

Applications for the 2024 contest are open—don’t wait to make history.

#TRENDING

What’s Up In Fintech

Every Thursday, I deliver the hottest fintech news and trends, keeping you updated with the most essential insights impacting the industry.

#1 Wealth Tech: Why It’s Time to Bet Big

The numbers don’t lie: Startups in the wealth management space have pulled in nearly $1.8 billion in funding this year—triple last year’s haul, according to Crunchbase data.

That’s a big deal in fintech, where investments have been down across most sectors.

What’s driving the surge? For years, the wealth management industry has catered to the ultra-rich, offering exclusive tools like private equity, tax shelters, and estate planning services. But startups are flipping the script, democratizing access to these strategies for the rest of us.

Some of the most notable funding winners this year include:

• Human Interest: Bringing 401(k) plans to small and medium businesses.

• Farther: A tech platform empowering investment advisers.

• Vanilla: Simplifying estate planning—because no one wants to leave their legacy in chaos.

In addition, early-stage founders are in charge of making wealth tech more inclusive and intuitive by tapping into a wide-open market: Women.

A few on my radar include:

• Alinea Invest, by Anam Lakhani and Eve Halimi, boasts a 90% female user base. They’re breaking barriers to entry, proving that women are eager to invest when given the tools to do so.

• Goodfin, founded by Anna Joo Fee, uses AI to unlock institutional-quality assets like blue-chip private equity and pre-IPO startups—no billionaire status required.

• Plenty, led by Emily Luk, offers a wealth tech platform to help couples manage money together. Because love is great, but clear financial planning? Even better.

Why this matters: While the days of huge robo-advisor rounds (looking at you, Wealthsimple and Betterment) have cooled, today’s startups are laser-focused on the next frontier:

• AI-powered platforms that make investing smarter and more accessible.

• Personalized portfolios tailored to your goals, not your tax bracket.

• Wealth tools that cut through complexity and fees, putting more power in your hands.

The Big Picture: These companies aren’t just chasing dollars—they’re shifting the narrative around who gets to build wealth. What was once reserved for the 0.1% is now becoming available to the merely well-to-do. With women poised to inherit a staggering $9 trillion in the coming years, building solutions for this market isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

And really, who better to lead the charge than women?

Reality check: AI can make your money work harder. And let’s be real—none of us have time to decode the fine print on tax-advantaged strategies while juggling careers and life.

The takeaway: Wealth tech is no longer just a playground for the ultra-rich. For women in fintech, it’s an opportunity to build, innovate, and grow in a space overdue for disruption. After all, there’s no better time to make wealth-building more inclusive—and no better people to lead the charge than us.

#2  Investrio Launches as Finance App for Solopreneurs

Investrio, a hybrid finance app for solopreneurs, debuts today at Techstars Demo Day. Designed to integrate personal and business finances, the startup's goal is to help the 42 million solopreneurs in the U.S. manage their money, unlock opportunities, and grow their net worth in a centralized app.

As Co-Founder Joyce Medeiros told me: Think of it as your personal CFO but without the expense of hiring one.

The platform's go-to-market strategy is to target women-owned businesses. Its mission is to help women earn, manage, and grow their money confidently.

Why it matters: Women are leading a revolution in entrepreneurship.

• Nearly half (47%) of new business owners in 2022 were women, a jump from 29% in 2019.

• The pandemic fueled this growth, as women started businesses to adapt to layoffs, childcare responsibilities, and the need for flexibility.

• Female entrepreneurs are also building businesses that better serve employees and communities.

But here’s the rub: despite making up almost half of new business owners, women still receive only 2% of venture capital funding.

Investrio’s edge: Co-founded by Latina entrepreneurs Medeiros and Laura Texidor, the app is built by women, for women. With backgrounds in engineering, finance, and marketing at Goldman Sachs and startups, they know the unique challenges female solopreneurs face:

• Managing expenses and taxes.

• Planning for long-term financial growth.

• Juggling personal and business finances without burning out.

The Big Picture: As I explore in my book, Fintech Feminists, the disparity in funding for female founders isn’t just frustrating—it’s economically shortsighted.

Women are driving growth in entrepreneurship, yet fintech often overlooks them as both a demographic to serve and as leaders to empower.

If fintech wants to fuel economic growth, it must do two things:

1. Equip female entrepreneurs with the tools to grow their businesses and wealth.

2. Ensure women are at the table designing products that meet their needs.

Investrio is a step in the right direction—a product to help women navigate the financial complexities of running a business and growing their wealth.

Bottom line: Women-owned businesses are booming but need tailored financial tools to thrive. Investrio proves that fintech’s future will thrive when women aren’t just part of the market—they lead it.

#3 Bitcoin Hits $100K: Why We Should Pay Attention

Bitcoin surged past $100,000 for the first time, fueled by post-election momentum and policy promises from President-elect Donald Trump, who has positioned himself as a crypto advocate.

The cryptocurrency climbed from $69,374 on Election Day to over $103,000 this week, marking a dramatic comeback from its lows just two years ago after the collapse of FTX.

Why it matters: Bitcoin’s historic rally signals a resurgence in interest in crypto and blockchain technologies, which have been polarizing yet transformative for financial services.

For us, this is a moment to assess opportunities in a sector that has consistently disrupted traditional finance. We cannot have our voices left out of the narrative.

Key insights:

1. Policy changes are coming: Trump’s pledge to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the planet” could lead to significant regulatory shifts. His appointment of Paul Atkins, a crypto advocate, to lead the SEC hints at a friendlier regulatory environment. This could mean new business opportunities in crypto innovation and compliance.

2. Institutional legitimacy: The approval of spot bitcoin ETFs earlier this year has drawn major institutional investors back into the crypto fold. With increased inflows, this rally feels less like the speculative bubble of 2021 and more like a step toward mainstream acceptance.

3. Fintech implications: Whether it’s integrating blockchain tech, launching crypto payment solutions, or building infrastructure for digital assets, the ripple effects of Bitcoin’s rise will inevitably shape fintech’s future.

The risks: Bitcoin remains a volatile asset, and this rally doesn’t erase its tumultuous history. From the FTX collapse to the 2021 crash, crypto has burned many investors before. As women continue to carve out leadership in fintech, this should serve as a reminder to weigh risks carefully before diving in.

The climate angle: Bitcoin mining’s energy-intensive nature remains a major drawback. With 45% of its energy sourced from coal, its environmental footprint is a sticking point. Fintech innovators should consider sustainable alternatives or energy-efficient blockchain solutions to align with ESG priorities.

What’s next:

• For founders: Keep an eye on the regulatory landscape. A less rigid SEC could lower barriers for launching blockchain-based products, but lighter regulation could also mean fewer safety nets for users.

• For investors: Spot bitcoin ETFs are making crypto more accessible to retail and institutional investors. If your fintech business deals with wealth management, there’s a clear opportunity to integrate crypto exposure into offerings.

• For professionals: Whether you’re a developer, compliance expert, or strategist, blockchain-based finance is poised to grow. This could be the time to skill up or pivot toward opportunities in digital assets.

Bottom line: The $100K milestone for Bitcoin is more than a flashy number—it’s a wake-up call. Crypto is back in the spotlight, and fintech leaders have a chance to shape its future. For women in the industry, this is the time to claim a seat at the table and drive innovation in a space that’s far from finished rewriting the rules of finance.

_{MARK YOUR CALENDARS}

Join us every Thursday to keep up with fintech events! These events are perfect for meeting people, learning new things, and connecting with our fintech community. Let's add these fun events to our schedules - I hope to see you there!

_{MONDAY, DECEMBER 9}

[NEW YORK] THE FEMMY AWARDS 🌟 

I hear it all the time…

“Nicole, there are a lot of women’s communities, but none that bring together the 20+ year industry veterans and the next generation.”

That’s precisely what we’re building at The Academy of Fintech by Fintech Is Femme.

Trailblazers with decades of experience stand shoulder-to-shoulder with emerging innovators to rewrite fintech rules in this community.

With 40 founding members and counting, we’re creating a space where women and allies connect, collaborate, and thrive. Whether you’ve been leading in this industry for years or are charting your first path, this is where growth happens:

💼 Closing funding rounds

🚀 Launching and scaling startups

🤝 Making investor connections

🎯 Landing dream opportunities

And now, it’s time to celebrate this powerhouse community. On December 9th in NYC, join us for the Femmy Awards, our signature event honoring the trailblazers redefining fintech.

Here’s what to expect:

📸 Pro headshots to elevate your brand (I'm bringing my friend and fashion photographer to the event—come ready).

🎤 Inspiring keynotes + awards featuring icons Lule Demmissie and Sheila Lirio Marcelo

🤝 Networking with industry leaders and rising stars

🎶 Great food, music, and unbeatable vibes

Attire: Dress to Impress.

Ready to be part of it?

RSVP now and join us in shaping the future of fintech.

_FINTUNES

🎵 Ariana Grande - eternal sunshine

Ari has secured the impressive position of my second favorite artist of the year. It's no wonder, as this album is flawless from start to finish, making it ideal for working, writing, and simply enjoying the vibe. Curious about my top artist of the year? Stay tuned for the reveal in an upcoming newsletter!

_{LET’S CONNECT}

📰 Share this newsletter with a friend and start growing your network.

🔗 Connect with me on LinkedIn for daily insights on female leadership.

🤝 Grow your business through content & community by partnering with me.

📣 Promote yourself to 50,000 subscribers by sponsoring this newsletter.

🎤 Host an epic event by booking me as a speaker, moderator, or emcee.

📚 Increase your expertise by ordering your copy of my book, Fintech Feminists: Increasing Inclusion, Redefining Innovation, and Changing the Future for Women Around the World.

That wraps up today’s edition—thanks for reading! Until next week, keep innovating and challenging the status quo. See you Tuesday!

Love,

Nicole 💜