In partnership with

Hi, fintech fam! 💜

Still writing to you from Istanbul! 

It’s my last night here before I fly back to NYC tomorrow, and even though I’ve been here a week, I still haven’t quite adjusted to the time difference—meaning I’ve been up ‘til 3 AM most nights writing and prepping for the Fintech Is Femme Leadership Summit.

I’m beyond grateful that my work has taken me to many incredible cities: Mumbai, Amsterdam, and Istanbul.

But can I get an amen from my fellow founders struggling to make the most of your travels while still needing to work?

Let’s be real, I can’t exactly take PTO and completely disconnect. It’s something I still wrestle with as an entrepreneur.

But hey, life is full, chaotic, and beautiful—even if it means I’m currently running on fumes. (I’m definitely not judging myself for my third espresso shot next to me as I write this…)

Let’s dive into today’s column.

INNOVATION

Building, Fundraising, and Winning in Fintech: The Strategy Playbook

Throughout the month, I’ve written about history-making women who kicked down fintech’s doors, the strategies behind playing big to win, and expert fundraising advice from the women leading our industry.

But as I’ve continued to write and reflect on their journeys, one thing is clear: the future of fintech is in our hands, and the playbook for building, fundraising, and scaling a fintech company is already written—we just need to follow it.

As I share in my book, Fintech Feminists, women leaders in fintech are not just reaching new communities—they are driving global economic activity.

They are reshaping financial services and opening doors to wealth-building for their communities. What could be more powerful than that?

Here’s what I’ve learned from interviewing hundreds of founders, CEOs, and business leaders in fintech: Necessity is the mother of invention. 

These women are inspired by their first-hand experience with the challenges they address.

Whether they are immigrants, mothers, investors, or entrepreneurs, they have deep empathy for the problems facing their communities, and they leverage fintech as a tool to create innovative solutions.

That’s why financial inclusion isn’t just a goal—it’s a critical part of broader social inclusion. After all, access to financial services is key to full participation in the economy.

To bring these lessons to life, I’m taking these women off the page and into The Times Center for the Fintech Is Femme Leadership Summit on April 23 during New York Fintech Week.

The boldest risk of my career—a 500-attendee summit—will be a platform for learning from the most innovative leaders in fintech.

These women are leading the charge and sharing their tactics, strategies, and advice for success.

#1 Angel Rich: Founder & CEO, CreditRich—Leveling the Playing Field

If there’s one thing Angel Rich proves, it’s that women in fintech are rewriting the rules by creating their own playbooks. Angel founded CreditRich, a neo-bank and credit-building platform that raised $100 million in Series B funding and hit a $1 billion valuation.

Her success didn’t come easily—and instead of succumbing to barriers, she created her own path.

The How: Angel teaches us that to succeed, you must shift the financial paradigm. Make tools like credit building and financial education accessible to everyone. Don’t just create products—rebuild outdated systems that empower historically underserved communities. Those markets are wide open for innovation—and the big enterprise contracts follow.

Her advice? Be the Trojan Horse. Let others underestimate you because it gives you the space to play the long game and come out on top.

Trust the process and let them watch as you create lasting change.

#2 Anna Joo Fee: Founder & CEO, Goodfin—Embracing Risk & Diversity

Anna Joo Fee, founder of Goodfin, knows that the wealth gap isn’t just a social issue—it’s a business opportunity.

Goodfin gives people access to institutional-quality assets like private equity and pre-IPO startups, assets traditionally reserved for the ultra-wealthy.

As Anna says, “Wealth is about owning,” and by democratizing access to high-return investments, Goodfin is helping a new generation of investors build long-term wealth.

The How: Anna’s journey teaches us that embracing risk is essential for innovation.

Sometimes, it means stepping away from the prestige of your career and trusting in your entrepreneurial vision. Because  “Without risk, there’s no reward,” she says.

Focus on diversity—not only in your teams but also in your products. When fintech embraces inclusive solutions, it unlocks growth potential for all.

When you diversify, you expand opportunities and create real impact.

#3 Asya Bradley: Multi-Exited Founder & Super Angel Investor—Strategic Partnerships & Mentorship

With 20 years of experience in fintech, Asya Bradley has built and exited multiple companies, including Kinly, a neobank dedicated to generational wealth for Black Americans.

Asya’s strategic brilliance comes from her ability to form authentic partnerships and lead with emotional intelligence.

The How: Asya teaches us that it’s about taking action now, not waiting for the perfect moment.

Surround yourself with a network that aligns with your values and vision.

To succeed in fintech, you need to push boundaries, challenge norms, and fail forward.

Her advice is clear: Invest in your authenticity—don’t wait for permission to take risks. Build your future today, with conviction and clarity.

#4 Elizabeth Gore: Co-Founder & President, Hello Alice—Make Capital Accessible

Elizabeth Gore and Carolyn Rodz co-founded Hello Alice, a fintech platform that connects over 1.5 million small businesses to capital, education, and connections.

They’ve distributed over $50 million in grants, and their Series C funding brought their valuation to $130 million.

The How: Elizabeth teaches us that making capital accessible isn’t just about securing funding—it’s about creating networks, offering education, and building real relationships with the people and organizations that can help you grow.

Financial literacy is just as important as funding. You must simplify the process and make it easy for underserved communities to access the resources they need.

#5 Kelly Uphoff: Chief Technology Officer, Tala—The Power of Data

As Chief Technology Officer at Tala, Kelly Uphoff ensures that the company delivers products that empower customers to build credit, start businesses, and access capital in places where traditional banking fails.

Tala serves over 10 million customers globally, using data science and machine learning to create personalized solutions.

The How: Kelly shows us that data is power. In fintech, data-driven solutions are a necessity, not a luxury. Leverage machine learning and AI to transform industries and provide real value that creates loops of trust with your customer.

Innovate with purpose—don’t just build for the sake of innovation. Let data guide your decisions, but ensure it leads to solutions that have lasting impact.

#6 Rochelle Gorey: Founder & CEO, SpringFour—Sustainable Growth & Impact

Unlike many fintech companies, Rochelle Gorey’s SpringFour has never raised outside capital. Instead, it’s grown steadily over 20 years, delivering financial health resources to over 8.5 million people in 2024 alone.

SpringFour’s success lies in its sustainable business model—and its commitment to providing real resources to people in need.

The How: Rochelle teaches us that you don’t need outside funding to be successful. Focus on tangible impact and sustainable growth.

Don’t chase flashy headlines—instead, build strong, sustainable foundations for long-term success.

A measurable impact is just as valuable as rapid growth.

Stick to what matters—authenticity and real results.

#7 Susan Langer: Founder & CEO, Spave—Values-Based Money Management

Susan Langer of Spave is redefining financial wellness by combining micro-saving with micro-giving.

Her platform encourages users to align their financial habits with their personal values, showing that money management isn’t just about accumulating wealth—it’s about using your wealth to support the causes that matter to you.

The How: Spave taps into the growing demand for values-based financial services. Consumers want more than just a product—they want their purchases to support a larger purpose.

Build products that align with values, wellness, and social good. Create solutions that cater to the millennial and Gen Z desire for purpose-driven spending, and you’ll build a loyal community ready to embrace your brand.

#8 Tanya Van Court: Founder & CEO, Goalsetter—Empowering Financial Literacy for Gen Z

Finally, Tanya Van Court created Goalsetter, a fintech platform designed to close the financial literacy gap, especially among Gen Z.

By combining financial education with gamification, Goalsetter is helping kids and teens learn about money in a fun, engaging way.

The How: Tanya’s approach proves that financial education is key—and it’s never too early to start.

Incorporating gamification into financial tools makes learning interactive, and fun, while empowering the next generation to take control of their financial future.

Plus, she comes from the media industry into fintech, which is one of the greatest competitive advantages.

As media operators, we understand the power of narratives and consumer behavior, and we capitalize on that market opportunity to open financial access and education to those who need it.

These bold, brilliant women entrepreneurs are changing fintech and the economy.

Their advice?

Take risks, invest in yourself, leverage data, and never back down.

They’ve shown us that success is rooted in purpose, and the profit follows.

The Fintech Is Femme Leadership Summit on April 23 will showcase these women and many more, offering you the chance to learn from the best in the business and take your career to the next level.

So, as you go out and tackle the world of fintech, remember: The best way to build a business is to make a lasting impact. Innovate with purpose, and the rest will follow.

It’s your time—own it.

Let’s do this.

_{WTF ELSE?}

• Fintech top-funded sector for female-led startups: Report

• Klarna IPO filing spurs hope of British fintech listings 

• This fintech startup's $100 million fund aims to get influencers paid faster

FINTECH IS FEMME LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Last year, I built the summit I wish existed when I first started in fintech.

I asked myself one simple question:

What could one day in the right room do for your next year?

Well, let me tell you.

One attendee from last year’s Fintech Is Femme Leadership Summit came hoping to make one solid connection.

She left with a future investor and added $1M to her pre-seed raise.

This isn’t just hype—this is what happens when 500 women in fintech come together with purpose. Clients. Capital. Visibility.

You don’t need more mediocre panels.

You need more power moves—and rooms that multiply your impact.

That’s why Fintech Is Femme is bringing together the most influential women in fintech for a leadership summit unlike anything else. No fluff. No gatekeeping. Just access, amplification, and serious outcomes.

Here’s what this room gets you:

• Real visibility (not just “representation”)

• VC-level connections (without begging for intros)

• Clients, collaborators, and champions

• A network that moves when you move

Date: April 23

Location: The Times Center, NYC

This is the room where:

• You pitch ideas, not just take notes.

• You’re not “the only one”—you’re one of many.

• You walk out with more leverage than you walked in with.

This isn’t just a summit. It’s a career catalyst.

P.S. The last time we gathered women in fintech like this, it changed careers. Don’t watch from the sidelines this time.

The newsletter every professional should be reading

There’s a reason Morning Brew is the gold standard of business news—it’s the easiest and most enjoyable way to stay in the loop on all the headlines impacting your world.

Tech, finance, sales, marketing, and everything in between—we’ve got it all. Just the stuff that matters, served up in a fast, fun read.

Look—over 4 million professionals start their day with Morning Brew’s daily newsletter, and it only takes 5 minutes to read. Sign up for free and see for yourself!

Check it out

_{I WANT IT, I GOT IT}

• 📰 Today’s Read: I love this old profile on Issa Rae in TIME. A real behind-the-scenes look at how, publicly, we appear to be thriving, but growing pains exist. In my own quest to become a business media mogul, I relate to this. How about you?

• 🌍 Today’s Food: I am still in Istanbul, and while there are many reasons to visit this gorgeous city, the food is top-tier. I’m staying at the Soho House in Istanbul and can confidently say that every dish here is fantastic. I will share more highlights from this trip as I discover them.

• 🎤 Today’s Listen: The second episode of our new podcast, Fintech Mavericks, is out, and I’m so excited for you to listen! My co-host Drew Glover, and I interviewed Hussein Fazal, founder and CEO of Super.com. His episode is a masterclass in growth. You can listen to it on Spotify here or Apple here.

_FINTUNES

🎵 Miley Cyrus - We Can't Stop

Throwback to this banger (how is this song 11 years old?!) in honor of Miley’s announcement this week that she is releasing her ninth studio album and accompanying visual album this May, I’m giddy.

_{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’s all for now! See you Thursday!

Love,

Nicole 💜