Hi, fintech fam! 💜

Is anyone else still recovering from the energy wave that was NY Fintech Week? Seeing all the social media buzz, kind messages, and connections made thanks to our event has been incredible.

Which is why I’m already heads down working on the next!

I recently shared on LinkedIn the reasons why our Leadership Summit was exceptional. We're excited to announce that we will be doing it again on June 3, as we kick off NY Tech Week with the Fintech Is Femme Founders Summit.

This event offers insights on fundraising, product development, go-to-market strategies, and operational efficiency blueprints for success in fintech. Don't miss out on the early bird tickets before they sell out!

If you or a company you know is interested in making an impact during NY Tech Week and wants to collaborate with a great partner to achieve it, please contact our team at [email protected]. We depend on our amazing brand partners to make events like this possible!

Now, let's dive into the latest news!

WHY UPGRADE?

There’s a big difference between how the mainstream media covers fintech and how I do it. Every week, I will provide you with the latest fintech news (minus the BS), profiles of inspiring women in fintech, and insightful analysis to help you stay ahead of the competition.

For our premium members, I send out updates 3x a week through our new column, "On Performance.” These columns will provide tactical advice to improve your entrepreneur and business leader performance.

Plus, premium members support female-led journalism and keep this work going. Because of your support, Fintech Is Femme is more than just a newsletter; it's a media empire and community for women to connect, learn, and support one another.

INNOVATION

Asya Bradley's Success Formula: Lessons from a Multi-Exited Founder & Super Angel Investor

Asya Bradley is a unicorn in her own right. She wears many hats – she's a multi-exited serial founder, super angel investor, LP, advisor, and board director in tech startups and emerging fund managers. 

With over 20 years of experience and four company exits (including neobank Kinly, a company dedicated to building generational wealth for Black America), Bradley's journey is a testament to her expertise.

Her roles in the C-suite at tech companies like Synapse and as LP at firms like Cowboy Ventures have shaped her into an experienced investor, operator, and fintech entrepreneur. Her unique blend of technical expertise and emotional intelligence drives the success of the startups she's invested in. 

I interviewed Bradley last week during the Fintech Is Femme Leadership Summit on April 8, which had an audience of over 200 attendees.

On stage, she shared her success formula and entrepreneurship strategies and spilled tea on the latest startup and sector she's investing in.

The following is an edited version of our conversation for clarity and brevity. 

Nicole Casperson: Could you share your upbringing and how it influenced your perspective on scarcity and abundance?

Asya Bradley: Many of you have likely found yourselves in fintech spaces that look quite different from this one; typically, it's the opposite scenario. However, as women, our ethos isn't about dominance but equity. It's about ensuring that everyone has equal access and rights. That's what we're here to discuss.

As an immigrant myself, I had to navigate learning English as a second language upon arriving in the West. I came from a village without basic amenities like running water or electricity, let alone proper birth registration. I'm one of those babies—a female child—whose birth was never officially recorded. I lack a birth certificate. Frankly, by the standards of bureaucracy, I shouldn't even be here.

Growing up in such circumstances, where scarcity was a harsh reality, shaped my perspective profoundly. In my community, resources were scarce to the extent that even registering a birth for a few dollars seemed like an unjustifiable expense, given the high infant mortality rates. Moreover, being a girl in my culture wasn't celebrated; the future envisioned for me was one devoid of education or professional prospects.

Upon moving to Canada, I encountered a community of people much like myself—individuals with very little to their name, if anything. Yet, what struck me was the spirit of sharing that prevailed among them. I recall my home being a hub of hospitality; my mother always had a pot of food ready, and anyone who knocked on our door left with a meal, regardless of our financial circumstances. Job opportunities were also shared freely within the community.

This culture of sharing and support has led to the flourishing of these communities. Many of my "aunts" and "uncles"—not biologically related but considered as such due to our close-knit community—all own homes and rental properties. Their children have received higher education and pursued their aspirations, breaking free from the limitations imposed by scarcity.

Reflecting on this, I wonder why, as educated and badass women, we aren't doing more to uplift each other. Why do we perpetuate a mindset of scarcity rather than abundance? When we secure positions of influence or success, why do we not extend a hand to pull other women up alongside us? Why do we feel the need to be the sole beneficiaries of our achievements?

NC: How did you transition your mindset from scarcity to abundance, and how did this shift significantly contribute to your success?

AB: I recently listened to an interview featuring a female CEO of a major financial incumbent. When asked about the challenges she faced as a woman in her position, her response left me incredulous. She dismissed the notion of gender-based challenges, asserting that she simply worked hard to overcome obstacles.

Frankly, I thought, "No, that's not the reality." We can't ignore the systemic barriers imposed on us due to our gender. We didn't choose our biology, nor did we choose the limitations society imposes because of it. To anyone who denies the existence of these challenges, I say loudly and proudly, "eff you..."

What I've found crucial is actively working to change the dynamics of any room where I'm the sole representative. If I find myself in such a position, I make it a priority to alter it. Moreover, if offered a seat in a space where I'd be the first or only woman, I ensure that plans are in place to rectify that and that they'll be executed quickly.

Success isn't individual achievement; it's about advancing humanity collectively. I want to see my underrepresented brothers and sisters thrive and no longer be confined to the margins.

NC: Could you share some strategies you employ to achieve these goals?

AB: I receive numerous phone calls and email requests for my time. I recognize many of you from these encounters. My first piece of advice: give freely and generously. It's crucial to foster a culture of mutual support and exchange.

While some may see me as a mentor to many, I consider myself a mentee to my mentees—I learn from every conversation, and there's no hierarchy in our exchanges. It's about sharing knowledge and experiences and enriching each other's journeys.

Another aspect to consider is navigating the language of fundraising and entrepreneurship. It's essential to remain true to yourself while finding ways to communicate effectively within these realms. When working with female or underrepresented founders, I prioritize uncovering their authentic selves and helping them convey their essence in a way that resonates with their goals and surroundings.

Let's address the notion of "kissing ass to kick ass later." Waiting until later isn't always the best strategy. We need to start kicking ass now. By collectively pushing boundaries and challenging norms, we ensure that none of us are left isolated or labeled as "difficult." Authenticity and a clear vision are key, as is surrounding yourself with a supportive network that shares your vision and values.

My friend Michelle Tran, a co-founder of New York City FinTech Women, emphasizes the importance of building your own executive board—a personal, professional support system comprising individuals who embody your aspirations. You can turn to these people for advice, brainstorming sessions, or urgent matters. Their collective experiences and insights can help avoid common pitfalls and accelerate growth.

Let's commit to sharing our experiences and learnings. By doing so, we pave the way for smoother journeys for those who come after us. Each lesson learned is an opportunity to ease the path for the next generation of trailblazers.

NC: What are some of the most common mistakes you observe among the founders and operators you advise, and how do you help avoid them?

AB: If you're not compensating women fairly, that's a significant oversight. Empowering women economically begins with supporting women-owned businesses. It's crucial to prioritize paying women for their products and services.

While advocating for gender equality is commendable, action is equally important. Make a conscious effort to seek out and support female-owned companies. This commitment is essential, and the guys absolutely do this all the time. 

NC: As a prominent investor and LP, what trends in the finance tech spaces have caught your attention and got you excited to invest or offer advice?

AB: I make it a point to emphasize this in every discussion: I firmly believe that women's health, and by extension, the vagina, is incredibly significant. Investing in women's health is a priority for me.

In the VC landscape, I'm noticing a growing interest in the convergence of technology, artificial intelligence, and women's health. I'm particularly drawn to the reproductive health sector. Being part of the queer community, it's vital to me that everyone has the opportunity to build the family they desire. We're born into families we don't choose, and while we may have complex feelings about them, today, we have the chance to create our own families.

That's where Swaddle, the company I'm involved with, comes in. Swaddle is dedicated to reproductive rights, focusing on accessibility to IVF and fertility treatments. We explore various aspects of feminine technologies, including diagnostics.

However, one glaring gap remains: accurately predicting labor onset. It baffles me that in this age of advanced science, we still rely on the arbitrary 40-week marker. We need to invest more in research and stop viewing women's bodies and menstrual cycles as divine punishment. Much of the medical research in this area has been neglected due to antiquated beliefs, perpetuating the idea that women are meant to endure monthly suffering.

Personally, I've witnessed loved ones struggle with undiagnosed conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome, only to be dismissed with generic solutions like birth control and painkillers. This is an issue I'm deeply passionate about addressing. Fortunately, I'm witnessing a shift in the VC community's interest in investing in women's health and advancing this crucial intersection of science and financial equity.

Audience Question: How challenging was implementing the strategies and ideas you discussed when you began your journey?

AB: I want to acknowledge that what I'm discussing isn't easy—it's far from it.

Let me share an example from my early twenties. I was working at a company and had the chance to be promoted, but I was planning to leave for travel. At the time, I suggested a friend for the position, thinking it was a way of bringing another woman up. Little did I know, she ended up becoming my boss and made my life a living hell.

It was a tough situation, and I've heard similar stories from other women about their experiences with female bosses. However, I refuse to let one bad experience sour my outlook. Let's face it, we've all had moments where we weren't our best selves.

It's essential not to let these negative experiences perpetuate a scarcity mindset. Instead, we should focus on supporting and uplifting each other. I've also had incredible women in my life who have been there for me during difficult times, providing support and comfort when I needed it most. These experiences remind me of the strength and resilience of female solidarity.

In challenging situations, it's crucial to recognize that we may all be operating from a place of trauma or stress. However, taking it out on those in vulnerable positions only perpetuates the cycle of negativity. Instead, let's work together to uplift each other and create a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Audience Question: How were you able to initially break into VC and angel investing? 

AB: There are many remarkable female venture capitalists out there. I'm an LP at Cowboy Ventures, founded by Aileen Lee, who coined the term "unicorn." Jillian Williams, who invested in one of my previous companies, approached me about becoming an LP in the fund.

At that moment, I had a choice: I could use my funds to buy a lavish house or invest in the change I wanted to see. As a Canadian, I've been conditioned to pursue the "$2 million plan": buying a million-dollar house and saving the rest. While that was an option, I decided to take a different path. I wrote the check—not huge amounts, but significant to me.

Ganas Ventures, where I'm also an LP, is a great example for those interested in becoming LPs in smaller funds. It's about getting involved with emerging fund managers. Similarly, joining early-stage companies offers high-risk, high-reward opportunities. I understand this isn't feasible for everyone, but there are ways to be entrepreneurial, even within established organizations.

My career began at Cisco Systems, but I quickly caught the entrepreneurial bug. Moving to Amsterdam, I was part of a team that grew the company from a few hundred to 5,000 employees. I had saved up money and leveraged it to do more. Despite growing up with financial scarcity—wearing secondhand clothes and eating discounted groceries—I've always maintained an abundance mindset.

Audience Question: When you're inundated with phone calls and requests for assistance, it can be challenging to balance receiving support and giving yourself. How do you navigate this dynamic and avoid feeling overwhelmed or resistant?

AB: Honestly, I'm not great at finding that balance. It's something I'm actively working on improving. Thankfully, I have amazing friends who push me to accept help when I need it. They practically have to force it on me sometimes. I still have a lot of room for growth in this area.

I don't want others to go through what I did before they learned this lesson. Changing the narrative in our heads about being a burden is crucial. We must remind ourselves that we're worthy of support and that helping each other ultimately benefits everyone.

Many of us are taught not to burden others, but we must shift that mindset. Your success, my success—it all contributes to the collective success.

Thinking about how our achievements can empower us to give back more to our community can be a motivating factor. Knowing that my success means I can write more angel checks helps me overcome the hesitation to accept help.

I'm still a work in progress, but I'm committed to improving in this aspect of my life.

_{WTF ELSE?}

• Stripe has successfully raised $694.2 million through a stock sale

• Climate fintech Fils partners with digital bank Aion to set new standards in sustainable finance

• As part of its $45 billion payments expansion in the US, Adyen has hired a new Vice President of Product

_{I WANT IT, I GOT IT}

• 📚 Today’s Read: I’m reading my own book these days! My manuscript for Fintech Feminists is due soon, and I’m deep in the weeds getting this major project done. (P.S. The book is already available for pre-order on Amazon).

• 👀 Today’s Watch: I spent my downtime over the weekend finishing the last season of The Office. It felt like a lot of heartfelt nostalgia that aligned well with how happy I felt at the end of NY Fintech Week. What show do I need to watch next in my limited free time?

• 🍣 Today’s Eats: I grabbed a bite at Father Knows Best last night. If you find yourself in deep Brooklyn, bookmark this spot for brunch!

_FINTUNES

🎵 Sabrina Carpenter - Espresso

This one came highly recommended, and it turns out that Sabrina has delivered the perfect song for the summer. It's just in time for the weather in NYC to give us a taste of the complete summer experience! I'll keep hoping that the chilly days are behind us, but I'll enjoy this catchy tune until then.

That’s all for now! Stay safe, everyone. Hug your loved ones. See you Thursday!

Love,

Nicole

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