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Hey, fintech fam! 💜

The energy is real, right? The buzz in the air is palpable — and I know we’re all feeling it.

Between back-to-back meetings and an endless list of events, it’s hard to keep up. But every time I start to feel like my cup is empty, it’s always refilled when we come together as a community.

As many of us pilgrimage to Las Vegas for Fintech Meetup, today’s newsletter includes the Fintech Is Femme Guide to the event agenda.

When you’re not in meetings, you’ll know exactly which panels I’ve handpicked just for you — and you’ll likely spot me either in the audience or on stage!

Speaking of stages, I’m giving you one last chance to snag an early bird ticket to the Fintech Is Femme Leadership Summit.

Fam, there are only three left!

Grab yours here, or check out our Community Bundle ticket, which gives you access to our private membership community and ensures those meaningful connections stick well after the Summit wraps.

For today, I’ve got one news story, one new piece of research, and one guide to navigating Fintech Meetup.

Let’s dive in!

#TRENDING

What’s Up In Fintech

Every Thursday, I bring you the latest fintech news and trends, delivering the key insights that matter most to the industry—and you.

#1 Female Founders Raise $38 Billion in VC Funding in 2024

The latest data is in, and while the numbers show growth, they highlight just how far we still have to go. 

In 2024, female founders collectively secured $38.8 billion in venture capital funding — a 27% increase over the year before, according to fresh data from PitchBook. 

But here’s the catch: while the dollars have grown, the number of deals is down. There were 13.1% fewer transactions than in 2023, as VC activity continues to focus on fewer companies.

The sociopolitical climate is undoubtedly playing a role in shaping these numbers, especially with the ongoing shifts in the fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and ESG initiatives. 

The impact of President Trump’s executive order on DEI policies and the subsequent legal battles is still unfolding. As these policies work their way through the courts, the entry points for underrepresented founders might narrow, at least in the short term. 

That said, the need for innovation — especially from women founders — remains as strong as ever.

Despite these current hurdles, 2024 showed notable wins for female founders. 

13 women-led companies hit the coveted unicorn status, pushing the collective value of female-founded unicorns past $300 billion, a 15.3% year-over-year increase. The top 5 include: 

1. Anthropic

2. Scale AI

3. Deel 

4. Talldesk

5. Flexport

These companies are not just surviving, they’re thriving — with female-founded companies reaching unicorn status at a faster pace than ever before. 

The median time to reach a $1 billion valuation dropped from just under 7 years in 2023 to just 4.2 years in 2024.

Why It Matters

In fintech, the numbers are a bit more complex. 

While all-female-founded fintech companies raised $181 million in 2024, this still represents just 1% of total US fintech deal value. 

This is significantly lower than female founders in other sectors, where the share of deal value was almost 2% across the broader VC landscape. 

But let’s not overlook the gains here either — the funding is there, even if it’s uneven.

And while the venture capital world may still be lagging when it comes to funding women, there’s a compelling argument to be made for the economic impact that supporting female founders could have. 

Women-led companies consistently outperform their male-led counterparts in terms of revenue generated per dollar raised, and they’re often on the cutting edge of innovation. 

Female founders are building products and services that meet the needs of female consumers, who control an estimated $32 trillion in global spending and are expected to command 75% of discretionary spending by 2030.

One region that’s seeing particular momentum in this space is New York City. 

The city’s consumer tech ecosystem has been a hotbed for female founders, especially in the realms of direct-to-consumer brands, sustainable products, and digital marketplaces. 

Female founders are making a significant mark in consumer-focused startups, showing a keen understanding of market demands and solid customer engagement metrics. 

This has led to a noticeable increase in early-stage investments, as VCs recognize the strength of these women-led companies. (Even more reason to come to the Fintech Is Femme Leadership Summit during New York Fintech Week). 

Now, when it comes to fundraising strategy, here’s a quick rundown of attributes and metrics you need to succeed: 

1. For early-stage founders, fundraising often hinges on the team itself — how well-positioned they are to build a unicorn company. In these early stages, it’s all about showcasing the experience, networks, and vision that the founders bring to the table. 

2. For growth-stage companies, however, it’s a different game. These companies need to demonstrate strong product-market fit, a clear ideal customer profile (ICP), alignment with that profile’s needs, and a scalable sales motion. Investors want to see that the business can grow efficiently and sustainably.

So, while we’re still fighting to shift the VC landscape, it’s clear that the tide is slowly turning. 

As more women secure funding, more women will build unicorns, and those unicorns will pave the way for others. But, there’s still plenty of work to do, and it’s up to us — investors and founders alike — to continue pushing the envelope.

For now, let’s celebrate the wins and keep pushing for more. 

Female founders have shown they can thrive even in a tough environment, and as long as we stay focused on building strong businesses, that progress will only continue.

#2 ResilienceVC Closes $56 Million Fund to Back Fintechs Driving Financial Inclusion

ResilienceVC, a new seed-stage venture capital firm, has just closed its debut fund, raising $56 million to back fintech companies focused on one thing: driving financial inclusion.

It’s a firm on a mission — not just to deliver high returns (though they’re aiming for those too) — but to reshape the financial landscape for underserved Americans.

At the core of ResilienceVC’s thesis is the belief that financial services should do more than just exist — they should empower people to build stability, not face a constant uphill battle against financial insecurity.

As Vikas Raj, co-founder and managing partner of ResilienceVC, puts it: “Financial services should provide stability, not stress. Yet gaps in the system leave families struggling with financial shocks, unable to build for the future.”

They’re betting big on fintech innovations, particularly those powered by AI and embedded finance, to fill these gaps.

Why It Matters 

The firm, founded in 2023 by Tahira Dosani and Vikas Raj, targets startups tackling some of the most significant pain points in American financial lives: access to homeownership, affordable insurance, and government benefits. 

With over 70% of Americans struggling with financial health and many living paycheck to paycheck, the need is urgent.

They’re taking aim at embedded fintechs that make navigating life’s financial challenges, from securing homeownership to accessing pre-tax benefits, more transparent, accessible, and sustainable for everyday people.

In the firm’s words, this is about finding “solutions that help people address challenges like becoming homeowners, accessing affordable insurance, and leveraging government benefits.” 

The goal is clear: create a more equitable financial system and fuel growth for underrepresented founders in the fintech space.

ResilienceVC is looking to make 25 investments through its debut fund, with an average initial check of around $1 million per company. And here’s where it gets interesting: 75% of ResilienceVC’s portfolio companies are led by underrepresented founders. 

This is significant because, while diverse leadership is often spoken about, it’s still not the reality for most funds. ResilienceVC is proving that there’s not just a moral but a financial case for backing diverse talent in fintech.

The firm’s focus on early-stage fintechs that are innovating in areas like embedded finance, homeownership solutions, and affordable insurance is timely — and smart. 

With systemic barriers keeping many Americans financially locked out, these startups are doing the kind of work that could have ripple effects on the wider economy, particularly for underserved communities.

Their portfolio boasts companies like Alice, Chaiz, EarlyBird, and Suma—startups that are not just financially savvy but socially responsible, with a focus on making a real difference in people’s lives.

It’s clear that the firm is betting on a future where innovation and purpose-driven investing go hand in hand.

#3 Fintech Is Femme’s Guide to Navigating Fintech Meetup

Next week, the fintech industry will gather for its first big reunion of the year—the Fintech Meetup is kicking off in Las Vegas. 

But let’s be real — this event isn’t just about panels and keynotes. It’s about the meetups. 

My co-founder, Anton Briones, is already lined up with 25+ meetings in just 3 days. We call it the “bull pen” at Fintech Is Femme HQ — and let me tell you, Anton’s ready to dive in head-first. 

As for me, I like to dive into the content side of things.

I’ve studied the agenda, and I’m excited to share with you my top picks for the sessions that I believe will offer the most value. 

Here’s the official Fintech Is Femme Guide to Fintech Meetup, with a special focus on panels, speakers, and key moments I’m most excited to check out. 

March 10

3:15 PM - 3:55 PM PT

Panel: History Repeats Itself: How Fintechs Are Seizing Business Lending Opportunities From Banks

This panel is timely because, for years, fintechs have been seen as disruptors to traditional banking — but in business lending, the power dynamic is shifting. Alex McLeod, CEO of Parlay Finance, will be talking about how fintechs are finally turning the tables, capitalizing on opportunities where banks have fallen short. 

Alex’s insights into alternative lending will be key, especially for anyone looking to challenge the status quo in business financing.

2:30 PM - 3:10 PM PT

Panel: New Payment Demands Driving Paytech Innovation

Excited to see Sophia Goldberg, CEO & Co-Founder of Ansa, and Marcia Klingensmith, CEO of FinTech Consulting, will break down how consumer behavior is evolving and how fintech is reacting with new payment systems to meet those demands. From cross-border payments to instantaneous transactions, this session will dive into the next big innovations in Paytech. 

Payments aren’t just about convenience anymore — it’s about reimagining what’s possible.

March 11

8:30 AM - 9:10 AM PT

Panel: Where Are the Fintech VCs Placing Their Bets in 2025?

I'm looking forward to hearing from Sheela Ursal, General Partner at Fintech Next, and Ruth Blader, General Partner at Foxe Capital, on this one. Their insights on where the smart money is flowing, what trends VCs are bullish on, and how they’re looking at founders and markets will be invaluable for entrepreneurs seeking funding or those watching the future of the fintech ecosystem.

9:15 AM - 9:35 AM PT

Interview: Is Software Eating the World, or is Fintech Eating Software?

This one’s all about AI and software, and there’s no one better to hear from than Camilla Matias Morais, Chief Operating Officer at Brex. 

Brex has been making waves in fintech, and Camilla’s perspective on how software is evolving to better serve the fintech industry will be one of the session highlights of the day. If you’re interested in where software innovation and fintech intersect, this fireside chat will be essential.

10:00 AM - 10:40 AM PT

Panel: Globalization and Guardrails: The Path Forward For Open Finance

Jennifer Tescher, Founder & CEO of Financial Health Network, will be at the forefront of this conversation about open finance, which is one of the most exciting and disruptive trends in fintech.

We’re talking about the globalization of financial services, and how new guardrails will make it possible to expand financial access without compromising security. If you’re interested in regulatory changes and the future of finance, this one could be a game-changer.

1:00 PM - 1:40 PM PT

Panel: Acquire, Exit, or IPO: Expansion Opportunities for Scaling Fintechs

Kirthiga Reddy, President & Director at Athena Capital, is one of the smartest people in the room when it comes to scaling businesses. Whether you’re considering M&A, an exit, or the daunting IPO route, Kirthiga’s insights will help you understand which path to take when your fintech company is ready for growth.

March 12

8:30 AM - 9:10 AM PT

Panel: Successful Applications of AI in Banking & Payments

Theodora Lau, Founder of Unconventional Ventures, is a thought leader on AI’s intersection with banking and payments. With AI revolutionizing everything from fraud detection to consumer insights, Theodora’s perspective on how fintech can leverage this technology is one that I can’t miss. 

This panel will be especially valuable if you’re looking to understand AI applications in fintech at a deeper level.

9:15 AM - 9:55 AM PT

Panel: Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Enterprise GTM Strategy

Stephany Kirkpatrick, Founder & CEO of Orum, is an expert in Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies for fintech companies. This session is for anyone interested in scaling a fintech business in a strategic, thoughtful way. With so many companies focused on growth-at-all-costs, Stephany’s approach to sustainable growth through smart GTM tactics is essential for anyone thinking about scaling their fintech company.

10:00 AM - 10:40 AM PT

The New Founder Playbook: Prioritizing Sustainable Growth and Profitability Over Growth-at-all-Costs

This one’s a must-see for any founder thinking long-term about growth. Drew Glover, Founder/GP of Fiat Growth, will talk about how to balance profitability with scaling in a way that doesn’t risk your business’s future. In a world obsessed with hypergrowth, this session brings real-world wisdom on finding the right balance.

1:00 PM - 1:40 PM PT

Panel: Unlocking and Accelerating Funding for Women and Diverse Founders in Fintech

Of course, I had to leave the best for last. 

As your moderator for this panel, you know I won’t hold back! 

Join me as I lead the conversation with Anita C. Roberts, Managing Director at Silicon Hills Capital, Denise D’Angelo, Chief Growth Officer at Blankfactor, Carolyn Rodz, CEO of Hello Alice, and Trish Costello, CEO of Portfolia. 

We’re diving deep into the opportunities in securing funding for women and diverse founders in the fintech space. 

This conversation is crucial, as we discuss fundraising strategies, investor mindsets, and how we can unlock more opportunities for underrepresented voices in fintech.

March 13

11:00 AM - 11:40 AM PT

Panel: Regulating Crypto: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead

Cleve Mesidor, Executive Director at the Blockchain Foundation, is one of the most knowledgeable voices when it comes to the intersection of crypto and regulation. 

In this session, Cleve will explore how regulation will shape the future of crypto and blockchain. With all the changes and uncertainty in the regulatory landscape, this session is a must for anyone working in or around crypto.

That’s it! My carefully curated guide to the Fintech Meetup content agenda, featuring the sessions, panels, and speakers I’m most excited about. 

See you there — and if you see me moderating a panel, you know I’m ready to keep things as insightful (and real) as possible.

_{MARK YOUR CALENDARS}

Join us every Thursday to keep up with fintech events!

_{WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23}

[NEW YORK FINTECH WEEK] Fintech Is Femme Leadership Summit

Mark your calendars for the Fintech Is Femme Leadership Summit happening on April 23rd in New York City.

This year’s summit will bring together some of the brightest and boldest women in fintech, including:

• Angel Rich, Founder & CEO of CreditRich

• Kelly Uphoff, Chief Technology Officer at Tala

• Andrea Marton, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer of Atomic

• Susan Langer, Founder & CEO of Spave

• Elizabeth Gore, Co-Founder & President of Hello Alice

• Rochelle Gorey, Founder & CEO of SpringFour

• Ashley Fox, Founder & CEO of Empify

• Tanya Van Court, Founder & CEO of Goalsetter

We are putting the final touches on this agenda, and as I shared above, there are just THREE early bird tickets left!

_{WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23}

[NEW YORK FINTECH WEEK] Fintech Security Summit

This will happen on the same day as the Fintech Is Femme Leadership Summit, in the same venue, on our second stage, the first-ever Fintech Security Summit.

We’ve got a stellar lineup to tackle all things fraud, cybersecurity, digital identity, compliance and more.

​Who Should Attend?

• ​Fintech App Developers: Learn how to integrate top-tier security without sacrificing user experience.

• ​Product Managers and System Architects: Gain actionable insights on balancing security and accessibility in your products.

• ​Risk, Fraud, Security, and Identity Experts: Stay ahead of emerging threats and solutions to safeguard your customers.

• ​Compliance Officers and Legal Experts: Understand the latest regulations and best practices to ensure your organization remains compliant while maintaining robust security standards.

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_FINTUNES

🎶 Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo 'Wicked' Performance at 97th Oscars

Holding space for this live performance that mixes "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "Home," and "Defying Gravity"

My eyes are getting misty.

_{LET’S CONNECT}

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📚 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.

⭐️ P.S. If you’ve read Fintech Feminists (or listened to the audiobook!), I’d be so grateful if you could take 30 seconds to leave a review or rating on Amazon here. Your support means the world to me. A million thanks in advance!

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

Love,

Nicole 💜