Fintech Thought Leaders

In an exciting conversation, we had the pleasure of hosting QED Investors colleague Victoria Zuo.Victoria's journey from China to the U.S. and her endeavors in the payments industry, mobile and commerce sectors took center stage. The radical technological shift in China and its stark contrast with the U.S payments systems marked the key discussions in her episode with Bill Cilluffo. Victoria's unique experience in applying to Stanford and her decision to venture to the West Coast added a personal touch to the interaction. Experiences shape perspectives and in Victoria's case, her interest in fintech was sparked by something as simple as her parents purchasing fish through a WeChat group. This fascinating insight led us to delve into the robust growth in e-commerce penetration in the U.S. during the COVID-19 era. The role of fintech as a critical enabler in reducing CAC and aiding global shipping, cross-border payments and trade finance was a key focus of our discussion. The effects of COVID-19 on digitization and globalization and its impact on hiring strategies of companies were also touched upon. Victoria discussed at length how fintechs can empower merchants in managing their treasuries, bridging capital gaps and automating taxation compliance. Assessing the global e-commerce market size and the potential it holds for U.S. merchants to tap into global audiences was an enlightening exploration. As we looked into the future of e-commerce, Victoria shared her strategic investment approach. 

Ever wondered how a young entrepreneur from a small town in India scaled up his startup to onboard 4.6 million employees in just two years? Tune in as QED's Head of Early Stage Investing Bill Cilluffo sits down with Chitresh Sharma, the charismatic CEO of Refyne, India's largest online access platform and hear his inspiring journey from the heartland of Chattisgarh to the bustling streets of the Indian startup ecosystem.Chitresh gets candid about launching his first business venture at 19, his motivations behind creating Refyne, a game-changing platform that grants employees access to their salary round the clock, and how his first $300 check and the unwavering support of early investors propelled him on his path.The conversation takes an insightful turn as Chitresh shares hard-earned lessons from his past business encounters, shedding light on the three stages of sales and the critical role of people factor. As we navigate deeper into the discussion, Chitresh offers an intriguing perspective on his decision to adopt the earned wage access (EWA) model, the roadblocks he confronted in tailoring this model to fit the Indian market, and the significance of understanding local needs when transplanting global business operations. Listen in and discover how Refyne built an integrated and scalable sales function, assembled an eclectic team from diverse industries, and their innovative use of AI and ML to safeguard their EWA product from potential misuse.As they wrap up our conversation, Chitresh and Bill delve into the significance of value-based leadership, with a special focus on Refine's core principles of 'Call of Duty' and 'Celebrate'. Chitresh emphasizes the importance of connecting with employees on a deeper level, beyond monetary motivations, and how Refyne has fostered a culture of recognition and appreciation. 

What fuels the fire of entrepreneurship? For Roberto Biselli, CEO of Capim, it’s a potent mix of familial influence, tough life choices, and an unshakeable belief in the power of credit. From growing up as the youngest of nine in a Brazilian family steeped in entrepreneurial spirit to making pivotal decisions that veered him away from the trodden path, Roberto’s journey is captivating and inspirational.During our conversation, Roberto unravels his experiences at McKinsey and how they ignited the spark for Capim. We dissect the evolutionary process of Capim's business model, shifting its gears from a buy now, pay later model to a laser-sharp focus on healthcare. Roberto provides a fascinating insight into the intricacies of the credit-marketplace and how he harnessed its power to uplift small and mid-sized retailers in Brazil. But it's not all business. Roberto opens the door to his leadership style, the shared values that drive Capim and how he maintains a delicate balance between ambition and compassion. This episode is a deep dive into the mind of a man who has navigated the turbulent waters of entrepreneurship with steadfast resolve and an unwavering commitment to his values. So, if you're intrigued by the stories of industry leaders and want a dose of inspiration sprinkled with valuable life lessons, Bill Cilluffo's conversation with Roberto Biselli is a must-listen.

Venture into the world of real estate and learn how GetGround CEO Moubin Khan is turning the proptech industry on its head. QED Partner Bill Cilluffo and Moubin discuss the creation of a property investment marketplace, a solution to the lack of information, trust, and actionability in the industry. Marking a significant shift, the use of corporate vehicles has seen an increase of 15-65% in the UK in the past three and a half years. From the biggest challenges to the most rewarding victories, dive into the intricacies of scaling a business and maintaining customer proximity.

Has the war for talent mitigated? Is it as ferocious as it was during COVID? How does it differ between sector and stage? What can hiring managers and senior leaders do to ensure diversity is front and center, not just an afterthought?

Sandeep Patil shares how Asia's combination of technology talent and financial services talent has set the foundation for transformational fintech companies to thrive. 

QED's Managing Partner Nigel Morris and Head of LatAm Mike Packer discuss the findings of the Global Fintech 2023: Reimagining the Future of Finance report that we co-authored with the Boston Consulting Group. Mike discusses what we can learn from the global benchmark companies coming out of LatAm like Nubank, and he shares his thoughts on second-time founders, forward-looking regulators and the future of B2B innovation.

The similarities between fintech in LatAm and Africa is striking. Gbenga Ajayi shares how that gives him a blueprint for success. In this episode, QED's Managing Partner Nigel Morris and Head of Africa Gbenga Ajayi discuss the findings of the Global Fintech 2023: Reimagining the Future of Finance report that we co-authored with the Boston Consulting Group.

Yusuf Ozdalga shares why embedded finance, back-office automation and international payments are key themes QED's European team is excited by.