Tech Talks

In today’s Tech Talks episode David explores how compliance and AI are cleaning up global payments.Lissele Pratt (Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree) founded Capitalixe to service the high-risk industries, think about the likes of crypto and iGaming, that traditional banks refuse to onboard.She discusses spotting this market gap at age 23, building trust as an emerging voice in finance, and using blockchain to connect underserved global communities in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.But frankly her journey started much earlier that 23, and that is the foundation to her success!Take part in the Harvey Nash Tech Talent Survey and help shape the future of tech careers! Click here.Want to read the latest from David, his Substack (diving into ‘Tech Talks’ and more) is here.Tech Talks is powered by Nash Squared, the leading global provider of technology and talent solutions. Find out more about our solutions at⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.nashsquared.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The music on Tech Talks is created by London artist Lemzi:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lemzi.com⁠

Avanti Sharma, a Forbes Under 30 youth climate and sustainability activist, returns to share how Gen Z is reshaping corporate values through the Great Wealth Transfer. She emphasizes that this generation prioritizes purpose over paychecks, compelling organizations to align with their values or risk losing top talent. Avanti discusses her initiative, Let’s Make SDGs Happen, and the importance of youth engagement in driving change. She also explores the dual impact of technology, advocating for education and upskilling while critiquing the potential loss of entry-level roles.

In this discussion, Thomas Cardon, Director of EMEA automotive sales at QNX, reveals the complexities of the Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) landscape. He highlights cybersecurity as a major hurdle, with 55% of developers facing delays. Thomas explains the impact of AI on speeding up development cycles while addressing the challenges posed by costs and regulations for autonomous vehicles. He contrasts regional approaches to regulation and discusses how SDV may shift consumer perceptions of car ownership and OEM value.

Fabio Bin, Co-founder and CMO of WeRoad, discusses the unique approach that propelled his travel startup to $100M revenue by focusing on solving the modern loneliness epidemic among 20–40-year-olds. He explains how their travel coordinators foster connections, turning shared challenges into memorable bonding moments. Fabio also delves into the importance of bold branding over conventional marketing tactics, revealing that community-driven experiences are at the heart of WeRoad's growth strategy, all while highlighting his favorite adventure in Mongolia.

Evan Henshaw-Plath, the first employee at Twitter and an early engineering leader, shares the platform's chaotic origins from Odeo's hackathons. He reflects on how user-driven features like hashtags and retweets emerged, contrasting that with the platform's later ad-driven changes. Henshaw-Plath discusses the concept of 'inshitification' and advocates for open protocols, highlighting Bluesky as a solution to centralization. He also emphasizes the importance of user choice in moderation and the need for innovative, human-centered tech solutions.

Chris Smith, a former career banker and the driving force behind Bloxx, discusses the challenging landscape of homeownership and the need for change. He highlights how traditional banks have made buying a home a financial “game of monopoly.” Bloxx offers a groundbreaking alternative by allowing buyers to purchase homes with just a 1% deposit and access equity through innovative Web3 solutions. The conversation uncovers how Bloxx connects buyers directly to institutional capital, significantly reducing costs and transforming the rental market into a pathway to ownership.

Michael Tefula, Principal and Head of Product at Ada Ventures, delves into inclusivity in venture capital, emphasizing that AI should only assist, not decide. He shares insights on utilizing proprietary tools like investment memo software and Deck Genius to discover overlooked talent and enhance pitch presentations. Michael explains the balance of technical skills in assessing startups while maintaining a human touch in investment decisions. With a focus on economic empowerment, he gives practical advice for founders seeking pre-seed funding.

Louise Thomas, CEO of Aeroware Labs specializing in AI-driven air quality solutions, shares insights from her successful fundraising round. Katerina Chantzi, a student and facilitator, discusses her strategic networking at the conference. Janine Luk, a senior software engineer, highlights the importance of creating community connections. Together, they address concerns about algorithms potentially suppressing diverse voices and emphasize the need for a human-centered approach in technology.

Join Raya Mardani, a 15-year-old founder from Toronto developing a smart period-pain belt, and Aarav Sharma, a 16-year-old innovator creating a thought-controlled prosthetic arm. They share their inspirations and experiences presenting at the Web Summit, emphasizing the importance of youth voices in tech. Discover how they tackle age bias in pitches and their views on mentorship. Both highlight the importance of passion-driven projects and the growing focus on sustainability in startups, proving that Gen Z is ready to lead the change!

Nancy Beaton, President of Uphold, shares her insights on the urgent need for traditional finance to adapt to the digital landscape. She emphasizes how Gen Z’s expectations for instant, borderless financial services are reshaping the industry. With over 300 tokens available, Uphold’s API enables swift transitions to on-chain solutions for banks and fintechs. Nancy also discusses Bitcoin as a superior savings technology and stresses the importance of legacy firms acting fast to avoid being left behind in the crypto revolution.