Women in FinTech: Pioneers Transforming Tech Startups
June 2023 saw the third Women in FinTech conference go ahead in Coimbra, Portugal. Trending topics include AI, transparency, and investment performance, with the event's overall goal to promote maximized diversity within the financial technology sphere.
But just how diverse is FinTech in 2023? Are women blazing a trail as brightly as their male counterparts?
Gender Diversity in FinTech
Only 40% of FinTech companies have a woman appointed to their board, and when you look at FinTech executives, women only account for 11% globally. Does that mean women aren’t making an impact in the financial tech sector? Far from it! Women in FinTech are hailed as some of the industry's most influential entrepreneurs and innovators. Let’s look at some pioneers creating space in the FinTech arena for up-and-coming female-founded startups to shine.
Inspiring Women in FinTech
There are so many influential women in FinTech, so we’ve picked out just a few of the most notable.
Lissele Pratt
Lissele Pratt is a Forbes “30 under 30” honoree and recently won the Rising Star prize at the UK Fintech Awards. She co-founded Capitalixe, a FinTech consultation firm that works with financiers worldwide to advise on payment and banking options for higher-risk industries.
She went into business at just 16 and is a champion for diversity and inclusion. She is also providing mentorship for others entering the industry.
Amanda Abrams
As CEO of Cohen Circle, Amanda Abrams is linked to the financing of many late-stage FinTech companies, plus other impactful technologies. She recently created a new fund due to launch in 2024: Radiate Capital. This fund is specifically for FinTech and healthcare technology providers focused on improving the level of access to these services in areas that may currently be underserved.
Jenny Cheng
Jenny Cheng manages Google Wallet, which is thriving after a recent relaunch that’s seen it employed in at least 63 countries or territories. She also works on digital keys, mobile driver’s licenses, and other ways to navigate daily life using a smartphone.
She’s also highly focused on inclusion and equity, mentoring junior employees and providing resources for women and Asian employees at Google.
Final Word
Increasing gender diversity in all aspects of technology is essential for encouraging innovation. Look at our exploration of women in Proptech and the many benefits of increasing gender diversity across the industry as a whole. Arch Collective is proud to work with many tech startups that champion diversity. Find out if we could help your company achieve sustainable growth: Book a 15-minute introductory call and discover how we can support you.
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