Voice of FinTech

Tobias Wohlfarth, Chief Business Officer (CBO) at Obligate, an on-chain regulated bonds platform based in Switzerland, spoke with Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about bringing private debt opportunities to more investors by leveraging blockchain.Here is what they discussed in more detail: Tobias' journey to the entrepreneurship worldWhy Tobias joined ObligateWhat is Obligate? What problem is Obligate trying to solveTheir unique advantage - how is Obligate different from digital assets exchangesBusiness model - how does Obligate make moneyTarget customersLocations of staff and customersHow did Obligate scale?Where is Obligate on their journey nowWhat are Obligate's next steps for this year and beyond? Where can interested parties contact you? Website: https://www.obligate.com/ or Tobias on LinkedIn here.

In this episode, Dorra Mahbouli speaks with Rinse Jacobs, former Solaris executive and now CEO of Zazu, the rising B2B fintech reshaping SME banking in Africa. Zazu is building Africa’s first finance super-app, offering a unified platform that addresses the fragmented, outdated financial tools SMEs currently rely on.With over 44 million underbanked SMEs across the continent and a $5.1 trillion credit gap in emerging markets, Zazu positions itself as the go-to digital banking solution for SMEs—combining payments, finance management, and credit access in one place. Backed by VCs and built by FinTech veterans, Zazu is now expanding beyond South Africa into other African and MENA markets to support SME growth at scale.Find it here or reach out to Rinse on LinkedIn.

Chris Ball, CEO and founder of Hoxton Wealth, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about building an internationally focused wealth manager from the ground up.Here is what they discussed in more detail:Chris, tell us how you got to do what you do today.Future of wealth management - how technology meets personalized adviceThe problem Hoxton Wealth is helping clients with and whyNuances of the wealth management industry in the Middle East vs. the UK or the USWhat is the key advice for advisors working with international clients to achieve their goals The first steps with Hoxton - How did Chris get his first 100 clientsLater on, how did Chris scale Hoxton from a start-up to managing $2.1 billion in assetsWhat is Hoxton's unique advantage - How is it different from large, global international wealth managersCan you recommend a favorite business book or another resource for continuous learning? Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win and 80/20 Daily: Your Day-by-Day Guide to Happier, Healthier, Wealthier, and More Successful Living The best way to reach out: find Chris Ball on LinkedIn 

Maude Baudier, CEO and founder of Smatchy, a sports community app, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about a community for doing sports together and partnering with businesses to build engagement with their consumers through sports.Here is what they talked about:Maude's backgroundWhy did Maude decide to start your own company? What is Smatchy? What is the problem that Smatchy is trying to solveWhat is its unique advantage? How is it different from other sports partner apps?How does Smatchy make money?Who Smatchy's target customersKey locationsThe very first steps to get going as a businessWhere is Smatchy now on its journey regarding product development, geographic reach, funding, and hiring?What are the Smatchy's steps for you this year and beyond? Customers, incumbents as partners, investors?The best way to reach out: LinkedIn: Maude Baudier, or website Smatchy (apps links there)

Hagen Lihl, co-founder of Upgrid and recent graduate of the Tenity Acceleration Program, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about a platform for harnessing solar energy in your neighborhood.Here is what they talked about in more detail:Hagen, can you introduce yourself?Why have you decided to start your own company?What is the problem that you are trying to solve? What is Upgrid?  What are the issues you’re addressing to change that?How are you different from traditional energy providers?How do you make money?Who are your target customers? How big is the Swiss market, and what about regulation?Where are you based?How have you started with your venture? What were your very first steps?Where are you on your journey regarding product development, geographic reach, funding, and hiring? Can you share any numbers?What are the next steps for you this year and beyond? Customers, incumbents as partners, investors?Where can interested parties reach you? Check out the website or reach out to Hagen Lihl on LinkedIn. 

This episode of Voice of FinTech, the MENA Series hosted by Dorra Mahbouli, features Martin Della Chiesa, co-CEO of Skaleet, a FinTech innovator providing scalable and configurable core banking solutions. The podcast explores Skaleet's vision of empowering banks to modernize their digital offerings while maintaining adaptability for local market needs. Key sections include discussions on Skaleet's MENA expansion strategy, navigating regional regulatory challenges, and their role in advancing financial inclusion. Highlighted use cases, such as BMCI Mauritania's digital bank launch and Trust Merchant Bank's digital transformation in the DRC, demonstrate Skaleet's ability to create tailored, agile solutions. Skaleet's platform is a robust enabler for financial ecosystems and banks aiming to build the next generation of digital products and services.

Amos Kimani, CEO and co-founder of the Tausi app, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about how he built a platform for beauticians in Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania.Here is what they covered: Amos's journey from a musician to a start-up founderWhat is Tausi and the problem that it solvesWhat is Tausi's unique advantage? How is it different from other freelancers, including beauty or lifestyle-oriented platforms?How does Tausi make money?Who are Tausi's target customersTausi's key marketsHow did Amos start with this venture - what were his first steps?Where is Tausi on its journey regarding product development, geographic reach, funding, and hiring? What are the next steps for you this year and beyond? Customers, incumbents as partners, investors?Where can interested parties reach you? LinkedIn or email and phone. 

Liz Steblay, solopreneur success author, advocate, speaker, & mentor, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about becoming a successful solopreneur. Here is what they talked about:Liz, tell us how you got to do what you do today.So, say you are thinking about going solo. How do you find out if it’s the right path for you?How to figure out the steps to get started?In a competitive market, standing out is everything. How do you master the art of branding, marketing, and business development to build the solo career you’ve always dreamed of?Let’s also talk about building wealth. Want to keep more of what you earn? What are your recommended strategies to optimize taxes and maximize income while growing your solo business?You have written a book, Succeeding as a Solopreneur. In addition to what we just discussed, can you hint at the six keys to successful self-employment you describe in the book?The best way to reach out and find out more: Liz Steblay on LinkedIn or the website and the book: https://www.sixkeys.info/

Dr. Karen (PHD) Wendt, President of the Swiss FinTech Ladies, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about angel investing training to close the gender gap in investing and wealth.Here is what they covered:Karen explained what led her to start the SFTL associationWhat does SFTL do?SFTL key activities, training, and educationHow do business angels, VCs, and CVCs differ?Why is business angel investing training needed?What are key takeaways from your training, including the main dos and don'ts of presenting to investorsKey advice for aspiring business angelsFurther recommended sources: Onvista, Handelsblatt, NZZ, BloombergEvents: check out Swiss FinTech LadiesContact

In the latest episode of Voice FinTech: Africa Series, Patrick Awori, CEO of Imaginarium, sits down with Tawanda Wenyika, Business Development Executive at EFT Corporation and Caroline Kitema, Growth Manager at Absa Bank, to explore the technological advancements reshaping the future of banking. The episode was recorded at the KOFISI Podcast Studio.