VentureTech Launch(pod) is a gateway to the future, offering unparalleled insights and groundbreaking innovations from the leading fintech minds dedicated to innovating credit unions. Each episode is a journey through the latest trends, technologies, and thought leadership shaping the destiny of credit unions.
Whether you’re pioneering change within your credit union, creating the next breakthrough in fintech solutions, or simply fascinated by technological innovation, VentureTech Launch(pod) invites you to join the dialogue shaping tomorrow’s financial technology. Tune in and connect with a community that’s at the forefront of fintech innovation, dedicated to empowering credit unions and exploring the horizons of financial technology.
In the kickoff episode of VentureTech Launch(pod) 2025, we welcome back Joe Gracia CEO with Nickels. Joe discusses what he is excited to learn as well as teach at this years event, why he is back on the pitch stage again this year and the evolution from CardFit to now Nickels.
Joe highlights the Credit Card Debt Crisis, the “illusion” of benefits value on these high points (and high interest) Credit Cards the US population are using and how Nickels can not only help your members see the CU light, but make the experience fun and effective. JT and Joe also discuss how unique and transformative VentureTech has been for Joe and his programs.
We love the collaboration with NACUSO at VentureTech 2024 so much, we just HAD to get some more mic time! On this episode, we have the talented and lovely Rebecca Issacs (Head of Sustainability) to share with us her role on the exciting new team and what they are working so hard on in the lead up to ReImagine (the NACUSO Conference) in April 2025 as well as her feelings and learnings around VentureTech 2024.
It is always fun to catch up with fintech friends a year later and see how far they have come and the impacts that have been made! We get an exciting progress report from Crissi Cole, CEO and Founder of Penny Finance, as we chop it up about America's debt crisis, financial empowerments for our members, and how VentureTech has impacted Penny Finance's trajectory. This is an impactful and insightful episode from one of our rising stars! Check it out!
Paralysis by Analysis? Not if you have LodeStar and CTO, Colin Philips in your corner! Colin stops by to give us an education on the importance of a single source of truth, BI and advanced workflow applications and analytics through their exciting Edge platform. He also shares what excites him about this years VentureTech conference and what he feels is the secret ingredient that will keep him coming back. If your data is a compass, then LodeStar can be your North Star.
I'm talking to the man in the middle(ware). I'm asking him to change our industry ways... Ok, ok. All bad lyrics puns aside, it was honestly a mind blowing blast to speak to David Wexler, CEO at PortX as he shared his passion for educating CU's about the benefits of a "middleware" partner strategy and how Port X's Fintech Hub has helped so many speed up either their fintech path to FI's or the other way around... We enjoy some conversation around this years VentureTech, what he has learned and why he keeps coming back for more. Want to work smarter not harder? Give this a listen
We can't say that we have favorites on the show, but it is always nice when not only do guests LISTEN to episode suggestions, but they bring it beyond best practices! Omar Jordan, CEO at Coviance is one of those guests and this time, he is back on the mic to highlight how VentureTech can also promote collaboration BETWEEN Fintech partners to better serve their collective and future CU clients by bringing his friend and now ecosystem partner Bruce Callen (CFO and CDO) at Sync1 Systems!.. We have a blast digging in on how their two companies came together to solve mutual challenges and how they are stronger together! VentureTech is not just a great conference, its a great match maker as well! Give this a listen and share it with who needs to hear it!
It's not everyday that you get "Captains of Industry" on the Pod... and I am not saying that today was that day for Launch(pod) (kidding)! We were sincerely thrilled to have Paul Clampitt, Principal at CU Healthcare Paycard and his board member and close confidant, John Ainsworth, CEO at Bonifii on the show to discuss some exciting evolution updates at CU Healthcare Paycard, the health care funding crisis and how Credit Unions can play a crucial part in both physical and mental wellness for their current and future members... We also discuss their veteran status at VentureTech and why this is a must-go event for them every year. These two gents are an absolue blast and this one is a must! Check it out!
AI is the "talk of the tech" everywhere and VentureTech 2024 definitely held some space for our friends in the forefront of that arena. Finalytics.ai are one of those leaders and although they probably could have programmed some guests for us, we were lucky to have the CEO, Craig McLaughlin and CSO, Baron Conway in the flesh on Launch(pod)...Craig and Baron broke down what they are excited to educate CU's on concerning the evolution on AI in the movement, some easy use cases to start with and how VentureTech has become a staple in their event calendar. Incredibly informative and a blast to host. Check it out!
Ronaldo Hardy, President and CEO of NACUSO (National Association of Credit Union Service Organizations) hops on the hot mic to deliver exciting news about "Transformation Thursday" at VentureTech, a sneak peek at this years NACUSO Conference: "ReImagine" and why his passion for learning and teaching is always sparked here at VentureTech.
There is a housing crisis in this country and the American dream to own a home is getting further out of reach for many. Duome creators Miriam Ackerman & Eric Berg are here to take this crisis head on with a refreshing and cooperative approach so fitting to our movement. We discuss the newest creation from our Netgiver friends, their presentation at VentureTech and how this years event differs from many other events on the Fintech Calendar. Fascinating discussion and a must listen!
In this engaging episode of VentureTech Launch(pod), we are joined by Mart Vos from Eko. Vos delves into the challenges Eko is addressing in the credit union movement, particularly focusing on the investment opportunities within banking... Coming from the Netherlands, Vos noticed a stark contrast in the investment culture between Europe and North America. He observed that in the U.S. and Canada, investment opportunities through banking institutions were limited, especially for those with smaller savings. Eko aims to bridge this gap by integrating investment options within the digital banking platforms of credit unions, allowing members to invest as little as $10 without leaving their trusted banking environment. Eko offers two distinct pathways for investment: a self-directed option and a RoboAdvisor, which creates a portfolio based on the user's risk appetite and investment preferences. The integration of Eko within the credit union's digital platform simplifies the investment process, making it less intimidating and more accessible to a broader range of members.
In this episode of VentureTech Launch(pod), we're joined by Kory Kelly from Legal Karma, who brings a fresh perspective on a pressing issue in the credit union space and beyond. Kory discusses the significant challenge of access to justice in the United States, where complex legal structures often favor lawyers' billable hours over affordable legal access for average Americans... Legal Karma addresses this by offering a digital solution to help credit unions provide their members with affordable and trustworthy legal services, including wills and trusts. Kory shares the journey of how Legal Karma pivoted from trying to make law firms more efficient to partnering with credit unions like Desert Financial, who successfully scaled their estate planning department using Legal Karma's tech. This innovative approach allows credit union members to access essential legal services directly through their banking platform, enhancing their financial wellness journey. The episode delves into how Legal Karma is not just offering legal solutions but also deepening the relationship between credit unions and their members. Kory's vision for Legal Karma is to make banks and credit unions the primary providers of legal needs for Americans, challenging the traditional law firm model. This episode highlights the potential of fintech collaborations to bring meaningful change in the financial and legal landscapes.
In this latest episode of VentureTech Launch(pod), we're joined by Kian Sarreshteh, CEO of Cryptofi. Kian shares his passion for tackling a significant challenge in the credit union sector: the loss of deposits and members to major self-directed investing platforms... He brings attention to the rise of platforms like Robinhood, which have rapidly evolved to encompass a full range of financial services, drawing members away from traditional credit unions. Cryptofi is addressing this issue by integrating with digital banking providers to allow credit union members to effortlessly buy, sell, and hold a diverse range of assets, including stocks and cryptocurrencies, directly through their banking apps. Kian explains how this integration maintains member deposits within the credit union and offers an instant transaction experience, enhancing member satisfaction and trust. He also highlights the importance of providing options for credit unions to either white-label or co-brand the service, catering to their branding preferences. This episode sheds light on how Cryptofi is revolutionizing the way credit unions can compete in the financial market by offering modern, trust-based investment services that align with member needs and preferences. Kian's vision for Cryptofi underscores the potential for credit unions to reclaim their position in the rapidly evolving financial landscape.
In this episode of VentureTech Launch(pod), join hosts Joshua Barclay and Jon Taylor as they delve into a transformative conversation with Allen Jingst, CRO of Coviance... With over 400 credit unions under its belt, Coviance is challenging the status quo by streamlining lending processes, automating communication, and reducing loan approval times from weeks to minutes. Dive into the intricacies of their technology and its impact on both credit union operations and member experiences. This episode is essential for anyone in the credit union and fintech space, providing deep insights into how Coviance's unique technology solutions are transforming home equity lending processes, enabling credit unions to offer faster, more efficient services and effectively compete with major fintech players.
Explore how Datava is revolutionizing credit unions by enhancing member loyalty through innovative data integration and analytics. Bjoern Nordmann discusses tackling the challenge of data silos and shares Datava's approach to creating a seamless member experience... Learn about their strategies for data warehousing and deployment, aimed at improving service efficiency and strengthening member connections. Essential listening for those in the credit union industry looking to leverage data for a competitive edge.
Discover how Constant is addressing the pressing challenge of evolving consumer expectations in the credit union industry. Brandon Guerrero explains how their solutions are revolutionizing the loan servicing and loss mitigation space, making processes like due date changes, payoff requests, and loan modifications quicker and more accessible... Through their digital-first approach, Constant is enhancing the member experience by allowing users to handle their financial needs anytime, anywhere. This episode is particularly relevant for credit union professionals seeking innovative ways to improve member service efficiency and navigate the complexities of the current economic climate.
Ashish Garg shares his journey and passion for the credit union space, emphasizing how digitalization is reshaping member interactions. You will learn how Eltropy’s innovative platform integrates into mobile banking apps, enabling members to access a range of services via video calls, chat, and text, all powered by AI... Discover how this technology is not only automating simple tasks but also enhancing complex member services, providing AI-assisted support to credit union staff. The conversation reveals how Elropy is bridging the gap between digital convenience and human connection, offering insights into the future of member engagement in credit unions.
In this engaging episode of VentureTech Launch(pod), we are joined by Mart Vos from Eko. Vos delves into the challenges Eko is addressing in the credit union movement, particularly focusing on the investment opportunities within banking... Coming from the Netherlands, Vos noticed a stark contrast in the investment culture between Europe and North America. He observed that in the U.S. and Canada, investment opportunities through banking institutions were limited, especially for those with smaller savings. Eko aims to bridge this gap by integrating investment options within the digital banking platforms of credit unions, allowing members to invest as little as $10 without leaving their trusted banking environment. Eko offers two distinct pathways for investment: a self-directed option and a RoboAdvisor, which creates a portfolio based on the user's risk appetite and investment preferences. The integration of Eko within the credit union's digital platform simplifies the investment process, making it less intimidating and more accessible to a broader range of members.
In this episode of VentureTech Launch(pod), we're joined by Kory Kelly from Legal Karma, who brings a fresh perspective on a pressing issue in the credit union space and beyond. Kory discusses the significant challenge of access to justice in the United States, where complex legal structures often favor lawyers' billable hours over affordable legal access for average Americans... Legal Karma addresses this by offering a digital solution to help credit unions provide their members with affordable and trustworthy legal services, including wills and trusts. Kory shares the journey of how Legal Karma pivoted from trying to make law firms more efficient to partnering with credit unions like Desert Financial, who successfully scaled their estate planning department using Legal Karma's tech. This innovative approach allows credit union members to access essential legal services directly through their banking platform, enhancing their financial wellness journey. The episode delves into how Legal Karma is not just offering legal solutions but also deepening the relationship between credit unions and their members. Kory's vision for Legal Karma is to make banks and credit unions the primary providers of legal needs for Americans, challenging the traditional law firm model. This episode highlights the potential of fintech collaborations to bring meaningful change in the financial and legal landscapes.
In this latest episode of VentureTech Launch(pod), we're joined by Kian Sarreshteh, CEO of Cryptofi. Kian shares his passion for tackling a significant challenge in the credit union sector: the loss of deposits and members to major self-directed investing platforms... He brings attention to the rise of platforms like Robinhood, which have rapidly evolved to encompass a full range of financial services, drawing members away from traditional credit unions. Cryptofi is addressing this issue by integrating with digital banking providers to allow credit union members to effortlessly buy, sell, and hold a diverse range of assets, including stocks and cryptocurrencies, directly through their banking apps. Kian explains how this integration maintains member deposits within the credit union and offers an instant transaction experience, enhancing member satisfaction and trust. He also highlights the importance of providing options for credit unions to either white-label or co-brand the service, catering to their branding preferences. This episode sheds light on how Cryptofi is revolutionizing the way credit unions can compete in the financial market by offering modern, trust-based investment services that align with member needs and preferences. Kian's vision for Cryptofi underscores the potential for credit unions to reclaim their position in the rapidly evolving financial landscape.
In this episode of VentureTech Launch(pod), join hosts Joshua Barclay and Jon Taylor as they delve into a transformative conversation with Allen Jingst, CRO of Coviance... With over 400 credit unions under its belt, Coviance is challenging the status quo by streamlining lending processes, automating communication, and reducing loan approval times from weeks to minutes. Dive into the intricacies of their technology and its impact on both credit union operations and member experiences. This episode is essential for anyone in the credit union and fintech space, providing deep insights into how Coviance's unique technology solutions are transforming home equity lending processes, enabling credit unions to offer faster, more efficient services and effectively compete with major fintech players.
Explore how Datava is revolutionizing credit unions by enhancing member loyalty through innovative data integration and analytics. Bjoern Nordmann discusses tackling the challenge of data silos and shares Datava's approach to creating a seamless member experience... Learn about their strategies for data warehousing and deployment, aimed at improving service efficiency and strengthening member connections. Essential listening for those in the credit union industry looking to leverage data for a competitive edge.
Discover how Constant is addressing the pressing challenge of evolving consumer expectations in the credit union industry. Brandon Guerrero explains how their solutions are revolutionizing the loan servicing and loss mitigation space, making processes like due date changes, payoff requests, and loan modifications quicker and more accessible... Through their digital-first approach, Constant is enhancing the member experience by allowing users to handle their financial needs anytime, anywhere. This episode is particularly relevant for credit union professionals seeking innovative ways to improve member service efficiency and navigate the complexities of the current economic climate.
Ashish Garg shares his journey and passion for the credit union space, emphasizing how digitalization is reshaping member interactions. You will learn how Eltropy’s innovative platform integrates into mobile banking apps, enabling members to access a range of services via video calls, chat, and text, all powered by AI... Discover how this technology is not only automating simple tasks but also enhancing complex member services, providing AI-assisted support to credit union staff. The conversation reveals how Elropy is bridging the gap between digital convenience and human connection, offering insights into the future of member engagement in credit unions.
Brian Lauer, an expert in Credit Union Service Organizations (CUSOs), shares his extensive experience in navigating the intersections of law, technology, and credit union growth. The discussion revolves around the pivotal role of CUSOs in driving technological advancement within credit unions, highlighting how these organizations are essential for credit unions to invest in and partner with fintechs... Brian breaks down the complexities of CUSO formation, emphasizing its importance for credit union innovation and collaboration. This episode offers a unique perspective on the legal and strategic aspects of credit union evolution, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of credit unions and fintech partnerships.
In this episode of VentureTech Launch(pod), Chase Neinken shares his passion for addressing the significant challenges credit unions face in the digital age, particularly in competing with fintech giants like NerdWallet, Zillow, and Credit Karma... He emphasizes the importance of providing beautifully designed, user-friendly tools that enable credit unions to compete effectively in the consumer landscape. Chase elaborates on the unique solutions Chimney offers, like interactive, white-labeled tools integrated within credit union websites and online banking, bridging the gap between traditional banking and modern consumer expectations. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in understanding how innovative technology can transform the credit union space, ensuring member retention and expanding relationships in the digital era.
In this engaging episode of VentureTech Launch(pod), Jason Seale shares insights on how Agent IQ's solutions, including AI and personal associate features, are designed to cater to the needs of modern credit union members, ensuring they feel understood and valued... He also highlights Agent IQ's unique ability to adapt its platform to meet various needs, like supporting domestic violence survivors through financial services. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in how technology and empathy can blend to transform member experiences in the credit union industry.
In this episode of VentureTech launch(pod), we're joined by Jason O'Brien from Swivel, who shares his passion for improving financial transactions within the credit union space. Drawing from personal experiences, Jason emphasizes the importance of recreating the warmth and personal touch of traditional banking in the digital era... Swivel focuses on facilitating seamless transactions, enabling credit unions to become efficient merchants for their members. They work across various channels, embedding their technology in digital banking environments, websites, and call center systems to assist with ACH information processing, card payments, and more. Handling over $9.5 billion in funds for loans, account openings, and deposits, Swivel aims to make the transaction process as human and reassuring as possible, bridging the gap between digital efficiency and personal connection. This episode delves into how Swivel's integration with credit union systems enhances the member experience, especially in crucial areas like loan repayments and new account fundings, reinforcing the crucial balance between convenience and experience in modern banking.
In this episode of VentureTech Launch(pod), Joseph Gracia from Nickels offers a unique insight into solving a critical problem in the credit union space. Drawing a parallel to his early experiences with Columbia House and its clever marketing strategies, Joseph explains how major credit card companies use similar tactics to entice consumers, often leading to financial strain... Nickels addresses this issue by analyzing credit union members' checking account data to identify their spending patterns on other credit cards. This approach enables credit unions to offer more personalized, relevant financial products that genuinely benefit their members, like balance transfers and refinancing options. Rather than competing in the rewards game, Nickels helps credit unions focus on offering better rates and financial solutions. Their service operates seamlessly behind the scenes, ensuring members receive tailored marketing messages without being directly aware of Nickels' involvement. The company's innovative strategy not only assists credit unions in expanding their card portfolios but also aids members in making more informed financial decisions. This episode dives into how Nickels' data analysis and marketing support are transforming the way credit unions interact with and support their members financially.
In this captivating episode of VentureTech Launch(pod), we explore the innovative world of Karma Wallet with its founder, Kedar Karkare. With a background in biology and data science, Kedar brings a unique perspective to the financial world. He expresses a deep passion for influencing positive change, emphasizing the significant impact of consumer spending habits on global and community welfare. .. Karma Wallet aims to address this by harnessing vast amounts of social and environmental data about brands and making it accessible and understandable within a user's digital banking experience. This integration allows credit union members to see the impact of their spending in real-time, promoting more socially responsible and environmentally friendly purchasing decisions. Kedar discusses how Karma Wallet seamlessly embeds into digital banking platforms, offering credit unions a straightforward way to engage their members in mindful spending.
In this enlightening episode of VentureTech Launch(pod), we sit down with Keith Riddle from PayFinia to discuss the evolving landscape of credit union payments. Keith shares his passion for helping credit unions navigate the complexities of the modern payments environment. He explains how PayFinia's platform is designed to be inclusive and adaptable, supporting credit unions in their payments modernization journey... Keith highlights a real-life example with Star One Credit Union, demonstrating how PayFinia enhances member experiences through instant, flexible money movement across various accounts. This capability not only simplifies transactions for members but also positions credit unions to compete effectively with larger financial institutions. Keith emphasizes the importance of being consultative and understanding each credit union's unique goals, whether they're focused on consumer, business, or both. PayFinia's approach is to be an open framework, capable of supporting a wide range of payment use cases, thereby eliminating the need for multiple providers. This episode delves into how PayFinia's innovative approach and comprehensive understanding of the payments industry are empowering credit unions to transform and align with the needs of their members in a rapidly changing financial landscape.
Contact Us:
info@myventuretech.com
Contact Us:
info@myventuretech.com
