S4 Ep11: What Katie Did Next. The VC Investor Backing Female Fintech Founders

How do you smash down common misconceptions around female fintech founders? Katie Palencsar is the startup founder turned investor, determined to bring equity into VC investments.Katie is an investor at the Female Innovators Lab Fund within the Anthemis Group, the global platform cultivating change in the financial system by investing in, growing, and sustaining businesses committed to resiliency, transparency, access and equity.Nicole and Katie discuss why she’s hell bent on shattering the misconceptions around female fintech founders, why it’s time to bring men back into the conversation, and how to respond to accusations of sexism.Plus you’ll hear Katie’s advice for anyone who still feels on the outside of the industry and why investors are looking more and more for sustainability in their fintech investments.Follow Katie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiepalencsar/Twitter: https://twitter.com/damekatiepAnd if you love listening to Humans of Fintech, please leave me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/humansoffintechThank you so much!You can keep up-to-date with everything Humans of Fintech at https://workweek.com/brand/wtfintech/And if you’ve enjoyed Humans of Fintech why not try: Chicks of FinTwit, Tech Unlocked, Breaking Banks or Fintech InsiderWhy Women Are Smashing Down Barriers In FintechFintech has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, with a lack of diversity in leadership and representation. However, this trend is changing, and women are increasingly breaking down barriers and entering fintech in larger numbers than ever before. In this blog, we'll explore why women are smashing down barriers into fintech.Increased OpportunitiesThe fintech industry is rapidly growing, and with that growth comes increased opportunities for women. As the industry evolves, new job opportunities arise, and women are well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities. The increased demand for diverse perspectives and experiences means that women are now more valued than ever in fintech.Changing AttitudesSociety's attitudes towards women in the workplace are changing, and fintech is no exception. More and more companies are recognizing the importance of diversity in the workplace, and women are increasingly being welcomed and valued for their contributions. This change in attitudes is leading to more women entering the fintech industry and breaking down traditional barriers.Strong Female Role ModelsWomen who have already made their mark in fintech are serving as strong role models for the next generation of women entering the industry. These role models are inspiring young women to pursue careers in fintech and showing them that success in this industry is achievable.Inclusive Work EnvironmentsFintech companies are becoming more inclusive, with more companies recognizing the importance of creating an inclusive work environment. Inclusive work environments help women feel more valued, leading to increased job satisfaction and career advancement. Inclusive environments are also more attractive to job seekers, making it easier for fintech companies to attract talented women.Innovative SolutionsFintech companies are creating innovative solutions that appeal to a broad range of customers. Women have unique financial needs and preferences, and fintech companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion are better positioned to create solutions that meet the needs of women.In conclusion, women are breaking down barriers in fintech due to increased opportunities, changing attitudes, strong female role models, inclusive work environments, and innovative solutions. The fintech industry is evolving, and women are well-positioned to make significant contributions to its growth and success. As a fintech professional, you can play a role in promoting diversity and inclusion, creating a more welcoming industry for women and other underrepresented groups.