Female Founders in Fintech: Driving Innovation and Financial Inclusion

Women are driving some of the most exciting innovations in fintech, yet female founders still face disproportionate challenges in funding, visibility, and opportunity. It is time to change that!

This event will explore the crucial role female founders play in shaping the future of Fintech, particularly in terms of fostering financial inclusion. We will aim to bring attention to the challenges women face in accessing funding, resources, and mentorship, while also celebrating the innovative contributions women are making to improve financial service for undeserved populations:

• Access to Capital
• Gender Bias in Investment
• Networking and mentorship Gaps.

Panelists;

Mediator: Rachel Tshondo

With over 20 years’ experience in banking, Rachel is an expert in supporting high-growth businesses and entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

Currently, as a Relationship Director in Barclays’ High Growth and Entrepreneur team in London, she leads strategic initiatives that empower innovative companies to scale and succeed in an ever-evolving financial landscape.

In addition to her client-facing role, Rachel serves as the National Lead for Fintech, spearheading Barclays’ efforts to engage with dynamic fintech ecosystem. She brings a wealth of knowledge in financial services, startup development and venture capital, working closely with fintech leaders to foster growth, drive innovation and navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing market.

Rachel is passionate about leveraging technology to reshape the future of finance and is dedicated to helping fintech businesses access the resources and expertise they need to thrive.

Maria

Maria Martyak is the founder and director of Doyle Blackfriars, a startup-focused firm helping early-stage companies, institutions, and ecosystem players navigate growth, strategy, and innovation. Her journey from professional ballerina to businesswoman spans 15+ years across seven countries, with a career built at the intersection of startups and emerging technologies. Maria has worked with founders and venture-backed teams, lectured at top universities, moderated international panels, and regularly speaks at conferences on entrepreneurship, emerging technology, and the future of marketing.

Karen Allan

As a partner, Karen specialises in financial services, with a particular focus on the dynamic FinTech ecosystem. With nearly a decade of experience, she is a trusted advisor to clients across the industry.

 A natural problem solver, Karen is dedicated to supporting and advising ambitious FinTech companies throughout their lifecycle. She works closely with private equity and venture capital firms, particularly those focused on investing in FinTech. Her expertise lies in accountancy and tax advisory solutions, working alongside a team of specialists who are experts in their field.

 Karen is a firm believer in the power of collaboration within the sector. She takes the time to deeply understand the businesses she works with, fostering strong relationships with founders, employees, and investors alike

Megan Caywood

Megan is Founder and CEO of Caywood, a new WealthTech startup based in London. She moved to the UK from San Francisco in 2016 when she was awarded an Exceptional Talent Visa for her work in fintech to move to the UK to help start Starling Bank as Chief Platform Officer, where she was subsequently awarded Forbes 30 under 30 in recognition of her work. She was headhunted to Barclays in 2019 to serve as Head of Digital Strategy, and then was promoted to Chief Product Officer for Barclays UK, where she oversaw the build of the Next Gen Banking Platform. She also served as chairman of the Digital, Tech, and Cyber Board at UK Finance, before now starting her newest venture.

If you have any questions or dietary requirements please contact Kester Matthew via email kester.matthew2@barclays.com and please cancel your ticket or let me know if you are unable to attend for any reason.