Investing in Fintech: How Fintech Startups Are Changing Credit Unions and Small Banks

Brian Kaas is the President and Managing Director of True Stage Ventures, a leading fintech investment company. He joins Tedd in this episode to discuss his journey from law to fintech and the exciting innovations happening in the industry.

Brian shares insights on the fintech companies TruStage Ventures has invested in and how they are revolutionizing the financial landscape.

Discover the challenges of integrating fintech into credit unions and smaller institutions, and learn why cultural fit and strategic partnerships are crucial in this space. Don't miss out on Brian's expert advice for entrepreneurs and investors on choosing the right fintech product.

Three important items covered:

1️⃣ Unveiling the game-changing fintech innovation that's disrupting the industry

2️⃣ The secret to successfully integrating fintech into credit unions and smaller institutions

3️⃣ Expert advice for entrepreneurs and investors on choosing the perfect fintech product

Also, watch the entire episode on YouTube.

Links:

TruStage Ventures:

Website: https://www.trustage.com/ventures

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trustage

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruStage

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trustage/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TruStage

Fintech Confidential

YouTube: https://fintechconfidential.com/watch

Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listen

Notifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/access

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidential

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FTconfidential

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidential

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidential

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Time Stamps:

[00:02:43] Brian's Amazing Journey into Fintech: How He Became a Tech Guru in the Financial World

Brian shares his inspiring story of how he entered the fintech industry and the role technology plays in transforming financial services.

[00:05:18] Passion Unleashed: Brian's Drive to Solve Real-World Problems through Fintech

Discover Brian's deep passion for empowering individuals and providing financial security through innovative fintech solutions.

[00:06:27] Life-Changing Moment: Brian's Unexpected Dive into the Fintech Deal

Relive the thrilling moment when Brian was thrown into a fintech deal and realized his true potential in the tech industry.

[00:10:22] Direct to Consumer Space: The Game-Changing Opportunities You Can't Miss

Uncover how companies in the direct to consumer space are revolutionizing the way they reach customers through channel partners, opening up endless opportunities.

[00:11:54] Goal Setter: The Ultimate Parenting and Tween Banking App

Learn how Goal Setter, the groundbreaking parenting and tween banking app, is transforming financial literacy for young people and forging connections between banks, credit unions, and the next generation.

[00:13:21] Car: The Disruptive Platform Shaking Up Traditional Banks and Credit Unions

Explore how Car, the all-in-one e-commerce platform for vehicles, is revolutionizing the lending relationship and leaving traditional financial institutions in the dust.

[00:22:50] Cultural Fit: The Secret Ingredient to Success in Partnerships and Investments

Discover the crucial role of cultural fit in partnerships and investments, and how it can make or break the success of a company.

[00:27:02] Fintech Landscape: The Latest Trends and Changes You Need to Know

Get insider insights into the ever-evolving fintech industry, from investment rounds and valuations to market stability and beyond.

[00:31:36] Future-Proofing Fintech: Preparing for the Next Big Trends

Dive into the future of fintech with a focus on embedded finance, partnerships, automation, and data-driven solutions as the key areas of interest for TruStage Ventures.

[00:35:35] Strategic Capital: The Game-Changer for Fintech Companies

Discover why strategic capital is becoming increasingly vital for fintech companies and how investors can bring more than just financial support to the table.

[00:36:53] Entrepreneurial Wisdom: Brian's Advice on Product Focus

Learn from Brian's expertise as he advises entrepreneurs to stay focused on their core market, prove product fit, and generate revenue before expanding in multiple directions.

[00:39:32] Laser Focus and Investor Selection: Brian's Golden Rule for Founders

In a nutshell, Brian advises founders to maintain laser focus and carefully choose their investors for long-term success in the fintech world.

This is a Production of Diamond D3, Media

ABOUT:

Brian Kaas: Brian Kaas is President and Managing Director of TruStage Ventures, and oversees all aspects of TruStage’s venture capital program. Additionally, Kaas serves as the Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at TruStage where he has led the acquisition of numerous companies. He serves as a board member for several fintech companies and is a frequent speaker on emerging fintech trends. Kaas joined TruStage in 2012.

Prior to joining TruStage, Kaas was a partner at the national law firm of Foley & Lardner where he handled a broad range of complex strategic transactions, mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructurings.

TruStage : TruStage is a financially strong insurance, investment and technology provider, built on the philosophy of people helping people. We believe a brighter financial future should be accessible to everyone, and our products and solutions help people confidently make financial decisions that work for them at every stage of life. With a culture rooted and focused on creating a more equitable society and financial system, we are deeply committed to giving back to our communities to improve the lives of those we serve.

Tedd Huff: Tedd Huff is the Co-Founder of Voalyre, and the President & Founder of Diamond D3, a professional services consulting firm focused on global payments and marketing. He is also a video podcast host and producer of Fintech Confidential.

Over the past 24 years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for Global Payments OpenEdge, Heartland Payments, Nuvei, and TSYS, among others, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.

Diamond D3, Media: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally