Fintech Insider Podcast by 11:FS

1007. News: Goldman Sachs acquires Industry Ventures and UK fintech funding bounces back to 2022 highs

Oct 20, 2025
Arun Tharmarajah, head of EMEA Banking at Wise, shares insights on their new travel card launching in India and a regulatory milestone in the UAE. Thomas Easterby from HSBC discusses a surge in UK venture funding and evolving startup accelerators across the country. Barry O’Donohoe, co-founder of Radium, highlights advances in open finance and the FCA's new accelerator program. The trio also debates the quirks of drone food delivery, from noise issues to the impracticality of certain items.
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INSIGHT

India Travel Card Market Potential

  • India offers a huge travel-card opportunity with a forecasted market of around $17bn by 2025 and strong middle-class demand.
  • Wise built local teams and regulatory permissions first to launch a fully digital travel card that avoids paper-heavy processes.
INSIGHT

UK Funding Momentum Returns

  • UK venture funding reached $9bn in Q3 and $17.3bn year-to-date, signalling renewed momentum across stages.
  • Mega rounds skew totals but the breadth of seed-to-growth activity shows sustained investor interest.
INSIGHT

Funding Spreads Beyond London

  • 45% of funding rounds now occur outside London, driven by university spinouts and regional funders.
  • Local ecosystems and corporate innovation are spreading talent and investment across the UK.
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