"Tech Finance" with Sasha Orloff: B2B Fintech | AI | Finance Tech E57: Lessons from Brex, SVB, a16z: How Jason Mok Spots What Founders Need Before They Know It
Sep 25, 2025
In this discussion with Jason Mok, VP & GM of Startups at Brex, we dive into Brex's evolution from credit card services to a full-fledged financial platform. Jason shares insights on how Brex simplifies startup onboarding with innovative features like one-click accounting, seamlessly integrating with Puzzle for real-time bookkeeping. He reflects on his time at Silicon Valley Bank and how its culture shaped his approach to supporting founders. The conversation highlights the importance of proactive financial infrastructures in scaling startup success.
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How Brex Started With Cards
- Brex launched with credit cards to remove friction and give startups dynamic credit without requiring cash collateral.
- Jason Mok recounts how founders previously used personal cards or parked cash to get business credit, which Brex disrupted.
Fixing The Build-or-Raise Dilemma
- Founders often face a chicken-or-egg problem: raise money to get infrastructure or delay building product.
- Brex aimed to let founders start building faster by providing credit and banking without tying up cash.
Stripe Atlas And SVB Partnership
- Stripe Atlas created a smooth path for international founders to incorporate and start in the U.S.
- Jason explains SVB partnered with Atlas to ensure newly incorporated startups could get bank accounts immediately.