Alan Tsen, Head of fmX at IAG, brings a wealth of experience from his roles in fintech and law as well as a love for fine wine. He discusses the unique structure of fmX, which supports startups with invaluable resources and potential partnerships. The conversation delves into the challenges of fintech innovation amid regulatory changes and the hurdles startups face in a bear market. Tsen also shares insights on the evolving landscape of blockchain technology and highlights the importance of personal connections in fostering entrepreneurial success.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Career Shift
Alan Tsen's career started in international tax law but shifted to entrepreneurship.
He later led Stone & Chalk Melbourne and Chipper Cash, a fintech startup focused on Africa.
insights INSIGHT
Startup Learnings
Founding a startup provides invaluable experience, impacting hiring, profitability, and expansion strategies.
These skills remain crucial throughout a career, even beyond the initial venture.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Leverage Accelerators
Startups should leverage corporate accelerator programs for partnership opportunities and ecosystem access.
FMX connects startups with IAG's resources, facilitating growth and insurance-related exploration.
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The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect
Will Guidara
In 'Unreasonable Hospitality,' Will Guidara shares his experiences as the General Manager of Eleven Madison Park and The NoMad, highlighting the importance of hospitality in any business. The book emphasizes that simply offering a great product is not enough; organizations must also focus on creating authentic connections and memorable experiences for both customers and employees. Guidara provides practical advice on setting expectations, managing teams, and adapting to unexpected situations, all while maintaining a commitment to hospitality that goes beyond mere service. His approach is applicable across various industries, not just limited to restaurants and luxury businesses.
Our guest this week is Fintech expert Alan Tsen, Head of fmX, IAG’s corporate accelerator program.
Currently in the middle of its fifth season, fmX invites 8 startup companies per cohort to engage in a 12 week program giving participants a unique opportunity to learn how to infiltrate their product successfully into the insurtech ecosystem.
Across the entirely free program, participants gain hugely valuable knowledge through training and face to face workshops to learn how to structure and position their businesses while giving them access to internal technical and design outlets to explore insurance use cases. One unique element of fmX is the potential for startups to partner with IAG.
With an enviable resume which includes practicing international tax law, a tenure as the GM of Stone & Chalk Melbourne, Chair and board member of Fintech Australia and Director of Revenue for startup Chipper Cash, Alan is also a lover of fine wine, even studying to become a sommelier, and writes a hugely knowledgeable Fintech newsletter Fintech Radar.
Quickfire Round
Book: Unreasonable Hospitality, Will Guidara
Podcast: Got Somme - Aussie wine podcast
News Source: Twitter
App: Tana, Oura
Tech CEO: Andy Grove
TV Show: Ru Paul’s Drag Race
TEDTalk Topic: The State of Fintech in Africa
While recruitment for the next season of fmX won’t officially kick off until October this year, Alan is always on the lookout for startups with amazing ideas that might fit the fmX mould. Get in touch with Alan alan.tsen@iag.com.au or follow along on Twitter @alantsen.
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