Product&Growth Show 98 - Behind the $5B Fintech: Ivan Vasylchenko on Trade Republic’s Rise
Sep 29, 2025
Ivan Vasylchenko, the former COO of Trade Republic, shares his journey in fintech, highlighting his transition from finance consulting to a startup. He reflects on the critical early days of ‘Neon Trading’ and the importance of conviction over optics. Ivan discusses the innovative strategies used to achieve product-market fit, including a paper-money stock game. He emphasizes the unique challenges of scaling during COVID and the importance of compliance in fintech growth. Finally, he explores his passion for AI and future projects at the intersection of technology and finance.
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Joining On A Sunday Morning
- Ivan met Trade Republic founders on a Sunday morning in a shabby backyard office and saw founders grinding through long weeks.
- He joined early because their plan matched his consulting and trading background and felt operationally feasible.
Paper-Money Game Proved Demand
- The founders first built a paper-money trading app and used it as a growth and validation tool.
- They converted users from the stock market game into a waiting list before launching real trading.
Build Critical Tech If You Need Scale
- Build crucial infrastructure in-house when off-the-shelf solutions are expensive or don't match your niche.
- Prioritize scalable architecture early to avoid being unable to rebuild under load.