Fintech Takes Startup Truths and Reality Checks
Sep 24, 2025
David Roos, Partner at Core Innovation Capital and a fintech investor focused on financial inclusion, shares invaluable insights on navigating today's venture landscape. He discusses the shift in investor dynamics since the 2021 boom, emphasizing the battle for customer data control in the age of open banking. Roos reveals how AI is transforming startup operations, enabling smaller teams to achieve more with less. He highlights the importance of founder traits and the competitive edge of aligning mission-driven goals with financial success.
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Impact As A Competitive Advantage
- Core Innovation targets scalable fintech that improves financial health for mass-market consumers, not just the unbanked.
- They treat impact as a competitive advantage that aligns with top-decile financial returns.
Underwrite For Returns First
- Underwrite every investment to be a top-decile fund and expect financial rigor from early stage deals.
- Use customer alignment and mission-focus as practical levers to build scalable, profitable businesses.
Founder Obsession Predicts Breakthroughs
- Founders who break structural barriers combine obsession with domain expertise and responsiveness.
- Signals include deep domain content, past achievements, and a track record of going deep in the field.