Wharton FinTech Podcast Melissa Wasser, Partner at Andreessen Horowitz - How a16z’s Network is Powering Founders
May 7, 2025
Melissa Wasser, Partner and Head of the Fintech Capital Network at Andreessen Horowitz, shares her impressive career journey from Goldman Sachs to venture capital. She discusses how the Fintech Capital Network empowers founders in fundraising and strategic partnerships. The conversation dives into the trade-offs between equity and debt financing, revealing smarter capital strategies for fintech startups. Melissa emphasizes the importance of a curated network for business growth and the emotional challenges of securing funding in today’s competitive market.
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Melissa Wasser's Career Journey
- Melissa Wasser started her career at Goldman Sachs during the 2007-2008 financial crisis, gaining valuable frontline experience.
- She transitioned to FT Partners to build a private capital markets desk, then joined Andreessen Horowitz to focus on early-stage fintech companies.
Building Investor Networks
- Build and maintain investor relationships over time to access diverse capital sources and geographic markets.
- Attend industry conferences and curate networks to support fundraising and strategic partnerships effectively.
Supporting Founders Through Fundraising
- Support founders by actively engaging in fundraising strategy, investor introductions, and market insights.
- Provide peace of mind by being a knowledgeable partner during complex funding and exit processes.