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.
36:25
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Quick takeaways
- Melissa Wasser's transition from Goldman Sachs to Andreessen Horowitz emphasizes the importance of building long-term relationships with investors for fintech founders.
- The discussion on optimizing capital versus dilution highlights how fintech companies must strategically navigate funding approaches and market conditions for success.
Deep dives
Melissa Wasser's Career Evolution in Fintech
Melissa Wasser shares her extensive career journey in fintech, beginning as an intern at Goldman Sachs. Her experiences at Goldman included working in capital markets and private placements, where she advised companies on pre-IPO rounds. She transitioned to FT Partners, where she built a global investor network. This preparation ultimately led her to her current role at Andreessen Horowitz, focusing on helping fintech founders raise capital and navigate the complexities of funding.
