20VC: Lessons Building Nubank to the Largest Neobank in the World, How AI Changes The Future of Finance, Leadership Lessons from Sequoia's Doug Leone & What European and US Fintech Can Learn From LATAM with David Velez, Founder @ Nubank
Sep 11, 2023
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David Velez, Founder and CEO of Nubank, discusses his journey from Sequoia Partner to building Nubank, the largest neobank in the world. He shares core reasons behind Nubank's rapid growth, the future of AI in financial services, and the lessons Western fintech can learn from BRIC economies.
Building a successful financial institution requires a strong focus on hiring top talent and creating a culture that values customer obsession.
AI has the potential to revolutionize the future of financial services by democratizing access and personalizing the banking experience.
Emerging markets like Brazil offer valuable lessons for Europe and the US in embracing fintech innovation and closing gaps in access to banking services.
Deep dives
The Journey of New Bank: From Startup to Neo-Bank
David Velez, the founder of New Bank, discusses the journey of building the largest neo-bank in the world. With 50% of the Brazilian adult population as customers, New Bank aims to be the primary bank account for individuals. Velez emphasizes the importance of the smartphone in banking, and how AI plays a crucial role in creating a personalized banking experience. He highlights the significance of the early setup of New Bank, including the careful selection of team members, the establishment of clear values and culture, and the focus on customer obsession.
The Importance of AI in Democratizing Financial Access
Velez explains that AI is a game-changer in the financial services industry, as it can further democratize access to financial products and services. By leveraging AI, New Bank aims to enable 100% of the population to invest, get credit, and make informed financial decisions. Velez emphasizes the need for AI to be neutral and customer-centric, focusing on optimizing customer satisfaction in the long run. He also discusses the challenges of customization and the ongoing debate around AI's role in cross-selling and maintaining consumer trust.
Lessons Learned and Future Growth
Velez reflects on the early decisions and challenges faced by New Bank, including the integration of acquisitions and the balance between product expansion and geographical expansion. He highlights the importance of cultural aspects in the organization, such as being a good listener and embracing a beginner's mindset. Velez also acknowledges the ongoing journey of New Bank, stating that there is much more to achieve and proving success requires long-term dedication and continuous innovation.
Expanding Beyond Financial Services
The podcast discusses the opportunity for New Bank to expand beyond financial services. While many commerce and social media businesses have entered the financial services industry, there has been limited movement in the opposite direction. However, New Bank believes that there is a significant non-obvious opportunity to offer other products to consumers. With their strong brand, high net promoter scores, and a large consumer base, they are well-positioned to provide products in a marketplace, such as e-commerce, ride-hailing apps, and other goods and services.
Lessons from Emerging Markets and Regulatory Environments
The podcast highlights the lessons that Europe and the US can learn from emerging markets, such as India, China, and Brazil, in the realm of financial services. These emerging markets experienced a lack of access to banking services and concentrated banking systems, which created an environment conducive to fintech innovation. In contrast, the US and Europe exhibit complacency and regulatory resistance to fintech. The podcast suggests that embracing fintech solutions and new interests can help close gaps in access and drive innovation, especially as emerging markets leapfrog ahead in areas like payments and technology.
David Velez is the Founder and CEO of Nubank, one of the largest and fastest-growing financial institutions in the world. 1 in 2 people in Brazil alone have a Nubank account. Nubank's purple credit card in Mexico is the highest-rated NPS product of any consumer product in the world. Before founding Nubank in 2013, David was a partner at Sequoia Capital between 2011 and 2013, in charge of the firm’s Latin American investments group. Before Sequoia, David worked in investment banking and growth equity at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and General Atlantic.
In Today's Episode with David Velez We Discuss:
1. From Sequoia Partner to Creating One of the Largest Financial Institutions:
What was the Sequoia interview process like?
What questions did Doug Leone really dive into when hiring David?
What impressed David most about how Sequoia interview and win talent?
What are 1-2 of David's biggest lessons from working with Doug Leone?
2. From a Small House to a $BN Public Company:
What does David believe are the 1-2 core but non-obvious reasons why Nubank scaled so fast?
What does David believe are the most non-obvious but massive opportunities Nubank has to 10x from here?
Why does David believe emerging market fintech providers will be more valuable than Western fintechs?
What does David believe Western fintechs and regulators can learn from BRIC economy fintechs?
3. How AI Changes The Future of Financial Services:
How does David believe AI will change financial services?
What products are the lowest-hanging fruit? Which products will be harder for AI to serve?
How will AI handle the ambiguity of which master to serve; the consumer and their experience or the bank and their fees and profit motive?
Will banks need to own and operate their own models? If using other models, what will differentiate them when they are layers on top of someone else's technology?
4. David Velez: The Leader and Father:
What does it mean to be a great listener? How does David approach it?
What has been David's biggest lessons from Sequoia on culture? What works? What does not?
What are David's biggest pieces of advice to raise kids that are not spoiled and are hard-working and humble?
How does David think about "efficient giving" with the philanthropy he does today?
What is the big paradox and challenge in philanthropy today?
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