The Fintech Blueprint

Steve McLaughlin, CEO of FT Partners, and Jon Lear, president of Fintech Meetup, discuss the evolution of fintech, market trends, and the distinction between ecosystems and financial venues. They also explore emerging sectors and opportunities in fintech, emphasizing the importance of networks, infrastructure, and emerging markets in driving innovation and growth.

Lex chats with Jeff Boortz, the Chief Product Officer of Blockstream. Blockstream is a company at the forefront of Bitcoin ecosystem development, and they discuss the new developments and innovations in the Bitcoin space. Boortz talks about his career background, including his time at Google, and how he transitioned to Blockstream. They also discuss the skills and differences between tech companies like Google and financial institutions when it comes to product management. Boortz explains the concept of decentralization in building software products and how it applies to Google's organizational structure. They then dive into Blockstream's core business, which includes advancing the Bitcoin protocol, building layer 2 technology like the Lightning Network, providing mining and co-location services, and developing self-custody products like wallets. They discuss the scale and usage of the Liquid Network, a sidechain implementation by Blockstream, and its potential for programmability and representing other assets. They also touch on the future of Bitcoin and the potential paths for development, particularly in the financial markets.   MENTIONED IN THE CONVERSATION Blockstream's Website: https://bit.ly/3tzZ2CkJeff's LinkedIn profile: https://bit.ly/3tzZ3pS Topics: Bitcoin, layer-2, blockchain, ethereum, crypto, cryptocurrency, Protocol, L2 Companies: Blockstream, Bitcoin, Lightning Network, Google, Liquid Network, Blockstream Green, Ethereum, Product ABOUT THE FINTECH BLUEPRINT 🔥Subscribe to the Fintech Blueprint newsletter to stay at the forefront of Fintech and DeFi: https://bit.ly/3hyhlC2 🤝 Partner with Fintech Blueprint through sponsorships: https://bit.ly/3UZllsV 👉 Twitter: https://twitter.com/LexSokolin TIMESTAMPS 1’44: From web development to Google: Jeff’s journey through technology and his evolution from software developer to shaping business strategies 6’03: Integrating tech in finance vs. core technology companies: Insights on skill sets and product development 13’17: Blockstream's mission and portfolio: Rethinking trust in financial transactions with Bitcoin and layer 2 technologies 16’52: Blockstream's core business: Building protocols and tools for Bitcoin-connected networks and services 20’27: Liquid Network's scale and programmability: Exploring blinded transactions and asset representation on Blockstream's sidechain 24’09: Bitcoin's evolution since 2009: Balancing decentralization with development and the institutional investment narrative 29’20: Lightning Network's progress: Enhancing Bitcoin's scalability and adoption through Layer 2 solutions 33’37: Lightning Network adoption: Balancing user convenience and enterprise applications in Bitcoin's Layer 2 37’24: Bitcoin's evolving ecosystem: Exploring Ordinals, inscriptions, and the surging interest in programmable assets 41’18: Reimagining financial markets: Blockstream's vision for trust-minimized finance and the path to equitable systems 43’45: The channels used to connect with Jeff & learn more about Blockstream Disclaimer here — this newsletter does not provide investment advice and represents solely the views and opinions of FINTECH BLUEPRINT LTD.Contributors: Lex, Laurence, Matt, Farhad, Mike, DaniellaWant to discuss? Stop by our Discord and reach out here with questions.

Lex chats with Yat Siu, co-founder and chairman of Animoca Brands -  a global leader in blockchain and gaming that is working to provide property rights for virtual assets via NFTs and related technologies. Yat discusses his journey into technology and gaming, as well as the intersection of gaming and decentralized finance. He shares his early experiences with technology, including writing MIDI software in the 1980s and discovering the power of online communities. Additionally, Yat discusses the shift from Web2 to Web3 and the importance of ownership and interoperability in gaming. He highlights the potential for virtual goods and NFTs to become platforms for building experiences and creating network effects. Yat emphasizes the need for trust and transparency in the gaming industry and the potential for Web3 to democratize ownership and create new opportunities for gamers. MENTIONED IN THE CONVERSATION Animoca Brands' Website: https://bit.ly/47Vv3UDYat's LinkedIn profile: https://bit.ly/3NvEtxT Topics: Web3, crypto, blockchain, DeFi, NFT, NFTFi, Metaverse, tokens, gaming, GameFi, Web2 Companies: Animoca Brands, Animoca, ConsenSys, Dapper Labs, CryptoKitties, Axiom Zen, Minecraft, Sandbox, Mocaverse ABOUT THE FINTECH BLUEPRINT 🔥Subscribe to the Fintech Blueprint newsletter to stay at the forefront of Fintech and DeFi: https://bit.ly/3hyhlC2 🤝 Partner with Fintech Blueprint through sponsorships: https://bit.ly/3UZllsV 👉 Twitter: https://twitter.com/LexSokolin TIMESTAMPS 1’28: Journey into tech: Yat Siu reflects on his early experiences with gaming, MIDI software, and the transformative impact of online communities 6’49: From early internet anonymity to Web3's shared value: The evolution of online identity and the power shift in data dynamics 15’30: Digital identity and data monopolies: Exploring the tension between privacy and community in the evolution from Web2 to Web3 21’04: Building Animoca Brands: Yat Siu on his journey from a mobile gaming pioneer to championing user empowerment in the digital world 27’37: Collaborative creation: The genesis of CryptoKitties and the emergence of Dapper Labs from the early days of NFT gaming 31’02: Gaming as a platform: The evolution of gaming experiences and the rise of interoperability in the digital asset ecosystem 37’48: Digital economy's growth: The transition from virtual goods in gaming to a democratic, capitalist Metaverse 40’48: Exploring digital economies: The intersection of Web3 adoption and gaming, and the evolution of user engagement 49’22: The channels used to connect with Yat & learn more about Animoca Disclaimer here — this newsletter does not provide investment advice and represents solely the views and opinions of FINTECH BLUEPRINT LTD.Contributors: Lex, Laurence, Matt, Farhad, Mike, DaniellaWant to discuss? Stop by our Discord and reach out here with questions.

Lex chats with Ed Maslaveckas, the founder and CEO of Bud, a FinTech company focused on data aggregation and artificial intelligence in financial services. They discuss the evolution of Bud's business model, the atmosphere of the FinTech industry in the UK, the challenges of data enrichment and customer insight, and the potential of AI agents and generative AI in transforming financial products. Maslaveckas highlights the value of accurate transaction data in reducing call center costs, improving lending decisions, and enabling personalized marketing. He also emphasizes the importance of automation and co-piloting in enhancing the customer experience and increasing efficiency in financial organizations. MENTIONED IN THE CONVERSATION Bud's Website: https://bit.ly/3TjBWueEd's LinkedIn profile: https://bit.ly/3TaEsTE Topics: Fintech, open banking, embedded banking, banking, API, GenAI, AI, generative ai, artificial intelligence, data aggregation Companies: Bud, Bud Financial, Plaid, Salesforce, Yodlee, mint.com ABOUT THE FINTECH BLUEPRINT 🔥Subscribe to the Fintech Blueprint newsletter to stay at the forefront of Fintech and DeFi: https://bit.ly/3hyhlC2 🤝 Partner with Fintech Blueprint through sponsorships: https://bit.ly/3UZllsV 👉 Twitter: https://twitter.com/LexSokolin TIMESTAMPS 1’18: Evolution of Ed’s fintech career: The journey from tech enthusiast to influencing the UK's vibrant financial technology scene 6’32: From consumer app to B2B platform: Bud's evolution amidst the neobank wave and the challenges of data integration in fintech 14’14: Decoding customer insights in fintech: Mastering data enrichment and unlocking personalized financial solutions 20’58: Unlocking transaction data's potential: How advanced AI is transforming financial institutions' approach to customer insights 23’19: Transforming financial services with AI: Bud's role in enhancing banks' transaction analysis and customer engagement strategies 30’57: AI and financial well-being: Navigating the balance between automation and user comfort in personal finance apps 37’01: Redefining workflows in banking: The integration of AI agents for enhanced enterprise efficiency and customer engagement 41’59: Shaping the future of fintech: How generative AI and advanced data capabilities are transforming financial services 45’37: The channels used to connect with Ed & learn more about Bud Disclaimer here — this newsletter does not provide investment advice and represents solely the views and opinions of FINTECH BLUEPRINT LTD.Contributors: Lex, Laurence, Matt, Farhad, Mike, DaniellaWant to discuss? Stop by our Discord and reach out here with questions.

Lex chats with Dan Finlay, co-founder of MetaMask, and Dean Tribble, CEO of Agoric, about the future of wallet strategy and the underlying technological changes in the Web3 space. They discuss the growth and usage of MetaMask, the philosophy behind its development, and the core dimensions in which they have tried to grow the wallet. They also talk about the concept of "Snaps," which allows developers to extend the functionality of MetaMask using JavaScript. The conversation touches on the potential of interconnecting different blockchains and the importance of user consent and security in the Web3 ecosystem. They also discuss the role of AI in wallets and the potential for users to have their own trusted AI companions. Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of building a more seamless and secure infrastructure in Web3 and the potential for innovation and integration in the space. MENTIONED IN THE CONVERSATION Agoric's Website: https://bit.ly/3GnHcFoMetaMask's Website: https://bit.ly/3T1vGqYDean's LinkedIn profile: https://bit.ly/3Rptf03Dan's LinkedIn profile: https://bit.ly/3RoPpjb Topics: Web3, wallet, blockchain, interoperability, AI, smart contracts Companies: MetaMask, Agoric, Snaps, Cosmos, JavaScript, Secret Network ABOUT THE FINTECH BLUEPRINT 🔥Subscribe to the Fintech Blueprint newsletter to stay at the forefront of Fintech and DeFi: https://bit.ly/3hyhlC2 🤝 Partner with Fintech Blueprint through sponsorships: https://bit.ly/3UZllsV 👉 Twitter: https://twitter.com/LexSokolin TIMESTAMPS 1’46: Web3's evolution and challenges: A conversation with Daniel Finlay on MetaMask's progress and future 6’52: Exploring Web3's potential: The role of MetaMask’s developer focus, safety, and the innovative Snaps platform in shaping the future 11’20: Revolutionizing wallets and Web3: Breaking down the role of JavaScript and secure confinement in enhancing user experience and innovation 17’32: Expanding Web3 development: How JavaScript and lightweight sandboxing in MetaMask unlock new possibilities for developers 19’52: Enhancing Web3 security and usability: The role of hardened JavaScript in simplifying and securing the development process 24’00: Expanding developer horizons in Web3: Understanding the impact of Snaps in MetaMask for creating diverse and innovative applications 28’20: Unifying Web3 ecosystems: How MetaMask and Agoric facilitate seamless integration and cross-chain functionality for developers and users 37’12: Crafting the future of Web3 interfaces: How MetaMask, Snaps and Agoric are paving the way for advanced cross-chain connectivity and AI integration Disclaimer here — this newsletter does not provide investment advice and represents solely the views and opinions of FINTECH BLUEPRINT LTD.Contributors: Lex, Laurence, Matt, Farhad, Mike, DaniellaWant to discuss? Stop by our Discord and reach out here with questions.

Lex chats with Christopher Pallotta - founder and CEO of Templum, a company focused on alternative investments and private markets. Pallotta discusses his background in technology and investing, as well as the journey of Templum and its transformation into becoming the operating system for private markets and alternative assets. He explains how Templum's technology, broker-dealer and alternative trading system (ATS) capabilities enable the trading of regulated private securities in a compliant manner. Pallotta also discusses the growing demand for alternative assets and the role of liquidity in driving adoption. He highlights the potential for alternative assets to outperform traditional markets and the need for liquidity mechanisms in the alternative asset space. Finally, Pallotta shares his vision for the future, where alternative assets become more accessible and investing in them becomes as ubiquitous as investing in public equities.   MENTIONED IN THE CONVERSATION Templum's Website: https://bit.ly/3GfLr63Christopher's LinkedIn profile: https://bit.ly/47O2sjy Topics: fintech, hedge fund, REIT, ETF, finance, real world assets, RWA, tokenization, alternative assets Companies: Templum, Raptor Group, Eniac, 8VC, New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ ABOUT THE FINTECH BLUEPRINT 🔥Subscribe to the Fintech Blueprint newsletter to stay at the forefront of Fintech and DeFi: https://bit.ly/3hyhlC2 🤝 Partner with Fintech Blueprint through sponsorships: https://bit.ly/3UZllsV 👉 Twitter: https://twitter.com/LexSokolin TIMESTAMPS 1’22: From business school to blockchain: A journey into tech and investment 6’12: The liquidity journey: Navigating markets from illiquid to fractionalized assets 8’47: Templum today: Powering alternative asset markets and beyond 12’13: Demystifying infrastructure: Public equities vs. alternative asset markets 14’57: Revolutionizing private asset markets: Templum's Shopify-inspired solution 17’12: Unifying the world of alternative assets: Templum's central operating system 20’03: Unlocking demand: The shift towards alternative assets in investment portfolios 22’18: Democratizing investment: The rise of alternative assets in retail portfolios 26’18: The expanding alt-finTech ecosystem: Templum's position in liquidity and access 28’39: Unlocking liquidity: The market implications of tradable alternative assets 31’16: The evolution of portfolio composition: A future with 60% alternatives and 40% ETFs? 33’10: The future of real-world asset tokenization: Trends, insights, opportunities, and challenges 37’50”: The channels used to connect with Chris & learn more about Templum Disclaimer here — this newsletter does not provide investment advice and represents solely the views and opinions of FINTECH BLUEPRINT LTD.Contributors: Lex, Laurence, Matt, Farhad, Mike, DaniellaWant to discuss? Stop by our Discord and reach out here with questions.

Lex chats with Eva Shang, CEO of Legalist - a technology-powered investment firm specialising in alternative assets. Shang discusses her company's strategies in litigation finance, bankruptcy, and government receivables. She explains that Legalist uses technology and data analysis to identify investment opportunities in the legal space. Shang also discusses the challenges and complexities of underwriting litigation cases and the importance of human judgment in the process. She highlights the need for uncorrelated sources of return in the investment landscape and the potential for technology to transform other asset classes. Shang also expresses caution about retail investors entering alternative investment spaces without proper knowledge and understanding of the risks involved. MENTIONED IN THE CONVERSATION Legalist's Website: https://bit.ly/46masHpEva's LinkedIn profile: https://bit.ly/49GENmD Topics: fintech, hedge fund, litigation finance, asset management, alternative investments, AI, artificial intelligence, underwriting, investment Companies: Legalist, Y-Combinator, LexisNexis ABOUT THE FINTECH BLUEPRINT 🔥Subscribe to the Fintech Blueprint newsletter to stay at the forefront of Fintech and DeFi: https://bit.ly/3hyhlC2 🤝 Partner with Fintech Blueprint through sponsorships: https://bit.ly/3UZllsV 👉 Twitter: https://twitter.com/LexSokolin TIMESTAMPS 1’23”: Overview of Legalist's Asset Management Strategies 2’31”: Litigation Finance: Core Strategy and Operation 6’20”: Integration of Data Analysis and Technology in Litigation Finance 9’37”: Early Development of Legalist’s Technology at Y-Combinator 14’59”: Transition from Legal Analytics to Litigation Finance 18’22”: Investment Process and Decision Making in Legalist 24’33”: Challenges and Innovations in Data-Driven Litigation Funding 27’24”: Growth and Expansion of Legalist Since 2019 31’51”: The Future of Alternative Investments and Legalist's Role 35’09”: The channels used to connect with Eva & learn more about Legalist Disclaimer here — this newsletter does not provide investment advice and represents solely the views and opinions of FINTECH BLUEPRINT LTD.Contributors: Lex, Laurence, Matt, Farhad, Mike, DaniellaWant to discuss? Stop by our Discord and reach out here with questions.

Lex chats with Guy Young - the CEO and Founder of Ethena Labs, the crypto infrastructure company building USDe which is the first-ever scalable stablecoin not reliant on existing banking institutions alongside a permissionless 'internet bond'. They discuss Ethena, a new protocol for the synthetic dollar, and the market dynamics around Ethereum and the concept of the internet bond. Young explains his background in distressed investing and the risks and mistakes commonly seen in financial services. They also delve into the mechanics of the perpetuals market and the funding rates, as well as the scalability and risks associated with Ethena. Young highlights the potential for the synthetic dollar to replace bonds in traditional bank accounts and the value of a crypto-native solution with different risk profiles. MENTIONED IN THE CONVERSATION Ethena's Website: https://bit.ly/3MDR1TdGuy's LinkedIn profile: https://bit.ly/46gDDM4 Topics: crypto, blockchain, defi, ethereum, perpetual swaps, stablecoin, synthetic dollar, steth, usde Companies: Ethena Labs, Ethena, Cerberus, BitGet, Binance, ByBit ABOUT THE FINTECH BLUEPRINT 🔥Subscribe to the Fintech Blueprint newsletter to stay at the forefront of Fintech and DeFi: https://bit.ly/3hyhlC2 🤝 Partner with Fintech Blueprint through sponsorships: https://bit.ly/3UZllsV 👉 Twitter: https://twitter.com/LexSokolin TIMESTAMPS 1’20”: Strategic Investments: Distressed Assets and Value Opportunities in Financial Services 4’19”: Analyzing Collapse: The Underlying Mistakes Leading to Financial Institution Failures 6’22”: Market Missteps and Innovation: The Human Element in Financial Risks and the Allure of Crypto Markets 9’37”: Decoding Value and Innovation: The Dynamics of Ethereum Economics and the Future of DeFi Tokens 16’40”: Balancing Returns and Risks: Understanding Ethereum's Capital Market Structure and the Role of Perpetual Swaps 21’47”: Synthetic Leverage in Crypto Markets: Analyzing the Persistent Tilt in Funding Rates and the $30 Trillion Perpetuals Phenomenon 25’26”: Strategic Hedging with ETH: Understanding the Perpetual Market Mechanics and Identifying the Risks 28’30”: Exchange Relations and Risk Mitigation: Balancing Volume and Counterparty Exposure in Perpetual Markets 31’42”: Impact of Scale on Ether: Assessing the Price Dynamics of Synthetic Assets and Their Influence on the Underlying Market 36’23”: Exploring Synthetic Stability: The Mechanics of Crypto-Native Dollars and the Potential for Traditional Market Integration 40’50”: The channels used to connect with Guy & learn more about Ethena Disclaimer here — this newsletter does not provide investment advice and represents solely the views and opinions of FINTECH BLUEPRINT LTD.Contributors: Lex, Laurence, Matt, Farhad, Mike, DaniellaWant to discuss? Stop by our Discord and reach out here with questions.

Lex chats with Sam Bobley, founder and CEO of Ocrolus - a fintech infrastructure company that powers underwriting processes for lenders like SoFi, Lending Club, and Enova. In this episode Sam starts off by sharing how he got started in entrepreneurship at a young age and the influence of his father, who was a serial entrepreneur. Bobley explains how Ocrolus focuses on document automation using OCR technology and the challenges they faced in the early days. He also discusses the evolution of machine vision and the improvements in handling semi-structured and unstructured documents. Bobley highlights the importance of vertical-specific solutions and the integration of AI technologies into financial services. He shares the company's experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and the pivot they made to focus on the Paycheck Protection Program. Bobley emphasizes the need for transparency, focusing on the big picture, and having a support system to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. He rounds off the episode discussing the trends he sees in the industry, including the rise of large language models and the adoption of cashflow-based underwriting. MENTIONED IN THE CONVERSATION Ocrolus's Website: https://bit.ly/3QHYoeNSam's LinkedIn profile: https://bit.ly/3SrC7TU Topics: artificial intelligence, ai, machine vision, OCR, LLM, machine learning, automation, fintech, embedded banking Companies: Ocrolus, Plaid, OpenAI, Google, Amazon, AWS, OnDeck ABOUT THE FINTECH BLUEPRINT 🔥Subscribe to the Fintech Blueprint newsletter to stay at the forefront of Fintech and DeFi: https://bit.ly/3hyhlC2 🤝 Partner with Fintech Blueprint through sponsorships: https://bit.ly/3UZllsV 👉 Twitter: https://twitter.com/LexSokolin TIMESTAMPS 1’22”: Early entrepreneurial insights: Money's role Sam’s upbringing and fintech's influence 5’15”: The dawn of image recognition: Founding a company on the cusp of AI advancements 12’23”: Building the ideal product: The journey to a four-hour turnaround time 19’48”: The evolution of machine vision: From early days to cutting-edge capabilities 26’34”: Enhancing the developer experience: A deep dive into integration and seamless interactions 34’02”: Navigating the journey of building Ocrolus: Inflection points, growth, and challenges 38’48”: Staying resilient through business challenges: Advice for entrepreneurs from a seasoned founder 40’28”: Maintaining leadership resilience: Strategies for navigating the roller coaster of entrepreneurship 44’42”: Future trends in AI and embedded finance: Insights from a tech entrepreneur 46’21”: The channels used to connect with Sam & learn more about Ocrolus Disclaimer here — this newsletter does not provide investment advice and represents solely the views and opinions of FINTECH BLUEPRINT LTD.Contributors: Lex, Laurence, Matt, Farhad, Mike, DaniellaWant to discuss? Stop by our Discord and reach out here with questions.

Matt Bivons, CEO of Canopy, discusses his journey from product designer to starting his own lending company. He highlights the importance of designing products for others and shares his vision for the future of Canopy. Topics include fintech, lending, API, and digital lending evolution.