Episode 24: Fintech Executive from Mexico to the US.
Betsabe has over 15 years of experience ranging from large financial institutions, fintech companies to a blockchain startup. Today, she brings her fintech expertise and passion for economic equality to drive the daily operations and strategic direction of Uplift’s Financial infrastructure, which includes Accounting, Treasury, Investor Facility Operations, and Strategic Finance. Prior to joining Uplift, she held various senior positions at renowned and leading-edge companies including Kueski (Mexico’s largest fintech startup), Lending Club, and Citigroup, at Citi Community Development and Financial Inclusion. As an entrepreneur, Betsabe co-founded a blockchain start-up focused on Identity and Privacy. Also, Betsabe has served on the advisory board of the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, is a fellow for the British America Project, and a member of Hipower.
Welcome, Betsabe to Pandocap show.
Q: Betsabe can you please share your background with our audience and your journey to your current role?
A: I was born and raised in Guadalajara Mexico, and started my career at Citi Bank. I was promoted quickly at Citi Bank to executive positions but I still wanted a change. I moved to the US to pursue growth in the fintech industry and landed many roles from banking to blockchain. Today I am the Head of Finance at Uplift a fintech startup focused on the travel industry. The mission of Uplift is to make travel more accessible, affordable, and rewarding by providing travelers the freedom to finance their trip and pay over time.
Q: Companies are trying to address diversity and inclusion What would you say for someone especially a woman trying into finance role?
A: I think it's about paving your own way and never stop knocking on doors. You need to take advice from the people around you to push through and achieve your goals.
Q: Leading Finance at a high growth fintech startup, how do you prepare a company for equity financing during COVID?
A: Finance professionals are a commodity right now and you have to be a true partner to the business. In addition to understanding the fundamentals of the business to make sure you are well-positioned and have enough cash runway.
Q: What have been some of the challenges that you have overcome this year?
A: Starting a new job during COVID in a new sector that was hit the hardest from the pandemic, travel. This was a huge challenge to overcome.
Q: Finally, what do you have planned for the rest of the year?
A: I am going to continue to focus on my family and my daughter. As parents, we are faced with the hardest times supporting little ones while working from home.
Thank you again for joining us on Pandocap.