Join us on this week's episode of the Slice of Finance podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!

Our Guest: George Kailas, CEO at Prospero.ai.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• George Kailas shares how early frustrations in finance led to the creation of Prospero.ai.
• Prospero simplifies complex institutional data into 10 easy-to-understand signals.
• Their most powerful tool, net option sentiment, alerts users to market moves before they happen.
• The app and newsletter are free, with alerts launching as their first paid product.
• Prospero is community-driven, offering ownership via crowdfunding on Republic.

To learn more about Prospero.ai:
Website: https://prospero.ai/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prospero-ai/

Guest's Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgekailas/

Show and Host's Socials:
Slice of Finance
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slice-of-finance/

Jared S Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/

Slice of Finance is produced by Slice of Media, Inc. 

Join us on this week's episode of the Slice of Finance podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!

Our Guest: Jon Fry, CEO & Founder at Lendflow.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• Jon Fry's journey from gaming and global entrepreneurship to launching Lendflow.
• Clear breakdown of embedded lending and its role in transforming customer experiences.
• How AI is eliminating inefficiencies and democratizing SMB access to credit.
• Why Lendflow chose marketplace tech over direct lending for long-term alignment.
• Use case of BHG Financial showcasing Lendflow’s automation power.

To learn more about Lendflow:
Website: https://www.lendflow.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lendflow/

Guest's Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonfrytx/

Show and Host's Socials:
Slice of Finance
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slice-of-finance/

Jared S Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/

Slice of Finance is produced by Slice of Media, Inc. 

Join us on this week's episode of the Slice of Finance podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!

Our Guest: Scott Weller, CTO & Founder at EnFi.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• EnFi leverages AI to streamline commercial credit processing and portfolio management.
• Institutions see deal processing times drop from weeks to days after onboarding.
• EnFi’s approach unlocks valuable data trapped in documents, enabling continuous risk assessment.
• The team blends rapid AI innovation with strict standards for security and reliability.
• Upcoming features allow lenders to automate workflows using natural language, reducing reliance on engineering.

To learn more about EnFi:
Website: http://www.enfi.ai
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/enfi-ai/

Guest's Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sweller/

Show and Host's Socials:
Slice of Finance
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slice-of-finance/

Jared S Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/

Slice of Finance is produced by Slice of Media, Inc. 

Join us on this week's episode of the Slice of Finance podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!

Our Guest: Danny Shader, Founder & CEO at PayNearMe.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• Redefining Cost in Payments: Shader explains that the true cost of payment isn't just processing fees—it's missed payments and customer service inefficiencies.
• Payment Experience as Brand Identity: For many consumers, paying a bill is their main interaction with a service provider, making it a critical brand moment.
• Combatting Phishing and Friction: PayNearMe’s SmartLink and QR code solutions reduce fraud risks and customer confusion by eliminating the need for data entry.
• Universal Access and Modality Flexibility: By supporting diverse payment methods—Venmo, Apple Pay, ACH, even cash—PayNearMe ensures bills can be paid conveniently.
• Long-Term Savings Through Simplicity: A streamlined payment experience decreases call center traffic, reduces exceptions, and leads to perpetual cost savings.

To learn more about PayNearMe:
Website: https://home.paynearme.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/paynearme/

Guest's Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyshader/

Show and Host's Socials:
Slice of Finance
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slice-of-finance/

Jared S Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/

Slice of Finance is produced by Slice of Media, Inc. 

Join us on this week's episode of the Slice of Finance podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!

Our Guests: Sarah Biller, Co-Founder at Mass Fintech Hub and Catherine Lynch, Head of Digital Experience and Human Centered Design at Citizens.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• Banks and fintechs must embrace digital transformation to meet evolving customer needs.
• Successful partnerships require openness, collaboration, and respect for regulations.
• Generative AI and data-driven personalization offer powerful new tools.
• Accessibility and simplicity in digital banking are essential for all customer demographics.

To learn more about:
Mass Fintech Hub Website: https://massfintechhub.com/
Mass Fintech Hub LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mass-fintech-hub/
Citizens Website: https://www.citizensbank.com/homepage.aspx
Citizens LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/citizens-bank/

Guests LinkedIn:
Sarah Biller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbiller/
Catherine Lynch https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-lynch-42678510/

Show and Host's Socials:
Slice of Finance
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slice-of-finance/

Jared S Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/

Slice of Finance is produced by Slice of Media, Inc. 

Join us on this week's episode of the Slice of Finance podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!

Our Guest: Brandon Spear, CEO at TreviPay.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• Brandon Spear shares TreviPay’s mission to simplify B2B trade credit and purchasing.
• The platform empowers merchants to offer payment terms without the burden of in-house credit management.
• TreviPay ensures global compliance with complex invoicing regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
• Purchase controls enhance buyer experience, improve compliance, and build stronger vendor relationships.
• The rise of e-commerce is driving businesses to internationalize, and TreviPay helps them scale seamlessly.

To learn more about TreviPay:
Website: http://www.trevipay.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trevipay/

Guest's Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-spear-171a112/

Show and Host's Socials:
Slice of Finance
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slice-of-finance/

Jared S Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/

Slice of Finance is produced by Slice of Media, Inc. 

Join us on this week's episode of the Slice of Finance podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!

Our Guest: Mike Butler, President & CEO at Grasshopper Bank.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• Digital Innovation in Banking: Mike Butler discusses his transition from traditional banking to leading digital-first initiatives at Grasshopper Bank.
• Psychographics Over Demographics: Grasshopper targets “technophiles”—clients preferring digital experiences—rather than traditional market segments.
• Strategic Tech Partnerships: Cultural alignment, not just technology, is key in choosing partners for long-term impact.
• AI’s Transformative Role: Butler reflects on underestimating AI’s impact and how it will reshape credit, sales, and operations in banking.
• Future-Proofing with Data and People: Success hinges on smart talent, a forward-thinking mindset, and robust data strategy.

To learn more about Grasshopper Bank:
Website: https://www.grasshopper.bank
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grasshopperbank/

Guest's Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-butler-70027013/

Show and Host's Socials:
Slice of Finance
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slice-of-finance/

Jared S Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/

Slice of Finance is produced by Slice of Media, Inc. 

Join us on this week's episode of the Slice of Finance podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!

Our Guest: Walter Ward III, CEO and Co-Founder at TiiCKER.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• TiiCKER rewards shareholders: Public company investors get perks like discounts and products just for holding shares.
• Walter Ward III’s unique journey: From JPMorgan to BlackRock to TiiCKER CEO, Walter blends corporate experience with startup innovation.
• AI for effortless investing: TiiCKER’s new tool lets users verify stock ownership via a simple photo of a brokerage statement.
• Future of finance is social: Investing behavior is evolving with community, identity, and consumer-brand alignment at the center.
• Startup culture insights: Walter critiques traditional fundraising narratives, advocating for human-centered design and thoughtful prioritization.

To learn more about TiiCKER:
Website: https://www.tiicker.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tiicker/

Guest's Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walterwardiii/

Show and Host's Socials:
Slice of Finance
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slice-of-finance/

Jared S Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/

Slice of Finance is produced by Slice of Media, Inc. 

Join us on this week's episode of the Slice of Finance podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!

Our Guest: Ariel Tiger, CEO at EverC.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• Ariel Tiger's transition from investor to CEO at EverC
• EverC's technology-first approach to fraud and compliance
• The global rise in scams and EverC's strategy to combat them
• How EverC plans to leverage AI for market expansion and innovation

To learn more about EverC:
Website: http://www.everc.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/everc/

Guest's Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arieltiger/

Show and Host's Socials:
Slice of Finance
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slice-of-finance/

Jared S Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/

Slice of Finance is produced by Slice of Media, Inc. 

Join us on this week's episode of the Slice of Finance podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!

Our Guest: Herman Man, Chief Product Officer at Bluevine.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• All-in-One Banking Solution: Bluevine offers a digital-first platform tailored for small businesses with tools from checking to lending.
• Product Strategy Framework: Uses a percentage-based roadmap and a customized RICE framework for prioritizing features.
• Effortless Onboarding: Customers can open an account in minutes, with tools like QuickBooks integration and virtual cards.
• Tailored Growth Tools: Features like AP automation, fraud controls, and lending options support scalable operations.
• Forward-Looking Innovation: Bluevine is piloting a new product to enhance its role as the financial OS for small businesses.

To learn more about Bluevine:
Website: http://www.bluevine.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluevine/

Guest's Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hermanjman/

Show and Host's Socials:
Slice of Finance
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slice-of-finance/

Jared S Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/

Slice of Finance is produced by Slice of Media, Inc. 

Join us on this week's episode of the Slice of Finance podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!

Our Guest: Aron Alexander, CEO & Founder at Runa.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• Legacy payment systems are outdated and not built for modern payout needs.
• Runa introduces programmable, real-time, and interoperable infrastructure for businesses.
• Loyalty is shifting from points to instant, relevant value.
• Flexible payout options build trust and deepen customer relationships.
• Cross-border payments face friction due to complexity and lack of contextual value.

To learn more about Runa:
Website: http://www.runa.io
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/runapayouts/

Guest's Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aronalexander/

Show and Host's Socials:
Slice of Finance
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slice-of-finance/

Jared S Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/

Slice of Finance is produced by Slice of Media, Inc. 

Join us on this week's episode of the Slice of Finance podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!

Our Guest: Elena Casal, Chief Client Officer at The Clearing House.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• Elena Casal discusses the evolution and role of The Clearing House in U.S. payments.
• Real-time payments enable money transfers in 15 seconds or less with no settlement risk.
• Challenges include legacy banking systems and technology integration.
• RTP use cases span small business funding, gig worker pay, and digital wallet transfers.
• Fintech collaborations and security innovations are shaping the future of payments.

To learn more about The Clearing House:
Website: http://www.theclearinghouse.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-clearing-house/

Guest's Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-casal-1276554/

Show and Host's Socials:
Slice of Finance
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slice-of-finance/

Jared S Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/

Slice of Finance is produced by Slice of Media, Inc. 

Join us on this week's episode of the Slice of Finance podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!

Our Guest: Jonathan Silver, CEO & Co-Founder at Engage People.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• Engage People’s Loyalty Tech Vision: Jonathan Silver shares how Engage People enables consumers to pay with loyalty points directly at checkout.
• Triple Win for Retailers, Programs, and Members: Increased engagement, larger basket sizes, and lower transaction costs benefit all parties.
• Frictionless User Experience: A seamless POS integration drives high adoption and member satisfaction.
• The Future of Loyalty: AI-driven offers based on consumer behavior aim to optimize value and response rates.
• Retailer and FI Value Proposition: One integration opens access to Engage People’s expanding network of partners and active users.

To learn more about Engage People:
Website: http://www.engagepeople.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/engageppl/

Guest's Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-silver-b42aaa2/

Show and Host's Socials:
Slice of Finance
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slice-of-finance/

Jared S Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/

Slice of Finance is produced by Slice of Media, Inc. 

Join us on this week's episode of the Slice of Finance podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!

Our Guest: Romi Savova, CEO at PensionBee.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• Origin of PensionBee: Romi Savova founded PensionBee after struggling to move her own retirement account—revealing deep flaws in the legacy system.
• Retirement Challenges in the U.S.: A lack of automatic enrollment and financial literacy leads Americans to miss out on crucial retirement savings.
• “Your Home Is Not Your Pension”: Savova explains why relying solely on property for retirement income is risky and unsustainable.
• Financial Education as Empowerment: PensionBee's "Retirement 101" aims to educate and inspire individuals to take control of their financial future.
• U.S. Expansion & Market Gaps: With 30% of 401(k)s dormant, PensionBee is tackling an overlooked need: consolidating old accounts into accessible online IRAs.

To learn more about PensionBee:
Website: https://www.pensionbee.com/uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pensionbee/

Guest's Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/romi-savova-49477a25/

Show and Host's Socials:
Slice of Finance
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slice-of-finance/

Jared S Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/

Slice of Finance is produced by Slice of Media, Inc. 

Join us on this week's episode of the Slice of Finance podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!

Our Guest: Laura Kornhauser, Co-Founder & CEO at Stratyfy.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• Stratyfy’s Mission: Empowering financial institutions with AI-driven tools for better, fairer credit, fraud, and compliance decisions.
• Inclusion Challenge: Financial systems still carry biases from exclusionary historical practices, which AI can either reinforce or help dismantle.
• The Role of Machine Learning: Traditional AI (ML) is gaining traction, fueled by GenAI buzz but with proven impact in lending and risk management.
• Empowering Smaller Banks: Clear leadership direction and AI literacy are key for smaller institutions to adopt and benefit from AI technologies.
• Exciting Initiatives: Stratyfy is advancing equity through partnerships like Underwriting for Racial Justice and integrations with major platforms.

To learn more about Stratyfy:
Website: http://www.stratyfy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stratyfy/

Guest's Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-kornhauser/

Show and Host's Socials:
Slice of Finance
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slice-of-finance/

Jared S Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/

Slice of Finance is produced by Slice of Media, Inc. 

Join us on this week's episode of the Slice of Finance podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!

Our Guest: Kalyani Ramadurgam, Co-Founder & CEO at Kobalt Labs.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• Startup Origin Story: Kalyani Ramadurgam and her college friend-turned-cofounder founded Kobalt Labs after joining Y Combinator, diving into fintech compliance challenges.
• AI for Compliance: Kobalt Labs automates manual compliance tasks for banks and fintechs, reducing error rates and headcount needs.
• Enterprise-Ready & Scaling: After a stealthy start, the company is now focused on enterprise distribution and expanding its team.
• Trusted Adoption: Initial hesitancy from banks has given way to growing trust and adoption, with regulators and institutions now vouching for the platform.
• Customer-Driven Roadmap: Kalyani meets biweekly with every client, using feedback to shape development priorities and build high-impact features.

To learn more about Kobalt Labs:
Website: https://www.kobaltlabs.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kobalt-labs/

Guest's Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalyani-ramadurgam-4a76331b5/

Show and Host's Socials:
Slice of Finance
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slice-of-finance/

Jared S Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/

Slice of Finance is produced by Slice of Media, Inc. 

Join us on this week's episode of the Slice of Finance podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!

Our Guest: Edward Maslaveckas, Co-Founder & CEO at Bud.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• Why Banks Struggle with Data – Despite having vast amounts of transaction data, most banks lack the ability to effectively process and leverage it for personalization.
• Improving Customer Experience – Bud Financial helps banks reduce customer confusion over unidentified transactions, saving them millions in customer service costs.
• What Real Personalization Looks Like – Ed explains how AI-driven insights can help banks better serve their customers, offering timely nudges and financial advice.
• Lessons from Scaling a Fintech Business – From early missteps to finding product-market fit, Ed reflects on Bud’s journey to profitability.
• The Future of AI in Banking – Bud Financial is integrating more advanced AI models to enhance financial management for both institutions and consumers.

To learn more about Bud:
Website: http://www.thisisbud.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bud-financial/

Guest's Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmas/

Show and Host's Socials:
Slice of Finance
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slice-of-finance/

Jared S Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/

Slice of Finance is produced by Slice of Media, Inc. 

Join us on this week's episode of the Slice of Finance podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!

Our Guest: Wayne Slavin, CEO at Sure.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• Revolutionizing Insurance: Sure started as a direct-to-consumer platform but evolved into an infrastructure provider enabling embedded insurance.
• Embedded Insurance Growth: Major consumer brands like Apple and Uber are integrating insurance into their ecosystems.
• Industry Challenges & Innovations: Traditional insurers face pressure to adapt, while technology is bridging the gap between consumers and providers.
• Regulation & Compliance: Sure navigates insurance regulations by enhancing digital experiences within legal frameworks.
• The Future of Insurance: A shift toward real-time, frictionless transactions is transforming consumer expectations.

To learn more about Sure:
Website: http://www.sureapp.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sure-insurance/

Guest's Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayneslavin/

Show and Host's Socials:
Slice of Finance
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slice-of-finance/

Jared S Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/

Slice of Finance is produced by Slice of Media, Inc. 

Join us on this week's episode of the Slice of Finance podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!

Our Guest: Steve McLaughlin, Founder & CEO at Financial Technology Partners.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• The Evolution of Financial Technology Partners: Steve McLaughlin’s journey from Goldman Sachs to founding a global FinTech investment powerhouse.
• IPO vs. Staying Private: Why major FinTech firms like Stripe and Revolut delay going public.
• Stablecoins & B2B Payments: How digital assets are shaping global transactions.
• Identity & Security in FinTech: The challenges of fraud, security, and digital identity verification.
• The Future of FinTech: Key trends shaping 2025 beyond AI.

To learn more about Financial Technology Partners:
Website: http://www.ftpartners.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-technology-partners/

Guest's Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemclaughlinftpartners/

Show and Host's Socials:
Slice of Finance
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slice-of-finance/

Jared S Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/

Slice of Finance is produced by Slice of Media, Inc. 

Join us on this week's episode of the Slice of Finance podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!

Our Guest: Kamran Ansari, Venture Investor at Kapital Ventures.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• Early FinTech Investments: Kamran Ansari's journey includes investments in Venmo, Braintree, and Coast.
• Emerging Trends: The rise of B2B banking, compliance, and AI-driven wealth management.
• FinTech Consolidation: How mergers are reshaping the industry to drive efficiency and scale.
• AI & Fraud Prevention: The growing challenge of AI-powered financial fraud and how banks are responding.

To learn more:
Guest's Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamranansari1/

Show and Host's Socials:
Slice of Finance
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slice-of-finance/

Jared S Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/

Slice of Finance is produced by Slice of Media, Inc.