Synapse

Previously called 500 Startups, 500 Global has backed over 5,000 founders representing more than 2,600 companies operating in 80 countries. Their portfolio includes 51 companies valued at over $1 billion and 140 companies valued at over $100 million.

9Yards is a global private investment firm focused on foundational industries, beginning with fintech and supply chain tech. They aim to be a strategic capital partner through unique perspectives and connectivity in each industry.

VC firm investing in companies committed to empowering small businesses. They invest in companies that deliver more efficient, well-designed financial products that save people time and money, create upward mobility, and scale broadly – driving both profit margins and consumer value.

Angela Strange is a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz where she focuses on financial services including fintech infrastructure, insurance, real estate, and increasing financial inclusivity Prior to joining a16z, Angela was a product manager at Google where she launched and grew Chrome for Android and Chrome for iOS into two of Google's most successful mobile products. She has also served as director of product management and business development at Ruba.com (acquired by Google), a senior associate partner at Bay Partners focusing on the consumer internet sector, and a consultant at Mercer Management Consulting in Toronto. Angela helped launch and was co-chair of C100, a non-profit that bridges Canadian entrepreneurs with Silicon Valley, and on the Canadian Finance Minister Morneau's Economic Growth Council. She earned her Mechanical Engineering degree from Queen's University in Canada and an MBA from Stanford.

Arjan [pronounced ARE-yawn] is a trusted and experienced venture investor and founder of Core Innovation Capital, a leading venture capital fund investing in financial services companies that democratize prosperity. He is a passionate advocate for market-based financial access and empowerment. Arjan writes regularly, and has been noted in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Economist, and in the documentary, Spent. He speaks regularly including at the White House, SXSW, Stanford, Harvard, and MIT. On a local level he serves on the Compton Community Development Corporation Board. Prior, he spent a decade as an operator in several venture backed startups as a technology leader, product- and general manager including Pierian Spring Software, Cognitive Concepts (acquired by Houghton Mifflin), Capella Learning (now NASDAQ: CPLA), and DoTheGood.