In Conversation

Why did you decide to focus your practice in the fintech industry?

V — Financial services underpin every sector of the economy. Therefore, companies and entrepreneurs focusing on finding ways to innovate on how financial services are provided can have a lasting impact on the whole economy and its growth and its reach to people who, more often than not, do not have access to these kinds of services. I'd been fascinated by technology since a young age, and I'm incredibly impressed by the many applications people are finding every day. As a lawyer, I want to help the companies and entrepreneurs that are creating new ways to provide access to finance in setting and expanding their business in my country.

Additionally, I enjoy the challenge of participating in a whole new niche. From a legal standpoint, fintech companies have many building blocks to assemble: from corporate, regulatory, and compliance matters to blockchain implementation, data privacy, and cross-border financing. It's a very challenging industry from a professional perspective, but incredibly rewarding when being part of a team that succeeds in disrupting and innovating the industry.

Why do you find working with startups to be so rewarding?

V — I’ve found startup founders whom I’ve crossed paths with to be people with a powerful sense of purpose and with crystal clear ideas about the products and services they want to introduce to their customers. I also recognize the grit and resourcefulness these founders must show during the whole startup process. That’s why I resonate with them and want to help them any way I can.

I’m particularly interested in the founders’ thinking process and problem-solving skills, how those processes translate into their business model, and in setting up their business and organizational structure. You can have conversations about solving problems with anyone, but entrepreneurs actually intend to do something about it. That’s what makes them special.

Besides the legal aspects, what do you most care about when you look at a new company?

V – Obviously, market, tech, and product are essential. However, I really care about people and culture within a company. I enjoy working with companies and founders that encourage diversity of thought among their employees and their well-being. I know this may come out as cliche and not important in the fast-paced business-driven world we live in right now, but I firmly believe that these aspects are key to building a highly successful company.

Five TV shows you would recommend to anyone.

• Breaking Bad
• Better Call Saul
• The Office
• Malcolm in the Middle
• Game of Thrones (except for the last two seasons)