Amrita Vir is Head of Strategy and Business Expansion at wagely, an earned wage access fintech with operations in Bangladesh and Indonesia. Amrita previously led Driver Lending at Grab, hosts the Green Room Fintech Podcast, and is co-founder of Findicate, an angel investing syndicate focused on women-led startups.

👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

I help people who are underserved by the mainstream financial system access equitable and affordable financial services.

🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

I was a radio DJ in college. With my press pass, I used to go backstage at concerts and interview my favorite bands. This was when I became really interested in people's stories because no one's path is a straight line.

I started my podcast a couple of years ago with this same idea - but for fintech founders rather than Flogging Molly (yes, I have interviewed Bridget Regan, and she is badass).

🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Growing up in the US, I had a very theoretical understanding of what it meant to drive impact in emerging markets. Moving to Singapore to work in fintech in Asia has been incredibly eye-opening to the challenges faced by everyday people and the companies trying to serve them. But with these challenges come real, bleeding-edge innovation. I'm proud to contribute to this innovation that will ultimately create financial empowerment for everyone.

🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

I'm excited to see more women-led startups getting some well-deserved attention. We all know that funding for women-led startups has been abysmal, but studies have shown that women-led startups actually have higher returns and tend to focus on solving big social problems.

For these reasons, I co-founded Findicate, an angel investing syndicate focused on women-led startups, and it's been amazing to see the inspirational women and their ideas already in our pipeline.

💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?

Don't take yourself too seriously. Be intentional about how you spend your time, but keep an open mind about new paths that may not be part of the original plan.

🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours?

Financial health. We hear a lot about financial inclusion, but simply being included in the financial system is often not enough to really improve one's life. However, products and services that enable people to manage uncertainty, plan for the future, and actually grow wealth can make a huge difference in holistic financial health.

🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show?

I just finished Ms. Marvel! I've always loved superheroes, but the ones I grew up watching looked nothing like me. Ms. Marvel is special because I can see myself in her, plus it's a great story with a great soundtrack.

‍

🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?‍

Chocolate chip cookie dough