Caroline Chen is Head of Strategy and Operations at Finantier. They build infrastucture like APIs that power fintechs and financial institutions in SEA. Before Finantier, she worked in development finance at CrossBoundary.

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

Laying the groundwork for digital financial infrastructure across Southeast Asia! "Strategy and Operations" can be pretty vague, so I like to say there are four key "Ps" to our team's mission: People, Partnerships, Product, and Policy.

‍

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

The degree to which we focus on People, which historically has been neglected by companies treating HR as an afterthought. There's a famous saying that "culture eats strategy for breakfast," which is absolutely true.

We're really proud of the culture and fantastic team we've built at Finantier, with a focus on mental health, work-from-anywhere, learning and development opportunities, and most importantly: having fun!

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

I used to work in development finance at a great firm called CrossBoundary, where I advised on private transactions in emerging markets such as Haiti, Guinea, and India.

It was an incredibly rewarding experience working with entrepreneurs building thriving businesses despite limited resources, access to capital, and infrastructure. This inspired me to make the leap and join Finantier!

‍

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

Embedded finance! All companies can be fintech companies, improving their user experience and customer retention by increasing in-platform offerings.

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

Instead of focusing on a specific industry or type of role, try asking yourself, "what problems excite me?" then go find someone working on that problem, or better yet - start something yourself!

‍

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

Transportation infrastructure and urban planning!

‍

🎥  What's your favorite movie/TV show?

Two favorites: The Expanse (a fantastic sci-fi show that unfortunately just wrapped) and 30 Rock (an all-time classic).

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

Anything floral! Lavender, rose, etc.