Rebecca Kersch is the Founder and CEO of TANGapp. Before TANGapp, she worked at Oxford's Saïd Business School and PwC's Strategy&.

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

My team and I are building the international peer-to-peer payment app for the 1.5 billion unbanked globally, and we're starting with the Philippines. Our vision: sending money should be as easy as texting, regardless of where you live or what you earn.

It means I lead our FinTech team in making that vision real. It involves goal setting, recruitment, product development, partnerships, marketing, fundraising, strategizing, and getting licenses. Basically, I am making a ton of decisions every day, likely not all the right ones, but I am learning as I go.

My mom tells everyone I work in IT; maybe that's more helpful.

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

Sometimes I have 13+ calls a day, and it does mean that at times I come across a call and I am not sure why it was scheduled, who the other attendee is, and why we are chatting.

One time this happened while I was still in grad school, and my laptop was out of battery, but my charger was at home. I decided I would start the call while walking home. Then, once home, I could charge my laptop and find out more about the other attendee. All the calendar invite said was: "call Janice," and a number for me to dial.

I started the call with: "Hi Janice, thanks a lot for making time to chat today. Why don't we start with introductions? I've heard great things about you, but I'd love to hear a bit about your background from you, and I'll follow with the same." Her reply: "Uhm, this is the allergy doctor from Harvard Health Services, and we have your test results."

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

Going to Harvard for my Master's and starting TANGapp during this grad degree. I grew a lot during grad school and in my work with TANGapp. Both experiences have brought me a lot of confidence, taught me to think bigger and not limit myself.

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

FemTech in emerging markets, I think the potential is endless, and I'm excited to see these ventures excel.

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

If you're a female founder in fintech starting out, get in touch! Always happy to meet more women in the space and help if I can. On that note, find your tribe and mentors/advisors!

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

Anything — my husband can explain more

🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show?

Ancient Egypt and other ancient civilization Nat Geo-style documentaries

🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?

Ube (Purple Yam)!