Manchester’s Started PR has launched its new fintech expert advisory board, bringing in eight of the sector’s most influential leaders.
The launch of the Started Advisory Board marks the latest initiative from the international fintech PR and marketing agency aimed not only at raising the bar for fintech communications, but also at shaping the future direction of the industry itself. The board, which will be officially unveiled at this month’s Money20/20 event in Amsterdam, is stacked with real leaders in the space.
The leaders appointed to the Started Advisory Board wield considerable influence across the fintech sector, boasting a combined LinkedIn following of nearly 200,000 and over a century of collective industry experience. Formed as part of Started PR’s commitment to spotlighting the critical issues shaping fintech, the board’s mission is to provide a robust support system that enables the next generation of fintech innovators to flourish.
Members of the board include David M. Brear, CEO of 11:FS Holdings. A prominent voice in fintech, David was instrumental in building the globally recognised challenger consultancy from the ground up. He brings a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those striving for success in the sector, and a strong appreciation for the role that high-quality media plays in articulating and amplifying these efforts; Susanne Chishti, chair of FINTECH Circle – Europe’s first investor network focused on fintech investments and a leading platform for fintech innovation; media experts such as Jason Mikula of Fintech Business Weekly, David Savage of Tech Talks Podcast, and Jason Williams of the Fintech Times also join the board, alongside regional fintech champions like Sarah Kocianski, CEO of FinTech Wales.
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The Started Advisory Board will contribute to the fintech community through virtual trend discussions, participation in high-profile PR activities, and involvement in the agency’s annual fintech start-up pitch day as judges. In addition, the board members will also join an exclusive WhatsApp group to offer ad hoc advice, creating a dynamic forum of collaboration, insight-sharing, and industry influence that benefits the wider fintech ecosystem.
Brear commented: “The world doesn’t need more fintech hype, it needs more fintech realities. We’ve all seen the pitch decks, the buzzwords, the beautifully designed “vision” slides that never make it to market. What we need is more innovation that actually lands products in the hands of real people, solving real problems, with real impact. That’s why I have joined the Started Advisory Board.”
A trusted partner for fast growth, founder-led fintechs, Started PR is dedicated to nurturing the next wave of fintech success stories, championing innovations that reach real users and deliver meaningful impact. In support of this mission, the expert advisory board will play a key role in making this a reality and will be chaired by the company’s founder and managing director, Kimberley Waldron.
Waldron added: “The Started Advisory Board is made up of individuals who share a genuine commitment to the future of fintech. Being surrounded by such passionate and principled leaders is truly empowering – it gives me confidence that, together, we can elevate the conversations that matter most and champion the innovation driving the sector forward.”
