Early-Stage FinTech Investing: Unpacking Speed, Technical DNA & AI’s Transformative Power

In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Ryan Falvey, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Restive Ventures, to explore early-stage fintech investing.

Ryan shares insights on how Restive Ventures focuses on being the first institutional capital source for technically skilled founders, helping them navigate the complexities of the financial services market.

They discuss the importance of speed, execution, and technical DNA in startup success, along with strategies fintech founders use to gain early traction by targeting startups before larger corporations. Ryan also delves into the transformative impact of AI—especially tools like ChatGPT—on startup productivity and venture outcomes, highlighting how founders now operate with far greater efficiency and agility.

The conversation touches on venture capital’s evolution amid technological disruption, the increasing role of public markets and IPOs in fintech, and how Restive Ventures maintains transparency and respect for founders in its investment approach. Listeners will gain valuable perspective on building resilient fintech startups, leveraging AI, and thriving in today’s rapidly changing investment landscape.

Learn more about Ryan's work at https://www.restive.com/

Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-falvey/

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com