Accelerating financial equity In Fintech with Kristen Castell and host Catherine Gray Ep. 512

Catherine Gray, host of the Invest In Her Podcast, interviews Kristen Castell, a fintech and financial services executive with more than 20 years of experience building products, platforms, companies, and communities. With a career spanning JPMorgan, BlackRock, and fintech startups, Kristen brings expertise in connecting financial innovation with meaningful impact. She currently leads the Center for Accelerating Financial Equity (CAFE), a nonprofit that helps fintech founders grow businesses that improve financial well-being by connecting them with financial institutions, investors, mentors, and industry leaders.

In this episode, Kristen explains how CAFE supports mission-driven fintech startups through an accelerator that charges founders no fees and takes no equity. She and Catherine explore how financial technology can expand access to capital, improve lending opportunities, and help underserved communities build financial stability. They also discuss the importance of warm introductions, partnerships, and investor relationships in scaling a business. With women founding half of CAFE’s participating companies, the conversation highlights the need for more women investors and decision-makers, along with early financial education and role models to inspire the next generation.