About CAFE
Innovation & Collaboration to Advance Financial Wellness
Supporting Technology Startups
Offering programs that connect fintech companies to financial institutions, customer opportunities, industry leaders, and funding to scale their impact.
Thought Leadership
Fostering awareness and understanding of financial challenges of low- to moderate- income (LMI) people, and driving adoption and promotion of innovative solutions.
Robust Community Building
Uniting extraordinary leaders through strategic partnerships and impactful experiences and events in Delaware and across the U.S.
Leveraging our Collective Strengths to Drive Progress
CAFE is a leading force in inclusive finance, where fintech innovators, financial institutions, and industry leaders collaborate on transformative tech solutions. Our mission is to advance financial health & wellness for low- to moderate- income (LMI) individuals by supporting fintech innovation & partnerships.
More than our flagship accelerator, CAFE is a dynamic hub for innovation, offering mission-driven startup founders unparalleled access to expertise, partnerships, and resources to scale their impact.
For our institutional partners, we provide access to cutting-edge solutions that enhance customer experiences, build loyalty, and drive retention, all while aligning with a shared mission to advance financial systems and improve lives.
Based in the state-of-the-art Fintech Innovation Hub at the Delaware Technology Park on the University of Delaware’s prestigious STAR Campus, CAFE benefits from being part of a vibrant ecosystem of academic rigor, business expertise, and technical innovation.
Meet Our Team
Kristen Castell
Managing Director,
CAFE
Fintech and financial services leader, former product executive at BlackRock and JPMorgan, and tech entrepreneur, who passionately builds and advises companies, programs, and communities focused on advancing financial wellness and inclusion.
Ryan Venderlic
Program Manager,
CAFE
Entrepreneur, program builder, and fintech founder dedicated to advancing education, financial literacy, and startup ecosystems through innovative tools and strategies. Formerly at Junior Achievement of DE and an Economic Development Peace Corps Volunteer in Kenya.
Breanna Reyes
Operations Coordinator,
CAFE
Coordinates operations and program needs across all aspects of CAFE. Streamlines business processes while maintaining effective communications with the CAFE team and its advisors.
Pedro Moore
Director,
GrowthStage Incubator
Serial Entrepreneur, Former VC, and Venture Capital Advisor to investors such as Daymond John of Shark Tank. Focused on developing and managing the GrowthStage Incubator in the Fintech Innovation Hub, in partnership with CAFE.
Kashena Atkins
Executive Administrator,
CAFE
Supports CAFE across organizational operations and special projects. With a background in finance and marketing, she spent five years at JPMorgan and currently serves as a Marketing Coordinator at Fox Television.
Board & Advisors
Mike Bowman
Board Chairman, CAFE
CEO of Delaware Tech Park (DTP)
As CEO Delaware Technology Park, over 25 years of scaling businesses and centers of excellence, including building the renowned Fintech Innovation Hub where CAFE is located. This is the latest of seven technology based buildings. Community, public and private partnerships connector as State Director of Delaware Small Business Development Center (SBDC) located at University of Delaware.
Charlie Horn
Advisor – External Relations, CAFE CEO, 5Lights LLC & Genius Avenue
Entrepreneurial visionary, innovator, and founder of private companies, as well as University of Delaware’s Horn Entrepreneurship. Chairman of 5Lights, LLC, and multiple successes growing niche businesses and teams.
Wayne Miller
Advisor – Innovation Programs, CAFE
SVP, Innovation Programs, ICBA
Entrepreneur, Investor and Mentor. Built and led world renowned fintech accelerators and corporate innovation programs, including Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) ThinkTECH and FIS fintech accelerators. Community bank connector. Passionate about financial wellness.
Matt Parks
Advisor- Bank Relationships, CAFE
VP, Investments, CRA and Banking, Discover Financial
Experienced financial investor, specializing in community development lending, CRA tax credits, and other programs for financial health and wellness of LMI populations.
Tracy Shickel
Board President, CAFE
AVP, Corporate Engagement, University of Delaware
Creating partnerships between the university and business community for mutually beneficial engagement. Liaison to the University of Delaware talent, resources, and research.
Amy Walls
Board Treasurer & Secretary, CAFE
Senior Principal, CRA, Discover Financial
Delivers impactful community development investments and services that improve the financial wellness and quality of life for people of low- and moderate-income. Launched a CRA funded venture capital fund. Active board member and volunteer with several nonprofits and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).
Stay Connected with the CAFE
The best way to stay updated about our Accelerator dates and other CAFE programs is to follow us on LinkedIn.
If you are interested in learning more about mentorship, financial sponsorships, or other partnership opportunities, email [email protected] or reach out to our Managing Director Kristen Castell at [email protected].
