About CAFE

Powering Financial Wellness for Better Lives

CAFE is a non-profit organization that advances financial health & wellness for low- to moderate- (LMI) and other underserved populations through financial technology (fintech) innovation and partnerships.

Through our flagship CAFE Fintech Accelerator Program, we support and scale “real world” innovation by helping to grow revolutionary businesses that not only create disruptive technologies but also have a strong focus on leveling the financial playing field. We work with financial institutions, investors, and other organizations to connect with cutting-edge fintech solutions that engage new customers and underserved low to moderate income (LMI) communities in innovative ways, while advancing LMI financial wellness.

CAFE is based out of the beautiful, new, and well-equipped physical location in the Fintech Innovation Hub, operated by the renowned Delaware Technology Park, located on the prestigious STAR Campus of the University of Delaware. The Fintech Innovation Hub is a “center of excellence” created by a public-private partnership—a convergence of academic rigor, business savvy and technical expertise with the intention of pooling resources to enhance financial systems and advance financial wellness for all.

How CAFE Can Power Financial Wellness :

✨Inclusive Innovations

We support cutting-edge fintechs with technologies ready to grow to broaden financial wellness accessibility and work toward an inclusive financial future.

✨Community Connections

We connect founders with bankers, investors, and other orgs for customers, talent, partnerships, and funding.

✨Non-Profit Ethos & Financial Wellness

CAFE is about people, their financial wellness and then profits. We offer an equity-free accelerator program at no-cost to fintech founders.

Meet Our Team

Kristen Castell


Managing Director,
CAFE

Fintech entrepreneur, and former financial product executive at BlackRock and JPMorgan, who passionately builds and advises companies, programs, and communities focused on advancing financial wellness and inclusion.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

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.

Connect with me on Linkedin

 

 

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. 

Connect with me on LinkedIn

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.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Charlie Horn


Advisory Board- 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.

 Connect with me on LinkedIn

Wayne Miller


Advisory Board, 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.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Matt Parks


Advisory Board, 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.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Tracy Schickel


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.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

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).

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Our Growing List of Partners

Sponsors for the Fall 2024 Accelerator Cohort