Disrupt, Localise, Partner and Succeed: True Stories from AirWallex, Inaam and Salary Hero at Money20/20 Asia 🎙️

The Experience

Navigating the complexities in the Asian fintech ecosystem requires the right knowledge, strategies, and connections. That’s why AirWallex, Inaam and Salary Hero will be sharing their stories and case studies on how they have disrupted, localised, partnered strategically and succeeded in growing their business at scale at Money20/20 Asia.

Key Sessions to Catch at the Startup & Investor Park at Money20/20 Asia:

1. One Asia, Many Realities - Why Localisation Wins at Scale

Airwallex’s rise from a startup at Money20/20 in 2018 to a global fintech icon exemplifies the power of deep localisation in scaling across diverse markets. Asia, with its mosaic of regulatory regimes, customer behaviours, and operating norms, is not a single market but a complex landscape requiring more than surface-level adaptation. Airwallex succeeded by embedding itself deeply into each market, mastering local regulations, tailoring solutions to meet specific customer needs, and aligning operations with regional norms. This session explores how such an approach transforms regional ambition into real execution, offering insights into balancing global scale with local relevance to achieve sustainable growth.

2. Three VCs Walk Into a Debate: Where Smart Money Disagrees in Asia

Join a debate on the evolving investment landscape in Asia, featuring contrasting perspectives from leading venture capitalists Ankit Upadhyay (A2D Ventures), Twwo Jaruthassanakul (Seedstars), and Huong Tran (6igma Ventures). Moderated by Niki Chatikavanij, this session will delve into the biggest challenges facing startups and uncover the most promising sectors for investment in the region. With an interactive format, the audience will have the chance to vote on key discussion points, shaping the conversation and ensuring a thought-provoking dialogue. Whether you’re an investor, founder, or industry observer, this session offers valuable insights into the road ahead for APAC venture capital.

3. Innovating Inclusion: Startups Transforming Financial Futures

Join a panel of trailblazing startup founders from across the globe as they share their inspiring journeys in transforming financial wellness and inclusion. From Australia to Kenya and Nigeria, these innovators will discuss how they are disrupting their home markets, evolving their businesses, and creating meaningful impact. Gain insights into their experiences within the Startupbootcamp (SBC) accelerator, including the challenges they’ve faced, growth milestones achieved, and their vision for the future of financial inclusion.

4. Disrupt, Partner, Succeed: A Founder and VC Perspective

This session brings a founder and their VC together for a candid exploration of what it takes to succeed in Asia’s FinTech ecosystem. Through their shared story, they’ll reveal how startups can challenge incumbents, disrupt traditional markets, and build the trust needed to form strategic partnerships. Discover how to incentivise early participants, draw lessons from Web3 strategies, and navigate the delicate balance of risk, trust, and collaboration. The founder will share personal experiences of investor rejections and the journey to earning support, while the VC explains why she believed in the vision and took the leap. This session is a unique opportunity to gain insights into the founder-VC dynamic and learn how bold ideas, smart partnerships, and calculated risks can drive success in a competitive landscape.

Speakers You Can’t Miss:

The Startup & Investor Park will feature an impressive lineup of industry leaders, including:

• Billy van der Loo, Founder & President, Bangkok Startup Association
• Prabhav Rakhra, Co-Founder, Salary Hero
• Miranda Jiang, Partner, Informed Ventures
• Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner, Hustle Fund
• Arnold Chan, General Manager, Asia-Pacific, Airwallex
• Palida Artispong, Acting Managing Director, Krungsri Finnovate
• Huong T Tran, Founder & Managing Partner, 6igma Ventures
• Arjun Agarwal, CEO, Inaam
• Penny Mesengi, CEO, Pesira
• Safa Korti, Co-founder and CEO, Vaulfi
• Austin Akagu, Product and Strategy, Trove FInance

High-Stakes Pitch Competition:

Watch Startups battle it out for the attention of VCs, industry leaders, and their shot to win the Golden Ticket to the 2026 Startupbootcamp Sustainability Singapore Accelerator, along with SGD 70k in prize money.

Why It Matters for Startups:

Exhibiting at the Startup & Investor Park unlocks unparalleled value for Startups looking to scale, connect, and grow. Here’s what you’ll gain:

• 4 full-access passes for you and your team.
• Guaranteed 5-minute pitch slot on stage in front of VCs, banks, and 200+ press representatives.
• Golden Ticket opportunity: Win fast-tracked entry into the Startupbootcamp Sustainability Singapore Accelerator and SGD 70k prize money.
• Startupbootcamp coaching and Investment Readiness Programs: Refine your pitch and tighten your fundraising strategy.
• Early access to the Money20/20 Connect App: Get ahead of your competition and into that VC’s DMs.
• Investor meetups: Engage in meaningful conversations with high-value investors.
• Branded turnkey kiosk: Showcase your solutions and attract investors and prospective partners.
• Visibility on the Money20/20 Asia website: Make an impact before the show even begins with your logo and profile listed alongside industry leaders.

Why It Matters for Investors:

For investors, the Startup & Investor Park is a unique opportunity to discover the next big idea in fintech. Here’s why it’s worth your attention:

• Access to Innovation: Explore cutting-edge solutions from Startups driving breakthroughs in blockchain, AI, digital payments, and more.
• High-Quality Startups: Meet venture-ready Startups that have undergone rigorous mentorship and coaching through the Startupbootcamp Investment Readiness Program.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with 4,000+ other investors, decision-makers, and industry leaders to share insights and identify promising opportunities.
• Sustainability Focus: Discover Startups aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, offering impact-driven innovation that addresses global challenge

Take Your Startup Global 🚀

Seize this opportunity to expand your startup globally and build valuable connections with key decision-makers who can elevate your business to new heights. Act now and secure your kiosk today for just USD 5,000—only 11 kiosks remaining! Find out more about being an exhibitor at the Startup & Investor Park zone → here.

Discover the key players attending Money20/20 Asia → here.

[content in conjunction with the Money20/20 Asia team]