Fintech Meetup 2025 isn’t just another fintech event—it’s built for smarter, more efficient networking. Chairman Sanjib Kalita shares what makes it different, why targeted meetings matter, and how attendees can make every conversation count.
Fintech Meetup 2025 is almost here, and if you think fintech events are all buzzwords and bland presentations, think again. From March 10-13 at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, this gathering offers over 60,000 curated meetings where decision-makers, innovators, and industry disruptors mix business with real talk.
On the sidelines, we caught up with Fintech Meetup’s Chairman, Sanjib Kalita—a man who’s been around the block, from the early days of Intel’s graphics chip breakthroughs to steering Money 20/20 onto the global stage.
With his trademark blend of wit and insight, Sanjib shares a refreshingly down-to-earth view on the future of fintech networking. He offers practical tips on making every handshake count and reveals the secrets behind building lasting, meaningful connections.
Not Your Typical Fintech Event
The fintech conference circuit is crowded, but Fintech Meetup isn’t just another event packed with keynote speeches and chance encounters over coffee. It’s built for efficiency. “Unlike traditional conferences, where you can spend half your time just figuring out who to talk to, Fintech Meetup is designed to maximize every conversation,” Sanjib explains.
The event’s matchmaking system ensures that meetings are more than just networking—they’re targeted, high-value discussions. “We’ve structured this so you’re not wasting time talking to 100 different payments providers if you only need one,” he says. Whether it’s startups looking for investors, banks scouting partnerships, or fintech executives discussing strategy, the curated format allows attendees to have the right conversations without the usual guesswork.
The attendee breakdown reflects this focus: 20-30% of participants are C-level executives, and 70% are director-level and above. “It’s decision-makers talking to decision-makers,” Sanjib adds. The structure isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about creating a level playing field, where smaller fintechs get the same opportunities to connect as established industry giants.
Key Themes and Must-Attend Sessions
Beyond the one-on-one meetings, this year’s Fintech Meetup tackles some of the most pressing industry challenges. “Companies are being more careful about how they spend their resources, so we’ve built the agenda around that,” Sanjib explains. Tracks focus on sustainable product development, partnerships as a growth strategy, and capitalizing for the future—whether through venture funding or smarter balance sheet management.
Some of the most anticipated sessions include:
- The Future of Investing: A panel with the CEOs of Betterment, Public, and M1, discussing how retail investing is evolving amid the generational wealth transfer.
- Banking-as-a-Service in Flux: A deep dive into the shifting landscape of BaaS with top industry leaders.
- Embedded Finance: Sanjib himself will moderate a discussion with Fifth Third Bank and Stripe, unpacking what embedded finance means today—and where it’s heading.
“The winners in fintech aren’t just building good products; they’re figuring out distribution,” Sanjib notes. One track will focus on exactly that—how companies can turn distribution into a competitive advantage. Another will tackle the economic uncertainty looming over the industry. “What are the questions companies aren’t asking—but should be?”
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Making the Most of Fintech Meetup
For attendees, success at Fintech Meetup isn’t just about showing up—it’s about strategy. “Go in with an open mind,” Sanjib advises. “You might be looking for investors but end up finding a potential customer or partner instead.” He recalls a fintech founder at last year’s event who walked in expecting to pitch investors but left with something even more valuable—market validation.
“He met with potential customers, got great feedback, and that helped him secure funding from an investor he bumped into in the hallway,” Sanjib explains. “An idea or great technology without a market doesn’t have a whole lot of value—you need to prove there’s interest.”
Pre-event planning is just as important. Sanjib recommends attendees go beyond the scheduled meetings and coordinate with people they know will be there. “A lot of people will be at the networking events or informal meetups, so plan ahead. It’s an easy way to touch base without using up a scheduled slot,” he says.
And once the event ends, the real work begins. “The people who follow up—those are the ones who get the most value,” he says. With over 60,000 meetings happening over a few days, it’s easy to lose track. “If I meet 100 people, maybe 20 will follow up with something specific based on what we discussed. If you want to stand out, be one of those 20.”
Final Advice
Sanjib keeps his event advice refreshingly practical. “Get rest beforehand, wear comfortable shoes, and preserve your voice—you’ll be talking a lot.” But most importantly, he stresses the power of follow-ups. “You might meet 100 people, but if you don’t take the time to reconnect, those conversations fade fast.”
With just a week to go, Fintech Meetup 2025 is shaping up to be more than just another fintech event—it’s a place where every meeting, every session, and every conversation is designed to count.
Bobsguide will be reporting live from Las Vegas, covering the biggest insights, key interviews, and industry takeaways—sponsored by Liberis. Stay tuned for updates.
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