Is Finance Technology? How Founders Can Avoid the Mistakes That Kill Fintech Companies
Is Finance Technology? How Founders Can Avoid the Mistakes That Kill Fintech Companies  
Podcast: Fintech Leaders
Published On: Tue Mar 31 2026
Description: Send us Fan MailI sat down with Andrew Endicott, fintech entrepreneur and my co-founder at Gilgamesh Ventures. Andrew is also the author of the recent book "Is Finance Technology?", a practical guide for founders, operators, and investors in financial services. The book covers everything. From the common mistakes that kill fintech companies, to how to think about risk, fraud, and regulation across verticals.I highly recommend picking up a copy. Few people have operated across as many roles and verticals as Andrew has. Having been a financial services lawyer, investment banker, entrepreneur, board member, and now investor, this book reflects that breadth.Timestamped Overview:00:00 Finance origins and early technology05:56 Necessity driving creativity07:42 Solving everyday consumer challenges13:49 Impact of emerging technologies16:44 Fintech innovation and successful founders19:30 Challenges of choosing customers and partners21:39 Dealing with fraud challenges26:00 First movers in payment industry31:11 Writing the book and changing views32:46 Fintech companies becoming banks37:01 Venture capital trends and shifts39:32 Writing process and challenges42:27 Hoping to inspire future entrepreneursWant more podcast episodes? Join me and follow Fintech Leaders today on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app for weekly conversations with today’s global leaders that will dominate the 21st century in fintech, business, and beyond.Do you prefer a written summary? Check out the Fintech Leaders newsletter and join ~85,000+ readers and listeners worldwide!Miguel Armaza is Co-Founder and General Partner of Gilgamesh Ventures, a seed-stage investment fund focused on fintech in the Americas. He also hosts and writes the Fintech Leaders podcast and newsletter.Miguel on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nKha4ZMiguel on Twitter: https://bit.ly/2Jb5oBcFintech Leaders Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3jWIpqp