Hi everyone!

Welcome to the UpStartVC Podcast, a podcast where we talk to entrepreneurs about the things they’re building and investors about the entrepreneurs they’re backing.

It is hosted by Kamo Motaung an entrepreneur and VC intern at Hlayisani Capital; and, Daryn Munnik, a CFA charterholder currently pursuing a Masters in Development Finance, with research and support from Vuyo Mzini.

Our background research note is in the link at the end. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

This week we chat with Simon Ellis of SmartWage on eradicating the poverty cycle through access to earned wages and financial education.

SmartWage is a platform that provides the opportunity for individuals to access a portion of their salary (based on days actually worked), in advance of their salary payment date. They do this through their proprietary wage access software.

The themes we discuss are:

* Simon’s Journey into Entrepreneurship.

* How to start a fintech as a non-technical founder.

* Tools to overcome Imposter Syndrome.

* How to build and maintain relationships with Investors.

* What he’d do differently if he had to start all over again.

* How he’d spend $100k.

We have also put together a background research note on SmartWage, it is available here:

SmartWage

If you enjoyed listening to the podcast or reading the note, we’d really appreciate a review on Apple Podcasts or if you share your thoughts here.

Cheers

Kamo & Daryn & Vuyo

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theupstartvcpodcast.substack.com