Vision Fund team member Alexia Yannopoulos's profile photo

Alexia Yannopoulos

Director, EMEA

Overview

Alexia has spent her career at the intersection of technology and financial services. After working at Deutsche Bank, she joined Anthemis Group SA, an early-stage venture firm. After Anthemis, she focused on financial services investments at private equity firm Apis Partners before joining SBIA. Alexia has a bachelor’s degree in Economics and International Relations from Tufts University and a diploma from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London.

Region01

  • EMEA

Companies02

  • Apollo Agriculture
  • Vivid

Insights

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02  —

What were some of the lessons you learned early in your career?

I learned hard work really pays off. I don’t think I’ve met anyone who’s exceptionally successful in any field who doesn’t work hard. I’ve also learned that this is a very relationship-driven business, so taking the time to make sure you build good relationships really makes a difference.

02  —

What areas are you most excited about right now?

I’ve spent my career focused on fintech and financial services, and that’s my focus at SBIA as well. Within this vertical, I am currently excited about Open Banking, a global initiative that enables banks to share data. By centralizing customer’s financial data across providers, customers get a holistic view of their finances.

02  —

What do you think will be the biggest change in fintech over the next five to 10 years?

I think the biggest change is going to be what the consumer considers to be a financial services company. It's no longer just going to be your bank or insurance company. More and more retailers and marketplaces and other non-traditional financial services businesses, will integrate financial services products such as checking accounts, credit, insurance into their offering, resulting in a seamless experience for the customer and increased customer engagement and personalization. We have started to see successful examples of embedded finance (such as BNPL or “buy now pay later”) which I believe will only continue at an accelerated pace.

02  —

How would you describe your style when you work with companies?

I am very focused on team work and I learn a lot from listening. I’m open and transparent, which is something I find most founders appreciate. I try to be collaborative and work towards win-win outcomes.

02  —

What do you look for in a founder? 

I really appreciate founders who are creative and flexible. The most successful founders I have met are able to pivot their business, product or distribution strategies quickly when faced with changing externalities. They don't get too scared of failure, will work with what they have, and will ask for help.

02  —

What values do you live by?

You can’t really compromise on honesty and integrity. I have two young kids, so family is also very important to me. That’s priority number one, even though work is quite time consuming.

02  —

What qualities do you admire in other people?

I value people who are resilient, who are doers, and who will execute. There are many people out there who talk a big game, but rarely do you find people who get off the couch and execute on what they want to do.

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