March 2025 - T Palmer Agency

Growth In San Francisco: Blueprint Tour Impactful Solutions

Posted on March 13, 2025March 14, 2025 by Charles Oakley

The Blueprint Tour San Francisco delivered high-impact discussions on fintech, insurtech, and healthtech.

With expert panels, a live startup pitch-off, and exclusive networking, the event fostered innovation and strategic expansion. Coverbase won the pitch-off with its AI-powered vendor management platform, while Wuuii showcased its AI-driven wildfire hazard assessment solution. Hosted by T Palmer Agency, a full-service marketing agency specializing in event marketing services, the event provided valuable insights for founders, investors, and industry leaders.

The Blueprint Tour San Francisco stop united the brightest minds in fintech, insurtech, and healthtech. This event fostered connections, sparked conversations, and showcased innovative startups in the industry’s changing landscape. Sponsored by JobsOhio, the event featured insightful panels on strategic growth and funding. It also included an intense pitch-off between fintech and insurtech. Attendees enjoyed thought-provoking discussions and gained actionable insights.

About JobsOhio

We were proud to have JobsOhio as our sponsor for the Blueprint Tour San Francisco. JobsOhio is dedicated to driving economic growth and innovation by supporting businesses and entrepreneurs in key industries, including fintech, insurtech, and healthtech. Their dedication to promoting innovation and investment aligns well with the Blueprint Tour’s mission. This initiative helps startups gain the resources, funding, and connections necessary for successful growth.

Key Highlights from the San Francisco Stop

Opening Panel: The Art of Strategic Expansion

Ashlyn Lackey, Eugenio Gonzalez, David Gritz take the stage in the opening panel of the Blueprint Tour SF

The event began with the Strategic Expansion: The How, When, and Why panel. This session was moderated by Thien-Nga Palmer, the Founder and CEO of T Palmer Agency. Her agency is a full-service marketing firm that focuses on event marketing services. The discussion featured expert insights from:

Ashlyn Lackey (Director, Innovation Strategy, Prudential) on navigating the challenges of scaling in the insurance sector.
Eugenio González (Partner & Head of InsurTech, Plug and Play Ventures) on the role of accelerators in startup expansion.
David Gritz (Co-Founder, Insurtech NY) on the financial services industry’s evolving investment landscape.

Prudential, Plug and Play Ventures, and Insurtech NY pose after their panel together

The conversation emphasized the importance of market readiness, strategic partnerships, and sustainable growth strategies for startups looking to expand.

Fintech vs. Insurtech Pitch-Off: A High-Stakes Showdown

One of the event’s most awaited moments was the Fintech vs. Insurtech Growth Startups Pitch-Off. Here, early-stage companies showcased their innovations to a panel of respected judges. In just a few minutes, each startup made strong pitches. They received live feedback from investors and industry leaders.

Clarence Chio wins the pitch off with his innovative approach to vendor management

🚀 Winner: Clarence Chio from Coverbase! After a series of impressive presentations, Coverbase emerged as the winner. It demonstrated its potential to transform the fintech and insurtech sectors with its AI-powered vendor management platform. By optimizing workflows and streamlining operations, Coverbase enhances efficiency and scalability for businesses navigating the any ecosystem.

PartnerSpace hopes to imnpress with its partnership management platform

Wuuii is helping to redefine wildfire insurance

Other participating startups included PartnerSpace, a platform that simplifies embedded and affiliate partnerships. Another notable participant was Wuuii, which is transforming digital insurance solutions through AI-driven personalization.

Masterclass: The Power of a Strong Brand Identity

T Palmer discusses the impact branding has on a company

Branding isn’t just about logos and taglines—it’s about storytelling, trust, and market positioning. Led by Thien-Nga Palmer, this masterclass explored how founders can build a compelling brand that stands out in a competitive landscape. Attendees gained insights into crafting a brand narrative that resonates with customers and investors alike.

Decoding Funding for Startups: VC Perspectives

Suzanne Passalacqua (Managing Director, Carrick Capital), Sarah Kim (Partner, Centana Growth Partners), and Tanvi Lal (VC, Intuit Ventures) shared their expertise on what investors look for

Securing funding is one of the most pressing challenges for fintech, insurtech, and healthtech founders. In the Decoding Funding for Startups panel, Suzanne Passalacqua (Managing Director, Carrick Capital), Sarah Kim (Partner, Centana Growth Partners), and Tanvi Lal (VC, Intuit Ventures) shared their expertise on what investors look for, how to structure fundraising efforts, and the key financial metrics that drive investment decisions.

Building Resilient Founders & Thriving Businesses

Eric Schneider (Founder & CEO, Akko), Jason Andrew (COO/CIO & Co-Founder, Zoe Foundry), and Hannah Wu (Co-founder & CEO, Amplify Life Insurance) shared their experiences in navigating the ups and downs of startup life

The day wrapped up with a candid discussion on resilience and sustainability in entrepreneurship. Eric Schneider (Founder & CEO, Akko), Jason Andrew (COO/CIO & Co-Founder, Zoe Foundry), and Hannah Wu (Co-founder & CEO, Amplify Life Insurance) shared their experiences in navigating the ups and downs of startup life, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being, adaptability, and long-term vision.

A Night of Networking and New Opportunities

Attendees mingle and enjoy a cocktail at the Blueprint Tour SF

Attendees network and cheers at the Founders’ Dinner

Networking with the best founders

Creating Connections and Growing Community

Say cheese! Everyone smiles at the 12th Founders Dinner

Following an action-packed day at Stem Kitchen & Garden, attendees gathered for an exclusive cocktail reception. Conversations flowed over drinks, while live music created a vibrant atmosphere. The Founders Dinner later in the evening offered a cozy atmosphere for meaningful conversations. It helped build valuable connections among founders, investors, and industry leaders.

What’s Next?

As the Blueprint Tour progresses through key hubs in fintech, insurtech, and healthtech, we can feel the energy from San Francisco. This excitement sets the stage for our upcoming stops. Whether you’re a founder looking for funding, an investor scouting the next big thing, or an industry leader eager to share insights, the Blueprint Tour is the place to be.

📍 Looking to host an unforgettable industry event? Our team specializes in crafting high-impact experiences that drive meaningful connections. From marketing services to full-service event marketing strategies, we help businesses create experiences that leave a lasting impact. Learn more about our event services today!

Disruptive Optimization: Fintech Meetup’s 2025 Competitive Advantage

Posted on March 13, 2025March 14, 2025 by Charles Oakley

The fintech world came alive at Fintech Meetup 2025, an event that delivered high-impact fintech networking, groundbreaking insights, and a showcase of the latest financial technology conference innovations. With

The fintech industry is seeing important trends that are influencing conversations, lively panels, and many meetings. This year’s event fostered a vibrant atmosphere for new business opportunities. It also set a clear direction for the industry’s future.

As a specialized agency in fintech event marketing, branding, and strategic communications, T Palmer Agency recognizes the power of effective fintech events. These events can significantly drive business growth and create a lasting impact in the industry. Here’s a recap of the key highlights from the three action-packed days—and how we can help your brand make waves in b2b fintech marketing.

Day 1: A High-Energy Start to Fintech Meetup 2025

Innovate360 and JP Morgan hit the stage at Fintech Meetup 2025

The excitement was palpable as thousands of fintech professionals arrived for the first day of Fintech Meetup 2025. The energy and enthusiasm set the tone for an unforgettable event filled with fintech partnerships, networking, and innovation.

Registration opened bright and early, welcoming attendees from across the fintech ecosystem.
Innovate 360 by J.P. Morgan Payments led engaging discussions on the future of payments innovation, exploring emerging trends and transformative technologies.
Keynote speakers included Michael Rhodes from Ally Financial, Nigel Morris from QED Investors, and Ryan Breslow from Bolt. They discussed important challenges and opportunities in digital banking strategies.

The evening concluded on a positive note with the Welcome Reception, sponsored by Tyfone. This event brought attendees together for a night of connection and fun, investor networking and meaningful connections.

A collage of networking at Fintech Meetup 2025

At T Palmer Agency, we specialize in creating strategic event marketing strategies that elevate brand visibility at industry-leading fintech conferences. We also focus on SEO for your fintech blog content. From pre-event social media marketing for fintech to on-site activations, we focus on making your presence memorable. We ensure that your brand leaves a lasting impact on attendees.

Day 2: A Deep Dive into Fintech’s Future

The second day of Fintech Meetup 2025 enhanced the overall experience. It featured a comprehensive agenda focused on fintech trends. Attendees engaged in discussions and participated in deal-making activities.

networking opportunities and new connections abound at Fintech Meetup 2025

The Exhibition Hall opened at 9 AM, showcasing cutting-edge B2B fintech solutions and groundbreaking innovations.
The first session of meetings began in Hall C. It featured thousands of pre-scheduled meetings. This environment fostered strong connections and opened doors to new fintech growth strategies.
Keynote speakers delivered game-changing insights:
Colin Walsh, Founder of Varo, shared strategies on mastering digital banking experiences.
A dynamic panel discussion included leaders from M1, Public, DriveWealth, and Betterment. They examined the new factors influencing institutional investing and wealth management trends.
Meetings Session 2 continued the momentum, giving attendees another opportunity to connect, collaborate, and close deals.
The Expo Hall Happy Hour offered an ideal way to end the day. It brought fintech startups together to celebrate, network, and build on the event’s momentum.

Events like this prove the importance of precision-targeted digital marketing strategies to generate awareness and maximize engagement. At T Palmer Agency, we create engaging content marketing for fintech. We also provide paid media services for fintech brands and lead generation for fintech campaigns. Our goal is to help your brand connect with the right fintech professionals before, during, and after the event.

Day 3: A Historic Finish to Fintech Meetup 2025

The last full day of Fintech Meetup 2025 was filled with energy. Attendees engaged in impactful meetings and transformative discussions. The day concluded with an exciting startup pitch competition.

The winners of the Pitch competition accept their winnings

The Exhibition Hall opened again, giving attendees another chance to explore the best and fastest growing fintech startups.
The meetings program hosted an incredible 20,000 conversations, driving B2B fintech partnerships and business opportunities.
The Startup Pitch Finale named Utsav Shah from Kaaj and Edwin Handschuh from 1Konto as the winners. They triumphed in the much-anticipated fintech startup pitch competition.
A compelling keynote addressed the topic of expanding embedded financial services. It featured insights from Nate Starrett, who is associated with Stripe, and Tom Bianco from Fifth Third Bank. The session was moderated by Sanjib Kalita, Chairman of Fintech Meetup.
Shivani Siroya, CEO of Tala, concluded the keynotes with an inspiring talk. She discussed how emerging technologies are opening financial access and driving global growth.
The day concluded elegantly with the Expo Hall Happy Hour. Attendees shared final insights and strengthened new relationships in the fintech industry.

At T Palmer Agency, we know that great content fuels engagement. We assist fintech brands in enhancing their message. We do this through SEO-optimized blogs, social media recaps, and PR strategies. Our goal is to ensure their thought leadership stands out in discussions after events.

The Grand Finale: HumanX Closing Party

As Fintech Meetup 2025 approached its end, the excitement grew. Attendees eagerly anticipated the HumanX Closing Party at Zouk Nightclub. Attendees gathered for one last chance to celebrate, reflect on the event, and build lasting fintech partnerships.

Day 2 highlights from Fintech Meetup 2025

For brands aiming to enhance post-event engagement, we provide strategic email marketing for fintech. We also offer social media amplification and lead nurturing solutions. These services help maintain momentum long after the event concludes.

Final Thoughts

Fintech Meetup 2025 was an incredible showcase of fintech innovation, fintech networking, and industry leadership. This event featured influential fintech keynote speakers and numerous discussions on institutional investing and digital banking. It reaffirmed its status as a must-attend gathering for fintech professionals.

At T Palmer Agency, we focus on event marketing, digital strategy, and brand positioning. We help fintech companies create a strong impact. If your brand wants to stand out at major financial technology conferences, let’s connect. Together, we can create a fintech marketing strategy that delivers results.

If you missed this year’s event, make sure to mark your calendar for Fintech Meetup 2026 – because the future of fintech events is just beginning its journey!

Interested in elevating your brand’s presence at fintech events? Contact T Palmer Agency today to strategize your next big move!

Blueprint Tour Charlotte – A Look Back at a Day Full of Innovation and Growth

Posted on March 7, 2025March 7, 2025 by Charles Oakley

The Blueprint Tour: Charlotte provided insights on expansion, funding, branding, and resilience for fintech and venture-backed firms.

Key panels focused on early-stage deal-making, preventing equity dilution, and securing smart investments, providing strategies to navigate future funding challenges. Attendees gained insights from industry leaders, culminating in an exclusive Founder’s Dinner at SeaGrill, fostering valuable connections. This recap emphasizes essential lessons for entrepreneurs and investors to ensure long-term business success

T Palmer Agency gathered leading experts in fintech, insurtech, venture capital, and startup growth. This high-impact event featured engaging discussions, practical insights, and valuable networking opportunities.

The event provided a clear roadmap for founders. It covered scaling strategies, funding insights, and the importance of strong branding. This guidance is essential for those aiming to elevate their ventures. Here is a summary of the main points and lessons from each session.

Setting the Stage: Opening Remarks & Strategic Expansion Panel

Speakers: Juan Garzon (Innovate Charlotte) – Moderator, Rina Arline (BofA – Break Through Labs), Cyrus Taheri (True North), and Dan Roselli (RevTech Labs)

The event kicked off with Opening Remarks and a deep dive into Strategic Expansion: The How, When, and Why. Panelists explored key strategies for scaling a startup, including:

💪 Knowing the Right Time to Expand – Market signals, financial readiness, and operational strength all play a role in timing a company’s next big move.

🔄 Navigating Growth Challenges – From talent acquisition to regulatory hurdles, founders must anticipate challenges before they arise.

👥 Partnerships & Market Positioning – Expanding strategically means forging strong alliances and understanding competitive landscapes.

Key Insight: Growth involves not only expansion but also intentional scaling and sustainable practices.

From Start to Exit: The Full Founder Journey

Speakers: T Palmer (T Palmer Agency) – Moderator, Craig Sobol (pAIwares), Ramy Sergeldin (Spidr), and Keith Luedeman (goodmortgage.com)

One of the most awaited discussions at the event was the Start to Exit panel. Here, experienced founders shared their real-world stories about scaling, exiting, and transitioning leadership.

💡 Founder Readiness: What are the key indicators that signal it’s time to consider an exit? According to Keith Luedeman, financial readiness and market conditions play a crucial role in the decision-making process.

📊 Exit Strategies: Whether through acquisition, IPO, or merger, each path has unique challenges. Craig Sobol emphasized the importance of flexibility in an exit strategy.

Emotional and Leadership Transitions: Ramy Sergeldin emphasized the emotional challenges of leaving a company. He also stressed the importance of effective leadership succession planning.

Key Insight: A well-planned exit is as crucial as a strong launch. Founders need to be financially, operationally, and emotionally ready for the transition.

Masterclass: The Power of a Strong Brand Identity

Speaker: T Palmer (T Palmer Agency)

Brand identity is more than just a logo—it’s the emotional connection that drives loyalty and credibility. In this masterclass, T Palmer provided founders with a framework to build and strengthen their brands:

🎨 Clarity in Messaging – A clear, concise brand message helps differentiate a company from competitors.

👩‍💻 Consistency Across Touchpoints – From websites to investor decks, every brand asset should reinforce core values.

🛡️ Authenticity Wins – Audiences connect with brands that remain true to their mission and voice.

Key Insight: Strong branding is essential for founders. It is not a luxury. Effective branding helps build trust. It also attracts investors and supports sustainable growth

Decoding Funding for Startups

Speakers: Greg Brown (Angel CLT Fund),Trevor Booker (JBFitzgerald Group), James Anderson (Collective Ventures), and Nat Clarkson (Alphatech Ventures)

Securing funding is a critical challenge for any startup. This panel explored:

💰 What Investors Look For – Greg Brown emphasized traction, revenue potential, and strong leadership as key factors.

📊 Market Conditions & Timing – James Anderson explained how economic trends impact fundraising success.

💡 The Importance of Early Deals – Nat Clarkson highlighted that making wise financial choices in early funding rounds can help founders keep more equity. This ensures they maintain control and leverage in later investment stages.

Key Insight: Fundraising is not just about numbers—it’s about showcasing potential, vision, and scalability.

Building Resilient Founders, Thriving Businesses, and a Prosperous Future

Speakers: T Palmer (T Palmer Agency) – Moderator, Tya Bolton (Exceptional Business Solutions, LLC), Megan Kleinhenz (NW Corporate Wellness), and Desmond Wiggan (BatteryXchange)

The day closed with an inspiring conversation on resilience, wellness, and leadership.

💡 Founder Well-Being: Megan Kleinhenz stressed the need for mental and physical health in maintaining high performance.

🎓 Leadership in Uncertain Times: Desmond Wiggan shared how adaptability and a strong network helped him navigate challenges.

🚀 Long-Term Success Strategies: Tya Bolton emphasized the importance of company culture in sustainable growth.

Takeaway: Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about building systems that sustain growth and well-being over time.

Founder’s Dinner and Exclusive Networking

Following the event, an exclusive, invite-only Founder’s Dinner was held at SeaGrill (seagrillnc.com) for a select group of industry leaders, speakers, and high-growth founders. The intimate gathering offered a unique chance for attendees to build meaningful relationships in a relaxed environment. This setting encouraged deep discussions about funding strategies, scaling challenges, and long-term vision.

SeaGrill Restuarant and Bar

Attendees network at the Founders’ Dinner

Networking with the best founders

Creating Connections and Growing Community

Dessert is served at the 10th Founders Dinner

During a carefully planned dining experience with exquisite seafood and an elegant atmosphere, guests shared insights on growing startups. They discussed how to maintain equity, lessons from past ventures, and the value of strategic partnerships. This behind-the-scenes networking opportunity stood out. It reinforced the Blueprint Tour’s commitment to creating lasting connections beyond the main event.

Closing Thoughts & Next Steps

The Blueprint Tour: Charlotte was a significant event that brought together founders, investors, and industry leaders. All participants were dedicated to building, scaling, and leading with purpose. Attendees gained valuable insights and connections to help advance their businesses. This was achieved through strategic expansion, brand development, funding, and resilience.

🚀 Did you miss this stop? Please stay tuned for our next event. We will offer more insights, more networking, and more chances to connect with leaders who are shaping the future.

What Was Your Biggest Takeaway?

We would like to hear from you! Share your thoughts on LinkedIn and tag #BlueprintTour.