Building the Next Financial System: Connecting Capital, Innovation, and SME Growth

Access to growth capital remains one of the most significant barriers facing fintechs and innovative businesses serving SMEs, even as investors seek scalable opportunities that can deliver both commercial returns and meaningful impact. At the same time, many founders struggle to navigate an increasingly complex funding landscape, while investors face challenges sourcing investment-ready opportunities that align with their mandates.

This roundtable brings together investors, fund managers, founders, fintech leaders, transaction advisors, and ecosystem builders to explore how capital can be deployed more effectively to accelerate SME growth and financial inclusion. Participants will share perspectives on what makes a business investable, how founders can better prepare for growth-stage financing, and what barriers continue to impede the flow of capital to high-potential enterprises.

The discussion will examine the conditions required for successful investment, including business readiness, market infrastructure, risk-sharing mechanisms, blended finance approaches, and ecosystem partnerships. By fostering candid dialogue between capital providers and capital seekers, the session aims to identify practical solutions, strengthen connections across the investment ecosystem, and create opportunities for future collaboration.