Last Friday marked the much-anticipated debut of FinTech Fridays in Manhattan, and the event was nothing short of spectacular. Hosted at the chic Castell Rooftop in the heart of the city, the evening brought together a vibrant mix of finance and tech professionals eager to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of fintech. With over 80 attendees and the stunning New York skyline as the backdrop, it’s safe to say the city’s fintech community has found its new favorite event.
Sponsored by Innovation: The American Acorn Foundation
A standout element of the night was the American Acorn Foundation, which graciously sponsored the event. The foundation, renowned for its forward-thinking use of AI in disaster relief efforts, seized the opportunity to spread the word about its mission. Their presence underscored the growing intersection of technology and humanitarian efforts, highlighting how fintech and AI can be leveraged for global good.
“We’re not just here to talk about finance,” shared a spokesperson from the foundation. “We want to show the world how technology can save lives, from economic empowerment to disaster relief.”
A Dynamic Collaboration: Ginkgo Wang & Laura Sylvia
The evening’s success can be credited to the collaborative efforts of Ginkgo WangandLaura Sylvia, two powerful forces in the fintech world. Known for her expertise in finance, Ginkgo brought her extensive network and influence to the event, ensuring a high-caliber audience of professionals. Meanwhile, Laura, the CEO of Lavish by LauLau and the mastermind behind Miami’s successful FinTech Fridays, curated an unforgettable experience.
In just 36 hours from securing the Castell Rooftop venue, word of this one-of-a-kind event spread like wildfire through the New York fintech scene. Attendees couldn’t wait to join an unstructured networking event that veered away from the typical conference format, providing a refreshing and easy-going atmosphere.
An Unstructured Networking Event That Worked
Rather than traditional presentations, FinTech Friday took on a speed-dating-style format, where participants could engage in conversations, exchange ideas, and foster new connections at their own pace. This format allowed for more genuine and spontaneous interactions, creating a space where everyone—from fintech founders to curious newcomers—felt comfortable and included.
One attendee remarked, “I’ve been to plenty of fintech events, but this was different. It felt more organic, more relaxed, and I actually walked away with meaningful connections instead of just business cards.”
This relaxed, free-flowing atmosphere left guests clamoring for the next event, with many already planning to return for the upcoming FinTech Fridays.
Lavish by LauLau: An Experience in Elegance
True to her reputation, Laura Sylvia ensured the night lived up to the name “lavish.” As the CEO of Lavish by LauLau, she was instrumental in choosing the venue and organizing every detail—from the perfect location to a complimentary cocktail experience that elevated the evening’s luxury. Guests mingled while enjoying bespoke cocktails, surrounded by breathtaking rooftop views of Manhattan’s twinkling lights. The ambiance was just as integral to the event’s success as the networking itself.
The Future of FinTech Fridays
With the overwhelming success of the first FinTech Friday in New York, it’s clear that Laura Sylvia’s vision is resonating far beyond Miami’s borders. Attendees left the event eager for more, and the buzz around future events is already palpable.
If you missed this one, don’t worry—FinTech Fridays are here to stay. Keep an eye out for announcements about upcoming events, and make sure to join the Telegram group to stay informed about what’s next in the fintech world.
As fintech continues to grow and transform industries worldwide, events like these will remain crucial for fostering collaboration and innovation. And with hosts like Ginkgo Wang and Laura Sylvia, you can bet the future of finance is in good hands.
