🚀 Fintech 3.0 Venture Summit
Fintech 3.0 — Unlike earlier waves that focused on digital banking (Fintech 1.0) or mobile-first financial apps (Fintech 2.0), a new era defined by real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, stablecoin-powered payments, and blockchain infrastructure enabling truly borderless finance.
🌐 A showcase by 11 real use-case backed by SDF & DraperU, with a track record of supporting 60+ projects and investing $2M+
Payments: Stablecoins are becoming the backbone of cross-border finance, lowering costs and connecting economies at speed and scale.
DeFi: Decentralization is not just for crypto anymore — it’s powering compliance-ready platforms and creating new rails for identity, lending, and liquidity.
Real-World Assets (RWAs): Assets like commodities, treasuries, and private credit are being tokenized, unlocking liquidity, fractional access, and global reach.
Tokenization: The mechanism enabling RWAs and new payment instruments to move seamlessly on-chain, making markets more transparent and efficient.
✨ What to Expect
⚡ Rapid-fire pitches from the next generation of fintech & blockchain founders
📈 Live demos & measurable traction from companies already shipping
🎤 Special Guests: Tim Draper, José Fernández da Ponte, and
🤝 Networking with Draper-backed founders, Stellar x DraperU ecosystem leaders, leading investors, and strategic partners
🔥 Featured Fireside Chats
Stellar Development Foundation (SDF)
José Fernández da Ponte (President & Chief Growth Officer, Stellar / ex-PayPal Head of Blockchain) — José led PayPal’s blockchain initiatives; the launch of its PYUSD stablecoin. He’ll share lessons from PayPal, the evolving stablecoin narrative, and what it takes to scale in today’s fintech landscape.
Draper Ecosystem
Tim Draper (Founder, Draper Associates & Draper University) — Legendary Silicon Valley VC on his vision for this ecosystem and why bold founders define each wave of financial innovation.
Arisa Ueno (Stellar x DraperU Accelerator, Program Manager) — Leading Web3 programs at DraperU, have been supporting around 100 companies on site over a year and so.
🎯 About the Hosts
Draper University – Founded by legendary VC Tim Draper in 2012, DraperU is an accelerator and innovation hub for bold founders building transformative companies.
Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) – Driving adoption of the Stellar blockchain, SDF empowers builders to create accessible, global financial infrastructure.
Judges:
Tim Draper (Founder, Draper Associates & Draper University)
José Fernández da Ponte (President & Chief Growth Officer, Stellar / ex-PayPal Head of Blockchain)
Marcos Fernandez, co-founder/ Managing Partner, Fiat Ventures
Tracy Li, co-founder / Managing Partner, Claribay Capital
Utkarsh Ahuja, Founder & Managing Partner, Moon Pursuit Capital
Ashley Trick, Investor, Capital6 Eagle
DraperU Investment Team
This invite-only Demo Day is curated for top investors and ecosystem partners. If accepted, you’ll join us in Silicon Valley for high-energy pitches, meaningful conversations, and maybe even your next big deal.
👉 Come for the startups. Stay for the insights. Leave with something worth following up on.