Astrid Freier is among the investors who will be on stage sharing insights and investment trends in European FinTech at the 12th FinTech Forum, 19th Nov. 2020 in Frankfurt: https://ftf12.eventbrite.com

1. Please tell us a bit about yourself, both at work and leisure.

I am passionate about fintech for most of my business life. I started my carreer at Deutsche Bank during the New Economy bubble. Since then I pay a lot of attention to sustainability of business models. Since 2008, during the financial crisis, I started focusing on reg tech – even if it was not called like this.

I experienced this time in Japan where apart from work I could enjoy excellent food and in-depth experience in different cultures. Both aspects play an important role in my private life.

2. What are your focus areas, overall and within the FinTech space?

Vidici Ventures, established in 2012 in Stockholm, has a dedicated fintech focus with a sweet spot in seed/ early stage. We have a broad understanding of FinTech and its subverticals and love business models which address a relevant market inefficiency.

3. Any recent deals that you would like to share with us, and why you invested?

Vidici’s latest investment was the German digital insurance company Coya. Their full tech stack and the licensed business model are very attractive.

4. Which are the trends to watch out for in the next 6-18 months, and how do you see the Corona crisis affecting that?

Regtech is still a booster for financial service industry. Many reg tech solutions have primarily been driven by efficiency and reduction of manual work. Meanwhile topics of stability, security and BCM win additional importance – especially in Corona crisis.

5. Your advice to European founders looking to scale up and raise funds?

Solve a real problem and prove it with customers.

6. What’s on your bookshelf/ reading list?

Machines like me – Ian McEwan.

7. Your favorite place for a coffee and/ or a drink?

La Tazza at Hufelandstr. 18, 10407 Berlin.