Kristen Castell, managing director, Center for Accelerating Financial Equity (CAFE), is a fintech and startup accelerator leader and former financial services executive with 20 years of industry experience building investment products, platforms, programs and companies. She currently leads CAFE, a nonprofit organization that supports mission-driven fintech startup companies and connects them with VCs, banks, and other industry experts to accelerate their growth of innovative technology products to improve financial wellness for low- to moderate-income (LMI) people.
Prior experience includes JPMorgan, BlackRock and chief operating officer of Seeds Investor (fintech). Speaker and thought leader, Kristen was named NYC Inspiring Fintech Female 2023, RealList Connector 2024, and main stage speaker at Finovate NYC and Boston Fintech Week.