Hey there!

This month I’m spotlighting the growing momentum between fintechs and credit unions, with lessons from Reseda Summit, TruStage Fintech Summit, and CU Lending School in Atlanta.

Every conversation came back to the same point. Partnerships succeed when they are built on trust, mission alignment, and measurable outcomes. Flash doesn’t win. Real value for members does.

Reseda Summit Recap
Reseda brought together credit unions, fintechs, and investors in a format that balanced networking with deep-dive conversations. Thought leadership breakouts gave credit union leaders space to discuss 2026 priorities. Portfolio companies presented their solutions, and a pitch competition created visibility for founders not yet in the Reseda portfolio. The vibe was collaborative, open, and focused on uniting credit unions and fintechs.

TruStage Fintech Summit Recap
At TruStage, founders pitched in seven-minute slots while credit unions met them in the exhibit hall. What stood out was the engagement from credit unions already working with fintechs, which made the conversations more focused as leaders head into planning season.

Companies like Remynt, who participated in both Reseda and TruStage, say that credit unions are a natural fit for their mission.

Executive Conversations in Atlanta
At CU Lending School, I joined a candid discussion with credit union lending executives on fintech partnerships. The conversations focused on outcomes that matter most to them. They want to make better lending decisions, create stronger member experiences, and solve the daily challenges they face.

Don Arkell from CU Lending Advice delivered feedback that was direct and sometimes tough to hear, but it resonated. His message was that credit unions (especially smaller ones) must look at fintech partnerships as essential for growth.

My Top 4 Takeaways

• Compliance first. If you cannot prove it, you are not moving forward.

• Pilots matter. Clear outcomes and timelines beat flashy demos every time.

• Mission alignment wins. Show how your solution drives lending, engagement, or new digital services for members.

• Trust is everything. Credit unions partner with fintechs who listen, adapt, and grow with them.

Success in this space is not about chasing the fastest yes. We need to focus on proving value, earning trust, and aligning with the mission of serving members. For fintechs who get this right, the opportunity is massive.

Practical GTM Strategies: Pilots That Drive Action

A pilot is not just a “try before you buy.” It is the proving ground for whether your solution fits and whether the credit union can see a future with you. Too many pilots stall because they lack structure, outcomes, or urgency.

Here’s how to set up a pilot that actually moves the relationship forward:

• Define outcomes up front. Agree on 2 to 3 measurable results that matter to the CU (loan growth, engagement lift, time saved).

• Put it on a timeline. Pilots without deadlines turn into case studies for inertia.

• Assign ownership. Know who is accountable on both sides for tracking progress and next steps.

• Close the loop. End every pilot with a decision: expand, adjust, or walk away.

A good pilot builds trust, generates proof points, and gives your champion the confidence to push for adoption.

Sales & Marketing Tips: Learn From The No

Most teams celebrate the yes and bury the no. But when you lose a deal, you gain clarity you cannot buy.

A no tells you more about pricing, positioning, and product gaps than any closed won ever will.

Here’s how to make NOs work for you:

• Ask directly. “Can you share what made you decide to go another direction?”

• Look for patterns. Track lost deal reasons in your CRM such as pricing, compliance, timing, or competitor features.

• Feed it back. Share insights with product, marketing, and leadership. One no is anecdote; ten no’s is strategy.

• Respect the no. Thank them, leave the door open, and re-engage when the timing or need changes.

A yes feels good. A no tells you what to fix. The fintechs who learn from rejection are the ones who win in the long run.

Partnerships & Collab Corner: The GTM Loop

I am so excited to share that Holly Glowaty and I have launched The GTM Loop.

The idea came from a clear gap. The Midwest is full of great fintech founders, but too many struggle to scale because they do not have the same go-to-market support that coastal startups take for granted. Holly and I decided it was time to change that.

The GTM Loop is a network designed to give founders in the region the support they need to get to market faster, sell smarter, and build sustainable businesses. The name reflects both our purpose and our philosophy. Growth does not happen in a straight line. The best teams build loops that connect sales, marketing, and customer success into one repeatable engine. And of course it nods to Chicago’s iconic Loop.

Here is what is coming:

• Podcast launch: Our first episode drops in late October. Real conversations with founders, bankers, and operators who are in the trenches of growth.

• Workshops and events: Invite-only dinners and hands-on workshops across the Midwest where fintechs and FIs can connect and share what is working.

• Annual Summit: In 2026 we will bring it all together in Chicago for an event that focuses on conversations, connections, and strategies that last.

This is not another community. This is a network built for founders, operators, and FI leaders who want practical, proven approaches to growth.

👉 Want to follow along? Sign up here

New From Maven Advisory

Many of you have asked about support for marketing and social selling. I recently launched Maven Growth Marketing Options to help with exactly that.

👉 Curious? Take a look here: Growth Marketing Options

Where I’ll Be: October Events

Money20/20 – Las Vegas, NV 🎲
October 26–29, The Venetian Resort
The largest global fintech event of the year, bringing together leaders across payments, banking, fintech, and innovation.
Event Info →

What’s Next?

• Tell Me What You Think: I’d love your feedback and comments. Hit “reply” and share your thoughts.

• Next Issue: What it really takes to run a successful implementation with a financial institution.

• In Every Issue: Practical GTM Strategies, Sales & Marketing Tips, and Partnership/Collaboration Updates 

That’s it for this issue of Maven Mindset. If you’ve been looking for a strategic partner who brings clarity and real-world experience, you’re in the right place.

If this resonates with you, let’s chat! And if it was helpful, remember to share! ✌🏼🩷

Until next time,

Angi 

P.S. Hope is not a strategy.

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