Valentin Stalf, CEO of N26, discusses the European fintech space

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Valentin Stalf, the visionary founder and CEO of N26, is a prominent figure in the European fintech landscape. In 2013, Stalf co-founded N26 with his longtime friend Maximilian Tayenthal, driven by a shared vision to create a bank that people would love to use Under Stalf’s leadership, N26 has grown from a small startup to become Europe’s leading digital bank, serving millions of customers across 24 European markets.

Stalf’s entrepreneurial journey began before N26, as he worked as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Rocket Internet, where he helped develop several companies in the mobile payments industry. His experience in strategy consulting and investment banking, combined with a passion for solving problems through technology, led him to challenge the traditional banking sector.

N26 has achieved significant milestones under Stalf’s guidance, including launching the first fully digital bank accounts in Germany in 2015 and securing a full banking license from the European Central Bank in 2016. The company now processes over 130 billion EUR in transaction volume annually and employs a team of 1,500 professionals from more than 80 nationalities

Stalf’s vision extends beyond banking, as he remains actively engaged in the startup ecosystem as an investor and advisor across Europe. His leadership has propelled N26 to the forefront of fintech innovation, with recent ventures into crypto trading and plans for expansion into investments and savings products.

As of February 2025, Stalf continues to drive N26’s growth and innovation, recently discussing the rebound in fintech valuations on CNBC. His insights and leadership in the rapidly evolving fintech space make him a key figure to watch in the industry.

Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Partners with South Korean FinTech Musicow to Launch Music Equity Service Provider.

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The music industry is on the brink of a seismic shift, and Jay-Z is leading the charge. Roc Nation, the full-service entertainment powerhouse, has partnered with South Korea’s fintech leader, Musicow, to launch the first Music Equity Service Provider (MESP) in the United States.

This groundbreaking collaboration will enable music fans to go beyond streaming and into investing, allowing them to purchase fractional shares of royalty revenue from their favorite songs. Here’s what you need to know about this revolutionary new way to connect with—and profit from—music.

What Is a Music Equity Service Provider (MESP)?

A Music Equity Service Provider (MESP) redefines how music royalties are shared. Traditionally, royalty revenue from songs flows exclusively to artists, producers, and record labels. MESPs like Musicow disrupt this model by allowing public investors—including superfans—to buy, sell, and trade shares in music royalties.

This innovation turns music rights into an alternative asset class, unlocking opportunities for fans and creators to earn together in a shared ecosystem.

Transforming Music Investment

Revolutionary Platform Features:

  • Fractional ownership of music royalties
  • Direct fan investment in artist revenues
  • Alternative asset class creation
  • Real-time revenue sharing system

Financial Innovation Meets Music Industry

The platform introduces several groundbreaking elements:

Feature Benefit Target Audience
Royalty Fractionalization Democratized Investment Retail Investors
Direct Artist Support Revenue Sharing Music Creators
Digital Wallet System Accessible Entry New Investors

Market Impact Analysis

Key Financial Metrics:

  • Launch Timeline: Q1 2025
  • Initial Wallet Bonus: $10
  • Market: United States
  • Target: Music Rights Trading

The Roc Nation and Musicow Partnership: Why It Matters

This partnership marks a pivotal moment for both the music and fintech industries. Jay-Z and Musicow are bridging the gap between art and finance, empowering both creators and fans.

Key benefits of the collaboration include:

  • Fractionalized Royalties: Artists can securely divide royalty revenue from their songs into shares and sell them to investors.
  • Fan Empowerment: Superfans gain access to a unique investment opportunity, allowing them to earn revenue alongside their favorite artists.
  • Secure Transactions: Built on cutting-edge fintech technology, Musicow ensures transactions are safe and transparent for creators and investors alike.

Jay Brown, Vice Chairman of Roc Nation, perfectly captured the partnership’s vision:

“The music industry is evolving into a shared ecosystem where fans and creators can earn together.”


How It Works

  1. Artists Fractionalize Their Songs: Artists who partner with Musicow can divide their royalty streams into shares and list them on the platform.
  2. Fans Invest: Fans purchase shares, gaining partial ownership of a song’s royalty revenue.
  3. Royalties Earned: As the song generates revenue (e.g., from streaming, radio play, or licensing), investors earn a proportional share.

Example: If a hit song generates $100,000 in royalties and you own 1% of the shares, you’d earn $1,000.


The Impact on Artists and Fans

This collaboration is a win-win for everyone involved:

For Artists:

  • Access to a new revenue stream without giving up full ownership of their work.
  • A deeper connection with fans through shared financial success.
  • Tools and insights from Roc Nation to navigate the intersection of music and technology.

For Fans:

  • A chance to invest in the music they love and earn from it.
  • A feeling of closeness to their favorite artists, financially and emotionally.
  • Early-bird perks like $10 toward their Musicow wallet for early sign-ups.

Why Now? The Fintech Boom in the Music Industry

The partnership between Roc Nation and Musicow comes at a time when fintech innovation is transforming creative industries. Music royalties are now viewed as a viable investment class, attracting both superfans and institutional investors.

Key Stats:

  • The global music royalties market is projected to reach $20 billion by 2028.
  • Alternative investments, like royalties, saw a 300% growth in 2024, according to industry analysts.

By combining Roc Nation’s influence in the music world with Musicow’s fintech expertise, this partnership positions both companies as pioneers in this growing space.


What’s Next? Musicow’s U.S. Launch in Q1 2025

The first quarter of 2025 will mark the official debut of Musicow in the U.S. Early adopters are encouraged to sign up now to secure their spot and claim a $10 wallet bonus to kickstart their royalty investments.

Woo Rhee, CEO of Musicow US, is confident in the partnership’s potential:

“[This is an] incredible opportunity to drive innovation and redefine the future of our industry.”


This isn’t Roc Nation’s first move to empower artists. In 2024, the company announced that partnered independent artists could retain ownership of their masters under Roc Nation Distribution. Through this initiative, Roc Nation provided tools like data analytics and dashboards to help artists take control of their music and their revenue.

The partnership with Musicow continues this legacy, offering artists not only tools but also financial opportunities in a rapidly evolving industry.


Jay-Z and Roc Nation’s partnership with Musicow isn’t just about profits—it’s about creating a shared music ecosystem where creators and fans thrive together. As the U.S. prepares for the debut of Musicow, the future of the music industry has never looked brighter.

Early adopters can now register for:

  • $10 wallet credit
  • Priority access
  • First-mover advantages
  • Direct artist support opportunities

Want to own a piece of the next hit song? Sign up for Musicow now and claim your $10 wallet bonus. Be part of the movement that’s reshaping the way we think about music and finance.

Inclusive Capitalism-Unleashing Growth in the Global Economy at Global Conference 2024

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As we look to the future, demographic shifts in the United States and across the globe are set to play a pivotal role in shaping consumer behavior, talent distribution, and capital flows over the next five decades. This evolving landscape presents an unprecedented opportunity for wealth creation on a trillion-dollar scale, while simultaneously raising critical questions about the role of inclusive capitalism in this new paradigm.A panel of distinguished experts will convene to explore these pressing issues and offer practical insights for investors navigating political and geopolitical uncertainties. Key questions to be addressed include:

  • Can inclusive capitalism provide a stabilizing force and mitigate risks during turbulent times?
  • Does an investment approach that considers social and environmental factors lead to more consistent long-term returns?
  • How can investors ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of their investments in an increasingly complex global environment?

The panel, moderated by Troy Duffie, Director of Financial Markets at the Milken Institute, brings together a diverse group of industry leaders:

  • Nisha Biswal, Deputy CEO of the US International Development Finance Corporation, offering insights from her extensive experience in international development and finance.
  • Roger Ferguson, Immediate Past President and CEO of TIAA, sharing perspectives from his leadership of a major financial services organization.
  • Carla Harris, Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley, contributing her wealth of knowledge from a distinguished career in investment banking.
  • Martin Nesbitt, Senior Partner, Co-Chairman, and Co-CEO of The Vistria Group, providing insights from his experience in private equity and impact investing.

Robert F. Smith at 2024 APEC CEO Summit

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Robert F. Smith, CEO of Vista Equity Partners, shared insights on generative AI (GenAI) at the 2024 APEC CEO Summit. He highlighted Vista’s approach to scaling GenAI across its portfolio companies, emphasizing the importance of robust infrastructure and standardized implementation frameworks. Smith discussed how GenAI is revolutionizing customer support, problem-solving, and innovation in various industries. He addressed the economics of AI investment, noting the potential returns and the democratization of AI technology. Smith also outlined Vista’s global strategy for building AI capabilities through Centers of Excellence and partnerships with educational institutions, including HBCUs. He stressed the importance of ethical considerations in AI development and deployment. Looking ahead, Smith predicted continued rapid innovation in GenAI, particularly in natural language processing, IoT integration, and complex decision-making. He concluded that embracing GenAI responsibly can drive efficiency, innovation, and growth across diverse industries, shaping the future of business operations and strategies.

Building Series Episode 5-Building A FinTech Brokerage Platform w/Ian Leong

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In this episode of the Building Series podcast, Ian Leong, CEO of Tiger Brokers Singapore, discusses his career journey and the rise of Tiger Brokers. He highlights how the company has revolutionized brokerage services in Singapore through innovative strategies and a customer-first approach. Leong also shares insights into navigating challenges during the pandemic, the future of investing, leadership, and valuable lessons for aspiring business leaders.

GoTyme Bank Unicorn Status: How Nubank’s $250M Investment is Transforming Fintech

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GoTyme Bank achieves unicorn status with Nubank’s $250M investment. CEO Nate Clarke, in an ANC interview with Michelle Ong, discusses how this partnership drives growth, innovation, and positions GoTyme as a fintech leader in the Philippines.

 

Troy of Earn Your Leisure’s Potential Game-Changing Stocks for 2025

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In the Stock Options Master Class on EYL University, Troy offers a comprehensive analysis of his top stock and sector predictions for 2025. His insights cover several key areas:

AMD’s AI Potential

Troy highlights Advanced Micro Devices’ (AMD) significant growth prospects in the artificial intelligence sector.

MicroStrategy and Bitcoin

He examines MicroStrategy’s strategic alignment with the anticipated rise of Bitcoin, suggesting potential gains for investors who understand this connection.

Data Center Energy Revolution

Troy discusses the ongoing transformation in energy infrastructure for data centers, identifying this as a crucial sector for future investment.This masterclass in strategic investing provides valuable insights into:

  • Why these specific stocks and sectors are poised for growth
  • How investors can position themselves to capitalize on these trends
  • The underlying market forces driving these predictions

Troy’s analysis offers a roadmap for investors looking to optimize their portfolios for the coming years, blending technological advancements with market trends to identify potentially lucrative opportunities.

Caleb Silver and Nicole Petallides on 2025 AI, Crypto, and Investment Trends to Watch on Schwab Network

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Caleb Silver of @Investopedia heralds 2024 as the grand stage for A.I., with trailblazers like Nvidia (NVDA) and Palantir (PLTR) leading the charge, alongside the ever-bold Bitcoin and high-beta investments. This symphony of innovation is poised to crescendo into continued growth. Caleb highlights quantum computing as a pivotal movement in the A.I. realm, opening remarkable avenues for businesses to refine margins. Adding a harmonious note, a crypto-friendly administration sets the stage for Bitcoin and stablecoins to expand their influence. The future, it seems, is nothing short of exhilarating!