In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Christian Marquez sits down with David Rolf, head of Visa Ventures, to explore how Visa’s corporate venture arm strategically invests in fintech and commerce startups worldwide.

David shares how Visa Ventures aligns investments with the company’s long-term strategy, their global approach including significant activity outside North America, and their focus on supporting business-to-business companies that solve meaningful problems.

Listeners will gain a deep understanding of Visa’s investment process, stages and valuation considerations, and the value Visa brings beyond capital—including access to a vast network and operational support. David also reflects on his diverse career path, the importance of empathy for founders, and key traits that contribute to startup success. The conversation offers practical advice for entrepreneurs on navigating enterprise sales, building strong teams, and making high-impact decisions.

Finally, David touches on balancing rapid technological change with opportunity and emphasizes the critical role of relationships and energy investment in both business and life. This episode is a comprehensive guide for founders and investors aiming to understand corporate venture capital’s role in global fintech innovation.

Learn more about VISAs work at: https://usa.visa.com/sites/ventures.html

Connect with David Rolf on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrolf/

Think you'd be a great guest on the show?

Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work?

Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com