What was the catalyst for launching FintechOS?

Early in my career, I joined an IT systems provider focusing on financial services. I was drawn to the sheer complexity of their operations and believed there had to be a simpler way for the industry to handle the technical side of finance. I have now spent 25 years in the industry simplifying financial technology and founded FintechOS with the goal of helping banks and insurers worldwide refresh their infrastructure in a more efficient, sustainable way.

Tell us about the business – what it is, what it aims to achieve, who you work with, how you reach customers and so on?

We provide an innovative and AI-driven composable product engine designed to seamlessly integrate with banks’ and insurers’ existing technology stacks. We offer powerful, low-code capabilities designed to accelerate digital transformation by enabling rapid innovation without the need to replace existing core systems, allowing clients to create, onboard, distribute and manage financial products quickly and easily. With our next generation decision-making capabilities and a strong focus on compliance, FintechOS helps financial institutions deliver personalised, data-driven experiences to their customers, while reducing the risks and costs associated with traditional tech transformations. We have over 50 clients worldwide, including Groupe Société GénéraleAdmiral Insurance Group and Howden Group. They all use FintechOS to modernise their core infrastructure, expand into new markets and adopt new technology, such as embedded finance, to avoid lengthy implementations or risky migrations of core systems.

How has the business evolved since its launch?

Since co-founding FintechOS with Sergiu Negut in 2017, I’ve seen the company change in remarkable ways. Today, we help institutions on both sides of the Atlantic update their core infrastructure without unnecessary headaches. From the start, we focused on data—integrating vital information from multiple sources so banks and insurers can speed up processing, automate workflows, deliver personalised experiences and slash costs. Our platform keeps evolving as we apply new developments in machine learning, generative AI, and agentic AI to put even more options in the hands of financial institutions.

Tell us about the working culture at FintechOS?

At FintechOS, our culture revolves around three core values. First, we believe in “being brave” in everything we do—constantly questioning assumptions, tackling new challenges, and looking for fresh approaches. We see ourselves as explorers who want to make great experiences available to everyone.

Second, we focus on “being human,” which means creating solutions inspired by what unites us all, and backing big ideas alongside the people behind them. This perspective has shaped a nurturing environment where both individuals and careers can truly grow.

Third, we commit to “being different,” aiming to build the kind of customer experience we’d want to use ourselves. That calls for thinking outside the usual boundaries and paying close attention to people’s needs, obstacles, and aspirations. By drawing on each of our diverse backgrounds, we can craft meaningful solutions that make a real impact.

With offices in the USA, the UK, and across Europe, we continue to expand while fostering a spirit of borderless teamwork. We believe that working alongside people with a variety of perspectives helps us become better at what we do, all while staying true to our purpose of simplifying financial technology for everyone.

How are you funded?

In May 2024, we secured $60M in Series B+ funding led by Molten VenturesCipio Partners and BlackRock, alongside existing investors EarlyBird VCOTB VC and GapMinder VC. This funding followed significant business milestones, including 40% year-over-year growth and a 170% increase in operating margins. In 2024, leading industry analyst Gartner named FintechOS in its Market Guide for Core Banking Europe Report and Celent recognised FintechOS as a Technology Standout provider. We are the only vendor worldwide to achieve this distinction across different financial services verticals.

What has been your biggest challenge so far and how have you overcome this?

I’ve founded and grown several tech startups in my career, and each one has been different in its own way.

FintechOS has been the most demanding so far, mainly because of the huge goal we set: making financial technology accessible for every institution. That meant building a platform from scratch and introducing a fresh approach to digital transformation—supporting existing systems without forcing expensive overhauls.

Seven years later, I’m proud of what our team has achieved. More than 50 enterprise clients now use FintechOS to launch new banking and insurance products, while expanding the capabilities of their legacy core systems. Our composable product engine helps them stay competitive in a tough market, providing their customers with better, more accessible financial services.

How does FintechOS answer an unmet need?

Our platform offers a composable product engine that extends existing infrastructure and leverages emerging technologies, allowing banks and insurers to bring new products to market quickly and flexibly. Integrating AI and data capabilities throughout the product lifecycle enables insurers to automate and streamline processes from front to back office. This comprehensive approach goes beyond traditional product pricing and design, fostering collaboration across the entire product lifecycle through a unified platform.

We offer a progressive modernisation approach, delivered through no-code/low-code tools, allowing our clients to digitise complex products and create tailored digital journeys for customers as well as middle-office and back-office employees. We empower insurers to launch innovative ancillary products, add-ons and value-added bundles in weeks instead of years, helping differentiate their offerings and increase market share. By providing pre-built middle and back-office capabilities, the platform significantly reduces the cost and risk of product innovation, allowing insurers to compete effectively in the digital landscape.

What’s in store for the future?

I’m excited about the momentum from our recent $60M Series B+ funding. We’re determined to push ourselves further, expanding in our existing markets and exploring new ones. Our platform continues to improve—especially around AI and automation—so financial institutions can serve their customers more effectively. The Q1 2025 update is part of this approach, with more developments on the way.

We’re reducing hurdles in financial technology, making it simpler for institutions everywhere to modernise in line with evolving customer demands. Steady progress matters, and this investment helps us remain dedicated to supporting organisations as they transform their operations and grow.

What one piece of advice would you give other founders or future founders?

Focus on fewer markets initially, establish a strong foothold there and then scale strategically. This approach is a lesson that a lot of European founders need to learn, and it’s a big reason why so many successful companies emerge from the US as they benefit from a larger total addressable market right from the start.

And finally, a more personal question! What’s your daily routine and the rules you’re living by at the moment?

I don't actually have a daily routine ( I'm pretty hectic) and, to be honest, I really struggle with routine, although I do believe some amount of it is needed. I do, however, tend to do certain things pretty regularly and those are: working on the business, getting involved with family, sports and learning.

Some of my present day rules:

  • Be more straightforward in communication, and help people to better understand what you mean.
  • Challenge yourself. Don't settle too much– progress will not come out of comfort.
  • Listen more and give people space to act and grow.
  • Consistency is one of the driving forces behind evolution.

Teo Blidarus is the CEO and cofounder of FintechOS.