Started PR Assembles Top Fintech Minds for Strategic Advisory Board
By Lauren Towner · 3 June 2025

In a unique move aimed at strengthening the global fintech ecosystem, Started PR has launched its new expert advisory board, uniting eight of the sector’s most influential leaders.
The launch of the Started Advisory Board marks the latest initiative from the international fintech PR and marketing agency aimed not only at raising the bar for fintech communications, but also at shaping the future direction of the industry itself. The board, which will be officially unveiled at this month’s Money20/20 event in Amsterdam, is stacked with real leaders in the space.
The leaders appointed to the Started Advisory Board wield considerable influence across the fintech sector, boasting a combined LinkedIn following of nearly 200,000 and over a century of collective industry experience. Formed as part of Started PR’s commitment to spotlighting the critical issues shaping fintech, the board’s mission is to provide a robust support system that enables the next generation of fintech innovators to flourish.
Members of the board include David M. Brear, CEO of 11:FS Holdings. A prominent voice in fintech, David was instrumental in building the globally recognised challenger consultancy from the ground up. He brings a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those striving for success in the sector, and a strong appreciation for the role that high-quality media plays in articulating and amplifying these efforts.
Susanne Chishti, Chair of FINTECH Circle – Europe’s first investor network focused on fintech investments and a leading platform for fintech innovation. Media experts such as Jason Mikula of Fintech Business Weekly, David Savage of Tech Talks Podcast, and Jason Williams of the Fintech Times also join the board, alongside regional fintech champions like Sarah Kocianski, CEO of FinTech Wales.
The Started Advisory Board will contribute to the fintech community through virtual trend discussions, participation in high-profile PR activities, and involvement in the agency’s annual fintech start-up pitch day as judges. In addition, the board members will also join an exclusive WhatsApp group to offer ad hoc advice, creating a dynamic forum of collaboration, insight-sharing, and industry influence that benefits the wider fintech ecosystem.
Speaking on his appointment, David M. Brear commented: “The world doesn’t need more fintech hype, it needs more fintech realities. We’ve all seen the pitch decks, the buzzwords, the beautifully designed “vision” slides that never make it to market. What we need is more innovation that actually lands products in the hands of real people, solving real problems, with real impact. That’s why I have joined the Started Advisory Board.”
A trusted growth partner for fast growth, founder-led fintechs, Started PR is dedicated to nurturing the next wave of fintech success stories, championing innovations that reach real users and deliver meaningful impact. In support of this mission, the expert advisory board will play a key role in making this a reality and will be chaired by the company’s Founder and Managing Director, Kimberley Waldron.
Speaking on the announcement, Kimberley Waldron commented: “The Started Advisory Board is made up of individuals who share a genuine commitment to the future of fintech. Being surrounded by such passionate and principled leaders is truly empowering – it gives me confidence that, together, we can elevate the conversations that matter most and champion the innovation driving the sector forward.”
For more information about Started PR, please visit: https://www.startedpr.
About the companies
FinTech Circle
Website · 8 stories and 5 video interviews on FF News since 2015
Previously on FF News:
- CISI and FINTECH Circle Launch Board Readiness Programme for Chartered Members 28 September 2026
- The World’s First Fintech Board Programme Launches in London Further Strengthening its Position as Global Fintech Hub 30 March 2026
- FINTECH Circle and Started Announce New Strategic Partnership 5 November 2024
11:FS
Part of 11:FS Holdings · Website · 20 stories and 18 video interviews on FF News since 2017
Previously on FF News:
- US Bank and SoFi Lead 11:FS Pulse’s First US Mobile Banking App Rankings 5 October 2026
- David Brear Appointed CEO of Kinsworth to Launch Integrated Digital Wealth Platform 14 August 2026
- FF Tattoo Studio at Money20/20 Europe 2026: How digital banking transformation is evolving with David Brear of 11:FS 8 July 2026
BigPay
Part of Capital A · Website · 6 stories on FF News since 2021
Previously on FF News:
- Thredd Powers Successful Migration of BigPay’s Card Portfolio to Next-Gen Platform 27 November 2025
- Snowdrop Solutions Expands Partnership with BigPay to Transform the Banking Customer Experience in Thailand 5 December 2024
- BigPay selects Thredd to power its payments processing across South-East Asia 17 October 2023
Companies in this story: FinTech Circle, 11:FS, BigPay, Fintech Wales, Fintech Week London, Started PR
People in this story: Kimberley Waldron, Raf De Kimpe, Sarah Kocianski, David Brear, Monica Millares, Susanne Chishti