The rise of inspiring women who play a pivotal role in shaping the future with emerging technologies is evident. One such pioneer is Paula Tavangar, a prominent figure in the realms of Fintech, Blockchain, and Quantitative Finance. Her journey – from co-founding innovative startups to leading blockchain and fintech ventures – is the epitome of passion, relentless determination, and the power to dream.
In the Thick of Exciting Technological Developments
At the intersection of financial acumen and technological prowess, Paula is currently steering two ventures – a blockchain initiative and a digital banking platform. While the specifics are still under wraps, Paula paints a tantalizing picture of the future. “The first endeavor is in the blockchain space, and the second project revolves around creating a cutting-edge digital banking platform,” she shares. “While we are diligently working towards this goal, it is important to note that we are currently in the process of securing the necessary licenses and approvals required to operate as such an entity. As a result, I prefer to withhold detailed information until we have official announcements and regulatory compliance.”
Previously, Paula served as Investment Principal at Swissborg Ventures, utilizing her expertise in blockchain technologies and venture capital to lead the investment process and promote deal sourcing. Paula also sits on the board of Injaz Capital, which is focused on external asset management and corporate advisory.
In 2018, Paula co-founded Genesis Capital LATAM, where she was directly responsible for developing a high-frequency algorithmic trading arbitrage strategy crucial to the firm’s success. She played an active role in managing Quant Arbitrage Fund at the company until transitioning into her role at Swissborg Ventures in 2022. The same year, she co-founded an Islamic fintech startup Wethaq, which serves industry standardization by issuing Sukuks (Islamic bonds) on the distributed ledger.
Paula’s active role in commerce allowed her to participate in the World Business Angels Forum (WBAF) Global Startup Committee. She also had the opportunity to represent the WBAF in the United Arab Emirates as commissioner, where she lives in Dubai. Paula holds a BA in International Finance and an MSc diploma in Financial Engineering with a concentration in Automated Trading.
Driving Positive Impact through Emerging Tech
A champion of blockchain technology, Paula sees endless possibilities in harnessing its power to create a more seamless and secure digital future. “One of the most empowering emerging technologies is blockchain. It has revolutionized not only the development process but also the user experience,” she says. Her belief in blockchain’s potential to foster positive societal change and drive economic growth showcases the transformational impact of emerging technologies. She aims to pave the way for future applications by building on open-source foundations.
Paula leverages emerging technologies to create a bright future for users in the fintech space. Both businesses and consumers stand to gain from her efforts. With the right blend of innovation and strategic foresight, she’s crafting solutions that can deliver on customer expectations and drive business growth.
Charting a Path Paved with Passion and Persistence
Reflecting on her journey, Paula recollects how her passion for finance and technology spurred her career. She emphasizes the value of adaptability, continuous learning, and networking in her growth. “I learned that adaptability and embracing change are critical in the ever-evolving tech industry. The rapid pace of technological advancements demands continuous learning and the ability to seize new opportunities,” she shares.
Paula’s mantra for success is a unique blend of personal and professional development. She believes in gathering the right people to build from firm ground. “Being healthy with a clear mind always reflects positively on work life,” she explains. Her definition of success isn’t confined to materialistic gains. Instead, she considers personal fulfillment, positive impact, and continuous growth as key facets of success.
Through the highs and lows of her journey, Paula acquired valuable insights and lessons. One such lesson, she recollects, was the advice she received: “If you have managed to build this, you will do it again.” She took to heart this concept of resilience and understanding one’s strengths to build something bigger and better when things go wrong. Paula further stressed the importance of emotional maturity in handling unexpected issues, underlining that “any business is people’s business.”
Empowering Women in Tech
Paula encourages women in tech to take early risks, find mentors, commit to lifelong learning, and engage with communities for inspiration and support. She emphasized the power of programming as a gateway into the tech industry. “The cornerstone of any tech-based company is the source code, so just by learning how to program, one can create a product without any initial investment or partners. I believe this is powerful,” she expresses.
Her advice to those building their futures on emerging technologies is clear and compelling. “Join communities to find inspiration and support. There are limitless free resources online, and workshops or even an internship may be a great way to get applicable knowledge.”
Paula is more than just a woman in tech. She is a trailblazer, shaping the future with her deep expertise in fintech and blockchain. In the dynamic landscape of emerging technologies, women like Paula are leading the way, opening doors, and pioneering innovative solutions that promise a brighter, more inclusive future. With each new venture and each leap of faith, she is forging a path for women of the future. One thing is certain – the world is watching, learning, and waiting for what she does next.
