The HiveMind Interviews: Sharing the secrets of successful Fintechs

The Entrepreneurial Journey of David Brear and 11:FS

David Brear is the co-founder and CEO of 11:FS, the consultancy and venture builder reshaping how financial services think about digital. Known for his mantra that “banking is only 1% finished,” David is one of the most recognized voices in fintech, helping institutions reimagine products, services, and customer experience for a digital-first world.
 
David shares the story of leaving corporate life to start 11:FS at the height of the FinTech boom, bootstrapping the company, and building a multi-disciplinary business spanning consulting, product development, and media. The conversation dives into the challenges of scaling a startup while maintaining agility, why content and thought leadership became a growth engine for their early business, and how they use podcasts and storytelling to punch above their weight against incumbents like Deloitte and McKinsey.
 
Listeners will gain insight into:
The mindset shift from corporate to founder life
Bootstrapping versus raising capital and funding growth organically
Building a company culture based on empowerment and action
How content marketing and podcasting can become a powerful go-to-market strategy
The future of FinTech and why digital banking is “only 1% done”
 
This episode is perfect for founders, sales leaders, and anyone in financial services looking to understand how to scale a business, create an authentic brand voice, and build meaningful relationships with clients in a changing industry.

From CEO to Startup, with Goran Bosankic of Field 39

In this episode of Hivemind, host James Barker is joined by Goran Bosankić, former CEO of ABC Tech and co-founder of Field39. Together, they unpack the evolution of fintech, explore the fallout from the 2021 hype cycle, and dive deep into what’s next for digital banking platforms. Goran offers hard-won insights from building and leading tech companies through crises, speaks frankly about AI’s true impact on financial services, and shares cultural and strategic lessons from years of leadership.
 
Whether you’re selling into banks or navigating the complexities of product-market fit in fintech, this episode delivers clarity, candor, and strategy from someone who’s been on the inside.
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
02:00 – Fintech’s evolution post-2021: hype vs reality
06:30 – Building a digital bank: vendor chaos & regulatory landmines
10:30 – AI in banking: transformative tech or dangerous shortcut?
18:00 – Data quality & AI hallucinations
23:00 – Are “out-of-the-box” digital banking platforms still viable?
32:00 – Regulatory priorities and why innovation takes a backseat
35:00 – Taking over ABC Tech at the start of COVID: a leadership trial by fire
39:00 – Remote work: hybrid wins in the long run
42:00 – Painful lessons in leadership: saying no, cutting “oak trees”
51:00 – Sales vs marketing: where to invest when selling to banks

Hivemind talks to Irene Sandler on Targeted B2B Marketing, AI’s Role in Content, and Connecting with Buyers

In this conversation, Irene Sandler, CMO of Mechanical Orchard, discusses the importance of understanding market fit and the critical problems that need solving for startups. She emphasizes the role of AI in modernizing legacy systems and the need for clear messaging to target audiences. The discussion also covers the challenges of B2B marketing in the age of AI, the evolution of LinkedIn, and the significance of advocacy in building trust. Sandler highlights the changing landscape of SEO and the importance of clear communication in marketing. The conversation concludes with insights on the attention economy and the challenges marketers face in the coming year.
 
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Market Fit and Critical Problems
03:06 The Role of AI in Modernization
05:51 Target Audience and Messaging Strategies
08:48 The Impact of AI on B2B Marketing
11:49 The Evolution of LinkedIn and Its Challenges
15:09 Advocacy and Trust in Marketing
17:56 The Future of SEO and AI Search
20:53 The Importance of Clear Communication
23:58 Navigating Product Market Fit
27:14 Sales and Marketing Alignment
30:05 Metrics and Performance in Marketing
32:56 Attention Economy and Organic Content
36:08 Challenges Ahead for Marketing Strategies

Building Griffin: The Developer-First Bank Built by Engineers, with David Jarvis Founder of Griffin Bank

What happens when a D&D-playing data scientist decides the banking industry needs a developer-first overhaul? In this episode of The Hivemind, I speak with David Jarvis, co-founder and CEO of Griffin, the UK’s platform bank built for fintech builders.
We dive deep into David’s unconventional path to becoming a founder—from flunked coding interviews to launching one of the most talked-about infrastructure banks in Europe. We unpack Griffin’s self-serve product philosophy, the future of embedded finance, and why David thinks salespeople are optional (but helpful).
For fintech operators, B2B SaaS founders, and anyone scaling in a regulated space, this one’s full of sharp takes, hard-won insights, and no-BS stories from the trenches.
 
Timestamps / Chapters:
 
00:00 – Cold Open: “If you describe yourself as a game changer…”
01:20 – Meet David Jarvis: Fintech operator, failed coder, founder
03:40 – Griffin’s origin story and early pivots
06:38 – Why “the bank you can build on” is evolving
08:20 – Building for developers: No demos, just APIs
10:00 – The self-serve roadmap: Stripe-style onboarding for fintech
14:50 – Branding, tribes, and ClearBank shade
17:00 – Griffin’s ideal customer profile (and who’s not)
20:15 – Why mature financial firms are slow adopters
22:15 – Climbing the credibility ladder
24:45 – The role of luck (and regulation) in early traction
27:40 – Fundraising lessons and investor shoutouts
32:20 – CEO lessons: Overpromising, board friction, and trusting your gut
34:17 – Final thoughts: resilience and responsibility

HiveMind: Rewriting the Rules of Business, with Octopus CEO Simon Rogerson

Discover how Simon Rogerson, co-founder of Octopus Group, turned 15,000 cold calls into a £13 billion financial powerhouse by challenging industry norms. Insights on entrepreneurship, purpose-driven leadership, and scaling innovation.
In this episode of James Barker’s Studio, we sit down with Simon Rogerson, the entrepreneurial force behind Octopus Group—one of the UK’s most innovative financial services companies, now managing over £13 billion in assets.
 
Simon shares how he and his co-founders launched Octopus with a mission to challenge the stale, self-serving norms of the financial industry. You’ll hear how they:
Started out with a rebellious mindset and zero industry baggage
Built a purpose-led culture that underpins every Octopus venture
Scaled their impact across energy, healthcare, and real estate sectors
 
From venture capital to ethical investing, Simon breaks down what it really takes to build a fast-growth company without losing your soul.
 
Keywords: Simon Rogerson, Octopus Group, UK fintech, financial services innovation, startup culture, ethical investing, purpose-driven leadership, scale-up story, James Barker podcast
 
Listen if you want to learn:
How to disrupt a legacy industry
Why purpose beats profit in the long run
The secrets behind Octopus’s startup-to-scaleup journey
🧭 Chapters
 
00:00 – Intro & Context – Meet Simon Rogerson and the radical mindset behind Octopus.
04:12 – Starting Octopus with No Experience – Why inexperience was their greatest advantage.
10:45 – Culture as a Superpower – The no-assholes hiring rule and why culture trumps strategy.
17:30 – Scaling with Purpose – Growth driven by impact, not just profits.
25:40 – Innovation at Octopus – How Octopus keeps launching bold new ventures.
32:50 – Why Most Companies Are Scared of Standing for Something – The business risk of playing it safe.
38:15 – Advice to Founders – Building something meaningful instead of just big.
45:00 – The Future of Octopus – What’s next for the group’s ever-growing ambitions.
48:33 – Closing Reflections – Simon’s personal philosophy on leadership and legacy.

Unlocking the Potential of Open Banking, with Simon Lyons

In this episode, James Barker and Simon Lyons explore the real story behind Open Banking — from its origins to the complex market dynamics shaping its future.We dive into key trends in fintech, payments, credit scoring, consumer behavior, and corporate banking innovation. Whether you're a fintech enthusiast, startup founder, or corporate strategist, this conversation will challenge the way you think about Open Banking and its long-term viability.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why Open Banking was originally created to drive competition and better consumer choice.- How SME businesses have benefitted from open banking, especially in accounting and bookkeeping.- Why accuracy in payment processing is a game-changer.- The challenges of monetizing Open Banking in the UK due to free banking models.- Why Open Banking hasn’t replaced traditional players like Visa and Mastercard.- How low-cost competitors complicate open banking sales dynamics.- Predictions about consolidation, failures, and acquisitions in the Open Banking vendor landscape.
Key Takeaways:
- Education for corporates is crucial for the success of Open Banking.- Strategic acquisitions may be critical to the future of the sector.- Open Banking primarily benefits the corporate sector, not individual consumers.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Open Banking01:28 - Understanding Open Banking: History and Purpose03:57 - Initial Expectations vs. Current Reality10:06 - The Evolution of Credit Scoring and Lending12:31 - The Role of Open Banking in Business Payments16:41 - Challenges in the Open Banking Landscape22:42 - The Impact of Competition and Pricing29:43 - Sales Dynamics in Open Banking37:48 - Future Outlook for Open Banking41:48 - Closing Thoughts + Endscreen

The Journey of Building a Bank & a Fintech, with Steve Britain

What does it really take to build a bank from the ground up? In this episode of The HiveMind Podcast, I sit down with Steve Britain, co-founder of Monument Bank and CEO of Monument Technology, to discuss scaling fintech, regulatory hurdles, and the future of banking technology.
 
From securing a banking license to navigating fundraising and launching a new tech company, Steve shares invaluable lessons on resilience, product-market fit, and the hidden challenges of selling into financial institutions. If you’re a fintech founder, investor, or banking innovator, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss!
 
⏳ Time Chapters
00:00 Intro – Welcome to The HiveMind Podcast!
01:40 The Monument Bank Journey: How It All Started
02:42 Scaling Monument: £1B to £5B in Assets Under Management
03:19 The Banking License Process: What Founders Need to Know
05:20 Fundraising & Regulatory Challenges: The Hidden Risks
07:36 Surviving in Fintech: Why Endurance Matters More Than Innovation
09:35 The Role of COVID in Remote Banking & Technology Development
12:58 Attestation & Regulatory Burdens for New Banks
14:33 How Vendors Sell to New Banks: The Reality of Long Sales Cycles
16:33 Fintech Innovation: Has Regulation Slowed It Down?
19:37 How Interest Rate Changes Impact New Banks & Their Growth
22:06 Why Some Neobanks Fail While Others Thrive
24:39 The Birth of Monument Technology: A New Opportunity
26:00 Legacy Banking vs. Modern Cloud Solutions: The Market Gap
30:47 The Realities of Selling Tech to Banks: What Founders Need to Know
33:03 Steve’s Advice to Founders: How to Succeed in Fintech
34:57 Outro & Final Thoughts

How Fintech sales has changed in the last 10 years, with Antony Bream

💡 How do businesses really succeed in sales today? In this episode of The HiveMind Podcast, I sit down with Anthony Bream, a seasoned go-to-market strategist, to uncover the biggest sales and marketing mistakes, how buyer behavior is shifting, and why aligning sales, marketing, and product is critical for long-term growth.
 
🚀 We cover practical strategies to fix your GTM motion, improve forecast accuracy, and understand how enterprises really buy—so you can close bigger deals, faster.
 
⏳ Time Chapters
 
00:00 Intro – Welcome to The HiveMind Podcast!
01:37 What Are the Biggest Go-To-Market Mistakes?
05:31 Right People, Right Time: Why Hiring Mistakes Hurt GTM
08:36 Why Sales Training Fails: The Missing Buyer Perspective
13:46 The Sales & Marketing Misalignment Problem
16:58 How to Build a Stronger Brand Presence as a Small Company
23:36 Scaling Challenges: How Growth Can Break Your Business
26:20 The Changing Role of SDRs & Outbound Sales
33:36 The AI Debate: When Should Sales & Marketing Use AI?
40:35 Enterprise vs SMB Sales: Where AI Helps and Where It Fails
45:38 CRO vs CSO: Who Should Own the Revenue Engine?
51:31 Is Revenue a Sales Problem or a Product Problem?
53:02 Outro & Final Thoughts