Inside Level39: April Edition

April was defined by movement.

From international delegations and university visits to a packed UK FinTech Week, Level39 brought together founders, policymakers and ecosystem builders across London and beyond. The result was a month shaped by conversation, collaboration and global perspective.

Here’s what drove the pace.

Bringing Ecosystem Builders Together

We opened the month with an Ecosystem Builders Meetup in partnership with The Entrepreneurs Network.

The session brought together representatives from accelerators, innovation agencies, venture builders and university teams – all focused on strengthening the UK’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Designed as an informal space, the morning centred on introductions, shared challenges and collaboration opportunities. Over coffee and conversation, it reinforced a simple point: peer-to-peer exchange continues to underpin a strong ecosystem.

Opening Doors to Global Talent

Throughout April, Level39 welcomed business school delegations exploring how innovation happens in practice.

Rotman School of Management x UCL School of Management

MBA candidates from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management joined us as part of their London immersion programme, in collaboration with UCL School of Management.

With backgrounds spanning venture capital, engineering, healthcare and finance, the cohort explored how startups move from concept to scale.

They heard directly from Level39 members:

• Mike Joslin, CEO and Co-Founder of Bombe.io, who shared insights into predictive AI and the realities of scaling a business
• Nandy Thaver, CEO of Thaver, who explored how consultancy models are evolving alongside AI

Together, the session grounded innovation frameworks in real-world founder experience.

Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

We also hosted students from Oxford’s Saïd Business School.

Founders Alexander Kutyukhin (Founder & CEO, FinFab) and Adi Ben-Ari (Founder & CEO, Applied Blockchain) led a discussion on building in emerging technology sectors – from achieving product-market fit to scaling internationally in fast-moving markets.

At the Heart of UK FinTech Week

April’s energy peaked during UK FinTech Week, with Level39 and its members contributing across a city-wide programme of events.

Welcoming House of Finance & Tech Berlin

We kicked off the week by hosting House of Finance & Tech Berlin, joined by Franziska Giffey, Berlin’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises and former Mayor.

Led by Amy French, Sebastian Schafer and industry speakers, discussions focused on:

• Regulation and investor readiness
• Banking partnerships
• International scaling

Founder exchange sessions featured Level39 members including Renaud Huck (Roots Funding), Alexander Kutyukhin (FinFab), Essa Jabang (Zooblin) and Igor Tesinsky (IBT Technologies), bringing practical insight into cross-border growth.

Ecosystem Exchange: Fintech 2026

Across the city, Amy moderated a session for the Swedish Chamber of Commerce, supporting Nordic fintechs exploring UK expansion.

Joined by Emanuela Meini (London & Partners) and Yan Manka (Mastercard StartPath), the panel explored local networks, government programmes and the role of trust in scaling into new markets.

IFGS 2026

At IFGS 2026, held at Guildhall and organised by Innovate Finance, the team joined 1,500+ global attendees to discuss the future of financial services.

City Minister Lucy Rigby MP outlined upcoming developments across payments, open banking, stablecoins and AI. She also announced Chris Woolard (EY, former FCA interim CEO) as the new Wholesale Digital Assets Market Champion, supporting progress in tokenisation.

Her description of fintech as “the rocket fuel of relentless competition” captured the tone of the week and the sector’s current momentum.

Pitch360 Returns to Level39

We were proud to host Innovate Finance’s Pitch360 once again, welcoming startups and scaleups for rapid-fire three-minute pitches.

This year’s winners:

• Serene (startup category)
• Yavrio (scaleup category)

Both recognised for clarity, execution and growth potential.

Fintech Club: Lessons from the Hyperscalers

In partnership with Grow London, we brought together leaders from Allica Bank, Finch Capital and Engine by Starling to unpack what it takes to scale in today’s fintech landscape.

The discussion focused on the fundamentals behind growth: clear strategy, strong culture and disciplined execution. Panellists shared insight on scaling globally, navigating regulation and managing complexity as businesses grow.

They also highlighted London’s strength as a fintech hub, with talent, regulation and capital continuing to drive momentum. Looking ahead, AI and new infrastructure models are set to reshape the sector – with the winners defined by speed, focus and resilience.

Exploring the Future of Fintech Marketing

We closed the week at the Fin.Tech Marketing Community London Conference 2026.

Key themes included:

• Profit with purpose, highlighted by Sarah Sinclair (Co-Labs Global)
• Stronger links between education and industry, from Professor Iwa Salami (UEL)
• The importance of mentorship and inclusion, from Rashmi Prabhakar (Temenos)

AI emerged as a defining force accelerating careers while increasing the value of human skills. As Matt Cheung (ipushpull) noted, differentiation now comes from experimentation, side projects and real-world experience.

The overall shift is clear: fintech marketing is becoming more purpose-driven, more AI-enabled, and more human.

Supporting International Growth

Beyond FinTech Week, we hosted TABS Inc’s US Expansion for Fintechs, bringing together experts across fundraising, immigration, tax and go-to-market strategy.

The session reflected growing demand from founders looking to scale internationally and the importance of practical support, trusted networks and market insight when entering new regions.

Beyond Fintech: Across Canary Wharf

April’s momentum extended beyond the fintech ecosystem:

• We attended the CWG Ladies in Life Sciences reception, continuing cross-sector conversations on leadership and investment
• Amy French moderated a Wharf Connect x KPMG panel on early-careers skills in an ever-growing AI-driven workplace
• Bringing members together through community moments, including the Hershey’s Easter Egg hunt
• Sharing updates at the CWG Spring Townhall
• Showcasing Level39’s event offering at The BNC Show 2026
• Team members also supported a Careers Fair at Central Foundation Girls’ School, engaging future talent

What This Month Signals

April captured what Level39 does best: convening globally minded founders, opening access to real-world insight, and creating space for meaningful exchange.

As demand for international connection and practical founder support continues to grow, the momentum across the ecosystem shows no sign of slowing.

We’re carrying that energy forward building on the relationships, ideas and opportunities shaped this month.

More soon from Inside Level39.