Welcome to 5 Questions with FinTech Founders, where we sit down with the next generation of FinTech innovators to hear about how they got started, and where they are going. 

In this installment, we spoke with Ryan Glover, cofounder, CEO, and Chairman of Greenwood, a digital banking platform for Black and Latinx people and business owners.

Ryan is an Oakland, CA native, and has more than 20 years of experience delivering products focused on the African American community. After graduating from Howard University, Ryan moved to Atlanta, GA. There he founded Noontime Records, a label responsible for more than a dozen Billboard No.1 hits. A seasoned Entertainment Industry Vet, Ryan started Bounce TV in 2011.
In 2012, Ryan started a non-profit with his wife Marsha, called Kile’s Beautiful Mind; after the passing of his son Kile. KBM focuses on Water Safety, Entrepreneurship and Fine Arts. Ryan also serves on several boards in the Atlanta community.

1. What inspired you to start Greenwood?

It’s no secret the current financial system has failed Black and Latinx communities. Our communities suffer from a lack of wealth, its recirculation, and generational transfer. That is why we created a new financial platform. A platform inspired by the early 1900’s Greenwood District, where recirculation of Black wealth occurred all day, every day, and where Black businesses thrived.

2. What problem were you trying to solve in the market?

The disparity of wealth for Black and Latinx communities coupled with the lack of equitable financial resources is why Greenwood exists. Our knowledge of the unique needs of our communities aids us in creating multigenerational solutions for these multi-generational problems.

3. What are you most excited about this year?

Launching Greenwood Investments is something we're extremely excited about. It's one of the first features of many that will aid our members in building wealth. In addition to the common self directed options you've seen in financial apps, we'll offer access to ETFs from Black and Latinx-owned companies - aiding us in honoring our goal of recirculating wealth.

4. What's the most exciting initiative you are working on?

The team is working on A3C. A3C has been around for 19 years. We acquired it when we acquired The Gathering Spot in 2022. The A3C Conference is returning September 29th this year. It is our premier conference that is focused on Music, Tech, and Finance. This year is even more special for A3C. We're partnering with Grammy-winning producer, Jermaine Dupri, as he celebrates the 30-year anniversary of his record label, So So Def Recordings. This partnership will expose us to thousands of additional consumers.

5. What strategies do you use to ensure your team/customers stay
engaged?

Through our acquisitions, we've expanded our social capital and thought leadership. This aids us greatly in keeping a pulse on the community and staying top of mind.

To learn more about Greenwood, visit gogreenwood.com.