Join us for an engaging episode of The Innovators and Investors Podcast, hosted by Kristian Marquez, where we explore the vibrant intersection of technology, investment, and entrepreneurship. This week, Kristian welcomes two dynamic guests: Kevin Weber, Managing Director at Amex Ventures, and Ayal Karmi, Co-founder and CEO of Nakuda.

In this episode, Kevin shares his fascinating career journey, including his transition from corporate finance and M&A to venture capital at Amex Ventures, where he focuses on early-stage investments in sectors like fintech, AI, and cybersecurity. As Kevin describes his investment thesis, he emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships and the alignment of their investments with American Express’s core business objectives.

Our conversation then shifts to Ayal Karmi, who delves into the innovative solutions Nakuda is bringing to the market. As the company pioneers a system for AI agents to make seamless payments online, Ayal discusses the challenges and opportunities in automating the checkout process and enhancing transaction authenticity.

Listeners can expect to gain valuable insights into the investment landscape, the evolving field of AI agents, and best practices for founders seeking to navigate the venture capital space. Furthermore, Kevin and Ayal offer advice on how to approach corporate venture capital, the significance of understanding investor expectations, and the future of agentic payments.

Don’t miss this enlightening discussion that highlights the transformative power of technology and the shared mission of fostering innovation in today’s rapidly evolving market. Subscribe now to stay updated on the latest insights and trends in the world of innovation and finance!

For more details, visit our website and read Ayal’s insightful blogs on Substack, https://substack.com/@nekuda? about autonomous payments to stay informed about the latest in AI technologies. Enjoy the episode!

Learn more about Kevin's work https://www.americanexpress.com/us/business/american-express-ventures/

Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-weber-b77b8028/

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com/