Overview

In this episode of Culturally Sound, Chandler Cutler sits down with Ross Kolodiazhnyi, a FinTech visionary and board member of Launch United, to explore the future of finance through the lens of blockchain, AI, and digital innovation.

From transforming Eastern European banking to leading crypto products with millions of users, Ross shares how he went from spreadsheets in legacy institutions to building future-proof payment systems powered by stablecoins and decentralized technology.

This episode dives deep into what’s next for global payments, how AI is redefining back-office operations, and why the best innovations start with real needs—not just big ideas. Whether you’re in finance, tech, or venture building, Ross offers an unfiltered look at scaling meaningful ventures in the most volatile markets on the planet.

Guest Bio

Ross Kolodiazhnyi is a serial entrepreneur, product strategist, and board member at Launch United. With a background spanning FinTech, blockchain, and AI, Ross has led high-growth ventures serving over 8 million users across 130 countries. He specializes in product innovation, go-to-market strategy, and building businesses that solve real-world problems at scale.

Episode Breakdown

– From Banks to Blockchain (00:00 – 07:00)

• How Ross went from legacy banking in Eastern Europe to launching crypto platforms with 6M+ users

• Spotting trends before they scale—and acting fast

– Building Products That Solve Real Problems (07:00 – 15:00)

• Why incubators need more than “cool ideas”

• How Launch United only backs products with real demand, not vanity innovation

– Stablecoins & the Future of Payments (15:00 – 25:00)

• Why traditional payments are broken

• How blockchain-based stablecoins will quietly power the next wave of global finance

– Automating Financial Operations with AI (25:00 – 35:00)

• The rise of AI-driven accounting agents

• Why transactional efficiency is the next frontier for startups and enterprises

– Principles of Sustainable Innovation (35:00 – 45:00)

• Why hype isn't strategy—and what really builds long-term ventures

• How Ross balances freedom, discipline, and impact across every venture

Summary

Ross Kolodiazhnyi doesn’t just talk innovation—he lives it. From building global crypto products to shaping the future of finance through Launch United, Ross brings a grounded, practical perspective to technology, trust, and scale. This episode is a must-listen for anyone building in FinTech, AI, or Web3.

Relevant Links

🔗 Connect with Ross on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ruslank

🔗 Listen to more episodes of Culturally Sound: corethos.com/culturally-sound