James Devlin
PrincipalJames is a venture capitalist and a co-founder of Fidelity International Strategic Ventures (FISV). He has backed a range of fintech companies in North America, Europe and Asia across retirement, employee benefits, capital markets, brokerage, digital assets, RegTech and wealth management. These include regional and product category leaders that went on to exit to major strategic buyers. He was previously at Eight Roads, a global venture and investment firm and Fidelity International. He holds a masters degree from Imperial college business school.
"Sometimes I feel James wants our business to succeed even more than I do!" Matt Smith
co-Founder & CEO, SteelEye
In the spotlight
Which global fintech trend are you most excited about and why?
The emergence of firms that facilitate retail investor access to alternative assets. Everyone should have access to as broad an investment universe as scalable technology can allow.
What is the fintech you wish you had backed and why?
iCapital Network and Coinbase. Both have delivered on their mission to broaden the investor base for operationally complex asset classes. In their case private equity and cryptocurrencies.
Which entrepreneur would you invite to a fantasy dinner party?
Thomas Peterffy, Founder and Chairman of Interactive Brokers. Large personality with a deep affinity for technology in financial markets.