Episode 65

The Startup That’s Taking On The Banks To Make The 99% Richer | Ep 65

Published on: 16th September, 2025

In this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Michael, co-founder of Q Branch and Populace, who shares how he's helping international startups enter the U.S. and launching a fintech platform to fight financial inequality. From federal contracts and government culture to empowering underserved Americans through passive investing and discount networks, Michael breaks down the hard truths of money, persistence, and building in Austin.

What You’ll Learn:

- Why Most Startups Fail to Enter the U.S. Market

- The Broken Banking System and a Grassroots Fix

- Real Talk on Financial Literacy

- Startup Persistence & the 18-Month Grind

- What U.S. Founders Can Learn From International Builders


Timestamps:


00:00 - Intro & How They Met

00:30 - What Is Q Branch?

01:30 - Helping International Startups in the U.S.

02:10 - Government Contracts & Go-to-Market

03:20 - Populist: A Fintech for the 99%

05:00 - Breaking Down Financial Literacy

06:00 - How Populist Reverses the Bank Model

07:40 - Making Passive Investing Accessible

09:10 - Michael’s Entrepreneurship Origin Story

11:00 - Lessons From Federal Contracting

13:00 - How Q Branch Got Its First Deal

15:00 - Founder Persistence & Mentality

17:00 - Talking About Ideas Early

19:00 - U.S. vs International Founders

21:00 - Austin’s Startup Community

25:00 - Picking the Right Ecosystem

29:00 - Building Populace: From Idea to Launch

32:00 - Real Cost of Building a Fintech Startup

34:00 - Launch Strategy & What’s Next

35:00 - Final Advice for Founders

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About the Podcast

Funds and Founders: Untold Journeys Behind Their Breakthroughs
Welcome to "Funds & Founders: Untold Journeys Behind Their Breakthroughs," where we dig deep into the stories of successful Austin founders. Instead of focusing on their successes though, we dive into their journeys, particularly the struggles and obstacles they had to overcome.

This weekly podcast is tailored for Austin founders navigating the early stages of their entrepreneurial journey and hosted by fellow Austinite Abhinav Sinha. Here’s what to expect by tuning into Funds & Founders:

🚀 Embark on a Journey to Success
Join Abhinav as he takes you behind the scenes, exploring the highs and lows of building a company. This isn't your typical success story – we dive into the failures, the struggles, and those pivotal breakthrough moments that define a founder's path.

🌟 Real Conversations, Real Insights
Abhinav's approach is refreshingly different. Rather than dwelling on success, he crafts casual conversations that unravel the untold stories. Identify the setbacks that helped them grow, the lessons learned from failures, and the breakthrough moments that fueled these founders.

🤔 Why Didn't They Quit? Learn and Apply.
At the heart of each episode, Abhinav delves into the 'why' behind the perseverance. Why didn't they throw in the towel during tough times? And, most importantly, how can you apply their insights to your own journey? Get ready to be inspired and equipped with practical takeaways for your entrepreneurial adventure.

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Ever wondered what goes on in the minds of Austin's venture capitalists? Abhinav sits down with local VCs to decode their criteria for investing in early-stage companies. Gain valuable insights into the world of venture capital, understand what investors look for, and appreciate the vital factor of founder-investor compatibility.

🎙️ Meet Your Host, Abhinav Sinha:
Abhinav's soft-spoken yet inquisitive style creates an intimate atmosphere, allowing guests to share their authentic stories. His genuine curiosity and insightful questions make each episode a captivating journey into the minds of Austin's most successful founders.

If you're a budding Austin entrepreneur seeking the inspiration and insight needed for building a successful company, "Funds & Founders" is your go-to podcast.