Building a Bank: A Fireside Chat with the Founder of KOHO

Understanding the mechanics of scaling a challenger bank in Canada requires a deep dive into the friction between disruptive technology and a highly concentrated regulatory environment. Daniel Eberhard, the founder of KOHO, pulls back the curtain on how a startup can successfully transition from a niche fintech experiment into a household name that competes directly with the Big Five. The journey of scaling a challenger bank in Canada involves more than just user acquisition; it requires a sophisticated approach to capital allocation and a relentless focus on building consumer trust within a skeptical market. By examining the KOHO story, listeners gain a first-hand look at the structural hurdles and the strategic pivots necessary when scaling a challenger bank in Canada.

The technical discourse in this session explores the complexities of navigating Canadian financial regulations while maintaining the agility of a tech-first organization. Eberhard discusses the importance of unit economics and the specific challenges of fundraising within the domestic ecosystem. Those interested in scaling a challenger bank in Canada will find immense value in the discussion regarding product-market fit and the evolution of everyday banking services. As the landscape shifts, the lessons learned from scaling a challenger bank in Canada provide a blueprint for future founders aiming to democratize financial services and offer better alternatives to traditional institutional banking.

• Strategies for navigating the complex Canadian regulatory framework while maintaining a competitive edge.
• Technical insights into raising venture capital and managing unit economics during periods of hyper-growth.
• Methods for building long-term consumer trust in a market dominated by entrenched financial institutions.

Watch this session to master the strategic requirements of building a disruptive financial brand in a competitive market.