Theodora Lau is a fintech entrepreneur, founder of Unconventional Ventures, author, speaker, and advisor focused on improving consumer financial well-being and supporting innovation in fintech.
Theodora (Theo) Lau is a prominent figure in fintech, known for her work as a public speaker, writer, and startup advisor. She is the founder of Unconventional Ventures, an organisation dedicated to improving consumer financial well-being by fostering innovation. Through Unconventional Ventures, Lau works with financial institutions, corporations, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists to address the unmet needs of diverse consumer groups, such as older adults and gig economy workers. Her efforts also focus on supporting women and minority founders in the fintech industry.
Lau has authored several books, including Banking on (Artificial) Intelligence (2025), The Metaverse Economy (2023), and Beyond Good (2021), which explore topics related to fintech, innovation, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the financial sector. She is also the host of One Vision, a podcast that explores issues in fintech and innovation.
In 2023, Lau was recognised as one of American Banker’s Most Influential Women in FinTech, a testament to her significant impact in the field. She is a regular contributor and commentator for top industry events and publications, including BBC News and Finovate, where she provides insights on the latest developments in fintech.
Apart from her writing and speaking engagements, Lau is actively involved in mentoring and advising fintech startups. Her work is centred on creating a more inclusive financial ecosystem by addressing the needs of underserved populations, particularly those often overlooked by traditional financial services. Through her work, Lau aims to spark change in the financial industry, ensuring that innovative solutions are accessible to all.
Theodora (Theo) Lau is a well-respected fintech entrepreneur, public speaker, and author, recognised for her contributions to improving consumer financial well-being through innovation. While details of her early life and birth remain private, her career in the fintech industry is well-documented and influential.
In 2015, Theodora Lau founded Unconventional Ventures, a company dedicated to transforming the financial ecosystem by addressing the unmet needs of consumers, particularly older adults and gig economy workers. Her work focuses on supporting innovation within financial institutions, corporations, and startups, with a strong emphasis on women and minority founders. This mission has helped her become an influential figure in the fintech space.
Lau's work has been integral to the development of many fintech startups. She frequently mentors and advises these businesses, helping them navigate the challenges of building sustainable and inclusive financial solutions. Her experience in venture capital has positioned her as a key advisor, assisting in the growth of companies that address financial inclusion.
In addition to her entrepreneurial work, Lau is an accomplished writer. She authored Banking on (Artificial) Intelligence (2025), which delves into the role of artificial intelligence in banking and financial services. In 2023, she co-authored The Metaverse Economy, exploring how virtual economies are impacting traditional business models. Her earlier work, Beyond Good (2021), reflects her interest in social innovation and how technology can be used to drive positive change in society.
Lau has also been the host of One Vision, a podcast that focuses on fintech, innovation, and how emerging technologies can improve financial systems. Through this platform, she engages with industry leaders and experts to discuss current challenges and opportunities in the financial sector.
Her impact in fintech has been recognised widely. In 2023, she was named one of American Banker's Most Influential Women in FinTech, an acknowledgement of her contributions to the industry. She is also a frequent speaker at top industry events such as Finovate and a regular commentator for prominent media outlets, including BBC News, where she provides expert insights on the latest fintech developments.
Today, Theodora Lau continues her work as the founder of Unconventional Ventures and remains dedicated to improving financial inclusion and supporting the next generation of innovators in fintech. She also maintains her roles as an author and mentor, contributing to the growth of startups and the ongoing conversation about the future of financial services. Her work continues to impact both the fintech sector and the wider public, with a focus on creating more inclusive financial systems globally.
Theodora Lau's vision is to create a more inclusive financial ecosystem by addressing the unmet needs of diverse consumer groups, including older adults and gig economy workers. She aims to foster innovation in the fintech industry, focusing on empowering women and minority founders. Through her work at Unconventional Ventures, Lau strives to develop solutions that make financial services more accessible, transparent, and fair for everyone. Her goal is to drive positive change in the financial world, ensuring that technology benefits all, not just a select few.
Theodora Lau has received significant recognition for her contributions to the fintech industry. In 2023, she was named one of American Banker's Most Influential Women in FinTech. This accolade highlighted her impact on the sector, especially her work in promoting financial inclusion. Lau has also been a regular speaker at leading fintech events like Finovate, where she shares her expertise on innovation and the future of financial services. Additionally, she frequently contributes to industry publications and media outlets, including BBC News, showcasing her deep knowledge and influence in the fintech space.
