Valentina Drofa, Co-Founder and CEO at Drofa Comms & FinTech50 Judge, Tells Us What She’s Looking For From Entrants

Valentina, Tell us about yourself

 
Valentina Drofa, international entrepreneur, finance expert, co-founder and CEO at Drofa Comms, a trusted PR firm for eminent finance and fintech brands. Drofa Comms can boast a compelling portfolio of high-profile clients in the finance and fintech sectors. Valentina is a professional who built a business herself and has faced the challenges and pains that aspiring entrepreneurs have to overcome to achieve this kind of success.

Valentina has extensive expertise in finance and fintech, with over 17 years of hands-on experience complemented by scientific activity, publishing books, and teaching financial literacy.

As an experienced business leader and financial consultant, Valentina has mentored startups. Her insights have earned her recognition among the Top 64 Women in Startups, a nominee for the Forbes Cyprus Women in Tech, and a member of the Forbes Business Council. Recognizing the challenges faced by women in entrepreneurship, she has actively supported and counselled initiatives aimed at empowering female-led startups.

What are you looking for from our FinTech50 entrants?

 
I will pay special attention to the founders’ experiences, and whether they have done anything in terms of business before. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a positive “adventure”, and not necessarily in fintech or finance. 

Furthermore, I will evaluate whether entrants have conducted thorough testing and found out the challenges they aim to address. I am intrigued by their comprehension of the target audience and how effectively they cater to their needs and solve their pains.

And last but not least, I also look for the real usage of the services or products. How can it be utilised tomorrow? How does it close the gap in the market? Moreover, as a financial expert, I’ll also assess how well people understand the financial sphere while building their businesses.

Any advice to help people stand out from the crowd?

 
Your business should prioritise the initial client requirements, even if they differ from your personal view. It’s crucial to ensure that what you’re offering is truly advantageous for others. Approach your work with care and empathy, focusing on serving people’s needs wholeheartedly.