In a world driven by finance, digital innovation, and a thirst for change, some entrepreneurs dare to challenge the norm and break through conventional barriers. One such maverick is Ethan Fraenkel, the Co-Founder and CEO of ProGrad, who has made it his mission to demystify the world of finance for young people.

Engaging in a candid conversation on the Bright Founders Talk, Ethan reveals not only the pulse of ProGrad but also the heartbeat behind his entrepreneurial journey. As you delve into this exclusive interview, discover Ethan's vision for his company and the unusual yet impactful superpower he wishes to bestow upon it. More than just titles and business strategies, this conversation explores the man behind ProGrad, his motivations, and his resolve to tackle the critical issues surrounding youth and finance.

So fasten your seatbelts, as we dive deep into this insightful narrative that promises to take you on a journey beyond balance sheets and business plans, straight into the heart of transformative financial leadership. Through this dialogue, Ethan not only humanizes ProGrad but also ignites a much-needed conversation about financial literacy and empowerment among youth. Let's dive in.

Turning the Power of Knowledge into a Financial Superhero

Cracking into the world of entrepreneurship, Ethan Fraenkel, dishes out his unique insights on building a strategic force for good. During our sit-down, he likened his company to a superhero, envisioning ProGrad’s superpower as a conduit for vital knowledge. Envision a world where the right information is just a thought away, enabling people to make sound decisions without fear of unforeseen consequences. It's this belief that drives Ethan and his company: "We could be the superpower that's bringing a lot of knowledge into people's brain," he asserts. "That way, people could make the right decisions for them, rather than getting themselves into things with big consequences."

Imagine, for a moment, a magic wand that could erase the financial burdens of the younger generation. What would it target? For Ethan, it's the looming cloud of debt. Debt, in his opinion, isn't inherently bad; on the contrary, it drives growth in society. The real issue lies with the young people served with the wrong types of debts and hampered by poor or non-existent credit scores. This prevents them from accessing loans at sustainable rates. "Young people are often served with the wrong types of debts," he says. “Helping them achieve a good credit score, helping them understand that better…this would be a really big nut to crack."

Ethan’s journey to co-founding ProGrad was sparked by personal experience. The barriers he encountered while trying to finance his Masters in the UK inspired him to create something that would alleviate such struggles for future generations. ProGrad embodies his belief in the power of knowledge and the importance of accessibility. He's confident that, with the right tools and understanding, younger generations can navigate the financial world more wisely. In Ethan's words.

His mission? To arm young people with the knowledge and the power to do just that.

Mastering the Art of Entrepreneurship through Mentorship, Mistakes, and Massive Impact

Ethan never shies away from admitting his role as a ‘qualified idiot.’ Sounds odd? Well, he uses this term quite endearingly to define himself in a room filled with experts from different fields who are part of his team. Ethan describes himself as someone who has the understanding to be in the room but is far from the expert that the other members are in their respective areas. Whether it's marketing, product development, or sales, he's surrounded himself with individuals who surpass his expertise. This humility, coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit, is the foundation on which ProGrad thrives today.

This noteworthy sentiment from Ethan sheds light on his leadership style and resonates deeply with his belief that each person's journey is unique, and making mistakes is part of the game.

Ethan recalls two moments that profoundly impacted him. One was when a giveaway from ProGrad helped a lady pay her rent for a month, and another was a call with a struggling mother-daughter duo that underscored the importance of the work ProGrad was doing. These experiences, as gut-wrenching as they were heartwarming, were like fuel to the fire that drives Ethan. They underscored the significant impact ProGrad has on people's lives and reinforced the importance of the work they do. No amount of guidance or mentorship could instill the level of determination these real-life experiences gave him. Ethan's story paints a vivid picture of the journey of entrepreneurship – a roller coaster ride full of ups, downs, and unexpected turns, yet leading to profoundly impactful destinations.

Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones

When stepping into the realms of entrepreneurship, the road is seldom smooth. Ethan knows this well. Recounting his journey in the spheres of software development and financial technology, Ethan shares two invaluable lessons that resonate universally.

Firstly, Ethan's journey underlines the one constant truth of entrepreneurship - things always take much more time than you expect. Be it building new technology, shipping, delivering, or closing partnerships, patience is not just a virtue but a necessity.

But even more profound is Ethan's second lesson, which he learned the hard way: no single partnership is going to make or break your company. Recalling the summer of 2021, Ethan's voice grows solemn. An expected partnership fell through, just when they were about to close their first funding round. The disappointment was immense, tinging their triumph with sorrow. Yet, looking back, Ethan now recognizes that perceived catastrophe as a vital learning experience. In his words, "Believing that because you didn't close this one partnership, your business is going to go under, that's not the case. It shouldn't ever be. No single partnership will make or break you."

Innovation is key for any progressive fintech company like ProGrad, and staying ahead of the curve requires a dynamic approach. As we delved deeper into the conversation with Ethan, we discovered just how ProGrad maintains its edge in this rapidly evolving industry.

Trailblazing the FinTech Jungle: Lessons in Innovation and Resilience from ProGrad's Ethan

In the sprawling landscape of FinTech, Ethan has learned to navigate the wilderness of innovation with the grace of a seasoned explorer. His strategy for staying ahead of the curve is far from complex: it's about keeping the process natural, trying numerous approaches, understanding customer needs, and embracing the latest technologies. It's also about broadening the focus, much like the panoramic view of a hiker amidst the towering trees of a vast forest.

"One of my mentors once told me, you've got to look at all the trees ahead of you, not just the next one," says Ethan, emphasizing the importance of adopting a wide lens view of the business landscape. It's about acknowledging the competition but not shaping your path based on their moves. Knowledge, curiosity, and speed are the trifecta that he endorses: understand the latest tech, be curious about what others are doing, and execute swiftly. And, in a pearl of wisdom borrowed from the founder of LinkedIn, Ethan encourages entrepreneurs to "Launch, make mistakes, adapt, and course correct."

When asked what advice his future self might offer him, Ethan's response resonates with quiet confidence and serene acceptance. His future self, he imagines, would reassure him: "Keep going. Regardless of what happens, it's going to be fine. Whatever happens with ProGrad, whatever happens in life… things will be fine, one way or another." Such serene acceptance is a testament to Ethan's resilience and unwavering belief in his path.

As we concluded our conversation with Ethan, the insights gleaned from his entrepreneurial journey were many. They painted a picture of a leader committed to driving change, overcoming obstacles, and persisting through the unforeseen twists and turns of the business journey. His story serves as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for emerging entrepreneurs charting their own paths in the wilderness of FinTech.

Oleksandra Kashuba

Marketing Manager at Temy

I’m intrinsically motivated to bring out the best in people and brands. I believe marketing has the most incredible power to impact businesses and people. At Bright Founders Talk, we are eager to connect successful founders with beginners seeking guidance, mentorship, and motivation. Exploring those entrepreneurial stories is an excellent boost for stepping outside the box.