Juan Zavala Aleman

EMBRACING BOLDNESS. A life-changing event in Juan Zavala Aleman’s teenage years reshaped his outlook on the world. At 17, he moved from Mexico to Missouri, expecting the freedom to embrace his true self. Instead, he found a similarly conservative environment where he still felt compelled to stay in the closet. This realization—that he would need to be bold wherever he lived—became a defining force in his life and career.

This boldness led Juan to co-found FinZi in 2021. FinZi is a digital banking and learning platform designed for Gen Z in Latin America. It provides users with their first real bank account, a Visa debit card, and access to a marketplace, crypto investing, and micro-loans. Additionally, FinZi offers an interactive way to learn about finance.

Juan’s journey to founding FinZi began with his education. Growing up in a traditional Mexican family, Juan was expected to follow a conventional path. However, his move to the US for college broadened his horizons. Attending Southeast Missouri State University exposed him to a diverse array of cultures and perspectives, which profoundly impacted him. Despite regularly facing discrimination for being Mexican, Juan thrived, securing an internship that launched his career in business development.

After college, Juan moved to Miami and landed a job at Mastercard. Embracing his identity, he proudly wore his LGBTQIA+ status and even established Mastercard’s Miami Pride chapter. When he was offered the opportunity to build a team in Colombia, he took it. “I had already lived out the traditional Mexican dream of moving to America. I wanted to make a bigger impact,” he explains.

In Colombia, Juan witnessed a surge in startup activity and was inspired to create something impactful. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and a lack of career development opportunities at Mastercard pushed him to take the plunge. He quit his job in 2021 and founded FinZi, aiming to revolutionize financial access for Gen Z in Latin America.

FinZi quickly found success. It was the first of its kind in Colombia, providing young users with essential financial tools and education. “We wanted to be the first touchpoint on the financial system for these users, offering them an easy, accessible, and digital solution,” Juan says. The platform now boasts around 300,000 users, with many experiencing their first bank account through FinZi.

INCLUSIVE INNOVATION. While FinZi is primarily aimed at Gen Z, Juan ensured it remained inclusive of the LGBTQIA+ community. The platform uses neutral language and allows users to change their display names to reflect their true identities. FinZi also launched a credit product specifically for the trans community, demonstrating their commitment to inclusion. “We wanted to make an impact, even though it’s challenging. But it’s about more than just business; it’s about making a difference,” he states.

Reflecting on his experiences with FinZi, Juan was pleasantly surprised by the supportive nature of the startup community. “Founders are so willing to help each other without any ulterior motives. It’s a mindset I’ve carried forward, and it’s one of the most inspiring aspects of this experience,” he shares.

For founders at the start of their journey, Juan draws on his own mindset before launching FinZi. “Be willing to take the risk. The ‘no’ answer is always a given, but taking the chance gives you a 50/50 shot at a ‘yes.’ Embrace who you are and let that be your strength. It’s what sets you apart.” Looking ahead, Juan is now dedicated to ensuring the continued success of FinZi under its new ownership. He is also exploring ways to amplify LGBTQIA+ voices in the startup world, possibly through a podcast focused on diverse founders specifically in Latin America. “I want to continue making an impact, both professionally and personally. There’s still so much to be done.”