This week at Money20/20 USA in Las Vegas, Pismo Co-Founder and CTO, Daniela Binatti, joined moderator Monica Millares for a fireside chat titled: “Trust, Belief, and Chaos: Lessons from Leading a Brazilian Unicorn.”
In an intimate conversation, our CTO offered an inside look at the growth and guiding principles that have defined Pismo’s journey from a small startup to a fintech leader.
The session was a chance for Daniela to share her experiences—from the challenges of early days to the success and responsibilities that have come with Pismo’s recent Visa acquisition.
In her conversation with Monica, Daniela revealed the core beliefs and resilience that fuel Pismo’s mission, alongside stories of navigating uncertainty and staying true to the vision that brought Pismo to where it is today.
When Pismo started, the founders were talking about outsourcing and hosting core banking systems, something that banks at that time “were not necessarily comfortable with”. Yet she and her fellow co-founders knew “it was not a matter of how, but when”.
Key Takeaways from the Discussion
1. Embracing the power of difference
Daniela discussed the intentional choices she and her co-founders made in fostering a unique company culture at Pismo. By prioritising openness and a fresh approach to problem-solving, Pismo created a workplace where individuals can bring their authentic selves.
This fed into Pismo’s principle of changing the game. “The dilemma is usually ‘should I buy or build a platform’,” Daniela explained. “We offered a different path—a toolkit of APIs that enabled banks to control their destiny.”
2. Belief as a guiding force
For Daniela, belief in Pismo’s potential was a compass through times of both excitement and doubt. She shared personal anecdotes, including the changes made to keep Pismo’s vision alive.
“We are interested in leaving a legacy,” she added. “Changing the way banks deal with their technology.”
3. Life after Visa and Pismo’s future
When Pismo joined Visa in January 2024, the team knew this would bring new opportunities. Daniela shared her perspective on how the company remains steadfast in its original mission, with the Visa partnership opening doors while preserving the distinct identity Pismo’s clients know and trust.
“Powered by the acceleration that a company like Visa can provide, we believe we can change the way banks use technology. It’s a new chapter, and just as exciting as the first one.”
