LemFi CEO to Share Fintech Insights at EU-Startups Summit 2026

Jan de Vries · 2026-03-20

Hey there, if you're looking to navigate the complex world of European company formation, you'll want to hear this. We've got some exciting news from across the pond that's worth your attention. Ridwan Olalere, the co-founder and CEO of LemFi, is joining the speaker lineup at the EU-Startups Summit 2026 in Malta this May. Now, you might be wondering why a fintech leader matters to professionals focused on setting up businesses in Europe. Well, his journey offers a masterclass in scaling a company across international borders—something you're likely thinking about right now. LemFi isn't just another startup. Under Ridwan's leadership, it's become a powerhouse serving over 2 million customers. They're processing a staggering $1 billion every single month. Think about that scale for a second. It started with a simple mission: helping immigrants send, spend, and manage money across borders without the usual headaches. ### From London to Global Impact Headquartered in London with deep roots in Nigeria, LemFi's story is one of strategic growth. They've raised over $86.9 million to date, including a massive $53 million Series B round. That kind of funding doesn't happen by accident—it signals serious market traction and investor confidence. Today, they operate across multiple regions, offering services that many global citizens desperately need: - International money transfers that actually work - Multi-currency accounts that make sense - Financial tools designed for people living between countries They've recently doubled down on expansion in the US and Canada too, which tells you something about their ambition. ### Why This Summit Matters for You At the summit, Ridwan will be talking about "Entrepreneurial Insights from building disruptive fintech products for global communities." This isn't just theoretical. He's been in the trenches, scaling a company while navigating different regulatory environments—sound familiar if you're dealing with EU company formation? He'll share practical lessons on building products for diverse users, something every service provider needs to master. As one industry observer noted, 'The real challenge isn't the technology—it's understanding the human needs across different cultures and legal systems.' ### The Support Ecosystem in Malta The summit's location in Malta isn't random. The island nation has positioned itself as a startup hub, backed by organizations like Malta Enterprise. They're the economic development agency that helps both local and foreign businesses set up shop. They offer tailored support and incentives that can make your EU company formation process significantly smoother. Another key player is the M. Demajo Group, with 115 years of business history in Malta. Their experience across sectors—through organic growth, acquisitions, and partnerships—offers valuable lessons in long-term business building in Europe. For tech-focused startups, there's also the IONOS Cloud Start-up Program. It provides up to $108,000 in cloud credits (converted from €100,000) for five years post-founding. Their "Made in Germany" infrastructure guarantees GDPR compliance, which is crucial when you're handling European customer data. ### Your Takeaway Look, if you're helping clients form companies in the EU, you need to understand the broader ecosystem. The EU-Startups Summit brings together the people who are actually building and scaling businesses across Europe. Hearing from leaders like Ridwan Olalere gives you insight into what successful companies really need from their service providers. It's about more than just paperwork and compliance—it's about understanding the operational challenges of running a business across borders. That's the value you can bring to your clients. So mark your calendar for May 7-8, 2026. The insights you'll gain could transform how you approach EU company formation services. Remember, the best service providers don't just follow checklists—they understand their clients' real-world challenges. And that's exactly what you'll learn from fintech leaders who are living those challenges every day.