Fidelity’s Alokik Advani on thematic investing and strategic alignment to back FinTech innovators

A deep dive into how Fidelity balances financial discipline with strategic resonance to shape the future of FinTech.

In today’s episode of our CVC series, Andreas and our CVC in-house expert, Jeppe Høier, talk with Alokik Advani, Managing Partner at Fidelity’s Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) arm, a strategic investment group focused on early-stage FinTech. Operating globally from London, Fidelity’s CVC targets opportunities in asset and wealth management, investing between $3–$10 million per deal and maintaining a disciplined approach to achieving both financial returns and strategic alignment.

With over six years of experience leading Fidelity’s CVC strategy, Alokik has spearheaded investments in companies like Moneybox, Moonfare, and 73 Strings. He shares insights into the unique challenges and opportunities of combining venture capital expertise with the strategic goals of a global asset manager. The conversation explores Fidelity’s thematic investment framework, the evolving CVC landscape, and the pivotal role of AI and sustainability in shaping the future of financial services.

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✍️ Show notes

1. How Fidelity Approaches Corporate Venture Capital (CVC)

Fidelity’s CVC strategy focuses on early-stage FinTech investments with strategic alignment to its core business. With typical investments between $3–$10 million and a global perspective, the firm prioritizes financial returns while ensuring strategic resonance. Key portfolio companies include Moneybox, Moonfare, and 73 Strings, reflecting a thematic approach to private asset infrastructure and valuation tools.


2. The Balance Between Strategic and Financial Goals in CVC

Alokik emphasizes the dual focus on financial returns and strategic alignment. Unlike many CVCs, Fidelity avoids tying investments to immediate contracts, instead fostering long-term optionality. Two-thirds of its portfolio currently collaborates strategically with Fidelity, with room for more partnerships over time.


3. Building a Thematic Investment Framework

Fidelity employs a thematic approach informed by both internal insights and external market research. Teams identify high-impact themes such as sustainability and carbon accounting, analyzing opportunities in areas like SME carbon credit management (e.g., Greenly) and ESG metrics (e.g., Silvera). This approach ensures alignment with both market needs and Fidelity’s strategic goals.


4. Challenges in the European VC Ecosystem

Late-stage funding in Europe is highly concentrated, with capital often available only to the best companies—but not always from the most desirable investors. The conversation highlights the need for stronger M&A dynamics between European corporates and GPs, as well as fostering repeatability through experienced founders and successful exits.


5. Differentiating Fidelity as a CVC

Unlike traditional CVCs, Fidelity’s approach integrates deeply with its internal ecosystem. Regular dialogue with Fidelity’s operational teams informs investment strategies while offering startups access to revenue potential, domain expertise, and validation. This model fosters trust and mitigates the “not-invented-here” syndrome prevalent in many corporates.


6. Sustainability and Innovation in Financial Services

Fidelity focuses on sustainability investments with financial and strategic relevance, such as retail proxy voting (e.g., Tumelo) and climate risk assessment tools. Open banking is cited as a key enabler for unlocking financial inefficiencies, creating opportunities for transformative technologies like AI to thrive within regulatory frameworks.


7. The Role of AI and Geopolitics in the Future

Alokik underscores the revolutionary potential of AI in investment research and portfolio management, predicting significant efficiency and revenue advancements. However, he warns that geopolitical uncertainties could hinder innovation, particularly in the boundaryless nature of financial services.

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