Ipsheeta Furtado: Driving Innovation at TripActions Liquid

In the dynamic world of fintech, few stories resonate as powerfully as that of Ipsheeta Furtado, the Director of Financial Operations at TripActions Liquid. As the business travel and spending management platform continues to soar—recently raising $155 million in a Series E funding round, pushing its valuation to an impressive $5 billion—Furtado’s role is pivotal in shaping the future of corporate travel payments and expense management.

The Rise of TripActions Liquid

TripActions Liquid is not just another fintech solution; it’s an all-in-one payments and expense platform designed to empower finance teams with real-time visibility and control over spending. Furtado describes it as a tool that automates expense management from the moment of purchase to reconciliation. This is achieved through smart virtual and physical cards that enforce proactive policies, ensuring compliance while streamlining approval processes.

With TripActions Liquid, finance teams can prevent out-of-policy spending and eliminate cumbersome expense reports. The platform’s interactive dashboards and ERP integrations provide a comprehensive view of business spending, enabling smarter financial decisions.

A Vision for Growth

Furtado’s vision for TripActions Liquid is ambitious. Since its inception, the platform has experienced staggering growth, with a 599x increase in monthly expense volume in its first year. Currently, it averages a 41% month-over-month growth in spend volume. As business travel resumes, Furtado anticipates further acceleration in corporate travel spending.

Looking ahead, her strategy involves expanding geographically while enhancing the user experience. “We aim to create a seamless solution that reduces friction and fosters better communication between travel managers, finance teams, and employees,” she explains.

A Journey into Fintech

Furtado’s journey into fintech began with a strong foundation in engineering physics from the University of California, Berkeley. Her early career included running a product consultancy that served various sectors, including education and finance. This experience ignited her passion for building technology solutions that positively impact communities.

“I wanted to help create products that make a difference,” she shares. The fintech industry, with its potential for significant societal impact, became the perfect arena for her aspirations.

Championing Diversity in Fintech

In an industry often dominated by men, Furtado is a strong advocate for increasing female representation in fintech leadership. Drawing from her own experiences as a minority in engineering, she recognizes the importance of courageous founders and supportive investors in fostering a more inclusive environment.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with many women-led fintech companies,” she notes, highlighting her involvement with Divvy Homes, which recently achieved unicorn status. Furtado emphasizes the need to reshape the reputation of the financial industry, moving away from the “tech bro” culture towards a more welcoming community that values diversity and innovation.

Empowering the Next Generation

Furtado is passionate about mentoring the next generation of fintech leaders. She encourages women interested in this field to build relationships and network actively. “Reach out to people in the industry, whether for advice or feedback on your ideas,” she advises.

Her experience shows that many professionals in fintech are open to engaging in meaningful conversations about complex topics. Attending events and leveraging social media can help aspiring fintech leaders develop their skills and support systems.

A Call for Change

Furtado’s insights underscore a broader need for transformation within the fintech landscape. She advocates for a community that prioritizes support, education, and inclusivity, ensuring that the industry remains approachable for all.

By fostering a culture that values diverse perspectives and innovative solutions, Furtado believes fintech can continue to thrive and create positive change in society. Her journey at TripActions Liquid exemplifies the potential for growth and impact in this exciting sector.