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I have been so excited about the relaunch of the Make Space for Growth Podcast. And I could not hope for a better way to start. In this brand-new season of the Make Space for Growth podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Marta Palmeiro, co-founder of Student Finance. Marta’s journey is one of transformation—moving from a successful decade-long career in investment banking at Credit Suisse to launching an innovative fintech platform that is reshaping education and career mobility.
A Journey Fueled by Curiosity and Resilience
Born in Lisbon, Marta’s early career took off in finance—where the creative problem-solving on the trading floor laid the foundation for what was to come. In her own words, those years in banking taught her to “grab on to every learning opportunity” and to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit that comes naturally when solving complex problems. Even as she navigated the structured world of capital markets, Marta’s innate curiosity and willingness to create solutions hinted at the broader impact she would later have.
The Birth of Student Finance
Marta’s transition from banking to entrepreneurship didn’t happen overnight. As the FinTech ecosystem in Portugal began to blossom, Marta found herself at the crossroads of opportunity and passion. Together with her co-founder—who brought prior startup experience into the mix—they set out to launch Student Finance. The platform leverages innovative financial models like income share agreements to support upskilling in high-demand sectors such as technology, AI, engineering, and the green economy.
Overcoming Challenges in an Uncharted Territory
Scaling a company that has both a strong social mission and a financial backbone isn’t easy for many, but Marta has not seen this being an issue. In fact, creating impact is at the core of the business, therefore profit and impact decisions are aligned.
But building a business around a completely new model comes with its unique set of challenges. Marta recounts the hurdles of raising funds in a highly regulated, capital-intensive industry. Yet, through strategic partnerships and by securing an EIF guarantee, Marta and her team managed to unlock the money needed to take off. It wasn’t just about raising money—it was about proving the model’s impact. Marta proudly notes they secured letters of intent from credible educational institutions, proving that there was a real demand for their solution as a way to ensure they had a successful funding round.
Embracing Change with an AI-First Mindset
In today’s rapidly evolving world, AI is not just a buzzword—it’s a game changer. And I am always curious to know how each business is embracing it. Marta shares how Student Finance took an aggressive approach to become an AI-first company. By training every member of the team, from marketing to product development, Marta’s organization had to rethink the way work gets done. She highlights how AI has enhanced creativity, speed of iteration, and even the way teams interact with product development. For Marta, experimenting with AI isn’t optional; it’s essential for staying ahead in an era where the future of work demands continuous reskilling.
Leadership, Flexibility and an Ideal Day
Marta’s leadership style is deeply rooted in autonomy, self-reflection, and flexibility. As a remote-first company, Student Finance champions a work culture that values individual rhythms over the traditional nine-to-five. Marta does not define her day by rigid schedules but rather by the freedom to align work with one’s natural energy and rhythm. Her ideal day is a balanced mix of deep work, strategic planning, family time, and self-care practices like exercise and meditation.
Lessons Learned and a Vision for Freedom
Reflecting on her journey, Marta shares that one of the most powerful lessons she’s learned is that our limitations are often self-imposed—constructed by the beliefs we inherit from our past. By challenging these mental models, she has not only transformed her career but also redefined what’s possible for herself and her team. She has been very intentional about letting go and allowing more flow into her life, trusting the process and trusting her experience. We definitely share the need for control and how we need to embrace flow just one bit more…
Looking ahead to 2025, Marta’s word is “freedom.” It’s about empowering individuals with the tools, training, and financial solutions they need to build a better future—a future where financial friction is no longer a barrier to personal and professional growth.
Join the Conversation
Marta’s story is a testament to the power of aligning profit with impact, challenging the status quo, and leading with both head and heart. What did you find most inspiring about Marta’s journey? Share your comments below and join the conversation.
Marta’s List
- Book: The Surrender Experiment: My journey into life’s perfection – Michael Singer
- Quote: If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat. Just get on – Sheryl Sandberg
- Word of the Year: Freedom
Get to Know Marta
- Get to know Student Finance
- Follow Marta on Linkedin