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Wesley Belden
Co-Founder & CEO | Raise Financial
Professional Background
Wesley Belden is a dynamic fintech entrepreneur with deep roots in investment analysis and a profound passion for helping families achieve their financial goals. Beginning his career at Great American Insurance, one of the industry leaders in property and casualty insurance in the United States, Belden honed his skills as an investment analyst and fund manager. Over the years, he was instrumental in managing over a billion dollars in assets, which equipped him with a wealth of experience in financial strategies and investment management.
Wesley's entrepreneurial journey took off after his time at Great American Insurance. Fueled by a desire to create impactful financial solutions, he transitioned into consulting, offering his expertise to hundreds of businesses looking to optimize their financial strategies. This diverse experience provided him with valuable insights into the challenges faced by millennials and GenZ, particularly concerning long-term financial planning and education savings.
In 2018, Wesley co-founded Raise Financial, a pioneering fintech organization dedicated to bridging the financial literacy gap for younger generations. His vision focused on developing financial products tailored specifically for the needs of millennials and GenZ, allowing them to invest wisely for both themselves and their children's futures.
The first groundbreaking product launched by Raise Financial was Raise Education, formerly known as Scholar Raise. This innovative tool simplifies the process of opening and managing 529 college savings accounts, while allowing parents to easily invite friends and family members to contribute through shareable links. To date, Raise Education has successfully assisted American families in saving over $3 million to cover future education expenses, demonstrating Wesley's commitment to empowering families through smart financial planning.
Looking to build on this success, Wesley introduced Raise Investment just four years later. This product is designed to equip millennials and GenZ with the tools and knowledge necessary to invest more effectively in the stock market. Impressively, the concept has already attracted the interest of over a thousand individuals in its waitlist, reflecting a strong demand for accessible investment solutions. Furthermore, Wesley’s entrepreneurial efforts gained recognition when Barclays, a leading global bank, selected Raise Financial to join its prestigious 2023 Rise Accelerator Program. This opportunity highlights both the potential of Raise Investment and Wesley's deep understanding of the financial landscape.
Education and Achievements
Wesley Belden pursued his formal education in finance, earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on finance from the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business. This program provided him with a solid foundation in advanced financial principles, which he later applied throughout his career. Before that, he attended the University of Florida, where he began developing essential business acumen.
Throughout his career, Wesley has held various significant positions that have shaped his professional trajectory. As a former CEO and co-founder of Raise Financial, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities and an entrepreneurial spirit. Additionally, he has previously held the CEO position at Scholar Raise (now part of Raise Education) and at Waffle, LLC, further showcasing his diverse skill set and adaptability.
His extensive background in investment analysis includes his earlier role as an investment analyst at Great American Insurance, laying the groundwork for his success in managing financial assets and developing investment strategies. Furthermore, Wesley’s experience as a business and management consultant reflects his dedicated approach to helping others succeed in the complex world of finance.
Notable Achievements
Wesley Belden’s accomplishments speak to his dedication to the fintech industry and the impact he has made on families across America. Leading the development of Raise Education, he has created an indispensable tool for parents aiming to prepare their children for a successful future on the basis of effective financial education. Helping families save more than $3 million is just the beginning of Wesley's mission to revolutionize how millennials and GenZ approach their finances.
The rollout of Raise Investment marks another major milestone in his career, showcasing his proactive approach to addressing the unique financial needs of the younger generation. With a growing interest in his products from an array of stakeholders—including over a thousand potential users on the waitlist and recognition from a giant like Barclays—Wesley is rapidly establishing his foothold within the fintech space.
In addition to his professional achievements, his participation as a former Accelerator Cohort Member at Rise, created by Barclays, further strengthens his credentials and commitment to innovation in the financial technology sector. Through this platform, Wesley has had the opportunity to connect with thought leaders and innovators, promoting collaborative efforts to drive positive change in the financial services industry.
Achievements
Raise Education product launch; Raise Investment development; Barclays Rise Accelerator Program selection.
Location
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