Female Founder Friday: Nitika Vyas, Co-Founder of Aila Money

This week we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Nitika Vyas, the powerhouse co-founder of Aila Money, an ambitious fintech venture on a mission to close the gender wealth gap—currently projected to take seven generations to fix.

With a formidable background in banking, hedge funds, and a growing passion for mental health and financial equity, Nitika brings a unique blend of analytical prowess and heart-led purpose to the startup world.

We sat down with her to talk about transitioning from high finance to high impact, building a financial app from scratch, and what it really takes to leap into entrepreneurship with purpose.

GS: Nitika, could you give us a summary of your professional background?

NV:
Of course! I studied maths, operational research, statistics and economics at uni—so quite the mouthful! The natural route from there was into investment banking, and that’s what I did.

I joined a big investment bank in 2008—right as Lehman went bust—so it was definitely a trial by fire. I spent seven years there, and while it was chaotic, it gave me solid grounding, amazing support structures, and tons of opportunity to learn and grow quickly if you were willing to step up.

After that, I joined a large global macro hedge fund for six years. I started as a trading assistant, then moved into trading and business management roles. It was incredible to see the fund grow from what felt like a startup into a huge global operation. I think I was employee number 60-ish when I joined, and by the time I left, it was closer to 250.

Following that, I became COO of the rates business unit at an investment broker. But somewhere along the way, I started questioning the impact I was making. I had reached a place of financial security and realised I wanted to do something more meaningful.

That led me to volunteering in mental health charities, especially during and post-COVID, where I saw just how deeply financial insecurity affected people—particularly women. It was heartbreaking.

That experience—and my own background, growing up in a low-income, migrant family—made me reflect deeply on how excluded many people are from financial literacy and wealth building. I’m the first in my family to go to university, and I didn’t grow up knowing anything about savings or investing. So I decided to do something about it, which is how Aila Money was born.

GS: Tell us more about Aila Money!

NV:
We call Aila Money your “money PT”—like a personal trainer, but for your finances. We’re on a mission to close the gender wealth gap, which currently stands at an eye-watering seven generations if nothing changes.

Our app helps people understand where they are now financially, what they want their future to look like, and then builds a path to get there—via personalised financial education, actionable steps, and access to human support. We launched in January this year and already have close to 600 users!

GS: That’s amazing. What’s the feedback been like so far?

NV:
It’s been great so far. We’re in learning mode, constantly speaking with users to make sure the app truly serves everyone. It’s all about iteration right now.

GS: Where are you on your fundraising journey?

NV:
We’ve just received our SEIS and EIS advanced assurance—thank you Sam from FounderCatalyst!—and we’re now beginning our fundraising journey. Up to now, we’ve been bootstrapped.

GS: What’s been the biggest challenge so far in your entrepreneurial life?

NV:
Honestly? Not knowing what the “right” answer is. You’re often juggling 100 things, and no one tells you what’s best—you just have to make a call and run with it.

GS: How does running your own business compare with working in big finance?

NV:
Oh, it’s night and day. In finance, especially in business management, you have a whole team of experts around you. Now, as a co-founder, you have to wear every hat—strategy, ops, customer support, product. It’s intense but also liberating.

GS: Has having a co-founder helped?

NV:
Hugely. Lis and I met at university, so we’ve got a strong foundation. We’re very different in our styles and skill sets, which works in our favour. Of course, it’s not always easy—any partnership in a high-stress environment will have its moments—but the shared vision really keeps us grounded.

GS: What advice would you give to aspiring female founders?

NV:
Firstly, just start. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—it doesn’t exist.
Secondly, make sure you’re ready. Financially, understand how long your personal runway is. It’s tougher for women to raise funds, so prep yourself.
Thirdly, build confidence in yourself and your mindset—know your “why.” If you’re clear on that, it’ll carry you through the hard days.

GS: Have you felt any discrimination as a female founder yet?

NV:
Not directly—mainly because we’re just beginning the fundraising journey. But I’m under no illusions about the stats or the challenges ahead. The gender gap is real, and we’re trying to fix it from the inside out.

GS: How has FounderCatalyst supported your journey?

NV:
The WhatsApp group is brilliant—people are generous with their knowledge and experience. It’s reassuring to know others are facing the same hurdles. And the platform’s resources have been so useful for getting our documents in place.

GS: Finally, what’s next for Aila Money?

NV:
We’re focused on building the best possible product and community. More partnerships, more features, and ultimately, more empowered users. We want to help people—especially women—feel confident and in control of their money. That’s the goal.

💥 Aila Money is live, and Nitika’s not waiting for change—she’s building it. With grit, heart, and one hell of a story, she’s on a mission to make financial wellbeing inclusive for everyone. We’re cheering her on every step of the way.

Author: Gideon Stott, Digital Marketing Executive at FounderCatalyst
Aila Money Website: https://ailamoney.com/
Nitika’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitikavyas/
Aila Money LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ailamoney/