Atlanta Launches First-Ever Fintoberfest at InnovATL 2025
Laura Gibson-LamotheSold-out fintech festival underscores Atlanta’s role as the nation’s fintech capital
Atlanta, GA — October 7, 2025 — More than 100 leaders from across payments, crypto, regulation, and entrepreneurship gathered Monday evening at Wild Heaven Brewery for Fintoberfest, Atlanta’s first-ever fintech festival and the kickoff event for InnovATL 2025. InnovATL is the city’s annual, month-long celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology, featuring events across industries and campuses throughout the metro area.
Moderated by Laura Gibson-Lamothe, Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy, the rapid-fire panel featured:
- Jagruti Solanki, CFO, BitPay
- Jamie Clarke, SVP Business Development, ekko
- Lali Shaffer, Director, Payments Forum, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta – Research Division
- Steve Nigri, Founder, NXTMOVES
Panelists described Atlanta’s fintech scene in one word: “resilient,” “thriving,” “collaborative” and explored the city’s unique advantages for fintech startups and enterprises.
“Fintoberfest is more than a festival. It is a statement,” said Gibson-Lamothe. “Atlanta is not only on the fintech map; Atlanta is where fintech lives. The community is what makes this work. Without the partnerships, the talent, and the people who show up for one another, none of this would be possible.”
Community Partners and Sponsors
Fintoberfest was made possible through the collaboration of community partners — Fintech Atlanta, the Georgia Fintech Academy, and the ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator — and supported by sponsors including ABF Consulting, ekko, Hypepotamus, NXTMOVES, Standups & Startups, Wild Heaven, and Wipfli. Together, these organizations demonstrated a shared belief in Atlanta’s position as the home of fintech and the importance of building spaces where innovators can connect, collaborate, and celebrate.
Looking Ahead
Fintoberfest was the first official event of InnovATL 2025, setting the tone for a month of innovation and collaboration across Atlanta. For more on the InnovATL series and upcoming events, visit www.innovatl2025.com.
About the Georgia Fintech Academy
The Georgia Fintech Academy, a University System of Georgia initiative headquartered at Georgia State University, connects students, employers, and universities to meet the growing demand for fintech talent. Since its founding, the Academy has engaged thousands of students, built strong industry partnerships, and established Atlanta as a global leader in fintech talent development.