Bank of Dave & Moove: Pioneering Paths in Financial Inclusion

I recently had the privilege of meeting Dave Fishwick, the inspiring entrepreneur behind the 'Bank of Dave', at the The Richmond Communication Directors' Forum . Once I got over being starstruck (!), hearing Dave tell his story was not only deeply impressive but also drew striking parallels with the work we do at Moove .

About the Bank of Dave

Dave Fishwick left school at 16 without formal qualifications. Already working three jobs, Dave set about on an audacious mission to create his own community bank the 'Dave of Dave' and send it into profit in 180 days.

Recognising the gap in traditional banking, Dave offered loans and hands-on advice to businesses struggling to get help from the conventional banks in the post 2008 economic climate. Marking a return to old-fashioned, community-centric banking. His profits were donated to charity, earning him the title of the 'People's Banker'.

About Moove

At Moove, we echo Dave's commitment to financial inclusion. Founded by Ladi Delano and Jide Odunsi , Moove's mission is to empower mobility entrepreneurs worldwide, enabling them to own vehicles through alternative credit scoring technology. Like Dave, we believe in breaking down barriers to financial access, democratising opportunities for those often overlooked by traditional institutions.

The Bank of Dave & Moove: Vehicles for financial inclusion

Dave's approach to banking and our mission at Moove share a core principle: financial inclusion.

Dave identified a need within his community and responded by creating a banking model that supports small businesses. Similarly, at Moove, we recognised a gap in the mobility sector - a lack of access to vehicle financing.

Dave's hands-on approach and commitment to community upliftment mirror our ethos at Moove. We don't just offer access to vehicles; we provide a pathway for mobility entrepreneurs to achieve ownership and improve their socioeconomic status. Like Dave, we believe in supporting our customers beyond mere financial transactions, transforming the lives of those we serve.

Key takeaways from Dave's talk

1. "Hard work puts you where good luck can find you"

Dave's belief that "hard work puts you in a place where good luck can find you," reflects our ethos at Moove. In a start-up environment, challenges are inevitable, but where there is a way, there is - more often than not - way. Dave's blend of grit and vision mirrors our journey at Moove, where we're transforming the mobility sector through perseverance and innovative thinking. But that's not to say that hard work alone will get us there, Dave's story is a reminder that we need to always be on the look out for opportunities. Hard work will put us in a place where they will cross our path, but we also need the wisdom to identify and maximise them.

2. "Your edge is worth a fortune"

Dave told the story about how he learnt Spanish (in addition to working three jobs!). He did this so that he could understand his customers talking between themselves while negotiating. Our 'edge' lies in the diversity of our business and our team's varied experiences, enabling us to develop a more nuanced and effective product. This approach has been instrumental in creating a fintech platform that not only serves but also empowers mobility entrepreneurs across continents.

3. Collaborative Growth in Scaling Up

Dave's advice that "You can't do everything yourself, but you can always find someone to help you," is vital for scale-ups like Moove. As we evolve from a start-up to an organization geared for sustainable growth, collaboration remains central to our culture, fostering mutual support and success.

4. Embracing Action and Adaptability

Dave's initiative to set up a community bank within 180 days by "just starting it" is a testament to the power of action over perfection. At Moove, we resonate with this philosophy. In the rapidly evolving world of fintech and mobility services, taking decisive action and adapting on the go has been crucial to our success.

5. The Value of Local Knowledge and Community Impact

Understanding the unique contexts of our customers in different regions is crucial, a lesson echoed in Dave's approach. Like Dave, who supported his community and allocated profits to local charities, Moove is committed to creating positive local impact through our impact goals of financial inclusion, gender equality and electric vehicles.

6. The Joy of the Journey

A memorable moment at the forum was when I asked Dave about 1) his most impactful business experience. . . . and 2) what his favourite karaoke song was. Dave spontaneously burst into song. Which perhaps was the most important lesson of all: enjoy the journey, and don't take yourself too seriously!

To sum up, Dave's journey and Moove's mission share many commonalities, with a focus on innovation, inclusivity, community impact, and the joy of the entrepreneurial journey.

As Moove continues to redefine mobility entrepreneurship, we carry the lessons from inspiring leaders like Dave, who remind us that success is about creating value and enjoying the journey.