Ben Milne Speaking Fee: $20,000 to $30,000

Ben Milne is a pioneering entrepreneur best known for founding Dwolla, a Des Moines-based fintech company that transformed digital payments by enabling fast, secure, and low-cost bank transfers. His journey into the tech world began unconventionally; at 18, he dropped out of college to start Elemental Designs, a company specializing in high-end audio equipment. This venture sparked his interest in streamlining financial transactions, leading him to establish Dwolla in 2008. Under Milne's leadership, Dwolla introduced innovative solutions to the payments industry, challenging traditional systems dominated by credit cards. By 2013, the company was on track to process over $1 billion for 250,000 consumers and businesses. Milne's vision and execution attracted significant venture capital, including investments from Andreessen Horowitz and Union Square Ventures. In 2016, Dwolla shifted its focus from consumer-facing applications to providing a white-label API, allowing businesses to integrate bank transfers directly into their platforms. This strategic pivot positioned Dwolla as a key player in the B2B payments space, facilitating seamless transactions for a diverse range of clients. Beyond Dwolla, Milne co-founded Brale, a company that combines centralized and decentralized finance technologies. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation have earned him accolades such as being named to MIT Technology Review's "Innovators Under 35" list and Forbes' "Disruptors of the Year." Residing in Des Moines with his partner Jami and their children, Milne remains deeply connected to his community. His journey exemplifies the impact of curiosity, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of better solutions in the ever-evolving landscape of financial technology.