Marlene Garáyzar, mexican succes story

Elvia Alaniz

08-08-2024

Marlene Garáyzar has made a significant mark on the Mexican business landscape by founding Stori, a fintech that made her the first female "unicorn" in Mexico. Her journey is an inspiring example of perseverance and strategic vision.

Success Timeline:

Marlene, an MBA graduate from ITAM (2014), began her financial career with a clear mission: to improve financial accessibility and inclusion in Mexico. With this goal in mind, she founded Stori in 2016, an innovative platform that democratizes access to financial services through advanced technology and personalized solutions.

With a disruptive approach, Stori quickly attracted the financial market’s attention for its ability to serve underserved segments of the Mexican population, including those without formal credit histories or limited access to traditional banking services.

In 2020, Stori achieved unicorn status, valued at over a billion dollars, a monumental accomplishment not only for Marlene and her team but also for the fintech industry in Mexico. This international recognition validated Marlene’s vision and her ability to lead in a highly competitive and dynamic environment.

Importance of Financial Inclusion:

Marlene and Stori’s mission goes beyond the numbers. It represents a commitment to financial inclusion in Mexico, a crucial factor in a country where a significant portion of the population lacks access to basic financial services. Stori not only provides tools for effective money management but also educates and empowers users to improve their long-term financial well-being.

The story of Marlene Garáyzar and Stori is a testament to how knowledge gained from programs like ITAM’s MBA can be a catalyst for transformative societal changes. Her leadership and vision continue to inspire new generations of entrepreneurs and professionals to challenge the status quo and create a positive impact through innovation and inclusion.