João Abiul Menano
About João Abiul Menano
João Abiul Menano is the Senior Director of Product for Insurtech & Fintech at Expedia Group and a Venture Partner at Start Ventures, with over 15 years of experience in AI, machine learning, and financial services.
Senior Director Of Product at Expedia Group
João Abiul Menano currently holds the position of Senior Director of Product - Insurtech & Fintech at Expedia Group since 2023 in New York, United States. In this role, he focuses on product development and strategy, leveraging his expertise in financial technology to advance consumer-facing solutions. His extensive experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and financial services informs his leadership in this position.
Venture Partner at Start Ventures
Since 2022, João Abiul Menano has been working as a Venture Partner at Start Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund, based in New York. In this role, he is dedicated to supporting B2B Insurtech startups, drawing on his substantial experience and knowledge in the financial technology sector. His involvement aids in the growth and development of emerging companies through strategic investments and mentorship.
Career at Google
João Abiul Menano worked at Google from 2019 to 2023, where he held roles including Group Product Manager and Senior Product Manager. In these positions, he led the development and monetization of various B2C products that reached millions of users daily. His tenure at Google showcased his ability to manage cross-functional teams and execute product vision and go-to-market strategies effectively.
Co-founder and CEO at James.Finance
João Abiul Menano co-founded James.Finance, where he held the roles of CEO and CFO/COO from 2011 to 2019. Under his leadership, the company experienced significant growth and was eventually acquired, marking a successful exit. His responsibilities included overseeing company operations, financial management, and strategic direction, demonstrating his entrepreneurial skills and capacity to steer a startup from inception to a lucrative exit.
Education at Nova School of Business and Economics
João Abiul Menano earned a Master in Management with a major in Strategy from Nova School of Business and Economics between 2009 and 2011. His academic background in management, along with his honors in entrepreneurship, provided a strong foundation for his subsequent career in financial technology and product management. Additionally, he dropped out of a PhD in econometrics and statistics to focus on building James.Finance, indicating his commitment to hands-on business ventures.