Mitch Jacobs: A Fintech Pioneer, Entrepreneur, and Visionary Leader
In the fast-paced world of financial technology, certain leaders stand out not only for their innovation but also for their ability to transform the industry on a global scale. Mitch Jacobs is one of those names. Widely recognized as a fintech pioneer, Jacobs has built and led companies that revolutionized how payments and small business lending operate in the United States and beyond. With multiple successful exits, a billion-dollar IPO, and ongoing leadership at his latest venture, Plink, Jacobs embodies the entrepreneurial spirit.
This article explores every dimension of Mitch Jacobs’ life and career — from his education and early ventures to his leadership at OnDeck and Plink, his advisory roles, awards, and personal life.
Early Life and Education
Mitch Jacobs was born around 1972, making him approximately 52–53 years old as of 2025. Raised with a drive to innovate and lead, Jacobs pursued higher education at Dartmouth College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Economics in 1994. His time at Dartmouth provided him with the foundation to blend business strategy with a keen understanding of economics — skills that would later prove invaluable in fintech.
Entrepreneurial Beginnings
Jacobs’ entrepreneurial journey began in the early 1990s with Transaction Service Providers (1993–1999). This company focused on closed-loop stored value payment platforms for college campuses, giving students the ability to use stored value cards in their daily lives. The company was eventually acquired by Student Advantage (NASD), marking Jacobs’ first successful exit.
At Student Advantage (1999–2001), Jacobs served as Vice President of Product Management, running the payments platform post-acquisition. This experience sharpened his ability to scale operations within larger organizations while staying focused on innovation.
Tranvia and Comdata
In 2001, Jacobs launched Tranvia, an acquiring and issuing payment processor that he led as CEO until 2005. Tranvia was eventually acquired by Comdata, a division of Ceridian (NYSE), further proving Jacobs’ talent for creating companies attractive to major corporations. After the acquisition, Jacobs transitioned to Chief Strategy Officer at Comdata (2005–2006), where he guided the company’s payment strategy.
OnDeck: Redefining Small Business Lending
Perhaps Jacobs’ most transformative venture was OnDeck, which he founded in 2006. OnDeck became a pioneering platform for small business lending, providing a technology-driven solution to streamline access to capital.
Jacobs served as Founder, CEO, and Chairman for the company’s first seven years. Under his leadership, OnDeck grew rapidly and went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2014 with a valuation of over $1 billion. This milestone solidified Jacobs’ reputation as one of fintech’s most influential entrepreneurs.
OnDeck not only disrupted the traditional banking model but also demonstrated how technology could democratize access to credit for small businesses across America.
Plink: Personalizing Transactions
In 2017, Jacobs launched Plink, his fourth startup. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Plink is a transaction personalization platform for payments and digital banking. Its mission is to make payment transactions “smart” by embedding personalization directly into the payment experience.
Today, Plink is embedded in leading core processing and digital banking platforms and serves thousands of community banks and credit unions across the country. Under Jacobs’ leadership as Founder and CEO, Plink is reshaping how financial institutions engage with their customers.
Advisory Roles
Beyond founding companies, Mitch Jacobs has played an influential role as an advisor to several fintech ventures:
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Petal (2015–Present): Jacobs has advised Petal, a new kind of credit card company designed to help people financially succeed. Petal emphasizes transparency and accessibility, aligning with Jacobs’ vision of financial inclusion.
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Yieldstreet (2015–Present): Jacobs also advises Yieldstreet, a platform that creates investment opportunities in asset classes traditionally dominated by hedge funds and the ultra-wealthy. His insights contribute to expanding investment access for everyday investors.
Board Membership and Public Service
Jacobs has dedicated part of his career to serving in leadership roles that shape public policy and industry practices:
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Board Member, Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) (2023–Present): AEO is the trade association for nonprofit Community Development Financial Institutions. Jacobs’ role underscores his commitment to supporting small businesses and underserved communities.
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Co-Chair, MicroCapital Task Force: In this position, Jacobs worked with private-sector leaders to advise the U.S. Treasury and The White House on financial system reforms for Main Street businesses.
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Council on Technology and Innovation, New York City: Jacobs also served on Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s council, contributing his expertise to policies that encouraged technological innovation.
Honors and Awards
Mitch Jacobs’ contributions to fintech and entrepreneurship have earned him significant recognition:
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Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, highlighting his leadership and innovation.
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His companies have been named to the Inc. 500 list, Forbes Most Promising Companies, and Crain’s Best Places to Work multiple times.
These accolades validate Jacobs’ consistent ability to create impactful, growth-oriented organizations.
Personal Life
Outside of his professional endeavors, Jacobs leads a fulfilling family life. He is married to Samantha Ettus, a Harvard-educated bestselling author, motivational speaker, and media personality. Samantha is known for her books including The Experts’ Guide series and The Pie Life.
The couple married in 2005 and live in Los Angeles, California, with their three children. Together, they represent a powerhouse partnership of entrepreneurship and thought leadership, balancing professional success with family life.
Leadership Style and Legacy
Jacobs’ career reflects a leadership style defined by innovation, resilience, and a commitment to financial inclusion. He has consistently built companies that not only succeed financially but also make financial services more accessible.
From college campus payment systems in the 1990s to billion-dollar IPOs and transaction personalization in the 2020s, Jacobs’ legacy is one of transforming how money moves in society. His ongoing work at Plink ensures he remains at the forefront of fintech innovation.
Conclusion
Mitch Jacobs is more than just a fintech entrepreneur; he is a visionary who has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to identify gaps in the financial system and build innovative companies to fill them. With his education from Dartmouth, his groundbreaking work at OnDeck, and his leadership at Plink, Jacobs has left an indelible mark on the fintech landscape.
His recognition as Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, his advisory roles with companies like Petal and Yieldstreet, and his board service at AEO illustrate his multifaceted contributions to both the private and public sectors. Combined with his partnership with wife Samantha Ettus and their shared commitment to family and community, Jacobs’ story is one of balance, achievement, and vision.
As fintech continues to evolve, Mitch Jacobs’ influence remains a guiding force — shaping the future of payments, lending, and digital banking.
