When we exchange money between buyer and seller, it moves through a complex system of intermediaries.  The image at right shows stone Yap Island currency which became more trouble than it was worth because of its massive size. Is our money doing the same or is it being reinvented as we speak?

Whether you're banked or unbanked, be part of a discussion on disrupting that system for the benefit of buyers, sellers and all of us.

Presenters for this Disruptive Diner session include:

• Kyle Welborn, partner at Cultivation Capital, founded Fin Serve Tech Angels, an angel group focused on investing in disruptive financial services technologies, based on the concentration of accredited investors and financial services talent in St. Louis. Through launching Fin Serve and ultimately folding it into Arch Angels, Kyle learned a lot about the entrepreneurial struggle and the market for innovative financial tech start-ups and their products. He'll share his story and also his unique perspective of emerging trends and opportunities in new payment models and technologies.
• William Emmons is an assistant vice president and economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, where he researches banking and financial transactions. He'll share his thoughts on the regulated private-sector banking model in the US and contrast it with two other models in use around the world, pointing out the pros and cons of each. He'll conclude with some ideas for entrepreneurs, investors, consumers, and policymakers to re-invent our financial system by drawing on the strengths of other banking models.
• When we say we "pay attention," we don't mean there's a literal transfer of money, but for David Reardon, that's exactly what he means. David is founder of an alternative micropayment system for the Internet. Using 2-Way Micropay consumers get paid to see marketing messages they value and can use the money they receive to buy online content from any website, injecting additional money into a micropay economy. David will explain how this system turns content and privacy into a new marketplace that better serves sellers and consumers alike, and why business is ready for a currency of trust.

This thought-provoking and intimate event will feature:

• A stimulating event around a compelling current theme.
• A few dozen attendees with cross-disciplinary relevance to the theme make for an ideal networking and discussion experience.
• A no-selling environment  with notes and follow-up thoughts shared with all attendees.
• 3 short PechaKucha-style presentations on the theme by local experts in the field to inspire you and introduce you to the core concepts.
• Background information on the theme, the presenters, and fellow attendees, including a short bio and contact info for everyone in attendance.
• Food and ambience for making the kinds of social and intellectual connections that can transform your work.

             Date: Wednesday March 6, 2013

Time:

11:30 - Arrivals and networking

Noon - Lunch, presentations and discussion

1:30 - Networking and departures

The Disruptive Diner is hosted at Lab1500 and food is by The Green Bean.