FinTech Female Fridays: Meet Kim Snyder, CEO of KlariVis

Kim Snyder, CEO and founder of KlariVis, didn’t just witness the data challenges facing community banks, she lived them. After spending over a decade as a CFO in the community banking industry, Kim found herself constantly grappling with fragmented systems and inaccessible insights. When her bank was acquired, she took a bold step, turning frustration into fuel by launching a consulting firm. But, as she worked with other banks, it became clear: the problem was everywhere. “Regardless of size, core system, or talent, banks were paralyzed by the mass of data they couldn’t use,” she says. Instead of waiting for someone else to solve it, she and her team built the solution themselves. That’s how KlariVis was born, out of lived experience, grit, and a clear vision.

At its core, KlariVis is on a mission to empower community banks by giving them back control of their own data. The platform consolidates information from multiple systems into one intuitive dashboard, enabling smarter, faster decisions across the organization. What sets KlariVis apart isn’t just the tech, it’s the people behind it. With deep roots in community banking, the leadership team truly understands the challenges their clients face. “We speak the same language,” Kim notes, reflecting on the collaborative, forward-thinking culture she’s cultivated. It’s a company built by bankers, for bankers, and that authenticity is its greatest competitive advantage.

In the world of fintech, where many solutions come from outside the industry, KlariVis stands out by bridging the gap between innovation and real-world banking needs. The platform unlocks data that’s typically trapped in siloed systems and turns it into actionable insights. Beyond the product, Kim and her team actively engage with industry associations across the country, championing education and fintech adoption. “It’s not just about selling software,” she says. “It’s about changing how banks see what’s possible.”

As a female founder in fintech, certain aspects and challenges of the job can require a level of creativity to surpass. For Kim, this was especially true while fundraising. “Data from PitchBook shows that women still receive only a sliver of VC funding,” she says. Instead of letting that be a limitation, however, she turned it into an opportunity by raising capital through clients who already knew the value of the product. She didn’t step into an existing leadership role, she created one. “You don’t need permission to lead,” she says. “You just need the courage to begin.” Her advice to other women in fintech? Show up, speak out, and take the seat at the table even if you have to build the table yourself.

Looking ahead, Kim is energized by the momentum around AI and data-driven decision-making in fintech. “We’re finally seeing institutions understand the power of their own data,” she says. While the industry still has much to learn, she believes AI will be a game-changer, especially for community banks. As organizations explore new use cases, she’s excited to watch how smart, strategic data use will drive the next wave of innovation.

One of the best decisions Kim ever made was betting on herself. Launching KlariVis wasn’t part of a long-term plan; it was a response to a need she couldn’t ignore. Equally important was her decision to surround herself with a team she trusted: seasoned bankers who understood the problem as intimately as she did. “If you want to go far, go together,” she says, reflecting on the journey. Her team’s belief in the mission and in her was what gave her the confidence to push forward, even when it meant venturing into unfamiliar territory.

In fact, when the idea for KlariVis first emerged, Kim didn’t see herself as a tech founder. “I wasn’t a developer. None of us were,” she recalls. But it was her team who encouraged her to think beyond titles and credentials. Their belief that domain expertise could be just as powerful as technical know-how gave her the push to leap into the unknown. That leap changed everything and continues to ripple across an industry in need of bold, data-driven leadership.

More about Kim

What is the most important lesson you have learned from a mistake you’ve made in the

past? 

One of the toughest lessons I’ve learned — and honestly, one I’ve had to learn more than once— is the danger of ignoring early red flags after hiring someone. Sometimes it’s trusting that a strong resume or an impressive interview means they’ll naturally rise to the challenge, or handing over the reins too quickly because that’s what I hired them to do. But when things feel off early on, they usually are. Waiting too long to address it, hoping they’ll step up, has never served the company or the individual well. I’ve learned that making the hard call sooner rather than later is critical. It’s not just about protecting the business; It’s about giving people the clarity they need, too.

Do you have any productivity hacks? 

My motivation comes from two places: our team and our clients. Knowing the impact we’re

having—especially in helping community banks thrive and compete in a rapidly changing

environment—fuels me every day. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our work make a difference.

My newest productivity hack?

Leveraging ChatGPT! It helps me get my thoughts organized quickly, brainstorm ideas, and accelerate writing—whether it’s for client communication,strategic planning, or even prepping for events.

As for work/life balance… I’ve never claimed to have that perfectly figured out. But what’s been transformative for me on this journey with KlariVis is having my husband—my partner in all things—alongside me. We talk a lot about the business, we strategize together, and we work together. And while that might blur the lines between work and life for some, for me, it creates harmony. I don’t try to keep them separate. I try to ensure they support one another. That mindset shift has made all the difference.

Daily Diary 

6:00 am: My day usually starts early — coffee in hand and a quick scan of emails and messages to get a pulse on what’s ahead. When I can, I try to fit in a 30-minute workout. I don’t get to do it as often as I’d like, but it’s something I’m working on prioritizing.

7:30 am – 9:00 am: Early calls with team members or prep time for key meetings; alignment on strategy and priorities with my husband (and CFO).

9:00 am – 12:00 pm: This block is usually full of meetings: 1:1s with direct reports, our weekly

sales and marketing alignment session, internal strategic discussions, sales prospect meetings.

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: A working lunch — sometimes with the team, sometimes solo while

reviewing a proposal or prepping for an upcoming call. If I can, I’ll step outside for a quick walk to reset.

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Prospect meetings, collaboration with the sales team, writing blogs,

reviewing industry articles, with at least one hour blocked as “focus” time.

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Time to tie up loose ends and prep for the next day.

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Evenings include dinner with my husband — and yes, we do talk a lot about KlariVis! I also try to carve out time to read or stay active on LinkedIn to stay connected with our industry and clients. Some nights we have events or travel, but I always try to make space to wind down and reflect.

No two days look exactly the same, but they’re always full of purpose, movement, and meaning — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.