In this episode of the love & other assets podcast, Emily Luk, CEO and co-founder of Plenty, sits down with Micaela Beltran, co-founder of Courtly, an online marriage platform. They discuss Micaela's journey from New York City native to Manila-based entrepreneur, her experience building Kaya Collaborative, a social enterprise connecting Filipino diaspora youth with volunteer opportunities in the Philippines, and her transition into the startup world.

Micaela shares insights on building a company with international talent, the benefits and challenges of remote work, and how Courtly makes marriage accessible to everyone, regardless of location, nationality, or sexuality. They also discuss how today's generation views marriage differently, with increased emphasis on personalization and fluidity.

The conversation touches on the evolution of wedding traditions, the growing popularity of online ceremonies, and the challenges and highlights of building a startup in a gray area of marriage law. Finally, Micaela reveals her excitement for the future of Courtly, including plans to expand its services beyond online marriage and become a comprehensive family services business.

What we discussed:

• Building a company with international talent: The benefits and challenges of accessing global talent, leveraging remote work, and navigating cultural differences.
• Courtly's mission: Making marriage accessible to everyone regardless of location, nationality, or sexuality.
• The changing landscape of marriage: How today's generation views marriage and weddings differently, focusing on personalization, intimacy, and a more fluid approach to tradition.
• Challenges and highlights of building a startup: The emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, the uncertainty of navigating a gray area of the law, and the heartwarming moments of witnessing couples get married.
• Courtly's future plans: Expanding services beyond online marriage to become a comprehensive family services business.
• The importance of embracing change: Recognizing the evolution of traditions and embracing the new ways people create families and celebrate love.

Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. 

Brought to you by Plenty. Plenty is an investment platform designed specifically for couples to build wealth, together. We go beyond budgeting, making it simple to invest, save and grow towards your future goals by unlocking access to the financial strategies of the wealthy.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Micaela Beltran: Website |LinkedIn

Connect with Emily Luke: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Plenty: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter/X

PEOPLE & RESOURCES MENTIONED

Channing Allen

Courtly: An online marriage platform

Kaya Collaborative

Notpot

Deel