FALKIN wins Reseda Group’s Startup Pitch Competition at 2026 Reseda Summit in Detroit
EAST LANSING, Mich. — FALKIN, a digital safety platform that embeds AI-powered scam prevention directly into trusted banking and financial apps, was named winner of Reseda Group‘s Startup Pitch Competition held during the 2026 Reseda Summit in Detroit.
The summit connected financial industry experts with the latest technologies and strategies taking place in the ever-evolving fintech space. The competition was a second annual addition to the two-day event hosted by the award-winning credit union service organization powered by MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU). The Startup Pitch Competition offered FALKIN and four other fintech startups — Donevia, Merble, Voyager AI, and Kintera AI — the opportunity to showcase their game-changing solutions for a chance to win a $20,000 grant.
FALKIN distinguished itself at this year’s Reseda Summit with its member protection tools embedded directly into digital banking platforms. The fintech, operating across the U.S. and U.K., helps banks, credit unions, and fintechs stop scams before a payment is ever made by using AI to detect manipulation and deception across messages, payment requests, and online listings.
“We are honored to be recognized and grateful to Reseda Group for the opportunity to be part of its gathering of forward-thinking financial leaders and innovators,” said Joel Frisch, FALKIN co-founder and Chief Operating Officer. “We know that scams aren’t just about losing money but also the stress, inconvenience, and emotional harm that follows. That’s why FALKIN builds tools that help financial institutions and credit unions safeguard the people they serve by making digital safety a standard feature of everyday banking.”
This year’s Reseda Summit drew nearly 200 fintech founders, financial institution executives and board members, and credit union leaders from across the country for two days of networking, learning, and collaboration with Reseda Group’s dynamic ecosystem of products, companies, and partners. In addition to the pitch competition, live demos, and breakout sessions, Reseda Summit attendees gained insights from keynote speaker Erica Pilon, Vice President and Head of Corporate Strategy at Jack Henry.
“Reseda Summit is all about bringing financial services leaders and fintech innovators together to exchange big ideas and forge new partnerships that will shape the future of digital banking,” said Ben Maxim, Chief Operating Officer at Reseda Group. “Our pitch competition brings that collaboration and innovation to life with visionary fintechs like FALKIN that are building next-generation solutions today that help banks and credit unions help people.”
Reseda Summit will be coming back for its fifth year on Sept. 15-16, 2027, in Detroit. Stay tuned for more details at resedagroup.com, and visit resedasummit.com for updates.
ABOUT RESEDA GROUP
Headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan, Reseda Group is a wholly owned credit union service organization of MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU). Formed in 2021, Reseda Group changes the way people interact with their finances and how financial institutions engage with their consumers. By leveraging innovative products developed in-house and through its partnership ecosystem, Reseda Group is making financial technology and engagement solutions more accessible and approachable to the industry. Learn more at resedagroup.com.
ABOUT FALKIN
FALKIN is a digital safety platform that helps banks, credit unions, and fintechs protect their customers from scams before money moves. Its safety system gives members on-demand tools to check suspicious messages, calls, payment requests, and online listings in the moment, along with always-on safety shields that stop them from engaging with dangerous sites and messages. FALKIN works alongside existing fraud programs and is live with financial institutions across the U.S., U.K., and Europe. Learn more at falkin.com
