We love reconnecting with incredible female founders from our past programs and sharing their inspiring stories. In this interview, Crystal McGregor, General Manager of Tech Ready Women, chats with Nicole Graham, founder of Kinba and alumna of the TRW Investment Ready Program. Nicole’s journey in tech, startups, and financial literacy is nothing short of inspiring, and she’s gearing up for an exciting market launch!

From Accidental Coder to Startup Founder

Nicole didn’t originally set out to be a tech entrepreneur. When she launched her first business, she needed a website but couldn’t afford a developer—so she learned to code herself. What started as a necessity quickly became a passion, leading her into roles in product design, product management, and startups over the past eight to ten years.

Now, she’s taking the leap to build her own company on her own terms—and Kinba is the result.

Breaking Barriers in Tech

Despite working in female-positive companies, Nicole has faced challenges common to women in the tech space. One recurring theme? Being kept on the “wrong side” of the boardroom door.

"I want to be the one talking to investors, leading the company," she shared. "Every time I got to that point, I was told I was doing great at running the company—while others went off to make the big decisions."

Now, as the founder of Kinba, she’s stepping into her own leadership role and shaping the future of financial education for kids.

The TRW Investment Ready Program Experience

Nicole has participated in various female-focused programs across Queensland, but she describes TRW’s Investment Ready Program as the most targeted and practical experience she’s had.

Instead of just high-level advice, she received actionable tools and resources—like an investor readiness checklist and direct expert support. This hands-on approach has been a game-changer as she prepares to take Kinba to market.

A Big Milestone: Kinba’s Market Launch

One of Nicole’s biggest wins? Kinba is launching next month!

While most coding apps move fast, Kinba is designed for kids and families, requiring careful development to ensure the best possible experience. Now, after extensive testing and refinement, it’s finally ready for its full-scale debut.

"There’s always a part of me that wants to keep tinkering, but I know we’ve built something really strong. It’s time to launch!"

What’s Next? Growth & Collaboration

Nicole is laser-focused on growth—getting Kinba into as many hands as possible, gathering feedback, and continuously improving the experience.

She’s also looking for connections in the FinTech and financial literacy space. If you share her passion for teaching kids about money, she’d love to chat, collaborate, and get expert insights.

How You Can Support Kinba

🚀 Parents with kids aged 8-12? Download the app!
📩 Have older kids? Join the waitlist for upcoming features.
💡 In FinTech or financial literacy? Reach out—Nicole is eager to connect!

Nicole’s journey is a testament to determination, resilience, and the power of community. We’re beyond excited to watch Kinba grow and see the impact it will have on the next generation.

Want to connect with Nicole? Reach out via Kinba’s website or LinkedIn.

Stay tuned for more founder stories from Tech Ready Women! 🚀