SAL REHMETULLAH

CEO & CO-FOUNDER, WORTH, ORLANDO

Rehmetullah and his sister, Suneera Madhani, were the creators of the payment processing startup Stax Payments, which reached unicorn status. Last year, they launched Worth to level the playing field for small businesses. The platform helps fintechs and financial institutions instantly onboard and underwrite small businesses. “While consumers enjoy seamless access to credit and financial services, SMBs are still stuck navigating outdated systems. Worth changes that,” Rehmetullah says. “We help enterprises give small businesses the same instant, intuitive experience, removing friction, speeding up approvals and unlocking faster access to capital.” Rehmetullah also worked to grow Orlando’s fintech ecosystem by supporting UCF’s fintech program and advising local economic development initiatives.

EDUCATION: University of Florida (BS)

FIRST JOB: I started my first company when I was 19, fresh out of college at a burger joint in Seminole Towne Center Mall. That experience taught me what it takes to build something from scratch and the value of grit and curiosity.

DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: A point guard for the Dallas Mavericks. I know I am not tall enough or probably don’t have the jumper, but if I could do anything … that would be it.

MENTEE IMPACT: A former intern of mine is now part of Worth’s leadership team and plays a key role in our day-to-day operations. It’s been great to see someone start early in their career and grow into a leadership position through hard work and hustle. He is one example of many, not only our interns, but folks who are now in leadership roles all across payments. We’re not the PayPal mafia but, maybe the second closest thing.

SOMETHING SURPRISING: My goal is to own an NBA team one day. For me, sports has the ability to unite people from all fronts and I aspire to put myself in a position to do that.

HOBBY: I have an affinity for Nike shoes and I have acquired quite a big collection. My backdrop in my office is all Air Jordans and have probably over 200 pairs. Yes, I wear them.

NONPROFIT PASSION: AKDN & OMYF — The Aga Khan Development Network and the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. I relate, a lot, to the youth in the world to find something positive in their world and both the AKDN and OMYF provide that through education and sports.