Matt Oppenheimer’s story with Remitly feels like one of those inspiring journeys that start with a simple realization and bloom into something truly impactful. Picture a young entrepreneur fresh off a stint at Barclays in Kenya, back in the early 2010s, grappling with the sheer frustration of sending money back home. Forms, codes, agents—it was a labyrinth for immigrants trying to support loved ones in distant lands like the Philippines, India, or El Salvador. That’s the spark that ignited Remitly in 2011, when Matt teamed up with co-founders Josh Hug and Shivaas Gulati. What began as a scrappy startup hustling out of Techstars Seattle evolved into a digital revolution: no more tedious transfers, just seamless mobile magic for cross-border money flows. Fast-forward fifteen years, and Remitly isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving as a publicly traded fintech titan worth nearly $3 billion, with over 9.3 million active users and a workforce of 3,200 spread across the globe. The company, now a global remittance powerhouse, has battled giants like Western Union and MoneyGram, raising $400 million from investors and debuting on the stock market in 2021 at a lofty valuation of almost $7 billion. But on a crisp February 19, 2026, Matt is handing over the CEO baton to Sebastian Gunningham, stepping into the chairman role to usher in what he calls the firm’s “next chapter.” It’s not a goodbye, he assures everyone; it’s a strategic pivot to keep the momentum building.
In a heartfelt email to his team, Matt made it clear this shift wasn’t abrupt—it was the culmination of careful succession planning, a conversation he’d initiated with the board well in advance. “Step back? No, this is stepping up,” he wrote, emphasizing how his new role as chairman aligns perfectly with Remitly’s long-term vision. You can almost hear the warmth and gratitude in his words, coming from a guy who’s poured his heart into this company. He highlighted the growth they’ve achieved together: Q4 numbers that dazzled, with customers and transaction volumes up double digits, adjusted EBITDA soaring to $88.6 million—nearly double the prior year—and $442.2 million in revenue, reflecting a 26% jump. Send volume hit an eye-popping $20.8 billion, up 35%, all while expanding beyond traditional remittances. Remitly’s now weaving in small-business payments, multi-currency wallets, debit cards, and even stablecoin tools for higher-value transfers. It’s evolving into a versatile cross-border financial hub, serving everyone from everyday users to businesses with innovative solutions. Stock prices leapt over 10% in after-hours trading that Wednesday, underscoring investor confidence. There’s a human touch here too—Matt’s humility shines through as he admits he’s the company’s largest individual shareholder, with no plans to sell, and he’ll remain deeply involved, just not in the day-to-day operations. It’s a leader who’s grown up with his creation, now passing it on.
Enter Sebastian Gunningham, the seasoned executive poised to take the helm, bringing a blend of tech prowess and global savvy that mirrors Remitly’s own immigrant-driven ethos. Born in Argentina with Scottish roots and an American adventure, Sebastian’s journey feels tailor-made for this role. His resume? Impressive and storied: he served on Amazon’s elite executive “S-team,” directly under Jeff Bezos, steering marketplace and payments operations. Later, a brief tenure as co-CEO at WeWork, followed by spearheading digital transformations at Santander, the Spanish banking behemoth. “I’ve admired Remitly’s mission from afar,” he shared in a statement, “seeing how it transforms lives by bridging families across borders.” Imagine him as that empathetic figure who’s walked in similar shoes, understanding the labyrinth of global finances firsthand. Matt echoed this in his memo, painting Sebastian as a cultural fit—someone who embodies the multinational perspectives of Remitly’s customer base. With his background in payments and innovation, Sebastian seems primed to amplify the company’s push into diversified financial services, building on its core strength while adding layers like business tools and cutting-edge tech. It’s like bringing a maestro to conduct a symphony that’s already harmonious, ensuring the tune evolves beautifully.
Digging deeper into Remitly’s pulse, it’s easy to see why this transition energizes the team and investors alike. The company’s mobile app has democratized money transfers, turning what was once a bureaucratic nightmare into a simple tap on a phone. For folks like a Filipino nurse in the U.S. wiring funds for her parents back home, or an Indian engineer sending tuition money to cousins, Remitly isn’t just a service—it’s a lifeline, stripping away fees and frustrations that banks and Western Union once imposed. And it’s not static; the quarterly active users surged 19% year-over-year, painting a picture of exponential growth. Beyond the numbers, there’s a cultural heartbeat—employees across continents feel part of a mission that’s personal, even hopeful. Sebastian’s appointment signals stability and ambition, promising to deepen those connections. He knows the power of “moving money, moving hope,” as Matt poetically put it, and with his executive chops, Remitly could pioneer even more inclusive financial tools. Think stablecoins for security or membership programs that empower everyday people—it’s innovation wrapped in humanity.
Reflecting on his own path, Matt Oppenheimer embodies the archetype of the passionate founder who’s ready for the next act. At 2026, after nearly 15 years at the rudder, he’s earned his stripes—recognized as Ernst & Young’s Pacific Northwest Entrepreneur of the Year back in 2016, his legacy etched in every Remitly transaction. Now, as chairman, he’ll channel his energy into broader causes: cross-industry initiatives where Remitly’s tech can tackle systemic global finance woes, forging new partnerships, and expanding board roles. But it’s his personal touch that makes him relatable—a dad, a family man, who plans to revel in more quality time with loved ones. “I’m training for a Half Ironman in July,” he shared, a nod to balancing ambition with well-deserved rest. This isn’t retirement; it’s renewal, a deeper commitment to the vision he crafted from that Kenya epiphany. With his stake in the company, his voice will still resonate, guiding without micromanaging, deferring to Sebastian’s leadership. It’s a testament to personal growth, reminding us that even titans need space to breathe and pursue dreams beyond the boardroom.
Wrapping it all up, Remitly’s story under Matt and into Sebastian’s era is a beacon of what’s possible when tech meets heartfelt intent. From a gritty startup born out of frustration to a $3 billion powerhouse touching millions, it’s human stories writ large—families reunited through digital bridges, immigrants empowered, businesses simplified. The leadership shuffle isn’t a farewell; it’s a fresh chapter in this ongoing saga of innovation and inclusion. Matt’s gratitude radiates—”I’m humbled, but excited for what’s ahead”—mirroring the collective optimism buzzing throughout the company. With Sebastian at the forefront, armed with global wisdom and a shared narrative of journeys across borders, Remitly is poised to redefine financial freedom. It’s a reminder that behind every transaction is a person, a dream, and now, a renewed commitment to making those dreams tangible. As they gear up for more milestones, one thing’s clear: Remitly isn’t just moving money; it’s fostering hope, one transfer at a time, for generations to come. This transition encapsulates growth, grace, and boundless potential, inviting us all to imagine a world where borders blur and possibilities abound.
