This podcast features in-depth conversations with top business leaders, including technical leaders and developers, product managers, and C-level executives who are looking for new ways to grow profitability.
This podcast is for the fintech community, the vertical SaaS leaders, and anyone trying to build tools that SMBs need. Listeners will gain valuable insights from high-level industry leaders.
Tune in for discussions focused on what it means to be a leader, real-world examples of challenges faced, and industry-specific strategies leveraged to create exceptional business outcomes.
Disclaimer: Since recording this episode with Jessica, Chase Payment Solutions has launched Chase PayrollSM powered by Gusto. Visit chase.com/business/payments/payroll to learn more.
Technology is transforming how businesses handle payments, driven by innovation and customer expectations. On this episode, Jessica Young, Managing Director and Head of Product, Chase Payment Solutions of JPMorgan Chase & Co., discusses her journey from intern to Head of Product, the impact of the WePay acquisition and how Chase is setting itself apart in the payments industry.
Key Takeaways:
(01:20) Jessica's career journey.
(02:00) The significance of the WePay acquisition for Chase's product innovation.
(05:00) Overview of Chase Payment Solutions and its offerings for small businesses.
(06:50) Differentiation through trusted security and seamless integration.
(23:15) Criteria for selecting partners: product robustness, security and economics.
(26:35) Benefits of Chase's robust product development processes.
(29:00) Staying close to the customer in product development.
(31:00) Jessica's unique approach to celebrating product launches through music.
(32:30) Jessica's advice to future leaders on maintaining customer focus.
Resources Mentioned:
Jessica Young -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-young-a2331a19/
JPMorgan Chase & Co.| LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/jpmorganchase/
JPMorgan Chase | Website -
https://www.jpmorganchase.com/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
As legal technology continues to advance, small law firms face the challenge of adapting quickly. In this episode, Ronnie Gurion, Chief Operating Officer of Clio - Cloud-Based Legal Technology, explains how Clio’s platform is revolutionizing legal operations — helping law firms streamline case management, integrate AI and improve overall efficiency to better serve their clients.
Key Takeaways:
(03:12) An all-in-one platform to help law firms manage operations from intake to invoicing.
(07:05) Law firms increasingly want to consolidate their tools, preferring fewer, more integrated solutions.
(10:30) The complexity of legal compensation systems, such as billable hours and revenue-sharing, requires tailored software solutions.
(11:51) Clio is cautious about bolting on solutions without integration with the existing platform.
(14:57) Effective onboarding sequencing is critical to avoid overwhelming small business clients.
(18:15) Law firms have lower churn rates than other industries, which helps Clio maintain long-term customer relationships.
(20:01) Clio Duo, an AI-driven product, enhances efficiency in legal practices by streamlining operations.
(25:58) The importance of customer obsession when building vertical SaaS solutions.
Resources Mentioned:
Ronnie Gurion -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rgurion/
Clio - Cloud-Based Legal Technology -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/clio---cloud-based-legal-technology/
Clio | Website -
https://www.clio.com/
Clio Duo -
https://www.clio.com/about/press/clio-unveils-clio-duo/
Clio Manage -
https://account.clio.com/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go to https://gusto.com/
As small businesses navigate a landscape of increasing costs and evolving consumer behavior, how does a global payments provider like PayPal adapt? On this episode, Michelle Gill, EVP and General Manager, Small Business and Financial Services Group of PayPal, delves into the strategies that have positioned PayPal at the forefront of supporting small businesses.
Key Takeaways:
(02:02) Authenticity and staying true to oneself are key to leadership.
(05:14) PayPal started with small businesses on eBay and now supports SMB growth through five key jobs: get customers, get paid, pay vendors, manage cash flow and run operations.
(09:01) PayPal Complete Payments offers a single integration for multiple microservices, including Fastlane, which cuts checkout time by 32%.
(11:13) Fastlane boosts conversion rates by up to 50%, making checkout quicker and reducing customer drop-offs, benefiting both merchants and consumers.
(17:00) Prioritizing customer acquisition while also addressing operational needs, especially for smaller businesses, to support overall growth.
(20:22) PayPal offers flexible payment solutions that integrate with both its hardware and vertical-specific systems, focusing on partnerships over competition.
(22:57) PayPal collaborates closely with complex international partners to build versatile solutions, ensuring they address both broad and specific merchant needs.
(25:10) Understand your customers by speaking to them directly, allowing for unfiltered feedback, and never assume their needs — always ask and listen.
Resources Mentioned:
Michelle Gill -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-gill-47b2a85/
PayPal | LinkedIn-
https://www.linkedin.com/company/paypal/
Paypal website -
http://paypal.com/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
Retail operations face numerous time-consuming challenges every day. Lightspeed Commerce is solving one of the biggest and most tedious problems: managing complex workflows for SMBs.
Today, John Shapiro, Chief Product and Technology Officer, shares how Lightspeed empowers businesses to streamline operations, enhance product usability and leverage AI and machine learning for a competitive edge.
Key Takeaways:
(01:25) John’s career path from engineering to product management.
(02:08) The influence Steve Jobs’ commencement speech had on John’s career.
(03:14) Transitioning from software engineering to business operations and product management.
(04:03) The shift from desktop software to cloud solutions at Adobe.
(05:58) Lightspeed’s focus on complex in-store workflows for ambitious entrepreneurs.
(07:21) Balancing default settings and user flexibility in product design.
(09:45) Understanding customer problems is vital to drive product development.
(13:20) Integrating new technologies and financial services into Lightspeed’s platform.
(17:42) Validating market demand before building or partnering on new products.
(21:29) The role of AI in inventory forecasting and supplier recommendations.
(25:07) Using AI to enhance inventory forecasting and supplier recommendations.
(27:50) Balancing simplicity and capability in product design.
(29:23) Advice for aspiring product managers on navigating their careers.
Resources Mentioned:
Lightspeed Commerce -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightspeedcommerce/
John Shapiro -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnshapiro/
Steve Jobs’ Commencement Speech -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/.
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
Discover how a passion for technology turns into a groundbreaking solution that helps businesses thrive. Fred Helou, Founder and CEO of Vagaro, shares his journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the US. With a background in engineering and a love for tech, Fred discusses the challenges and successes he faced while building Vagaro, a platform that provides scheduling and business management solutions for the beauty, wellness and fitness industries.
Key Takeaways:
(01:52) Fred’s journey from Lebanon to the US and his early tech interests.
(07:00) The tough start of Vagaro and why persistence matters.
(09:54) How Vagaro helps businesses run smoothly.
(12:27) Embedded finance products and their impact.
(14:58) The effects of COVID-19 on the beauty and wellness industry.
(18:08) Adapting to change and staying innovative.
(21:14) The role of AI in customer communication.
(25:23) Payroll integration and its benefits.
(28:29) The evolution of customer needs and platform expansion.
(31:42) Fred’s vision for Vagaro’s future.
Resources Mentioned:
Fred Helou - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredhelou/
Vagaro | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vagaro/
Vagaro | Website - https://www.vagaro.com/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/.
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
Andrea Kando, Chief Payments and Strategy Officer of TouchBistro, has moved from elementary school teacher to payments industry leader. Her diverse roles in strategy and operations at Fortune 500 companies have equipped her with the skills to add immense value to smaller organizations. In this episode, Andrea shares her insights on optimizing revenue streams and enhancing the restaurant experience through TouchBistro’s innovative solutions.
Key Takeaways:
(03:10) Diverse roles in strategy, operations and payments add value to smaller firms.
(05:22) ISV: software solutions for specific verticals like restaurants.
(09:04) Key dining trends: online menu research, loyalty programs.
(10:59) Restaurant trends: balancing tech deployment with human interaction.
(12:51) Flexibility in delivering the right dining experience.
(13:00) Evolution of payments: focus on monetizing and optimizing experiences.
(14:32) TouchBistro’s intentional approach to payment workflows.
(18:04) Future of payments: the potential of soft POS solutions.
(22:18) Fraud management: layered security and optionality in payments.
Resources Mentioned:
Andrea Kando -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-kando/
TouchBistro | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/touchbistro/
TouchBistro | Website -
https://www.touchbistro.com/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of independent businesses, managing client flow and administrative tasks remains a significant challenge. Yuval Kesten, Chief Product Officer of HoneyBook, shares insights into how a modern platform can alleviate these burdens. Reflecting on his extensive experience at Meta and now at HoneyBook, Yuval details how integrating advanced technologies like AI and embedded fintech not only simplifies operations but also enhances overall business efficiency for freelancers and entrepreneurs.
Key Takeaways:
(02:06) Yuval details the bottom-up culture at Meta and its influence on him.
(03:13) HoneyBook is a client flow management platform primarily for independent service providers.
(05:53) HoneyBook’s mission is to support aspects of business clients are least passionate about.
(06:49) HoneyBook’s target market focuses on committed businesses.
(08:17) Independents face challenges as their businesses grow.
(12:33) Integration of embedded fintech features to manage cash flows efficiently.
(16:00) HoneyBook’s careful approach to providing loans as part of embedded finance.
(18:11) The successful adoption of financial features, including tax savings.
(22:21) Emphasis on the need for empathy in developing financial products.
(24:25) The application of generative AI in assisting with client inquiries.
(28:14) Future plans for enhancing platform functionalities with more AI technologies.
(29:48) Insights on building a team culture that embraces new technologies and efficiencies.
Resources Mentioned:
Yuval Kesten -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuvalk/
HoneyBook | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/honeybook/
HoneyBook | Website -
https://www.honeybook.com/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
Imagine stepping into a world where each decision is meticulously crafted, where every product feature is a stepping stone to unparalleled success. This episode goes behind the scenes with Navya Rehani Gupta, Chief Product Officer of Peek, who has mastered the art of strategic prioritization in the bustling arena of travel software. Discover how Navya's intentional focus and commitment to customer retention have catapulted Peek to new heights.
Key Takeaways:
(04:06) Peek’s software is recognized by G2 as the leader in tourism activity software.
(05:26) Innovation and customer collaboration.
(06:42) Product prioritization in vertical SaaS and focusing on winning a category before expansion.
(08:55) Providing cohesive customer experiences across multiple products.
(11:16) Peek’s focus on winning sub-verticals within the tour operator market.
(14:50) Balancing customization and scalability in product development.
(19:21) Tying ROI to product investments.
(23:08) Exploration of embedded finance within Peak's platform.
(27:04) The importance of intentionality in product management and leadership.
(28:45) Commitment to supporting female founders and leaders in tech.
Resources Mentioned:
Navya Rehani Gupta -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/navyarehani/
Peek | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/peek-com/
Peek | Website -
https://www.peek.com/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
In today’s world, where technology continually reshapes business landscapes, understanding the synergy between artificial intelligence and human interaction becomes paramount. The CPO and CEO of Formations, Co-Founders Uri Bar-Joseph and Shahar Plinner, delve into this topic, sharing insights from their entrepreneurial journey.
Their discussion highlights how they’ve harnessed technology to empower the self-employed while maintaining the essential human touch that distinguishes their service.
Key Takeaways:
(02:17) The inception of Formations and Shahar’s collaboration with Uri.
(04:14) Formations’ focus on the self-employed market and its challenges.
(07:22) How the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly supported their business model.
(10:13) Integrating AI to enhance customer engagement while maintaining personal interaction.
(10:31) The advantages of embedding fintech in Formations.
(13:48) Insights into the service model, emphasizing a non-DIY approach tailored for the self-employed.
(18:08) Handling complex tax issues with a mix of automation and expert advice.
(20:27) Introduction to “MAX,” an AI tax and accounting assistant with public access.
(24:50) The security of data with MAX, despite its public availability.
(28:47) Reflections on Formations’ organic growth and the role of human interaction.
Resources Mentioned:
Uri Bar-Joseph -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/uribarjoseph/
Shahar Plinner -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaharplinner/
Formations | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/formationscorp/
Formations Corp | Website -
https://formationscorp.com/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/.
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
The intersection of technology and finance has not just altered the landscape; it has revolutionized how we think about money management and financial services. Gone are the days of traditional banking as we embrace digital wallets and online transactions. Financial technology, or fintech, has streamlined processes, making financial management more accessible and efficient than ever before.
In this episode, CJ Gustafson, CFO of PartsTech, delves into the nuances of vertical SaaS and marketplaces, highlighting the critical role of analytics in refining these services. With the fintech sector continuously evolving, understanding its complexities is essential for businesses looking to innovate their operations and customer engagement strategies.
Key Takeaways:
(02:09) The significance of writing in personal and professional growth.
(03:44) The concept of control points in vertical SaaS and its impact on customer activation and product expansion.
(07:02) Highlighting PartsTech’s approach to measuring customer behavior changes through specific activation metrics.
(08:23) A critical view on total addressable market (TAM) estimates and the importance of a detailed approach.
(11:07) Examining the realistic challenges and expectations around multi-product strategies.
(14:00) The evolution from vertical SaaS to marketplaces, exploring benefits and challenges.
(17:00) An overview of PartsTech’s business model, emphasizing their take rate strategy.
(19:35) The significance of take rates as an indicator of power dynamics in marketplaces.
(23:49) How analytics and add-on products can make a marketplace or fintech offering more defensible.
(26:22) Forecasting advice for CFOs, with a focus on understanding customer engagement and product development costs.
(27:05) The motivation behind starting a podcast and the power of networking through content creation.
Resources Mentioned:
CJ Gustafson -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/
PartsTech | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/partstech/
PartsTech | Website -
https://partstech.com/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/.
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
How is embedded fintech transforming the landscape of vertical SaaS platforms and creating unparalleled opportunities for businesses? Uncover the future of financial services integration with insights from Seema Amble, Partner at Andreessen Horowitz. This episode explores the intricate dance of embedding financial technologies into software platforms, focusing on the strategic value and challenges that come with it.
Key Takeaways:
(02:28) Early interest in merging fintech with SaaS predates the current trend.
(04:56) Embedding fintech is complex and requires more than merely adding services.
(07:31) Highlighting operational challenges in embedding fintech services.
(08:37) Selection of fintech services should align with the core offerings of the platform.
(10:12) Examples of successful embedded fintech that enhance SaaS platforms’ core value.
(11:05) Shopify enhances value with embedded banking and lending.
(11:45) The right timing for SaaS companies to offer fintech products.
(12:14) Matching fintech products with customer needs and familiarity.
(13:23) Selling fintech to new versus existing customers.
(14:59) Discussing “minimum delightful product” versus full development.
(17:57) Addressing risks and compliance in embedding fintech.
(21:49) Excitement about AI in professional services and of new companies leveraging data.
Resources Mentioned:
Seema Amble -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seema-amble-b404126/
Andreessen Horowitz | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z/
Andreessen Horowitz | Website -
https://a16z.com/
My First 16 Podcast -
https://a16z.com/podcasts/myfirst16/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
Navigating the maze of health insurance can be a daunting challenge for small businesses, but it’s a critical cornerstone for their growth and employee well-being. This episode features an informative conversation with Will Young, CEO and Co-Founder of Sana Benefits. He breaks down the intricacies of reshaping health plans to be more accessible and effective for small enterprises.
Key Takeaways:
(02:06) Addressing health insurance as a major pain point for small businesses was the motivation behind starting Sana.
(02:39) Building a virtual primary care practice to enhance the healthcare experience.
(03:59) The shift toward value-based care models in healthcare is worthy of discussion.
(05:44) Trends in the health insurance market, including the rise in healthcare’s share of GDP.
(08:32) Sana’s focus is on small businesses and their unique needs.
(10:09) Efforts to transform patient experience through exceptional customer service and virtual care.
(11:34) A strategy for treating any provider as in-network to simplify processes for members.
(16:02) The role of brokers in the health insurance market and Sana’s relationship with them.
(21:30) Insight into Sana’s product strategy, focusing on healthcare.
(24:59) Will shares advice for starting a business in regulated industries.
Resources Mentioned:
Will Young -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamcyoung/
Sana Benefits | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sana-benefits/
Sana Benefits | Website -
https://www.sanabenefits.com/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/.
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go to https://gusto.com/.
Picture a world where finance and technology intersect, creating a dynamic landscape ripe for innovation and challenge.
Zack Miller, Founder and Managing Editor of Tearsheet, uses his years of experience and insights to unravel the complexities of this world, guiding us through the evolution of financial technology and the crucial role of seasoned leaders in steering hyperscaling companies.
Key Takeaways:
(02:26) Tearsheet’s evolution and incumbent innovation focus.
(03:06) Traditional finance and fintech partnership necessity.
(05:19) Tearsheet’s audience-centric business and storytelling model.
(07:57) Regulatory hurdles for fintech entrepreneurs.
(10:37) SMB hesitance in changing financial providers.
(13:54) Embedded tools shaping SMB technology’s future.
(17:36) Intuit and QuickBooks’ ecosystem success.
(21:46) Essential partnership skills in fintech.
(23:36) Value of experienced managers in fintech.
(25:36) Zack’s view on AI, quantum computing and crypto in finance.
(28:22) Banks adapting to new tech and trends.
(29:04) The state of fintech acquisitions and market challenges.
Resources Mentioned:
Zack Miller -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackmiller/
Tearsheet | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tearsheet/
Tearsheet Podcast: Exploring Financial Services Together -
https://tearsheet.co/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/.
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go to https://gusto.com/.
How is artificial intelligence reshaping the landscape of small business finance? In this episode, Lilac Bar David, Co-Founder and CEO of Lili, unveils how AI is simplifying and revolutionizing financial management for small business owners. Through a journey through Lili’s unique approach, Lilac highlights the transformative impact of integrating banking and accounting and the power of AI in making financial operations more efficient and accessible.
Key Takeaways:
(02:39) The high consumer expectations in banking services.
(04:28) Lili’s mission — to simplify small business financial management.
(06:37) Addressing the unique challenges of small business owners.
(07:15) Overcoming financial management hurdles in small businesses.
(08:47) The synergy of banking and accounting in Lili.
(10:29) AI’s role in automating financial management.
(14:04) The strategy behind building vs. buying technology for Lili.
(16:08) Lili’s plans, including accounting and tax focus.
(20:04) Designing Lili for inclusivity, particularly for female entrepreneurs.
(22:52) Advice for fintech founders on navigating regulatory challenges.
Resources Mentioned:
Lilac Bar David -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilachbardavid/
Lili | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hellofromlili/
Lili | Website -
https://lili.co/
Pepper -
https://www.pepper.co.il/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/.
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button, and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
As the healthcare industry navigates an era of unprecedented technological advancement, Andrea Kowalski, Founding Member of Chief and Former SVP of Products at Tebra, discusses the intricacies of innovating in a sector that affects everyone’s lives on the first episode of 2024. From her initial aspirations in the medical field to leading the charge in healthcare tech, Andrea’s journey offers valuable lessons and predictions for the future of healthcare.
Key Takeaways:
(03:35) An overview of Tebra, the healthcare software platform.
(05:24) Trends in healthcare: independent providers and consolidation in health systems.
(06:56) The importance of end-to-end platforms in healthcare.
(08:41) A discussion of patient experience and outcomes in healthcare technology.
(11:38) Challenges and lessons created from merging two companies to form Tebra.
(14:10) Strategies for integrating different teams and technologies in a merged company.
(18:31) Embedded fintech opportunities in healthcare.
(23:48) Ethical implications of aggregating and analyzing patient data.
(26:22) Advice for new healthcare tech innovators and future trends.
Resources Mentioned:
Andrea Kowalski -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-kowalski/
Chief -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinchief/
Tebra -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tebra/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
Is your small business banking experience disconnected and cumbersome? In this episode, Eytan Bensoussan, CEO and Co-Founder of NorthOne, explores solutions for the challenges small businesses face in banking. Eytan, leveraging his expertise in finance and technology, sheds light on innovative strategies to streamline banking processes for small businesses.
Key Takeaways:
(02:19) Trend of connecting back-office processes in mid-market companies.
(03:11) Disconnected systems in small businesses and the concept behind NorthOne.
(04:16) NorthOne's market differentiation as a connected bank account for small businesses.
(07:04) Streamlining banking processes for business owners.
(10:08) Challenges and strategies in launching NorthOne.
(14:37) Changes in the fintech macro environment, including venture capital.
(18:16) Using customer data to focus on profitable and engaged segments.
(21:01) Evolving competition in banking and digital offerings by traditional banks.
(24:27) Core technology trends impacting banking today.
Resources Mentioned:
Eytan Bensoussan -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eytanbensoussan/?originalSubdomain=ca
NorthOne | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/northone/
NorthOne | Website -
https://www.northone.com/
McKinsey & Company -
https://www.mckinsey.com/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
Discover how FreshBooks is transforming the landscape of accounting for small businesses on this episode. Mara Reiff, Chief Customer Officer and Interim Co-CEO of FreshBooks, discusses the journey from traditional invoicing to innovative, cloud-based accounting solutions that prioritize ease of use and customer engagement.
Key Takeaways:
(00:56) Mara’s journey to FreshBooks and her diverse career background.
(03:39) FreshBooks' unique owner-first approach to accounting software.
(04:11) The evolution from a simple invoicing platform to comprehensive accounting services.
(05:06) Introduction of collaborative accounting in FreshBooks.
(08:31) FreshBooks' strategy in technology partnerships and embedded technologies.
(13:04) The impactful role of AI for small businesses, according to FreshBooks' study.
(17:35) The significance of actionable insights over 'dinner-party data.'
(21:50) Strategies to enhance customer experience through effortless interactions.
Resources Mentioned:
Mara Reiff -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marareiff/
FreshBooks | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/freshbooks/
FreshBooks | Website -
https://www.freshbooks.com/
Mara Reiff's LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marareiff/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
In today's digital age, the business ecosystem is rapidly evolving. With the rise of closed and open platforms, companies are faced with a myriad of choices. But which model serves the broader segment of small businesses better?
Greg Ott, CEO of Nav Technologies, Inc., delves deep into the nuances of the open platform model and its significance in the current business landscape. He shares invaluable insights on how the open ecosystem can cater to the diverse needs of small businesses, emphasizing the importance of transparency, efficiency and customer-centric solutions.
Key Takeaways:
(07:45) The challenges and limitations of closed ecosystems.
(12:30) Nav's unique approach: Championing the open platform model.
(16:20) The critical role of transparency and efficiency in open ecosystems.
(22:07) The importance of building embedded fintech based on customer insights.
(23:54) The debate: Verticalized versus generalized solutions in the business ecosystem.
(25:17) The strategy of consolidation and its potential benefits for newcomers in the ecosystem.
Resources Mentioned:
Greg Ott -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregott/
Nav Technologies, Inc. | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/navsmb/
Nav | Website -
https://www.nav.com/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go to https://gusto.com/
In a world where software is evolving at an unprecedented rate, how does HR keep up? Instead of traditional HR methods, there are now advanced HR tools. Instead of isolated data, there are integrated ecosystems. Managing employee performance and payroll from a single platform is becoming the norm.
On this episode, Jack Altman, Co-Founder and CEO of Lattice, discusses the rapidly changing landscape of HR tools and the significance of creating platforms that prioritize both adaptability and user experience.
Key Takeaways:
(07:01) The dynamic nature of companies and the pivotal role of customer experience in Lattice's strategy.
(07:29) The emergence of embedded HR tools and the transition towards an open ecosystem.
(08:16) Embedded payroll and the myriad benefits of a unified tech stack.
(10:25) The essence of integrations and Lattice's approach to prioritizing them.
(11:30) The untapped potential of data in HR.
(15:31) The indispensable human element in HR and the delicate balance between data and intuition.
(16:56) The nuances between horizontal and vertical SaaS.
(19:52) Jack’s advice to budding founders on the transition to a multi-product offering, emphasizing strategic considerations.
Resources Mentioned:
Jack Altman -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackealtman/
Lattice | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/lattice-hq/
Lattice HRIS | Website -
https://lattice.com/
Gusto Embedded -
https://embedded.gusto.com/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go to https://gusto.com/
Mauricio Comi, former CEO of Dutchie Insurance Services, LLC, has been working with different types of fintech products in Silicon Valley for the last 12 years.
He saw what it means to build with embedded fintech — before the term was widely known.
Today, Mauricio covers why there is so much opportunity in the insurance space and how to properly build your core offering before expanding to additional services.
Highlights include:
What is an MGA?
The framework for thinking about modern embedded fintech products and risk.
The right time to add an embedded finance product to your core offering.
How should founders price their digital products?
What is the most exciting thing in fintech right now?
Resources Mentioned:
Mauricio Comi -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcomi/
Dutchie Insurance Services, LLC | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/getdutchie/
Dutchie Insurance Services | Website -
https://business.dutchie.com/insurance
Intuit -
https://www.intuit.com/careers/?cid=pjob_lip_click_us_active-fy20_cn_text_job_intuit-talent&iis=pjob&iisn=lip
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions athttps://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go tohttps://gusto.com/
Technology has permanently transformed industries, and legal technology, in particular, has had a profound effect on the practice of law.
Instead of law books, there are now online databases. Instead of paper copies, there are digital contracts. Managing clients from your smartphone is normalized.
Legal technology has redefined law, bringing efficiencies and simplification to everyday tasks.
Today,Keri Gohman, Chief Executive Officer atCARET, discusses specific use cases for vertical solutions and why there is still so much opportunity for massive growth in the legal industry.
Highlights include:
How is CARET different from other practice management solutions?
The role embedded fintech plays for business management within law firms.
How to talk to an organization in its early stages about the opportunities of embedded fintech.
Why you should start marketing new features as they get added to your platform.
Horizontal versus vertical solutions.
How will AI affect small and medium-sized businesses in the future?
Any specific guest you'd like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions athttps://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go tohttps://gusto.com/
Most fintech companies are still in their early stages of growth. A large chunk of business opportunity lies in identifying the gaps many vertical solutions will fill.
While fintech has been around for almost two decades, most of the well-known enterprises have used horizontal solutions. Now, vertical solutions are emerging in many niches and creating better options for small businesses and customers alike.
Today,Prashant Fuloria, Chief Executive Officer atFundbox, discusses how important embedded financial services are and why they benefit both vertical and horizontal solutions in specific ways.
Highlights include:
Fundbox explained in two minutes.
How does Fundbox compare to traditional lending companies?
What are banks doing to compete with fintech?
What’s driving the overall growth of embedded finance?
How to identify the right software partners.
What is Fundbox focused on creating next?
Horizontal versus embedded solutions in the world of fintech.
Advice to SaaS partners thinking about partnering with an embedded product.
Resources mentioned:
Prashant Fuloria -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fuloria/
Fundbox -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/fundbox/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions athttps://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go tohttps://gusto.com/
More and more, customers are looking for an emotional connection to the products and services they use.
Incorporating human elements, such as personalized support or intuitive user interfaces, helps bridge the gap between technology and human needs, making software more approachable and user-friendly for a wider audience.
Today,JP Durrios, CEO atBench Accounting, discusses how partnerships with vertical SaaS solutions and keeping a human element to the customer experience give you an edge over your competition.
Highlights include:
What makes Bench different within its crowded competitor space?
Horizontal platforms versus vertical platforms.
Key factors that drive product evolution.
How automation creates new opportunities for CPAs.
Advice for other leaders moving into new roles and changing leadership styles.
Resources mentioned:
JP Durrios -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpdurrios/
Bench Accounting -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/benchaccounting/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions athttps://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go tohttps://gusto.com/
For decades, traditional banking has been a convoluted process for customers.
Between having to show up physically at a bank branch and providing an endless list of information, startups need simpler solutions to jumpstart their businesses.
Today, Jason Zhang, COO and Co-Founder of Mercury, discusses how tech has simplified the banking process for startups and why having a strong opinion about your products makes them better for consumers.
Highlights include:
How Mercury differentiates itself from traditional banks.
The simplified banking onboarding experience that benefits startups.
Are there any downsides to the partner bank model?
Staying close to customer needs while scaling to ensure meeting their needs.
Conventional wisdom for founders in the scaling phase.
Resources mentioned:
Jason Zhang -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-zhang-5645a860/
Mercury -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mercuryhq/
Learn more about Mercury athttps://mercury.com/
Any specific guest you'd like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions athttps://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go tohttps://gusto.com/
A big concern consumers have when they walk into an auto repair shop is that someone may take advantage of them.
Today,Kathleen Long, Chief Revenue Officer atRepairPal, discusses why diverse perspectives in the auto industry are more important than ever, along with important lessons learned from building consumer buy-in within a low-trust industry.
Highlights include:
Carving out space for women in the auto industry.
The concept of a three-sided marketplace.
What makes SaaS solutions in the automotive industry so complex?
Unique lessons learned from building the RepairPal marketplace.
Fintech opportunities and how it fits into the overall roadmap for RepairPal.
The growing demand for transparency in the auto industry.
Resources mentioned:
Kathleen Long -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/longkathleen/
RepairPal -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/repairpal/
Any specific guest you'd like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions athttps://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go tohttps://gusto.com/
For a company to have continued success, it needs to be extremely focused on its industries and know its customers well.
On the flip side, there are lessons that can be learned from verticals that are close by. You might be missing out if you don't poke around and explore those other solutions.
Today,Andy Swansburg, Chief Product Officer, Fitness and Well-Being Vertical atXplor, discusses the challenges and advantages of taking on multiple verticals and why SMB marketing is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity.
Highlights include:
Andy's atypical journey that led to becoming the CPO for Xplor.
The idea behind commerce-accelerating technologies, with some examples.
How to think about organizing product teams and infrastructure in a company with multiple verticals.
How big is the demand for embedded finance?
How does operating internationally change the complexity of business?
Advice on integrating acquisitions for other CPOs and lessons learned.
Resources mentioned:
Andy Swansburg -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyswansburg/
Xplor | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/xplor-technologies/
Xplor | Website -
https://www.xplortechnologies.com/us
Any specific guest you'd like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions athttps://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go tohttps://gusto.com/
Managing teams has become more complex than ever, but the increased usage of AI and automation has changed how businesses hire and schedule employees.
Small businesses and enterprises alike now have a software solution to simplify scheduling, payroll and labor law compliance, no matter how simple or complicated your team is.
Deepesh Banerji, Chief Product Officer atDeputy, covers how to make important decisions early on in business without sacrificing opportunities for growth as they become available, and why the customer experience is your biggest competitive advantage.
Highlights include:
What makes Deputy unique in a world full of time and attendance tools?
Why the customer experience should be a top priority, no matter what your business size is.
Prioritizing mobile app usage with your customer base.
What Deepesh thinks about country-specific needs within a global platform.
Thinking about software designs with more upfront optionality.
The difference between companies that grow quickly and companies that struggle.
Resources mentioned:
Deepesh Banerji -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepeshbanerji/
Deputy | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/deputyapp/
Deputy | Website -
https://www.deputy.com/
Any specific guest you'd like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go tohttps://gusto.com/
Customers have made their preferences known when it comes to software solutions: They don't want to manage a dozen different logins and platforms.
People want to work inside of a single holistic dashboard because it makes their whole lives better in terms of user experience.
Today, Doron Friedman, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at SpotOn, covers why a hospitality mindset and businesses that are a good partner fit are critical for delivering the end-user experience that customers demand more and more of.
Highlights include:
What makes SpotOn different from other POS platforms?
Why hospitality matters when you offer a product.
SpotOn's finance roadmap outside of payroll.
Why customers prefer a holistic experience with their products.
Advice for business owners before they decide to lean into embedded payroll.
What Doron is most excited about for the embedded finance industry in the next year.
Resources mentioned:
Gusto Embedded -
https://embedded.gusto.com/
Doron Friedman -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/doron-friedman-a27b40/
SpotOn -
https://www.spoton.com/restaurant-pos/
Any specific guest you'd like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs, so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go tohttps://gusto.com/
In a world of growing digital currency demand, AccountingSuite became one of the first accounting software platforms to integrate Bitcoin and digital payments.
Since 2013,Kurt Kunselman, CEO and Co-Founder atAccountingSuite, has dabbled in crypto and experimented in blockchain to come up with integrations to remain a pioneer in his industry.
Today, Kurt discusses how to choose the right vendors to strengthen your product offering and why blockchain will transform the entire industry of accounting for the better.
Highlights include:
The ideal customer for AccountingSuite.
How the role of skilled advisors for SMBs has changed over the past decade.
Why including accountants in AccountingSuite's business model helped with their go-to-market strategy.
Creating a useful ecosystem among your product offering without losing your core functionality.
Key lessons from working with embedded fintech.
The difference between deep integrations and embedded integrations.
How to choose the right partners.
Where does blockchain fit into the accounting niche?
Kurt Kunselman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtkunselman/
AccountingSuite - https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountingsuite/
Learn more about AccountingSuite athttps://www.accountingsuite.com/
Thanks for listening to The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs, so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go tohttps://gusto.com/
For far too long, banking has been an overly complicated process. Especially for SMBs who have to go through lengthy regulatory processes to set up a business bank account.
The growing integration of fintech makes banking significantly more accessible. Streamlining the process, and saving both time and money.
Today,Michael Rangel, Founder & CEO atNovo, shares the journey of the growth of his company. He talks about when it makes sense to integrate fintech into your offering and why Novo's banking solution is now more necessary than ever among an exploding market of new SMBs.
Highlights include:
What it means to extend the capability of a traditional checking account.
The biggest problem for SMBs.
Novo's plan for improving inbound payments.
Where does Novo fit among a world of vertical SaaS competitors?
Advice for founders interested in building out a fintech ecosystem.
Michael Rangel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rangel/
Novo - https://www.linkedin.com/company/novo-hq/
Learn more about Novo athttps://www.novo.co/
Any specific guest you'd like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions athttps://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs, so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go tohttps://gusto.com/
On this episode, Brian Busch, Head of Marketing at Gusto, speaks withGusto Co-FoundersJosh Reeves,Edward Kim andTomer London.
Eventually, every founder faces the challenge of navigating the unpredictable economy.
Gusto has managed to adapt to every economic curve for over a decade, while also staying focused on providing as much value as possible to customers instead of extracting value from them.
Today, Gusto's co-founders band together to discuss how they've dealt with adversity and tough economic environments.
Highlights include:
Growing in the middle of a tough economic environment.
The most exciting parts of fintech from a developer's perspective.
What customer segment does Gusto see the most traction with so far?
The percentage of revenue Gusto Embedded Payroll will be responsible for in the future.
The right time to go to market, become a platform and offer additional services.
Gusto - https://www.linkedin.com/company/gustohq/
Josh Reeves - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuareeves
Edward Kim - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edawerd
Tomer London - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomerlondon
Any specific guest you'd like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions athttps://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs, so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go tohttps://gusto.com/
On this episode, Brian Busch, Head of Marketing at Gusto, speaks withNathan Gill, Chief Product Officer atEpos Now andJacob Olins, Vice President, Head of Financial Services, Strategic Partnerships & App Marketplace atEpos Now.
As consumer expectations change, businesses must undergo key transformations to keep up, most often in the form of more complete, personalized product offerings.
Today, Nathan and Jacob discuss why software companies are evolving into payment companies and providing single-source solutions for their customers.
Highlights include:
How payment processing has changed over the last decade.
Why embedded finance should be product led.
Balancing core features vs. add-ons in your product offering.
What makes a good embedded fintech partner?
How to sequence your embedded fintech roadmap and prioritize products.
A key lesson learned during the pandemic.
Nathan Gill - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-gill-15b24a/
Epos Now - https://www.linkedin.com/company/epos-now/
Jacob Olins - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobolins/
Learn more about Epos Now athttps://www.eposnow.com/us/
Any specific guest you'd like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions athttps://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs, so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go tohttps://gusto.com/
On this episode, Somrat Niyogi, General Manager & Head of Business Development at Gusto, speaks withRoland Ligtenberg, Co-Founder, SVP Growth & Innovation atHousecall Pro.
To keep up with customer demand, there’s been a major push toward technology adoption in the home service category, with many new opportunities on the horizon.
Today, Roland covers how to create evangelists for your brand and why both horizontal and vertical software solutions have a place in the market.
Highlights include:
The technology gap in the home service industry.
Tactics to grow your customer base early on (and things to avoid).
Building successful strategies outside of your product offering.
Advice for founders building a company in a vertical SaaS market.
How to determine whether a market is too small or not.
Roland Ligtenberg - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolandal/
Housecall Pro - https://www.linkedin.com/company/housecallpro/
Any specific guest you'd like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs, so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go tohttps://gusto.com/
On this episode, Somrat Niyogi, General Manager and Head Of Business Development at Gusto, speaks withHooman Radfar, Co-Founder and CEO atCollective.
Collective was founded to support the largest and fastest-growing class of entrepreneurs in the world: businesses-of-one.
Today, Hooman covers why entrepreneurs should focus on their passions instead of paperwork, why the SMB market is often overlooked and how entrepreneurs of today can take advantage of the economic downturn.
Highlights include:
Why the solopreneur niche is getting a bigger spotlight.
How Collective currently views the freelance market.
How Collective created its pricing model.
The balance between vertical and horizontal solutions.
Advice for businesses that are serving small to midsize businesses.
How to know when to stay the course versus expanding.
Tips for founders about to raise money in the next year.
Hooman Radfar - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hooman/
Collective - https://www.linkedin.com/company/collective/
Learn more about Collective athttps://www.collective.com/
Any specific guest you'd like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions athttps://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs, so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go tohttps://gusto.com/
On this episode, Brian Busch, Head of Marketing at Gusto, speaks withVictoria Li, Co-Founder atHeard.
Heard integrates smart software with real humans to handle bookkeeping, taxes and payroll for therapists, whose demand is currently at an all-time high.
Today, Victoria covers what therapists can learn from the creator economy and how a visit with her first therapist inspired her work with Heard.
Highlights include:
What is changing in mental health that you're probably not aware of?
Why therapists need a vertical solution.
How therapists use Heard on a daily basis to run their practices.
What makes a good API?
Figuring out which fintech products to build first.
How to highlight fintech product features to customers.
Specific embedded finance features that Heard is considering.
Victoria Li - https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoli/
Heard - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heardaccounting/
Learn more about Heard athttps://www.joinheard.com/
Any specific guest you'd like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions athttps://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs, so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions. For more information, go tohttps://gusto.com/
On this episode, Somrat Niyogi, General Manager & Head Of Business Development at Gusto, speaks withSima Gandhi, Co-Founder and CEO atCreative Juice.
There was a time not long ago when digital content creation was only considered a hobby.
Now, due to easy internet access, growing popularity and widespread globalization, many people have considered content creation as a full-fledged career option, which opens up a massive demand for financial literacy in this niche.
Today, Sima discusses what exactly defines a creator, why they should treat themselves like a business, and how Creative Juice was built with the intention of handling every financial inquiry a creator could have.
Highlights include:
Sima’s diverse background and joining Plaid early on.
What is a creator?
Could Creative Juice have existed a decade ago?
How traditional banks view the market of creators.
The risk for Creative Juice and creators.
Advice for founders in the creative economy.
How to determine the next best project to take on with so many options.
Sima Gandhi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sima-gandhi/
Learn more about Creative Juice athttps://www.getjuice.com/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions athttps://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs, so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go tohttps://gusto.com/
On this episode, Somrat Niyogi, General Manager & Head of Business Development at Gusto, speaks withHerman Man, Chief Product Officer at Bluevine.
For too long, small businesses have struggled to access traditional banking services and, as a result, have been restricted in their opportunities to truly scale.
By providing streamlined end-to-end banking solutions to simplify business payments for small businesses, Bluevine has been on a mission to fill that demand.
Today, Herman discusses why small businesses are so underserved, what they should consider before they add banking solutions to their offerings, and what else they can offer to stay competitive in the markets they serve.
Highlights include:
What exactly is a chief product officer?
Why companies decide to take on new brand identities.
Unique features Bluevine offers customers that banks don’t.
What are the criteria for a business to be considered a small business?
Why it’s easier to offer banking products today.
Herman’s take on the emerging embedded lending market.
Adopting an embedded lending solution vs creating your own.
Using customer segmentation to drive roadmap priorities.
Advice to companies considering offering banking solutions.
Herman Man - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hermanjman/
Learn more about Bluevine athttps://www.bluevine.com/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions athttps://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs, so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go tohttps://gusto.com/
On this episode, Somrat Niyogi, General Manager & Head Of Business Development at Gusto, speaks withObi Omile Jr, CEO & Co-Founder attheCut.
After spending 2 months without getting a haircut...
Obi discovered that finding a great barber wasn’t as simple as it needed to be. At the time, the best option was a Google search.
After 6 and a half years of growing theCut’s brand, Obi has booked over 50 million appointments, with 50,000 new people discovering a barber on the platform every month.
Today, Obi covers why he targets individual barbers instead of entire barbershops, the hidden opportunities within the barbershop industry, and why his brand has barely scratched the surface of the market that’s available out there.
Highlights include:
How theCut was bootstrapped before it grew into 4.5 million users.
The unique aspects of theCut’s strategy in the industry.
Why is barbering currently one of the fastest growing industries out there.
Managing barber shop needs vs individual barber needs.
Determining what products should be free and what should be paid.
Adopting digital payments in a primarily cash-based industry.
How to prioritize your product strategy and roadmap.
Learn more about theCut athttps://www.thecut.co/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions athttps://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs, so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go tohttps://gusto.com/
On this episode, Somrat Niyogi, General Manager & Head Of Business Development at Gusto, speaks withDavid Arnold, Chief Strategy Officer at Buildertrend.
The residential construction industry is one of the few industries that hasn’t adapted to heavy technology use yet, which presents a lot of opportunities ...
And that’s where David and Buildertrend come in.
David has an immense amount of experience in building SaaS businesses across multiple industries and sees a huge opportunity for an industry that only needs to change a few habits to become a software-enabled operation.
Today, David outlines the opportunities software has in the construction niche, why so many are available right now, and how customers and businesses alike will win from the tech boom.
Highlights include:
The role of a chief strategy officer.
Buildertrend’s bootstrapped beginnings.
How taking on institutional money helped scale Buildertrend.
How to decide whether to build, partner with or buy a company.
The type of company that Buildertrend is interested in partnering with.
A unique approach to marketplace investments.
Why has the construction industry been so active in the last few years?
How companies should approach new product investments.
Advice for bootstrap founders in their early days.
Learn more about Buildertrend athttps://buildertrend.com/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions athttps://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs, so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go tohttps://gusto.com/
In this episode, Somrat Niyogi, General Manager & Head Of Business Development at Gusto, speaks withBlake Adams, Senior Vice President atBain Capital.
Embedded finance has gained some traction in recent years and it’s expected to continue rising significantly.
Based on estimates, embedded financial services will generate a whopping $51B in revenues in 2026, up from $21B in 2020.
Today, Blake discusses the role that embedded finance is playing across multiple industries and why it’s become such an increasingly massive opportunity for companies.
Highlights include:
Defining the role that operating partners serve from fund to fund.
How to engage with the management teams of the companies that you’re invested in.
What is embedded finance?
The embedded finance report tech leaders should take a look at.
Why embedded solutions will double in the next few years.
Why there is so much venture capital being invested in the embedded software industry.
The conditions that need to exist before you explore embedded finance opportunities and make them successful.
Learn more about Bain Capital athttps://www.baincapital.com/
Read more on Bain Capital's embedded finance report at https://www.bain.com/insights/embedded-finance/
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions athttps://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs, so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go tohttps://gusto.com/
In this episode, Tomer London, Co-founder and CPO at Gusto speaks with Henrique Dubugras, Founder and Co-CEO at Brex.
Making each dollar count for companies that burn through cash has never been more important.
Brex landed at number two on the CNBC Disruptor 50 list for 2022, serving more than 10,000 corporate customers and freeing up startups to chase big dreams without worrying about wasted spend.
Henrique joins us to share the lessons learned from scaling quickly, creating verticalized solutions for corporate customers, and managing the risk along the way.
Highlights include:
How Brex's target audience evolved over time
When it's the right time to start expanding and adding additional products
How to evaluate attach rates for new products
When to sunset a feature that isn't working out
How fintech has changed the SaaS industry
Current market trends, by the numbers
Advice for optimizing your budget
Creating a culture that emphasizes speed of execution
Connect with Henrique Dubugras: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henriquedubugras/
Learn more about Brex at https://www.brex.com/
Any specific guest you'd like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs, so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions. For more information, go to https://gusto.com/
In this episode, Brian Busch, Head of Marketing at Gusto, speaks with Aram Muradyan, Head of Product at Squire.
There are over 100,000 barbershops across the US. Squire is working with several thousand of them, thanks to its innovative approach to finance-focused software.
Today, Aram shares how his previous career as an attorney is leveraged to scale barbershop operations and maximize profitability with an all-in-one platform.
Highlights include:
Connect with Aram Muradyan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aram-muradyan-35276919/
Learn more about Squire at https://getsquire.com/
Any specific guest you'd like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs, so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions. For more information, go to https://gusto.com/
In this episode, Somrat Niyogi, General Manager & Head Of Business Development at Gusto, speaks with Jim McGinnis, President at AffiniPay.
Jim has been a leader in the financial service industry for quite some time. He was even selected as one of the top 100 most influential people in the accounting industry for three years in a row.
Beneath the surface, Jim's background is as diverse as it is interesting. He's been involved in many industries, from selling beer, to the videogame business, and now tech.
Today, Jim is here to talk about the verticalized software shift happening in the legal industry.
Highlights include:
Connect with Jim McGinnis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamespmcginnis/
Learn more about AffiniPay at https://www.affinipay.com/
Any specific guest you'd like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs, so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions. For more information, go to https://gusto.com/
In this episode, host Brian Busch, Head of Marketing at Gusto, welcomes Alexander Jekowsky, Chief Executive Officer at Cents, an all-in-one laundry business management platform.
When you build something very specific for an outdated or underserved industry in terms of institutional software, you can make a massive impact.
The market can be huge, even if a typical investor might not see it right out of the gate.
Bessemer Venture Partners reports that about two percent of the laundromat industry has adopted a "modern solution," which leaves a lot of opportunity for Cents.
Today, Alexander covers:
Connect with Alexander Jekowsky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajekowsky/
Learn more about Cents at https://www.trycents.com/
Any specific guest you'd like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs, so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.
For more information, go to https://gusto.com/
In the first ever episode of the SMB Tech Innovators Podcast, Brian Busch, Head of Marketing at Gusto, explains the show's basics, including the format, future topics, and overall big picture goal.
This podcast is aimed at the FinTech community, especially anyone building with embedded FinTech tools. It's also for vertical SaaS leaders trying to serve and sell to a very specific audience.
With real-world examples from leaders in their industry, you'll be provided strategies and insight to grow your business and better serve your customers as a result.
Today, Brian covers:
Connect with Brian Busch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-busch-05177918/
Learn more about Gusto at https://gusto.com/
Any specific guest you'd like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation.
Be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
We look forward to your feedback on our first episodes.