Building a FinTech Disruptor: Start at the end and work backwards

Paytron co-founder Jaco Veldsman was invited to present at the 9th Annual FinTECH Summit 2022 as the opening keynote speaker on Tuesday 18th October. In the talk, Jaco provided insights into the importance of discovering who you are as a brand and shared the key lessons he and co-founder, Francois Henrion unearthed since launching Paytron. 

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Know what problem you are trying to solve

Trying to be everything to everyone is confusing for the business and potential customers. It’s imperative to understand who you are, where you help, what you do and how your company will positively change lives. 

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Change is important… pivot fast.

Adapting as you learn is essential. At the core, you need to know your business, but you need to be open to your customers - they are, after all, the people using your service daily and give valuable insights and feedback. 

Nobody’s perfect

And that’s okay. You’re learning along the way. Perfection leads to procrastination and doesn’t help with accelerated growth. Learn to feel comfortable when something isn’t quite 100% and keep going. It’s easier to edit than to create. 

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Don’t let the pessimists break your vibe

“There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.”

Ken Olsen - Founder, DEC 1977

There are always the laggards or people averse to change. If you have your market fit and determination, don’t be deterred by the nay-sayers. 

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Competition: it’s not just those you know right now. Don’t get cocky. 

“Netflix is not even on the radar screen in terms of competition.”

Jim Keyes - CEO Blockbuster 2008

Markets dominated by a few players are ripe for disruption. Don’t try and chase something that’s already there, innovate. And don’t get too big to fail - you never know what’s around the corner regarding the competition. 

Download Jaco’s presentation in full here.