SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API Gusto

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.


#SMB #Fintech #Innovation #Saas #HR #Payroll #SmallBusiness

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.


#SMB #Fintech #Innovation #Saas #HR #Payroll #SmallBusiness

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.


#SMB #Fintech #Innovation #Saas #HR #Payroll #SmallBusiness

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/.


#SMB #Fintech #Innovation #Saas #HR #Payroll #SmallBusiness

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/.


#SMB #Fintech #Innovation #Saas #HR #Payroll #SmallBusiness

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.


#SMB #Fintech #Innovation #Saas #HR #Payroll #SmallBusiness