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

In a world where small businesses juggle countless responsibilities, how can technology simplify their financial operations instead of adding to the complexity? On this episode, Andrew Kanzer , Managing Director of Xero , North America, discusses building adaptable solutions for small businesses, the role of AI in accounting and the future of integrated financial tools. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introd...

Empowering small business owners means more than just offering tools — it means removing friction, saving time and building real emotional trust. On this episode, Ross Buhrdorf , CEO and Co-Founder of ZenBusiness , discusses how his team is reshaping the entrepreneurship journey with AI-driven services, embedded fintech, and a powerful customer support model that puts people first. Key Takeaways:...

The SaaS landscape is in constant and rapid flux, with verticalization becoming a key strategy for success. But what does it take to build a scalable, industry-specific platform that truly meets the needs of SMBs? Eric Remer , CEO of EverCommerce , shares his entrepreneurial journey and reveals how he built a multi-billion-dollar company by focusing on tailored software solutions for service-based...

The landscape of global work is evolving, and businesses are adapting to new challenges in workforce management, productivity, and compliance. On this episode, Cody Rogers , Chief Product Officer of Hubstaff , discusses the intersection of time tracking, workforce analytics and management, along with the trends shaping remote work and global hiring. Key Takeaways: (03:52) The importance of combini...

Small business owners wake up each day focused on two things: their Instagram and their bank account. But what if banking could do more than just show a balance? On this episode, Yoseph West , Co-Founder and CEO of Relay , discusses how banking designed for small businesses can drive cash flow confidence and financial clarity. Key Takeaways: (03:43) Small businesses struggle with financial visibil...

Balancing strategic decisions with customer-centric innovation requires a deep understanding of your audience and a clear vision for impactful solutions. On this episode, Irana Wasti , Former Chief Product Officer of BILL and experienced board advisor, shares her expertise on serving small- and medium-sized businesses, driving strategic growth and navigating diverse career paths in the tech indust...

Simplifying global payments has never been more critical. Marwan Forzley , Founder and CEO of Veem , shares his expertise in creating seamless payment solutions for businesses, focusing on flexibility, transparency and innovation. Marwan highlights how Veem bridges the gap between complex global payment systems and user-friendly interfaces for businesses of all sizes. Key Takeaways: (03:07) Effect...

Design can transform the complex world of compliance into a seamless experience for small businesses. Amy Thibodeau , Chief Design Officer and Head of Core Experiences at Gusto , discusses designing intuitive, compliant experiences for small businesses. Drawing from her career at Facebook, Shopify and Gusto, Amy shares insights into balancing compliance with user-friendliness. Key Takeaways: (04:5...

On this episode, Jeremy Zhang , Co-Founder and CEO at Finch , discusses the challenges of fragmented employment systems and how Finch is creating solutions through unified APIs. With insights on industry innovation, compliance and new-age benefits, Jeremy highlights how Finch is shaping the future of employment data infrastructure. Key Takeaways: (01:27) Unified APIs connect employment data, proce...

Modernizing financial services in an industry rooted in legacy infrastructure is no small feat.  Vignan Velivela , Co-Founder and CEO of  AtoB , is reshaping the financial landscape of the trucking industry, where small businesses often lack the tools to manage their finances efficiently. With AtoB, Vignan is introducing digital payment solutions tailored specifically for trucking, addre...

In an era where technology continuously reshapes business operations, payroll remains a challenging area for small businesses, especially as embedded solutions become increasingly popular. Gusto is at the forefront of transforming payroll into a seamless, embedded experience that supports the unique needs of small business owners. On this episode, Tomer London , Co-Founder and CPO of Gusto , talks...

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 Ch...

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: (...

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) Authenticit...

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. Ke...

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 managem...

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 experien...

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 emb...

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 custom...

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 t...

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 thi...

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 challeng...

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:...

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...

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 ma...