In our latest conversation, we were fortunate to have Matteo Masserdotti, the five-time founder and current CEO of Viceversa, as our guest. Amid candid dialogues and a deeper delve into his entrepreneurial journey, Masserdotti unveiled some insightful details about his transformative experiences across multiple start-ups. From running traditional businesses to pioneering in the FinTech sector, his breadth of expertise provides a unique perspective on the evolution of start-ups.
The interview also revealed how Viceversa came into being during the height of the pandemic, marking a significant shift in his business journey towards a scalable model that is data-driven and innovative. In his words, revenue-based financing, such as Viceversa offers, is the future of finance for digital companies. As competition surges, he perceives this as a catalyst for growth, leading to an enhanced market understanding of such business models and fostering continual improvements in the sector.
From customer feedback to tackling competition, join us as we unravel Masserdotti's entrepreneurial philosophy and his vision for Viceversa.
Matteo Masserdotti: Mastering the Startup Chessboard - A Journey of Five Ventures
From marketing agencies to FinTech platforms, Matteo Masserdotti has run the gauntlet of entrepreneurship, transitioning from traditional businesses to the helm of innovation-driven ventures. In our chat, Matteo shared the essence of his journey, a rollercoaster of exploration and constant learning. "The consciousness about the potential challenges when you're going to build a scalable company, it's what makes the difference," he opined, underlining the need for a keen awareness of the entrepreneurial landscape.
When the pandemic hit, Matteo's vision took a fresh direction - Viceversa was born. Recognizing a growing need in the eCommerce sector, the platform was conceived as a more efficient method of financing for digital enterprises. "Revenue-based financing is more than an idea. It's a natural evolution," he revealed, articulating the shift towards a data-driven approach in providing financial solutions.
The consciousness about the potential challenges when you're going to build a scalable company, it's what makes the difference
Matteo MasserdottiFounder at Viceversa
While competition can often rattle the best of players, Matteo welcomes it as a catalytic force. He firmly believes that a competitive landscape drives improvements and elevates awareness about innovative financial solutions. According to him, the changing face of Viceversa is less about combatting competition and more about responding to customer feedback. He says, "The drivers for our change in the product, in the value proposition, are mostly driven by the customers." Echoing the spirit of a true entrepreneur, Matteo's narrative reassures us that adaptability and a focus on customer needs remain at the heart of any successful venture.
Matteo Masserdotti: Riding the Data-Driven Wave – FinTech, AI, and the Journey of Viceversa
As the head of Viceversa, Matteo Masserdotti is keenly aware of the unique advantages offered by a data-driven approach and a revenue-based financial model. In a world where traditional banks may balk at the metrics digital companies work with, Viceversa has bridged the gap, providing much-needed capital to companies while understanding their unique business metrics. "Revenue-based financing can take better decisions thanks to this data-driven approach," Matteo shares, highlighting the central role of customer data in their operations.
Striking a balance between technological innovation and practical business needs, Matteo also spoke about the necessity of a scalable infrastructure. Recognizing the hurdles that come with exponential growth, he acknowledged that this is an ongoing challenge for the platform, with constant changes and improvements. "It's an everyday challenge," he candidly expressed. Despite this, he also emphasized the importance of moving quickly in the market, even when the product might not seem perfect.
Finally, Matteo shed light on the significant role of artificial intelligence and machine learning models in Viceversa's evolution. With an emphasis on forecasting tools and data analysis, these models enable a more accurate and effective approach to financial decisions. "More technology is becoming available. This is a push to find new solutions and improvements in your technology," he observed, underscoring how essential AI has become to modern software-based companies. Matteo's insights point to a promising future, characterized by continual innovation and a persistent focus on the customer's needs.
More technology is becoming available. This is a push to find new solutions and improvements in your technology
Matteo MasserdottiFounder at Viceversa
Matteo Masserdotti: Future Technologies and the Journey of Self-Discovery
Eagerly looking towards the future, Matteo Masserdotti pinpoints AI as an exciting facet of technological advancement. Drawing on the expertise of his team, he predicts significant impacts on model-building and the speed of model development, particularly from quantum computing. "AI is definitely a super exciting thing," Matteo declares, marking the transformative potential of these technologies not only for Viceversa but for software-based companies at large.
Switching gears, Matteo takes us on a journey through his personal and professional evolution. From stepping out of his comfort zone and traveling across continents to leaving university unsure of his path, Matteo attributes his success to the cultivation of curiosity and resilience. These virtues, he explains, emerge when one dares to challenge oneself and grapples with life's ups and downs. "Being able to realize that these downs doesn't mean you're in the wrong way, everything takes time," Matteo wisely reflects.
Being able to realize that these downs doesn't mean you're in the wrong way, everything takes time
Matteo MasserdottiFounder at Viceversa
Drawing from past experience, Matteo emphasizes the lessons he's learned from his journey, particularly in the context of founding a scalable company. Recognizing the growth and maturation of the startup ecosystem since his early career, Matteo acknowledges the insights he's garnered. "I'm more aware of what building a scalable company really means," he confesses, demonstrating his growth as a leader in an ever-evolving landscape. Matteo's words not only underscore the importance of embracing uncertainty and challenge but also offer a forward-thinking vision that's sure to inspire.
Matteo Masserdotti: Turning Failures into Lessons and the Power of Data in Marketing
Matteo Masserdotti opens up about the struggles and triumphs of building a company, particularly in a budding ecosystem like Italy. He explains the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who can help navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. His piece of advice? Get someone who's already made the journey. "There could be a potential discussion with someone that already did that journey and can make you understand how to do it, or how to fail faster," Matteo imparts.
Unfazed by the concept of failure, Matteo embraces it as part of the learning process. His previous venture into marketing provided a solid foundation, but the journey wasn't without its setbacks. Matteo highlights how even small missteps—like hiring the wrong person or losing the right one—can snowball into a much bigger issue. However, his forward-thinking attitude shines through as he believes that these experiences prepare him to avoid the "final failure."
As for those eyeing the tech, specifically fintech, industry, Matteo advises a data-driven approach, especially for marketers. He attributes the success of modern marketing strategies to effective data management. "Nowadays, it's all about how you're able to manage data. Try to have these marketing curiosities, but with data science capabilities," he suggests. Looking forward, Matteo aspires for Viceversa to reach its anticipated milestones and team goals, acknowledging the time required to cultivate a truly autonomous team. His journey and insights not only encapsulate his entrepreneurial spirit but also give us a glimpse into the resilient mind of a tech leader.
Nowadays, it's all about how you're able to manage data. Try to have these marketing curiosities, but with data science capabilities
Matteo MasserdottiFounder at Viceversa
