electronic payments

Areas I’m most likely to invest in during 2010

Derek Pilling, , , , , , 5 Comments

I have always been fairly thematic in my investment approach. For me, the process starts with identifying big markets that are either 1) emerging (and will therefore be created over the next several years) or 2) undergoing some structural shift that will enable new entrants to grab market share from incumbents. I have seen Companies succeed in both types of markets and so I don’t have a preference for either approach. In 2010, there are a several big themes that I’m tracking which are likely to influence my investment selection during the year.

Everything is a service

For several years I’ve been spouting off about the notion that “everything is turning into a service”.

Areas I’m most likely to invest in during 2010

Reactions to AmEx’s acquisition of Revolution Money

Derek Pilling, , , , , , , , 2 Comments

Karen Webster of Market Platform Dynamics asked me to share some quick reactions on the announced acquisition of Revolution Money by AmEx this morning. As a result, my thoughts are cross-posted on PYMNTS.com. Karen asked me to address the following questions/issues:

What was your initial reaction to the news?

My initial reaction was that AmEx move to purchase Revolution is a direct reaction to two big moves PayPal has made in recent months. First, last November, PayPal announced the acquisition of BillMeLater. If the incumbents needed a signal that alternative payments were ready for prime-time, PayPal/BillMeLater provided it. AmEx’ acquisition of Revolution Money only solidifies the trend and highlights how controlling the payment instrument is as important as controlling the back-end. Related to this, it is clear that AmEx wants to buoy it’s at-risk issuer-side revenue streams with…

Reactions to AmEx’s acquisition of Revolution Money

Payments: A day on the inside

Derek Pilling, , , , 2 Comments

Earlier this week, I participated in a truly special event, the Lydian Roundtable. Lydian is a gathering of the best and brightest in the electronic payment industry and is hosted by my friends at Market Platform Dynamics, David Evans and Karen Webster. Every year, they bring together 50 to 100 key executives in the industry to discuss what is next in payments.

Lydian should not be mistaken for a conference. Rather, it is a discussion about what matters in the industry – today and in the future –  lead not by a conference organizer, but rather by the attendees. Everyone in attendance had participative responsibilities; speaking on a panel, giving a presentation on an issue, etc. For my part, Karen and David asked me to moderate a panel on Innovators in Payment.

Payments: A day on the inside