Episode Topic

In this episode of Pay Pod, Kevin Rosenquist chats with Nic Beique, founder of Helcim, a Canadian fintech company revolutionizing payment processing for small to medium-sized businesses. Nic shares his journey of building Helcim, starting from its early days in 2006 as a traditional payments reseller to its transformation in 2020 into a full-fledged payment processing powerhouse. The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities in the fintech space, the importance of fair pricing in payment processing, and how Helcim is positioning itself against industry giants like Square and Stripe by targeting more established businesses in the mid-market.

Lessons You’ll Learn

Listeners will gain insights into the evolution of payment processing and how Helcim is disrupting the market by offering more affordable and transparent pricing structures. Nic Beique emphasizes the importance of building technology in-house to maintain competitive margins and avoid the industry-standard 2.9% transaction fee. He also discusses the challenges of hardware development for point-of-sale systems and how Helcim overcame these obstacles to provide a seamless experience for its customers. Additionally, Nic touches on the unique hurdles faced by Canadian fintech companies due to monopolistic market structures and the importance of fostering domestic innovation.

About Our Guest

Nic Beique is the founder and CEO of Helcim, a Calgary-based fintech company that offers payment processing solutions tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. With a background in technology, Nic has led Helcim through significant growth and transformation, focusing on delivering better rates and exceptional service to businesses often overlooked by larger payment processors. His passion for innovation and his dedication to leveling the playing field for Canadian businesses make him a prominent figure in the fintech industry. Outside of his professional endeavors, Nic is a proud new father, balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with the joys of fatherhood.

Topics Covered

This episode covers a range of topics essential for anyone interested in fintech and payment processing. Nic Beique discusses the competitive landscape of payment processors, including how Helcim differentiates itself by targeting mid-sized businesses. The conversation delves into the intricacies of payment technology, the importance of owning the entire technology stack, and the challenges of hardware development for point-of-sale systems. Nic also shares his thoughts on the Canadian fintech market, the impact of monopolies on innovation, and his experiences with raising venture capital. Additionally, listeners will learn about the leadership lessons Nic has gathered throughout his journey, particularly the value of networking and mentorship in the startup ecosystem