Ep. 94 - Payments Is Back… But Smarter: Capital, Valuations & Where Investors Are Placing Bets, with Pollen Street

Ep. 96 - From Crypto to Core Infrastructure: Why Traditional Payments Are Embracing Stablecoins, with BVNK

In the latest episode of The Payments Shed Podcast, Grant Evans and Justin Hanna are joined by Julia Morrongiello, VP of Corporate Development and Strategy at BVNK, for a conversation exploring why stablecoins are rapidly moving from crypto niche to core payments infrastructure. Julia shares her perspective on BVNK's landmark acquisition by Mastercard and what it signals for the future of money movement. The discussion explores why traditional payment networks are increasingly embracing blockchain technology, how stablecoins are becoming a serious alternative for cross-border payments, treasury, and B2B settlement, and why the conversation has shifted from speculation to real-world infrastructure. They also unpack the practical challenges of connecting traditional banking rails with blockchain networks, from liquidity and compliance to settlement and user experience. Looking ahead, Julia explains why many merchants may already be benefiting from crypto-powered infrastructure without even realising it, how abstraction will drive mainstream adoption, and what the next generation of global payments could look like as fiat and digital assets increasingly converge. Plus, Julia steps up for The Payments Shed's legendary Shelf of Shame to nominate one crypto or payments trend she'd happily banish forever. *** The Payments Shed Podcast is headline sponsored by Damisa. Damisa is a regulated cross-border payments and treasury infrastructure provider. Using a blend of traditional banking rails and stablecoin technology, Damisa helps businesses move money faster, cheaper, and more transparently across global markets. Its platform supports collections, settlements, disbursements, and liquidity management, while maintaining a strong compliance-first approach. Damisa is building the next generation of global payment infrastructure. Learn more at: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.damisa.xyz/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.damisa.xyz/] *** The Payments Shed Podcast is also sponsored by Cyclops. Cyclops is a crypto and stablecoin infrastructure platform built for payments companies, enabling PSPs, acquirers and processors to offer crypto acceptance, stablecoin settlement and payouts without building their own blockchain stack. It provides a unified solution for pay-ins, pay-outs and fiat-to-digital asset conversion, with simple API or low-code integration. Learn more at: ⁠⁠⁠https://cyclops.finance/⁠⁠⁠ [https://cyclops.finance/] *** The Payments Shed Podcast is supported by PCN. PCN is a boutique recruitment agency rooted in Amsterdam, driven by a singular mission: connecting top talent with industry leaders. PCN specialises in five core pillars — Fintech, Cybersecurity, SaaS, E-Commerce, and Salesforce — backed by a global network across borders. Learn more at: ⁠⁠⁠https://teampcn.com/⁠⁠⁠ [https://teampcn.com/] *** Disclaimer: Any views or opinions referenced in this podcast episode are our own, or those of our respective guests, and they do not represent any views, opinions, or statements from our respective employers, or those of our guests. Additionally, any views expressed here are not intended as investment, legal, tax, or financial advice.

Ep. 95 - From Recovery to Revolution: Building a Challenger Brand to Rethink Healthcare, with Thomas (Hal) Robson-Kanu

In the latest episode of The Payments Shed Podcast, Grant Evans and Justin Hanna are joined by Thomas 'Hal' Robson-Kanu, former Premier League footballer, Wales international, and founder of The Turmeric Co, for a conversation exploring the remarkable journey from elite sport to building one of the UK's fastest-growing wellness brands. Thomas shares how a homemade turmeric remedy, originally created to aid his own recovery during his playing career, became the foundation for a business with a mission far bigger than selling wellness products. The discussion explores the challenge of building credibility in the healthcare sector, why prevention should play a much greater role in modern healthcare, and his ambition to see natural health solutions become a recognised part of everyday treatment. They also unpack what it really takes to scale a challenger brand, from securing listings with major retailers including Tesco, Boots, Sainsbury's and Ocado, to building a high-performing team while maintaining quality and customer trust. Along the way, Thomas reflects on the mindset shift from professional athlete to entrepreneur, the lessons he's learned as a founder, and what it takes to build a business capable of changing an entire category. Plus, Thomas steps up for The Payments Shed's legendary Shelf of Shame to nominate one health and wellness trend he'd happily banish forever. *** The Payments Shed Podcast is headline sponsored by Damisa. Damisa is a regulated cross-border payments and treasury infrastructure provider. Using a blend of traditional banking rails and stablecoin technology, Damisa helps businesses move money faster, cheaper, and more transparently across global markets. Its platform supports collections, settlements, disbursements, and liquidity management, while maintaining a strong compliance-first approach. Damisa is building the next generation of global payment infrastructure. Learn more at: ⁠⁠https://www.damisa.xyz/⁠⁠ [https://www.damisa.xyz/] *** The Payments Shed Podcast is also sponsored by Cyclops. Cyclops is a crypto and stablecoin infrastructure platform built for payments companies, enabling PSPs, acquirers and processors to offer crypto acceptance, stablecoin settlement and payouts without building their own blockchain stack. It provides a unified solution for pay-ins, pay-outs and fiat-to-digital asset conversion, with simple API or low-code integration. Learn more at: ⁠⁠https://cyclops.finance/⁠⁠ [https://cyclops.finance/] *** The Payments Shed Podcast is supported by PCN. PCN is a boutique recruitment agency rooted in Amsterdam, driven by a singular mission: connecting top talent with industry leaders. PCN specialises in five core pillars — Fintech, Cybersecurity, SaaS, E-Commerce, and Salesforce — backed by a global network across borders. Learn more at: ⁠⁠https://teampcn.com/⁠⁠ [https://teampcn.com/] *** Disclaimer: Any views or opinions referenced in this podcast episode are our own, or those of our respective guests, and they do not represent any views, opinions, or statements from our respective employers, or those of our guests. Additionally, any views expressed here are not intended as investment, legal, tax, or financial advice.

Ep. 94 - Payments Is Back… But Smarter: Capital, Valuations & Where Investors Are Placing Bets, with Pollen Street

Grant Evans and Justin Hanna are joined by Esme Wilson, Private Equity Vice President at Pollen Street Capital, for a conversation exploring why confidence is returning to payments and fintech investment — but under a very different set of rules than just a few years ago. Esme shares her perspective from the front line of private equity, discussing the return of deal activity, how founders should think about raising capital versus continuing to grow independently, and why today's investors are placing far greater emphasis on resilient business models, predictable revenue, and long-term value creation. The discussion explores how valuations have evolved since the highs of 2021 and 2022, what lessons the market has genuinely learned, and whether AI is creating the next wave of investment excitement or another valuation bubble. They also unpack what makes a payments business attractive in today's market, why sectors such as government, education, and essential financial infrastructure are receiving increased investor attention, and what founders need to understand before considering fundraising, acquisition, or private equity investment. Plus, Esme steps up for The Payments Shed's legendary Shelf of Shame to nominate one investing trend she'd happily banish forever. *** The Payments Shed Podcast is headline sponsored by Damisa. Damisa is a regulated cross-border payments and treasury infrastructure provider. Using a blend of traditional banking rails and stablecoin technology, Damisa helps businesses move money faster, cheaper, and more transparently across global markets. Its platform supports collections, settlements, disbursements, and liquidity management, while maintaining a strong compliance-first approach. Damisa is building the next generation of global payment infrastructure. Learn more at: ⁠https://www.damisa.xyz/⁠ [https://www.damisa.xyz/] *** The Payments Shed Podcast is also sponsored by Cyclops. Cyclops is a crypto and stablecoin infrastructure platform built for payments companies, enabling PSPs, acquirers and processors to offer crypto acceptance, stablecoin settlement and payouts without building their own blockchain stack. It provides a unified solution for pay-ins, pay-outs and fiat-to-digital asset conversion, with simple API or low-code integration. Learn more at: ⁠https://cyclops.finance/⁠ [https://cyclops.finance/] *** The Payments Shed Podcast is supported by PCN. PCN is a boutique recruitment agency rooted in Amsterdam, driven by a singular mission: connecting top talent with industry leaders. PCN specialises in five core pillars — Fintech, Cybersecurity, SaaS, E-Commerce, and Salesforce — backed by a global network across borders. Learn more at: ⁠https://teampcn.com/⁠ [https://teampcn.com/] *** Disclaimer: Any views or opinions referenced in this podcast episode are our own, or those of our respective guests, and they do not represent any views, opinions, or statements from our respective employers, or those of our guests. Additionally, any views expressed here are not intended as investment, legal, tax, or financial advice.

Ep. 93 - From Payment Patchwork to Orchestration: Why One PSP Is No Longer Enough in 2026, with Orchestra

Recorded from The Payments Shed studio in London, Grant Evans and Justin Hanna are joined by Eyal Nevo, CEO of PCI Booking and creator of Orchestra Solutions, for a conversation exploring why payment orchestration has become one of the most important pieces of modern payments infrastructure. Eyal shares the remarkable journey behind Orchestra Solutions — a business that evolved over more than 15 years from online faxing, to PCI compliance, tokenisation, payment gateways, and ultimately payment orchestration. The discussion explores why fragmented payment stacks have become one of the biggest hidden costs for merchants and platforms, and why relying on a single PSP is no longer enough for businesses looking to scale internationally. They also unpack what payment orchestration actually solves beyond simple routing, from standardising integrations and reducing technical debt to improving resilience, flexibility, and global expansion. Looking ahead, the conversation explores the role of AI, tokenisation, agentic commerce, and why the next generation of embedded payments will depend on infrastructure that's built for choice rather than lock-in. Plus, Eyal steps up for The Payments Shed's legendary Shelf of Shame to nominate one thing he'd happily banish forever: PSPs locking merchants into restrictive long-term contracts with painful exit penalties. *** The Payments Shed Podcast is headline sponsored by Damisa. Damisa is a regulated cross-border payments and treasury infrastructure provider. Using a blend of traditional banking rails and stablecoin technology, Damisa helps businesses move money faster, cheaper, and more transparently across global markets. Its platform supports collections, settlements, disbursements, and liquidity management, while maintaining a strong compliance-first approach. Damisa is building the next generation of global payment infrastructure. Learn more at: ⁠https://www.damisa.xyz/⁠ [https://www.damisa.xyz/] *** The Payments Shed Podcast is also sponsored by Cyclops. Cyclops is a crypto and stablecoin infrastructure platform built for payments companies, enabling PSPs, acquirers and processors to offer crypto acceptance, stablecoin settlement and payouts without building their own blockchain stack. It provides a unified solution for pay-ins, pay-outs and fiat-to-digital asset conversion, with simple API or low-code integration. Learn more at: ⁠https://cyclops.finance/⁠ [https://cyclops.finance/] *** The Payments Shed Podcast is supported by PCN. PCN is a boutique recruitment agency rooted in Amsterdam, driven by a singular mission: connecting top talent with industry leaders. PCN specialises in five core pillars — Fintech, Cybersecurity, SaaS, E-Commerce, and Salesforce — backed by a global network across borders. Learn more at: ⁠https://teampcn.com/⁠ [https://teampcn.com/] *** Disclaimer: Any views or opinions referenced in this podcast episode are our own, or those of our respective guests, and they do not represent any views, opinions, or statements from our respective employers, or those of our guests. Additionally, any views expressed here are not intended as investment, legal, tax, or financial advice.

Ep. 92 - Brand Over Everything: How B2B Really Wins In 2026, with Lara Acosta

Season 5 of The Payments Shed Podcast continues with one of the most influential voices in modern B2B marketing and personal branding. Grant Evans is joined by Lara Acosta — entrepreneur, Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree, three-time founder, and the world's #1 ranked female creator on LinkedIn. Having built an audience of more than 340,000 followers and generated millions of content views, Lara has become one of the leading advocates for brand-led growth, helping entrepreneurs, creators, founders, and executives turn attention into commercial outcomes. Lara shares why so many businesses still underestimate the commercial impact of brand, how content can become a genuine revenue driver, and why building trust before a buyer enters a sales process has become one of the biggest competitive advantages in modern B2B. Drawing on her experience building multiple businesses — including LA Digital, Literally Academy, and SaaS platform Kleo — she explains how personal brands are reshaping the way companies attract customers, talent, and opportunities. The conversation explores the realities of building a business around audience and influence, the challenges and opportunities of female leadership in B2B, and why traditional sales and marketing playbooks are becoming increasingly outdated. They also unpack the evolving relationship between content and sales, how buyer behaviour continues to change, and where AI is genuinely helping businesses move faster versus where it's simply creating more noise. Plus, Lara steps up for The Payments Shed’s legendary Shelf of Shame to nominate one B2B sales or marketing trend she'd happily banish forever. *** The Payments Shed Podcast is headline sponsored by Damisa. Damisa is a regulated cross-border payments and treasury infrastructure provider. Using a blend of traditional banking rails and stablecoin technology, Damisa helps businesses move money faster, cheaper, and more transparently across global markets. Its platform supports collections, settlements, disbursements, and liquidity management, while maintaining a strong compliance-first approach. Damisa is building the next generation of global payment infrastructure. Learn more at: https://www.damisa.xyz/ [https://www.damisa.xyz/] *** The Payments Shed Podcast is also sponsored by Cyclops. Cyclops is a crypto and stablecoin infrastructure platform built for payments companies, enabling PSPs, acquirers and processors to offer crypto acceptance, stablecoin settlement and payouts without building their own blockchain stack. It provides a unified solution for pay-ins, pay-outs and fiat-to-digital asset conversion, with simple API or low-code integration. Learn more at: https://cyclops.finance/ [https://cyclops.finance/] *** The Payments Shed Podcast is supported by PCN. PCN is a boutique recruitment agency rooted in Amsterdam, driven by a singular mission: connecting top talent with industry leaders. PCN specialises in five core pillars — Fintech, Cybersecurity, SaaS, E-Commerce, and Salesforce — backed by a global network across borders. Learn more at: https://teampcn.com/ [https://teampcn.com/] *** Disclaimer: Any views or opinions referenced in this podcast episode are our own, or those of our respective guests, and they do not represent any views, opinions, or statements from our respective employers, or those of our guests. Additionally, any views expressed here are not intended as investment, legal, tax, or financial advice.