401: Vova Feldman — Mastering Entrepreneurship in the Payments Sector

Jul 9, 2025 41m

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Episode Description

Vova Feldman is the founder of Freemius, a Merchant of Record payment provider. He's been at it for a while, and it wasn't always easy. Vova shares his approach to weathering the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, how to build a team (and mis-hires), and what operating in the payment industry means for a crafty founder.

The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/vova-feldman-mastering-entrepreneurship-in-the-payments-sector/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/401-vova-feldman-mastering-entrepreneurship-in-the-payments-sector

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AI-Generated Summary

The Longevity of Entrepreneurship

Vova reflects on his ten-year journey as a bootstrapper in a competitive payment industry. He emphasizes the importance of passion for solving a personal problem and relating to his target audience. He highlights that maintaining a big vision is crucial to stave off stagnation and that growth is often tied to continuously expanding one's aspirations.

Building and Delegating a Team

Transitioning from a solo founder to leading a team is a pivotal challenge. Vova shares his experience of hiring and delegating responsibilities, which took him years to accomplish. He emphasizes the importance of having the right support and being willing to leverage team members' skills to avoid burnout and maintain business momentum.

The Balance of Involvement and Delegation

During their discussion, Vova and Arvid explore the fine line between being an involved founder and effectively delegating tasks to team members. Vova notes that while certain tasks should remain in the founder's purview—such as business development for gathering insights—other responsibilities can and should be delegated to enhance efficiency.

The Impact and Use of AI in Business

Vova expresses his optimism regarding AI and its potential to streamline business processes, particularly regarding communication and task management. He discusses leveraging AI for operational efficiency while maintaining the irreplaceable human touch in his leadership strategy.

Lessons in Hiring and Team Building

The conversation turns to the intricacies of hiring and building a cohesive team. Vova shares insights on how referrals, personal networks, and being proactive in recruiting have yielded the best hires for his company Freemius. He stresses the cultural fit and technical skills are vital for long-term success.

Community Building and Networking

Vova discusses the importance of community in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, illustrating how Freemius facilitates connections among founders and creators. They explore the impact of communal support in enhancing growth opportunities and creative partnerships within the marketplace.