The Irish Tech News Podcast

Bolt is a customer conversion technology offering a one-click checkout to its network of more than 80 million shoppers .When their CEO Justin Grooms was recently in Dublin I caught up with him.Justin talks about what Bolt does, the consumers perspective, the seamless experience with Bolt, payment innovation, Bolts European expansion and more. More about Bolt:Bolt has transformed the checkout experience, providing its hundreds of merchant partners, including luxury brand LuisaViaRoma, with a passwordless checkout technology that embeds seamlessly into the retailer’s technology to maintain brand identity. Bolt’s technology, combined with its extensive shopper network, allows retailers to instantly recognise shoppers, increase conversion, and drive revenue. 

In this episode of One Vision — the FintechFuse, we chat with Sanjib Kalita, Chairman at Fintech Meetup, CEO & Founder at Guppy. Sanjib shares tales from his early career as a graphics chip designer at Intel to becoming a significant voice in Fintech. Our conversation touches on the challenges and unexpected turns in tech and financial services, the importance of human connections at global events, and the five key themes for Fintech Meetup 2025.Tune in to hear Sanjib’s unique perspective and join us in navigating this dynamic industry.Hot Take: ”Being able to have that level playing field is really important; and there's an appreciation that everyone is, in fact, a human.”#FinTech #FinancialServices #BankingIndustry 

AI is everywhere at the moment and one person who knows how AI is shaping the future of business is the entrepreneur Aaron Gibson. Ronan spoke to Aaron about his background, AI, data security and moreMore about Aaron:Aaron Gibson is a seasoned entrepreneur who dropped out of school at 16 to start his own tech company that turned learning into a game. He then went on to sell this company and this is what kick started his entrepreneurial journey. He is now the CEO of Hurree, a company revolutionising how businesses leverage AI-driven data ecosystems. 

In this episode of One Vision — The FinTech Fuse, Theo and Barb welcomeTracy Lagasse, VP Sales and Customer Engagement at Dye & Durham Corporation, to discuss the evolving landscape of traditional banks and fintechs. Tracy delves into the competitive advantages of traditional banks, the challenges they face in modernizing infrastructure, and the ways they can adapt through partnerships and collaborations. The conversation also explores the impacts of AI, the changing role of big banks, and the future of financial institutions in North America. Where is the banking industry heading and what it means for consumers and businesses? Listen now to gain insights into the role of trust, innovation, and collaboration in reshaping financial services. #AI #BankingIndustry #FinTech #OneVision

The recent Azul State of Java 2025 survey offers a timely window into the use of Java and why it is still so popular. To find out more about the survey and its findings Ronan spoke to Simon Ritter, Deputy. CTO, Azul.Simon talks about what Azul does, the benefits of Java, the Azul State of Java Report, security and more.More about Simon Ritter:Simon Ritter is the Deputy CTO of Azul. Simon joined Sun Microsystems in 1996 and spent time working in both Java development and consultancy. He has been presenting Java technologies to developers since 1999, focusing on the core Java platform as well as client and embedded applications.At Azul, he continues to help people understand Java and Azul’s JVM products. Simon is a Java Champion and two-time recipient of the JavaOne Rockstar award. In addition, he represents Azul on the JCP Executive Committee, the OpenJDK Vulnerability Group, and the JSR Expert Group since Java SE 9.

Join Theo and award winning journalist and fintech expert Liz Lumley in this new episode of One Vision — FinTech Fuse, as they delve into the transformative journey of fintech and banking post-2008 financial crisis. They discuss industry misconceptions, the future of banking, the role of regulation, the global perspective on payment systems, and the dynamics between U.S. and European markets. As Liz said, “Reality is not about winners and losers. It’s about bringing traditional players and new players together …” This episode is a must-watch for anyone keen on understanding the nuanced realities of the financial services industry. As an added bonus, you might even hear Liz sing! 

Emma Meehan, is the founder of Galway-based tech startup Precision Sports Technology, a winner of the KPMG Global Tech Innovator competition in Ireland. Emma competed for the top spot at the recent global GTI contest which took place in Lisbon last November. I spoke to Emma after she came back from Lisbon. Emma talks about her background, what Precision Sports Technology does, Enterprise Ireland,, The KPMG Global Tech Innovator competition, Precision Sports Technology plans for the future and more. More about Precision Sports Technology: Precision Sports Technology is a tech start-up founded in 2021 by Emma who had been developing the technology for over four years. It involves deploying artificial intelligence technology and analysis to enhance sports training accuracy through a cutting-edge software platform which uses machine learning, AI and LiDAR to enhance athletic performance, support rehabilitation, and reduce the risk of injury through advanced exercise analysis. Emma herself is also a competitive weightlifter and personal trainer. 

What happens when you combine a passion for fintech, a dash of remote work insights, and a sprinkle of global adventures?  In this episode of One Vision — FinTech Fuse, Theo chats with Bryce Nobles, head of growth marketing at LoanPro. Bryce shares his journey, including a significant move to support his wife's career, adapting to remote work, and driving growth at LoanPro. We discuss the complexities of balancing work and family life, the nuances of remote work culture, and the importance of setting values alongside goals. Bryce also talks about his new book, 'Wake Upward: Change Your Career Trajectory, Find Your Authentic Potential, and Discover Your Purpose In Life,' which encourages breaking free from limitations and unlocking your true potential. Tune in for insights on personal and professional growth in the fast-paced world of FinTech. About Wake Upward: https://a.co/d/fhBrLh9  #OneVision #Podcast #Culture #FinTech #WorkLifeBalance

Energy poverty is sadly something that is more prevalent these days and people are facing the eat or heat conundrum. This could soon be a thing of the past as smart technology is being used to tackle energy poverty. Last year, PrepayPower, Tuath Housing Association, and EnergyCloud launched a successful pilot project in Dublin that provides free renewable energy to 26 residents. The project diverts surplus energy that would otherwise be wasted into powering heat pumps and other services in each home and showcases how smart technology can tackle energy poverty..  I recently spoke to Tracy Tuffin, Head of Residential Business, Prepay Power and Alan Wyley, CEO, EnergyCloud about this pilot project. Tracy and Alan talk about their backgrounds, how EnergyCloud partnered up with PrePayPower, smart technology, curtailment and more. More about EnergyCloud: EnergyCloud uses smart immersion controllers and diverted surplus energy that would otherwise be wasted into powering heat pumps and other services in each of the homes. The pilot project, which started last May, is the first partnership between an energy company, PrePayPower, and EnergyCloud. They estimate that over 600 kWh of free electricity was delivered to the residents , equivalent to 463 wash loads, 446 dishwasher cycles, or 512 electric showers.

In this episode of One Vision – FinTechFuse, hosts Theo and Barb welcome Canadian FinTech writer and investor Tal Schwartz. Tal shares his journey into the Canadian FinTech industry, starting with the Canadian Lenders Association, and the evolution of his popular Canadian FinTech newsletter. He discusses the interconnectedness of the Canadian FinTech ecosystem, the role of specialized financial products, and the launch of his venture fund, Exit North Ventures. Tal also highlights the unique characteristics of the Canadian financial services market and the ongoing challenges and successes within the industry.  Tune in to gain deep insights into the world of Canadian FinTech and the future trends to watch out for. 🇨🇦Available wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧 More about Canadian Fintech substack by Tal Schwartz: https://canadianfintech.substack.com/  #AI #FinTech #FinancialServices #Canada #OneVision