Introduction:
When Hands In was announced as the winner of the MPE Merchant Payment Ecosystem Start-Up Innovation Award in 2023, it marked the beginning of an exciting journey that has had a profound impact on our company. In this article, we take a look back at how winning the award has influenced our path over the past year, the lessons we've learned, and our plans for the future.
Section 1: The Impact of Winning the MPE Awards
"Winning the MPE Awards has been a transformative experience for us," says our CEO and co-founder, Samuel Flynn. It's not just an award; it's a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. It significantly boosted our PR efforts, attracting the attention of the press and industry insiders. This increased visibility has been invaluable in building our brand and credibility in the highly competitive payment and travel sectors.
Furthermore, the MPE Awards opened doors to major Payment Service Providers (PSPs) and key players in the travel industry. It served as a seal of approval, indicating that our solutions are innovative and reliable. This recognition accelerated our partnerships with major PSPs and travel companies, including the likes of Cell Point Digital, BR-DGE, and Inai. These partnerships have opened exciting new opportunities and collaborations. Notably, we've partnered with a major European airline, with the launch set to happen very soon.
Section 2: Recipe For Success MPE 2024
"Our recipe for success in winning the MPE Awards was a combination of confidence, charisma, skill, and unwavering conviction in what we were presenting," explains Samuel Flynn. We knew that to stand out in a competitive field, we had to exude confidence and passion for our solutions.
"The tricky part was undoubtedly handling nerves," Samuel recalls. The anticipation leading up to the announcement was nerve-wracking, but practice made perfect. By rehearsing their presentation multiple times, they managed to keep their composure and deliver a winning pitch.
"What we enjoyed the most was the thrilling suspense of watching the countdown and seeing how close we were to winning," says Samuel. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, and when their name was finally called, the feeling of accomplishment was euphoric.
Section 3: Current Projects and Future Plans
Hands In is on the cusp of going live with a major European airline, marking a significant milestone as their first airline partnership. This achievement has been made possible, in part, by the recognition received through the MPE Awards.
Discussions are underway with several other airlines, all of which have been facilitated by the doors that opened following the award win.
In addition to expanding airline partnerships, Hands In is undergoing a significant business transformation. They are evolving from a one-stop solution for group payments to a versatile platform aimed at reducing traveller payment friction at checkout. They are excited to launch a new product that will allow customers to split payments across multiple cards, reducing card declines and adding incremental revenue for clients.
Section 4: Tips on Maximizing Award Success
Samuel Flynn offers advice to fellow startups: "Never compromise your authenticity. Stay true to your vision and values, no matter the challenges. Enjoy the journey and use every moment, the highs and the lows, to grow and thrive."
On writing a killer award entry, Samuel suggests starting with storytelling. Craft a compelling narrative that engages and captivates the judges. Be authentic and let your passion shine through.
Section 5: Innovation and Excellence
For Hands In, innovation means pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Leading by example, they foster an environment where creativity is encouraged, and risk-taking is accepted. They understand that innovation often involves trial and error, allowing their team to make mistakes and learn from failures.
Samuel draws inspiration from his friends, family, and his mother, whose resilience and perseverance inspire him to overcome challenges and continue pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Conclusion:
Winning the MPE Merchant Payment Ecosystem Start-Up Innovation Award has been a milestone in Hands In's journey. The award not only recognized their innovative solutions but also opened doors to new opportunities and partnerships. As they continue to grow and evolve, the lessons they've learned and the inspiration they've gained will guide them towards a future filled with innovation and excellence.