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Damien BALSAN
Co-Founder LoopPay, Conexo Ventures, Firmly ....................... Board of Director/advisor, LoginID, Kushki, Halgo, greenly
Professional Background
Damien Balsan is a seasoned tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist with over a decade of experience and remarkable achievements in the fintech industry. He has played an indispensable role in various high-profile exits totaling around $500 million, indicating his strong expertise in the mobile payment landscape. Balsan's notable career accomplishments include significant positions at leading technology firms and start-ups that have revamped the way we think about payment solutions. In particular, he was an Executive Vice President at Samsung Pay and has a notable history with various companies including Apple, PayPal, and Nokia.
Balsan’s illustrious career is marked by his leadership in business development across numerous prestigious companies. Notably, his experience includes pivotal roles at Mobeewave, which was acquired by Apple, and LoopPay, acquired by Samsung. His strategic foresight and innovative approach to mobile payments and fintech solutions have made him a sought-after figure in the startup ecosystem and beyond, as he has successfully navigated complex mergers and acquisitions that have paved the way for groundbreaking technologies.
In his role at Samsung Pay, Balsan was responsible for driving the growth of the platform, establishing partnerships, and introducing innovative features that enhanced user experience. His strategic input at companies like PayPal and Nokia also helped bolster their offerings in mobile and card payment processing, adding significant value to their market positions.
Having held influential positions at various tech firms, Damien's expertise encompasses a range of specialties, including startup boosting, fintech innovation, mobile payment solutions, smart card technologies, and more. His ability to lead diverse teams and advance organizations strategically highlights his commitment to fostering innovation within the industry.
Education and Achievements
Damien Balsan's educational background is as impressive as his professional endeavors. He earned his MBA with a specialization in Management of Technology from the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management, where he further honed his skills in leadership and technology management. His academic pursuits also include a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Management & Finance from ISC Paris, solidifying his knowledge in business fundamentals and strategic finance. Prior to these esteemed qualifications, he completed the baccalauréat C in Mathematics and Physics at Sainte-Croix de Neuilly, laying a strong groundwork for his analytical capabilities.
With a robust educational foundation, Balsan has consistently integrated his learnings into his professional career, demonstrating how education fuels industry leadership. His deep understanding of technology management, paired with strategic business acumen, has enabled him to navigate the dynamic tech space adeptly.
Professional Associations and Board Memberships
Damien Balsan has been a proactive participant in various capacities within the tech community, ranging from board memberships to advisory roles over the years. His extensive engagement include positions such as Former Board Member at Atani and Board of Directors at LoginID, where he utilized his insights to mold innovative strategies and bolster firm growth. As an Angel Investor at TBD Angels, he has also demonstrated a commitment to nurturing and funding emerging startups.
Throughout his career, he has founded and co-founded numerous ventures, such as firmly and Conexo Ventures, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and ambition for facilitating tech innovation. Balsan served important roles at Halgo and MishiPay, providing strategic guidance and supporting their development with his wealth of knowledge in tech and finance.
Balsan's leadership capabilities extend to his role as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Mobeewave, where he provided invaluable advice and direction after the company’s acquisition by Apple, helping shape its future endeavors under a global tech giant. Notably, his strategic advising at firms like Greenly and PayByCar further showcases his commitment to shaping the future of technology and responsible fintech solutions.
Key Skills and Specializations
With his extensive background in fintech, mobile payments, and smart card technologies, Damien Balsan possesses a diverse skill set that equips him uniquely to lead in today's evolving technology landscape. His specialties include:
- Startup Boosting: Balsan has a knack for identifying promising startups and applying strategic insights that foster growth and innovation.
- Fintech: With a deep understanding of financial technologies, he is well-positioned to drive advancements and support startups in navigating this dynamic space.
- Mobile Payments: As a key player in developing mobile payment solutions, his insights on user experience and technology integration have positively impacted major industry players.
- Card Payments and Smart Cards: Balsan’s knowledge of the intricacies of card payments positions him as a key industry advocate for innovation in this sector, influencing the evolution of payment systems.
- Crypto: With the rise of cryptocurrencies, Balsan applies his business acumen to understand and harness new financial technologies.
- Mobile Industry Insights: Given his extensive background, Balsan’s expertise in the mobile industry informs his strategic decisions and venture activities.
Conclusion and Future Endeavors
Damien Balsan is not just a tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist, but a visionary leader shaping the future of fintech and mobile payments. With an impressive professional history, a fortified educational background, and significant involvement in startup ecosystems, he continues to influence the landscape of technology and finance. Through his engagements across various organizations and advisory roles, he stands as a testament to the impact that seasoned professionals can have on innovation and the advancement of technology.
