Bitcoin Rewards & Banking. Fold App is bridging the gap!

Summary

In this interview, Will Reeves, co-founder of Fold, discusses the company's journey from a simple rewards app to a leading Bitcoin-focused fintech platform. He talks about Fold's innovative approach to user experience, gamification, and their commitment to Bitcoin-only services. Reeves also shares insights on fundraising, regulatory challenges, and the future of Bitcoin and Fold in the financial landscape.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fold is a company focused on making Bitcoin accessible and fun through its app, which offers rewards and the ability to earn Bitcoin.
• 👶 Will Reeves, the founder of Fold, is a new dad and has been instrumental in making Fold a beloved company in the Bitcoin space.
• 🎉 Fold started with a simple rewards app and has since scaled to offer a Bitcoin rewards debit card, aiming to 'mint' new Bitcoin users.
• 💡 The company has a subscription model, charging a transparent fee of $10 a month or $100 a year to unlock premium features and eliminate fees for international use, Bitcoin purchases, etc.
• 🌐 Fold is expanding its services, with a focus on international growth and the potential for a wider range of financial products.
• 🔒 Fold is committed to transparency and aligning its incentives with users, avoiding hidden fees and promoting a business model where both Fold and its users win.
• 🎯 The company's strategy includes gamification to drive daily engagement with the app and to leverage Bitcoin's social and viral potential.
• 💼 Fold operates in a complex regulatory environment and has had to navigate banking partnerships and state-by-state regulations, emphasizing the need for the right connections and expertise.
• 🚀 Fold's vision is to become the largest Bitcoin wallet in the world, starting with rewards to onboard users and gradually integrating more financial services.
• 🛍 The app's bill pay feature allows users to pay their bills with their Fold debit card and earn Bitcoin rewards, leveraging existing payment processors to avoid interchange fees.
• 🔮 Looking ahead, Fold anticipates a future where Bitcoin is more integrated into daily life, with the company aiming to empower others with its infrastructure to onboard even more users to Bitcoin.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Fold app in the Bitcoin space?

Fold app focuses on making Bitcoin accessible and rewarding for users through a simple and fun interface, offering services like earning Bitcoin rewards, buying gift cards, and managing Bitcoin transactions.

How does Fold app differentiate itself from other fintech companies in the Bitcoin space?

Fold app differentiates itself by offering a transparent subscription model, aligning incentives with its user base, and focusing on providing an excellent user experience with a strong emphasis on Bitcoin and Lightning Network integration.

What was the significance of Fold's early adoption of the Lightning Network?

Fold's early adoption of the Lightning Network allowed them to offer fast and fee-efficient transactions for purchasing gift cards, which helped them stand out in the market and attract users interested in leveraging Bitcoin's technological advancements.

How does Fold's subscription model benefit its users?

Fold's subscription model, at $10 a month or $100 a year, offers users benefits such as zero fees for international use, no fees on Bitcoin purchases, and boosted rewards on gift cards, providing a transparent value proposition for power users.

What challenges does Fold face in terms of scaling its user base and services?

Fold faces challenges such as navigating the complex and evolving regulatory landscape in payments, managing fraud and chargebacks, and ensuring a seamless user experience as they scale their services and introduce new features.

What is Fold's approach to international expansion?

Fold initially offered services in Canada and Mexico but decided to focus on providing an excellent user experience in their core markets. They plan to expand internationally by leveraging their rewards network and gradually building down the payments stack in new markets.

How does Fold's gamification strategy contribute to its growth and user engagement?

Fold's gamification strategy, such as the daily spin wheel, encourages habitual app usage, social sharing, and excitement around earning Bitcoin. This approach helps in organically growing the user base and keeping users engaged with the app.

What is the concept of 'Sound Credit' that Fold is considering introducing?

Sound Credit is a concept Fold is exploring, which involves offering credit products based on sound money principles. This could potentially include micro-loans or lines of credit backed by Bitcoin savings, aiming to provide a more equitable and transparent credit system.

How does Fold handle the regulatory challenges in the fintech and Bitcoin space?

Fold handles regulatory challenges by surrounding themselves with the right experts, building relationships with key stakeholders, and focusing on compliance while also advocating for the potential of Bitcoin and its use cases in payments and financial services.

What advice does Will Reeves give to founders looking to raise capital for their startups?

Will Reeves advises founders to focus on building an MVP, gaining traction, and putting real numbers on the board before seeking investment. He also emphasizes the importance of building relationships with potential investors over time and not rushing for a yes or no answer.

What is Fold's vision for the future in terms of Bitcoin adoption and its role in it?

Fold's vision is to be at the top of the Bitcoin adoption funnel, introducing new users to Bitcoin through rewards and financial services. They aim to blur the lines between traditional finance and Bitcoin use, making Bitcoin a seamless part of everyday transactions and savings.