XMDS is undergoing an exciting transformation. The holding company consists of two main entities: Ximedes, which specialises in custom software solutions, and the newly launched XPP, which unifies four payment technology products - KUARIO, Pecunda, Vayapay, and Ginger - under one brand. Just before the official launch of XPP, we sat down with Tom, Chief Executive Officer, as he shares his vision for the future of payment technology and XPP's role in shaping the industry landscape.

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‍In the world of payment technology, we meet Tom, CEO of XPP. With a versatile background spanning geotechnical engineering, management consulting, and senior leadership positions in banking and insurance, he now leads XPP's Management Team. Under his guidance, XPP aims at  transforming the payment landscape.

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Can you tell us a bit about your professional background and what inspired you to take on your current role within the company?

"I began my career as a researcher in Geotechnical Engineering before transitioning into leadership roles, managing a small IT department. My experience in management consulting led me to a seven-year tenure as Operational Director at a bank, followed by three years as Head of Product Management at an insurance company. In 2022, I sought to work in a medium-sized company with a strong international focus and the potential for growth, which I found at XMDS. The company's person-oriented, highly international (over 40 different nationalities), and welcoming culture resonated with me, and I am excited to contribute to XMDS's ambitious goals."

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‍What inspired the creation of XPP?‍

“XPP was born from a clear market need for more tailored, efficient, and secure payment solutions. Our roots trace back to Ximedes, renowned for its FinTech and FareTech innovations. Launching XPP marks our transition from service providers to pioneers in SaaS-based payment technologies, specifically designed for demanding transaction environments.”

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‍Which industries does XPP cater to, and what drives your customers in these markets?‍

“At XPP, we thrive across various key sectors by tailoring our technologies to the unique demands of each market:

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• Urban Mobility:

‍Enhancing public transport with secure and easy-to-use payment solutions.Unattended Services: Providing seamless printing and payment technologies for libraries and post offices.

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‍• Higher Education:

^‍Simplifying payment systems for tuition fees and cafeteria purchases.

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• Corporate Vending & Catering:

Offering sophisticated payment solutions for corporate environments, especially in German-speaking Europe.

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• Banking & PSPs:

‍Supporting banks and payment service providers with secure and flexible e-commerce transactions.

Security, trust, and a deep understanding of specific industry needs drive our customers. By focusing on these essential elements, XPP delivers not just solutions but peace of mind, paving the way for smoother transactions and a better user experience.”

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‍Can you highlight some key products or services that XPP offers?‍

“Certainly! Our portfolio includes platforms like Pecunda and KUARIO for integrated payment solutions for printing, vending and catering, Ginger as our ‘PSP in a box’ for white-label technology in e-commerce payments, and Vayapay, a smart omnichannel payment platform for public transport featuring Tap&Go and web-based ticketing. These products embody our principles of security, expertise, and the ability to modernise and personalise payment experiences.

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‍How is XPP making a difference in these industries?

‍"We're modernising payment experiences through personalised, omnichannel solutions tailored to today's consumers and businesses. Our strategy—'Transactions for traction'—transforms traditional payment processes into embedded, seamless components of client operations. Whether through smartphones, web portals, or kiosks, our omnichannel approach ensures every touchpoint delivers a personalised experience. By embedding payment functionalities directly into existing systems, like transit apps, we create smooth experiences that adapt to how people want to pay and interact."

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‍Can you share a success story where XPP made a significant impact?

‍"One standout example is our collaboration with Flytoget, Norway's leading airport express service. What sets our solution apart is its comprehensive omnichannel integration, unifying Tap&Go mobile payments, web/app purchases, and kiosk transactions into a single, cohesive view of passenger journeys and payments. This integrated approach gives Flytoget insight into passenger behaviour and payment patterns across all channels, setting a new standard for modern public transport solutions."

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‍What kind of culture does XPP foster within its teams?‍

“XPP prides itself on a vibrant, diverse work culture. With a team of around 60 people from various backgrounds, we celebrate different perspectives and foster an environment where everyone can contribute and grow. Our culture combines a dynamic start-up atmosphere with the professionalism of a scale-up, ensuring creativity is balanced with a strong focus on results.”

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‍What motivated you to lead XPP, and what traits do you believe make a successful leader?

‍“I was, from the initial discussions with the team, impressed by the tremendous potential in the organisation. The potential is formed by a passion for technology and innovation, combined with the cooperative culture that we inherited from Ximedes.I think that’s what marks a good leader: to recognise and unlock potential within their team and organisation. That has been and is my main driver at XPP. “

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‍As we look to the future, where do you see the market heading, and how is XPP positioned to play a role?‍

“The payment environment will change as trends emerge, moving from closed-loop to open-loop payments. Omnichannel experiences will become the norm, offering seamless options across multiple platforms. XPP is at the forefront of this transformation; we are continuously innovating to meet evolving customer expectations."

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‍What vision do you have for XPP’s future? What is your next significant milestone?

‍“My vision for XPP is to become the leader in SaaS payment technology. We aim to shift our revenue model toward SaaS-based solutions, enhancing our ability to deliver scalable, reliable, and innovative solutions that meet future demands.”

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Finally, if you could offer one piece of advice to someone just starting their career, what would it be?‍

“Embrace every opportunity as a chance to learn and grow. Understand what drives you personally and professionally, and don’t shy away from taking bold leaps every few years. Mistakes are valuable learning experiences. Remember, career development is a journey, so enjoy the process; the results will follow when you focus on growth and learning.”

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