Game of Growth: How Fintech Start-Up Skydo Is Making Cross-Border Payments as Easy as UPI

In an era where global business is booming, cross-border transactions remain a pain point for companies. Skydo, a Bengaluru-based fintech startup, aims to simplify international payments for Indian businesses. In a conversation with GoodReturns, Srivatsan Sridhar, Founder of Skydo, spoke about his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges in cross-border payments, and his long-term vision for the company.

What Is The Inspiration Behind Skydo? CEO Srivatsan Sridhar Explains

When GoodReturns asked what inspired him to start Skydo, Mr Sridhar said that the desire to become an entrepreneur was his primary motivation. He and his co-founder wanted to solve a significant problem in fintech and cross-border payments stood out. "International wires are still complicated, unlike simple local payments. Our idea was, can we make global payments as easy as UPI" he said.

Skydo Provides Cross-Border Payments Seamless

Explaining why he chose cross-border payments, he highlighted inefficiencies in existing systems. "Traditional platforms rely on credit card rails. We, instead, focus on direct bank-to-bank transfers, integrating with partner banks worldwide. This makes payments fast, simple, and cost-effective, with zero effort for the receiver," he noted.

Managing a Gen Z Workforce: Challenges and Advantages at Skydo

Asked about working with a largely young workforce, Sridhar acknowledged that most of Skydo's 100 employees are fresh graduates. He said the advantages are significant, as Generation Z employees are fearless and think from first principles, without industry biases. "That helps us build something new," he added. However, he admitted that syncing their working hours with clients and banks can sometimes be a challenge.

Discussing Skydo's hiring philosophy, Sridhar emphasised the importance of spotting drive and initiative. "We look for evidence of drive, whether academic excellence, early internships or initiative. We value first-principles thinking and attitude over aptitude," he said. According to him, founders must set a vision, hire great people, and create systems so the team can deliver.

When the conversation turned to fundraising, Sridhar described it as both challenging and overhyped. He said the media often creates a distorted perception of fundraising. "The reality is 99% of start-ups don't raise beyond one round, and even successful ones face struggles. Founders need to understand that investors think at a macro level, unlike us who are deep in operations," he remarked.

On the company's long-term vision, Sridhar said he wants Skydo to become a global B2B payments leader. "Payments will look very different in the next decade-with instant payments, cryptocurrencies, and stablecoins becoming mainstream. We want to be among the companies shaping that future," he said.

For now, the focus is on scaling in India, improving customer experience for both imports and exports, and gradually expanding into global markets. "Like PayPal or Stripe, we want to be a payments company from India that serves the world," he added.

How Family Business Shaped Srivatsan Sridhar's Entrepreneurial Spirit

Speaking about his background, Sridhar said his entrepreneurial drive came from growing up in Chennai, where his father was a self-made businessman. He witnessed how entrepreneurship could transform a family's economic status within a generation. After spending years in his family business, he decided to restart his career, move to Bengaluru, and immerse himself in the start-up ecosystem. "I wanted to build a global, tech-driven company," he said.

Reflecting on his personal growth, Sridhar said entrepreneurship has made him more open-minded and appreciative of talent. "Outstanding people make for great work environments. Over the years, I have also learnt to plan better and manage my weaknesses," he said.