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Romanian startup FintechOS raises $60M to help old banks fight back against neobanks

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Romanian startup FintechOS

Over the years, fintech startups, particularly neobanks, have thrown a cat among the pigeons in banking and finance by building whole new banking software stacks. But a startup out of Romania decided to build tools that help older banking and insurance companies provide the newer features and products offered by the new upstarts. 

FintechOS’ low-code platform has now raised a $60 million “Series B+” investment round led by BlackRock, Cipio Partners and Molten Ventures. FintechOS raised $14 million in 2015 and $60 million in 2021.

This is yet another sign, following the breakout hit of UIPath, that companies from Romania can make it to the international stage without US VCs.

Co-founder and CEO Teo Blidarus told me the company plans to use the funding to scale up internationally. “We can work side by side with the existing core infrastructure of a company,” he said. “So that allows you to get 95% of the transformation without the open heart surgery that the new core replacement will require. Then the consultants and the business people can create those new types of financial products and services by themselves.”

FintechOS competes with other companies such as Ncino, Meridian Link, Abrigo and Backbase, but he said his company is different “because we work across multiple product lines. We work across the full spectrum of products, from deposits to lending to mortgages, to insurance wealth. So our ability to transform is broader.”

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Key customers for FintechOS include Société Générale, Admiral, Benenden Health, Avant Money and Vibrant Credit Union across the U.S., U.K., Continental Europe and APAC. 

“FintechOS is at the forefront of transforming financial services through innovative technology,” Molten Ventures partner Vinoth Jayakumar said in a statement. “Its track record with major banks and insurers demonstrates a rare ability to drive significant change within these organizations.”

Romanian startup FintechOS
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What is crowd strike and why is everyone talking about it today

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Crowd Strike

CrowdStrike is a cybersecurity company, kind of like a digital knight in shining armor for businesses. They protect companies from cyberattacks and online threats.

Today, there’s a buzz around CrowdStrike because they’re dealing with a bit of a hiccup. One of their updates for Windows computers malfunctioned, causing some systems to act wonky. It’s important to note, however, that this wasn’t a cyberattack, more of a friendly fire situation. CrowdStrike is assuring everyone they’ve identified the problem, fixed it, and are patching things up as we speak.

Here’s a story for you:

It was a tense morning at DigiCorp, a tech startup. Alarms blared on laptops, throwing up error messages. Sarah, the head of IT, was fielding frantic calls from colleagues. Their data, their entire business, seemed to be on the fritz.

“Is it a ransomware attack?” someone shouted.

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Sarah took a deep breath. “Let’s not panic. It could be anything. First, let’s isolate the problem and see if CrowdStrike can shed some light.”

Moments later, Sarah sighed with relief. CrowdStrike confirmed it wasn’t a malicious attack, but a glitch with their own update. A wave of laughter rippled through the stressed-out team.

“Well, that’s a relief,” Matt, a programmer, chuckled. “Though, maybe CrowdStrike needs to polish their knightly armor a bit.”

By lunchtime, CrowdStrike had rolled out a fix, and DigiCorp was back in business. Sarah sent a quick thank you note to their cybersecurity partners. Though it was a scare, it was a good reminder of how important CrowdStrike was in keeping their digital world safe.

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What are the disadvantages of YouTube monetization?

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YouTube has become a popular platform for content creators to share their work and potentially earn money. However, while monetization offers exciting opportunities, it also comes with its fair share of monetization challenges. In this article, we’ll explore the potential drawbacks of YouTube monetization and how they can impact creators.

Understanding YouTube Monetization Challenges

Before diving into the disadvantages, it’s essential to understand that YouTube monetization isn’t always a straightforward path to success. Many creators face various hurdles and obstacles that can affect their ability to earn revenue consistently.

The Pressure to Produce Consistently

One of the primary monetization challenges creators face is the constant pressure to produce content. To maintain a steady income, YouTubers often feel compelled to:

  1. Upload videos frequently
  2. Keep up with trends
  3. Constantly engage with their audience

This pressure can lead to burnout and may compromise the quality of content over time.

Dealing with Algorithm Changes

YouTube’s algorithm plays a crucial role in content discovery and monetization. However, frequent changes to this algorithm can present significant monetization challenges:

  • Videos may suddenly receive less exposure
  • Ad revenue can fluctuate unpredictably
  • Creators may need to adapt their content strategy frequently

Monetization Challenges: Advertiser-Friendly Content

To monetize videos effectively, creators must adhere to YouTube’s advertiser-friendly guidelines. This requirement can lead to several issues:

  1. Self-censorship
  2. Limited creative freedom
  3. Difficulty covering certain topics or niches

Some creators find these restrictions stifling and struggle to balance their artistic vision with monetization requirements.

The Unpredictability of Ad Revenue

Ad revenue, a primary source of income for many YouTubers, can be highly unpredictable. This volatility presents ongoing monetization challenges, including:

  • Seasonal fluctuations in ad rates
  • Changes in advertiser spending
  • Impact of global events on ad budgets

These factors can make it difficult for creators to plan their finances and rely on YouTube as a stable income source.

Navigating copyright laws on YouTube can be tricky. Creators face monetization challenges when:

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  • Using copyrighted music or footage
  • Dealing with false copyright claims
  • Risking demonetization due to copyright strikes

These issues can result in loss of revenue and potentially affect a channel’s standing on the platform.

Competition and Market Saturation

As more people turn to YouTube for income, the platform becomes increasingly competitive. This saturation leads to monetization challenges such as:

  • Difficulty standing out in a crowded market
  • Lower ad rates due to increased supply of content
  • Pressure to create clickbait or sensational content

Creators may find it harder to grow their audience and maintain sustainable revenue streams in this environment.

Privacy and Personal Life Impacts

Successful YouTube monetization often requires creators to share aspects of their personal lives, which can lead to:

  • Loss of privacy
  • Online harassment or stalking
  • Difficulty separating work from personal life

These factors can take a toll on a creator’s mental health and overall well-being.

Dependence on a Single Platform

Relying solely on YouTube for income can be risky. Monetization challenges arise when:

  • YouTube changes its policies
  • Technical issues affect the platform
  • A creator’s account faces suspension or termination

Diversifying income sources becomes crucial to mitigate these risks.

Conclusion

While YouTube monetization offers exciting opportunities for content creators, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks. From algorithm changes to privacy concerns, these monetization challenges can significantly impact a creator’s journey on the platform.

By understanding these challenges, aspiring YouTubers can better prepare themselves for the realities of content creation as a career. It’s crucial to approach YouTube monetization with a balanced perspective, weighing the potential rewards against the possible disadvantages.

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Ultimately, success on YouTube requires not just great content, but also the ability to navigate these monetization challenges effectively. With the right strategy and mindset, creators can work towards building a sustainable and rewarding presence on the platform.

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Does Country Matter on YouTube for Monetization?

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In the ever-expanding world of online content creation, YouTube monetization stands out as a way for creators to turn their passion into profit. However, a common question among aspiring YouTubers is whether their geographical location impacts their ability to monetize their content. Let’s dive deep into the intricacies of YouTube monetization and explore how your country of residence might affect your earning potential.

Understanding YouTube Monetization Basics

Before we address the country-specific aspects, it’s crucial to understand the fundamentals of YouTube monetization. The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is the primary way creators can earn money directly from their videos. To join the YPP, creators must meet certain criteria:

  1. Have at least 1,000 subscribers
  2. Accumulate 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months
  3. Comply with YouTube’s community guidelines and advertiser-friendly content policies
  4. Have an AdSense account linked to their channel

Once these requirements are met, creators can apply for the YPP and start earning revenue through various means such as ad revenue, channel memberships, and Super Chat.

The Global Reach of YouTube Monetization

YouTube is available in over 100 countries, with its monetization features accessible in many of these regions. However, the availability of specific monetization features can vary depending on your location. Here’s how your country can influence your YouTube monetization journey:

1. Eligibility for the YouTube Partner Program

While the basic requirements for joining the YPP are the same globally, some countries may have additional restrictions or requirements. It’s essential to check YouTube’s up-to-date policies for your specific region to ensure eligibility.

2. Available Monetization Features

Not all YouTube monetization features are available in every country. For example, channel memberships and Super Chat may be limited to certain regions. Always verify which features are accessible in your location to maximize your earning potential.

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3. Ad Rates and CPM

CPM (Cost Per Mille) rates, which determine how much you earn per thousand views, can vary significantly between countries. Generally, advertisers pay more for views from countries with higher purchasing power, such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. This means that creators in these countries may potentially earn more per view compared to those in developing nations.

4. Payment Thresholds and Methods

The minimum payment threshold and available payout methods can differ based on your country. While most regions have a $100 threshold before payments are issued, some countries may have higher or lower limits. Additionally, the options for receiving payments (e.g., wire transfer, Western Union, or checks) may vary.

5. Tax Implications

Your country of residence will determine the tax regulations applicable to your YouTube earnings. Some countries have tax treaties with the United States (where YouTube is based), which can affect withholding rates on your revenue.

Strategies to Overcome Geographical Limitations in YouTube Monetization

While your country can indeed impact your YouTube monetization potential, there are strategies to maximize your earnings regardless of location:

  1. Create Content with Global Appeal
  2. Optimize for English-Speaking Audiences
  3. Focus on Niche Topics
  4. Diversify Your Income Streams
  5. Collaborate with International Creators
  6. Stay Informed About Policy Changes

YouTube Monetization Success: Beyond Geographical Boundaries

In conclusion, while your country does play a role in YouTube monetization, it’s not the sole determining factor for success. The platform offers global opportunities for creators to earn revenue, albeit with some variations in features and potential earnings based on location.

By understanding these geographical nuances and implementing strategies to overcome potential limitations, creators from any country can build successful, monetized YouTube channels. Remember, the key to YouTube success lies in creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your target audience, regardless of where you or they are located.

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Ultimately, your creativity, consistency, and ability to connect with viewers are the most crucial factors in your YouTube monetization journey. So, wherever you are in the world, focus on honing your craft, growing your audience, and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of online content creation.

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