We had the opportunity to interview Daniel Gouldman co-founder/CEO of Ternio. The Fintech company which gave blockchain and cryptocurrency real world application.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and Ternio?

A: My name is Daniel Gouldman and I’m a co-founder/CEO of Ternio. Ternio has built a global fintech platform on the blockchain. We’ve been around for over 2 years now and we’re basically building a global infrastructure from the USA to Europe to South America to Australia and APAC where users can set up bank accounts, use digital assets on the blockchain and connect them to debit cards. This is going to be a big deal for everything from cross border remittances to eliminating fees for transfers and payment systems; we’re a platform that works with other companies who can whitelabel our technology.

Q: How did you get the idea for Ternio?

A: It started as a way to solve for scalability of blockchain (patent pending) focused on the digital advertising space; however – we had one page in our whitepaper about the BlockCard which allowed digital assets to be connected to a physical card where people could spend them. That’s the thing that really took off.

Q: Where do you see the company in 5 years and how do you plan to get there?

A: I think we’ll be a multi-billion dollar company and maybe public. We think we’re going to make an impact in fintech. As for how we get there – it’s going to be a mixture of expansion into various markets around the world but also in being very strategic in terms of how we approach specific markets to take on the status quo systems.

Q: What other markets do you expect to expand into, and which systems do you plan to take on?

A: We’re presently live in the USA but we’re working very hard to be in Europe and many, many other countries around the world in 2020. We have several things coming and we’re very excited about the future. What we do is going to really be impactful on cross border remittances for P2P effectively neutering whatever advantages that Western Union has in the marketplace. Like other neo-banks – we’re taking on the way the banking system and traditional fintechs interact with customers.

Q: Does the Block Card give users any of the same benefits and/or protections that a typical Visa
card does?

A: Yes – BlockCard is a Visa (V) card in the United States and gives all holders the same protections of any other Visa card.

Q: Is the Block Card like a Visa debit card or more like a Credit card?

A: It’s a debit card that connects the value of your digital assets (including what are effectively digital dollars) to real world utility and merchants. We are in the process of offering cryptoback for purchases and the same purchase protection exists that any other Visa debit card has.

Q: How does your company generate revenue?

A: We offer a digital wallet, checking accounts, debit card and various other services to
our customers for $5 a month. We also white-label our technology.

Q: Can you give an example of how you white-label your technology and when this would come into play? Also who is this aimed at, and how would the card function?

A: We’ve built a platform – not only for the BlockCard brand but also – for the companies looking to use blockchain to solve real world problems whether it’s converting bitcoin into cash or using stabletokens for purchases/transfers. We’re working with some really great companies to do this. Frankly – we’ve seen a LOT of interest from various companies both inside and outside of the crypto space. And yes – customers will be using a Blockcard but it won’t have our brand on it.

Q: Are there other companies in your space and if so, how are you different?

A: There are a handful in the United States. We’re different because I think we’ve been more innovative in terms of what we offer and what we’re going to offer. We also are different because we aren’t focused strictly on our BlockCard brand but we also white-label. So we’re a platform many companies can tie into in order to take advantage of our capabilities.

Q: Are you able to give any specific examples of how you are more innovative?

A: Well for example – we’re adding in checking accounts and connecting that “traditional money” to digital money. Users will be able to send this digital money instantly to anyone they want … any time, at no cost and instantly – that person receiving it will be able to spend those assets through traditional means like a Visa card or Google/Apple Pay.

Q: Are there any achievements, accolades or notable traction that your company has had that you wish to share with our readers?

A: We’re very excited because our growth is on pace to increase 300% this year over prior year and some of our biggest white-label customers to date will be going live soon. We’re working with some very large players in the industry and you’ll be hearing more about us in the future.

Q: What is the main benefit that your company provides to the Fintech world?

A: We connect digital assets to the real world. Digital assets include bitcoin (BITCOMP) and Ethereum (ETH-X) of course, but the future is in stabletokens or digital tokens that just represent currency sitting in a bank somewhere. Very few companies understand the true benefits that come from using the blockchain for p2p payments.

Q: If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of business/financial advice, what would it be?

A: Focus strictly on Blockcard. Fintech is where it’s at right now.

Q: Are you looking for additional funding or have a crowdfunding campaign? If so, what are you looking for in a potential investor, and how can interested readers get in touch/learn more?

A: We are raising capital through a Reg-CF at republic.co/ternio. We’re doing great and using capital to expand into new markets and offer new services. You can read more about us at ternio.io

Q: Is there any advice you'd give to other aspiring entrepreneurs?

A: Have a plan, be prepared to pivot, have a backup plan and a backup plan for that. Be prepared not to pay yourself anything for a long time. Don’t believe in the idea that people are going to invest in your business; so have a plan without investors outside of close friends and family who know you personally.

Q: Is there anything else you want to share with our audience?

A: I work 24/7/365 but I love what I do and all the sacrifice was worth it … but there’s a lot of sacrifice involved.