As a product person who's spent years in fintech, I've seen firsthand how digital payments can transform businesses. But there's one group that's been largely left behind: musicians and creators. That's why we built Cashless.

The Problem

Picture this: You're a musician who just finished an amazing set. People loved it and want to tip you, but nobody carries cash anymore. You've got a bunch of payment apps, but switching between them is a hassle, and keeping track of your earnings across platforms is a nightmare.

This isn't a hypothetical scenario - it's something I saw happening every weekend in venues across Birmingham. Musicians were losing out on earnings simply because accepting digital payments was too complicated.

The Solution

That's where Cashless comes in. We're building the simplest way for musicians to accept payments and manage their earnings. Here's how it works:

• One Link for All Payments - Musicians get a single, customizable link (like spendcashless.com/artist-name)
• Multiple Payment Methods - We support all major payment methods through Stripe integration
• Smart Analytics - Track earnings, popular venues, and best-performing nights
• Instant Deposits - Get your money when you need it, not days later

Technical Implementation

Building a fintech product comes with unique challenges. Here's how we're tackling them:

Security First

• PCI Compliance through Stripe's platform
• End-to-end encryption for all transactions
• Regular penetration testing and security reviews

Performance

• Next.js for lightning-quick page loads
• Edge computing for quick payment processing
• Mobile optimized for live venue environments

Reliability

• Real-time payment status notifications
• Offline support for spotty venue WiFi
• Automated reconciliation and tracking

What's Next

We're just getting started. Our roadmap includes:

• Venue QR codes for easy tipping
• Platform integration with booking services
• Simplified tax reporting for musicians
• Split payments for bands and groups

Join Us

If you're a musician or venue owner interested in simplifying your payment experience, check us out at spendcashless.com. We're always looking for feedback and early users to help shape the future of the platform.

Building Cashless has been an incredible journey so far, combining my passion for fintech with my desire to solve real problems for creators. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow and evolve!