👋 Hi, I'm Alan Tsen
I'm an experienced operator and ex-founder who's spent his career building products people love.
I was the Director of Revenue Strategy at Chipper Cash, headed up a corporate accelerator program for Australia's largest general insurer, was the founding GM of Stone & Chalk Melbourne and co-founded an education startup.
I was previously the chairperson of Fintech Australia and a member of the Federal Government's Fintech Advisory Group and ASIC's Digital Finance Advisory Committee.
On nights and weekends, I invest in early-stage fintech startups and pen a newsletter called Fintech Radar. I love wine, taking photos and vintage menswear.
Ps. Sometimes, I send out an email with updates ↓
What Is This Blog?
I love writing. However, I’m not sure it loves me back. Depending on the rotation of the sun, my mood, or the topic I’m mulling over, the process can range from cathartic to downright painful. Regardless, everyday I (digitally) scribble my thoughts and ideas into my note taking
Compasses vs Maps: Why Banks Struggle with Innovation
When it comes to innovation, banks crave certainty. The language of boardrooms and executive suites is awash with talk of “roadmaps,” “frameworks,” and “best practices.” They want maps—detailed, proven pathways that chart the course from point A to point B with minimal risk and maximum predictability. But innovation isn’
Disposable Apps: Digital Toothpicks for Every Task
AI is flipping the script on how we create and use software. Forget app stores and coding boot camps. Now, you can conjure up a custom app as easily as jotting down a quick note. These aren't watered-down widgets or clunky prototypes, but full-fledged, personalised tools built on the fly.
Writing Plainly
As you write more, there's a subtle trap waiting to ensnare you: the allure of complexity. You might feel compelled to use fancier words, construct more intricate sentences, or dive into convoluted explanations. Don't fall for it. The best writing is simple and direct. It's not about showing off your
Writing as a Tool for Clarity and Connection
One of the most underrated habits for founders and creators is consistent writing. Many make the mistake of thinking that writing about your company and journey can come across as "salesy." Far from it, if done genuinely, it can become a powerful tool for self-discovery and connection with others. Writing
Generational Companies Don't Take TAM; They Create It
Generational companies don't just capture existing markets; they create new ones. Stripe is a perfect example. When Patrick Collison said, "The biggest, most important companies that will be Stripe's customers do not exist yet. They are still just ideas in someone's mind," he was highlighting how Stripe wasn't just about
Why Clarity Beats Perfection in Decision-Making
In the quest to "get it right", it's easy to fall into the trap of seeking perfection. The pursuit of flawlessness often results in paralysis, where decisions are delayed and missing the opportunity to make progress. Clarity, on the other hand, is a powerful catalyst for progress. When you prioritise
Platforms, Interoperability And Standardisation
Every tech company dreams of building a platform—a central hub where all transactions happen and a wide array of use cases is covered. The allure is clear: once established, platforms generate revenue with minimal effort, creating a virtuous cycle of growth. It's no wonder that many start-ups and established
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