Payment Expert’s ID Check: Payments Professionals offers insight from industry leaders and experts on how they got their start in the financial industry, from their early years in education, to how they have been able to climb the corporate ladder.
This week, Vijay Oddiraju, Co-Founder and CEO of Volante Technologies, envisions a world beyond the stars and how this creative thinking has led to his pivotal role in processing the first transaction on the US Real-Time Payment rail.
Where did you go to university and what did you study? What impact did this have on your current journey?
Though I studied engineering in India and later pursued a master’s in computer science in the US, it was real-world experience that truly shaped my path.
My time at Oracle, for example, taught me more about the tech landscape and navigating enterprise challenges than any classroom could. While my studies gave me a solid foundation in maths and physics, it’s the practical knowledge gained on the ground, tackling complex problems and working with teams, that fuelled my passion for entrepreneurship.
This combination of learning from both structured education and real-world challenges has been key in founding and leading Volante Technologies.
Were you part of any sports clubs or societies at university and has this influenced your educational and professional development?
I played cricket the most, along with swimming, jogging, and some tennis, though not at a competitive level. Nowadays, I focus on the gym to stay fit.
Exercise certainly improves oxygen intake, which can boost brain function, but sports didn’t directly influence my education or professional development. Indirectly, they might have contributed, but it’s hard to say for sure.
On the other hand, moving from India to pursue my master’s degree in computer science in the US was an experience that broadened my horizons and set the stage for my future career. This transition taught me adaptability, cultural awareness, and the importance of seizing opportunities – skills that have been invaluable throughout my journey.
Did you have any jobs outside of the industry before making your start in it and was this experience a motivation to get into the industry you aspired to be in?
While I didn’t have significant jobs outside the industry, my time at Oracle was crucial in shaping my aspirations. Working with enterprise customers on complex technology modernisation challenges ignited my passion for solving intricate problems in the financial technology space.
This experience was indeed a strong motivation for me to eventually start my own ventures in the industry.
What was the first job you had in the industry and are there any lessons from this you still draw on?
My first job in the software industry was at Oracle’s Mission Critical Support – the Oracle Kernel group, and then in engineering group and consulting divisions. Those roles were instrumental in laying the foundation for my future endeavours.
Working with enterprise clients on complex technology challenges taught me the importance of understanding customer needs deeply and developing innovative solutions to address them.
Who was your biggest role model outside of the payments industry who continues to inspire you in your current career?
I admire figures like Larry Ellison for his visionary execution, Elon Musk for his brilliance, and Jeff Bezos for his business acumen. Their drive to push boundaries and reimagine what’s possible resonates with my own philosophy of thinking big and never shying away from risk.
Outside of payments, I’m captivated by the innovations happening in fields like space travel, quantum computing, the metaverse, AI, and autonomous vehicles. I often say that if humanity can eliminate nuclear arms and avoid creating anything that could threaten our existence, our potential is limitless.
I envision us exploring the universe, expanding across galaxies, travelling in spaceships, and maybe even achieving immortality.
When was your first big break in the payments industry? Why was this such a significant moment for you?
My big break in payments came when Volante’s VolPay processed the first US Real-Time payment transaction – making history in the payments industry.
This solution, built on modern technology with a modular architecture, brought significant value to our customers, enabling them to operate faster and with greater flexibility.
This milestone validated our vision for the future of payments and set the stage for what Volante could achieve in the industry.
Was there a moment you faced in the industry that really challenged you? How did you overcome this?
The 2008 financial crisis was certainly a major challenge, not just for us but for the entire industry.
We were fortunate to have the support of our existing clients, who licensed more of our technology, seeing firsthand how it helped them do more with less. The automation we introduced in application building and integration enabled them to launch products quickly and at a lower cost than traditional, legacy methods.
Another ongoing challenge has been building and scaling Volante Technologies in an industry that never stands still. Staying ahead requires a culture of constant innovation and adaptability.
For example, our transition to cloud payments and financial messaging solutions is a direct response to evolving market needs. Trust-building has been another critical challenge in the sensitive financial sector, and we’ve addressed this by fostering a company culture grounded in reliability and by consistently delivering exceptional results for our clients.
Lastly, what is some advice you would give to an aspiring person looking to get a start in your respective industry?
To someone aspiring to enter the fintech industry, I would say: First, never stop learning. This industry is constantly evolving, so staying curious and adaptable is crucial.
Second, don’t be afraid to take risks. Some of the best innovations come from challenging the status quo. Third, focus on solving real problems for your customers. In fintech, understanding the pain points of financial institutions and developing solutions that truly add value is key. Finally, build a strong network and surround yourself with talented people.
As I’ve experienced with my co-founders at Volante, having the right team can make all the difference in turning a vision into reality. Remember, in this industry, we have the power to transform how people and businesses interact with money – it’s an exciting field with endless possibilities for those willing to think big and work hard.
