In software development, payment integrations can feel like a necessary evil. It’s a complex, convoluted aspect of business operations that simply has to work, but isn’t particularly innovative.
At Forward, our CTO and Co-Founder Derek Victory is on a mission to change that. With over two decades in software and a decade+ in payments, Derek’s goal is to make payments work seamlessly for SaaS companies—empowering them to harness payments as a valuable asset rather than a headache.
A Journey Through Software and Payments
Derek’s path began with IT consulting, helping banks and insurance companies transition from paper-heavy back-office operations to efficient digital systems. These early experiences honed his skills in creating smooth, digital workflows and sparked an interest in the efficiency of complex systems. After moving to Austin and earning an MBA from the University of Texas, Derek entered the world of software and payments. It was here he met Brandon Lloyd, Forward’s CEO and Co-Founder, with whom he has collaborated on multiple ventures.
Derek joined Brandon’s team at Bypass, a payment tech startup, in 2012. He was in charge of the development of backend functionalities, including payment processing and transaction management. Bypass expanded and eventually caught the attention of Fiserv, which acquired the company in 2020. In big company land, Derek and Brandon faced the reality that corporate structures make innovation difficult, leading them to pursue their vision independently and establish Forward.
Breaking Down Misconceptions in Payments
There are several misconceptions about payments and how to integrate them as a SaaS provider. One prominent one that Derek had himself when first getting started was that established companies offer flawless systems. In reality, even industry giants struggle with unreliable processes and limited transparency. At Forward, this means solving issues behind the scenes so our customers enjoy a seamless experience today and in the future.
Another key misconception lies in payments’ revenue potential. Derek learned firsthand that, while payments can be highly lucrative for software companies, this information isn’t always clear, and many smaller software providers are unaware they could monetize their payment flows. We seek to provide transparency, helping companies understand how payments can serve as a significant revenue stream.
Designing for Developers, by Developers
Central to all of this is building a developer-friendly experience. Derek knows first hand that developers often feel frustration with payment integrations, which can be tedious and complex. That’s why we’re creating a streamlined and intuitive payment system that developers can integrate quickly and easily.
By focusing on a developer-centric model, we give companies the tools to get their payment systems running with minimal hassle. Derek’s experience working through multiple payment integrations has made him acutely aware of the pitfalls, and we were built to avoid them.
“Payments integration doesn’t need to be a struggle. We’re here to make it straightforward, empowering developers to focus on what makes their business unique.”
A Foundation of Transparency
Derek’s journey has underscored the importance of transparency in payments. At Forward, we aim to change the narrative of a traditionally opaque industry by offering honest solutions that simplify payments for companies of all sizes. Derek believes that by fostering a culture of clarity and support, Forward can redefine how businesses interact with payment solutions, especially those new to the SaaS market.
For many companies, payments are an essential but unglamorous part of their operation. But with our focus on developer-friendly, transparent payment integrations, payments can become an asset rather than a burden. By combining technical expertise with a commitment to honesty, we are paving the way for a new era in SaaS payments—one where payments are easy to integrate, transparent, and ultimately profitable.
We want a world where payments don’t just work—they work for you. Reach out (add link) if you want to learn more!
