EV Loader and Cardlink formed a partnership through the introduction made by Visa Innovation Program Europe.
About EV Loader & Cardlink
EV Loader is developing the first network of chargers open to all in Greece and Southeast Europe. It provides charging station management software to businesses such as hotels and shops that already have a charging station on their premises and displays their location through the EV Loader app map and through other apps. The company provides different models of chargers and installation services by licensed electricians throughout Greece.
Cardlink (member of Worldline, the EU leader in payment services) on the other hand, compliments EV Loader’s vision as being active in the field of electronic payments and in particular, in the acceptance and management of card transactions, both in physical and electronic commerce. Constantly developing at all levels, they operate the largest network of POS terminals in Greece, serving businesses and consumers safely and quickly.
The Partnership
Driven by a common goal to improve the Greek electric vehicle charging experience, EV Loader and Cardlink formed a partnership through the introduction made by Visa Innovation Program Europe. EV Loader, having received feedback from over 5,000 drivers, identified a preference for contactless payments and a desire to avoid juggling multiple apps at different charging stations. Cardlink, motivated by innovation and inclusivity in the Greek EV market, saw an opportunity to provide a complementary solution to existing apps through an unattended point-of-sale (POS) system for contactless payments. This collaboration resulted in a new application specifically designed for card reader hardware, enabling the seamless contactless payment experience that both companies sought to deliver.
Though in its early stages, the success of the partnership has been evident from the beginning, as Cardlink provided “access to bank card reader terminals that were set in sandbox mode that enabled us to experiment with user flow scenarios and perform test transactions” says EV Loader. Fast forward to the development and testing, they smoothly deployed their first card reader terminals and commercial fast-charging locations in Greece. EV Loader emphasizes that the success of their collaboration hinged on two key factors: responsive partners and clearly defined roles. The immediate assistance they received from Visa’s Innovation Program mentors and Cardlink’s support agents exemplifies the importance of working with partners who are truly invested in the project’s success. Additionally, establishing well-defined roles for each party and clear models outlining how each benefits is crucial for maintaining long-term commitment and achieving shared goals.
Why collaborate with Startups, from Cardlink
Cardlink, on the other hand, emphasized its selection process for startup collaborations. They assess various criteria to ensure alignment, including the team’s skillset, the solution’s viability and innovation, and its strategic fit with their own goals. However, Cardlink went on to say that the most crucial factor is often the team itself. They prioritize the passion, dedication, and expertise of the startup team, believing these qualities are essential for the success and longevity of any partnership. In this case, EV Loader’s persistence and willingness to collaborate openly likely resonated with Cardlink’s focus on these attributes. It appears that both the technical aspects, like early access to testing environments, and the strong alignment between the two teams’ values and approaches were key to the successful partnership.
Visa Innovation Program Europe: Value as a Partner
“The Visa Innovation Program presents immense value to us as a partner in several key ways,” says Cardlink. The fintech collaboration platform acts like a well-organized environment and meeting place for us to connect with exciting new startups. It streamlines the process of finding the right partners and fosters smooth collaboration. What’s particularly valuable is the program’s focus on helping us develop proof-of-concepts (PoCs) quickly. By prioritizing PoCs, we can rapidly validate new ideas and solutions, speeding up the time it takes to get them to market. This fast-paced validation process is key for us to test innovative concepts and deliver solutions that bring significant value to our customers.
The Future of the Partnership
EV Loader sees a future where their partnership with Cardlink expands beyond their own charging network. Their solution has been successfully developed to be interoperable with other EV charging networks. This means larger players in the industry, like electricity utilities, can now purchase compatible card reader terminals and leverage the contactless payment solution. This eliminates the need for users to initiate charging sessions through multiple mobile apps, creating a more seamless experience.
Three pieces of advice for startups, from EV Loader
1.Collect feedback from your users and perform thorough market research to identify the pain points of users
2. Meet with the partners of the Visa Innovation Program and find partners that offer broad interoperable services that require effort to be customized for your target niche
3. Try to develop new services that can broaden your customer base vs. only aiming to improve the experience for your existing customers.