The Klink Mobile team is growing. Alan Alvarado (far left) of Mexico City joined the mobile transfer startup in December, taking on the role of CTO. Jean-Olivier Buteau (near left) of Miami* is Klink’s new vice president of business development. Together, along with part time resources in Kansas City, Mo. and a team member in Afghanistan, they round out a small international team that covers two continents and three countries and the combined ability to speak nine languages.
“Our main focus right now is building the team and finding the right talent,” Klink founder and CEO Jessie Bishop said. In a recent phone interview with Silicon Prairie News, Bishop said finding people that not only understand international relations and the world of mobile and financial, but are willing to hustle is a rare thing.
“The team we have right now, finally, is amazing,” she said. “Hands down, I have found the most amazing people.
Thanks to our sponsor
Klink Mobile is a mobile technology platform that enables users to transfer minutes and money to mobile devices worldwide.
Since we last reported on Klink – the international startup tied to the Silicon Prairie via Bishop’s Kansas City roots – its team has been busy traveling to international locations such as Dubai, Afghanistan and countries in Latin America, launching with carriers in Afghanistan and Mexico and working on obtaining funding.
While it’s not something she can currently disclose, Bishop said that they will have news to share this spring about funding partners.
In addition to funding announcements, Bishop (right) has big plans for the remainder of 2013, including identifying a central location where all of her team members can finally work together face-to-face, launching in additional markets and more hiring. Bishop plans to hire at least one employee that will be based in Kansas City.
“2013 is definitely our year,” Bishop said.
She expressed gratitude for how far they have already come. “The international community has really stepped up to the plate to support us. People that work in government, in the largest banks in the world, they really see the value in what we are doing. That has created a sense of energy around our company,” she said.
For an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at Klink and Bishop, check out The Pitch’s feature on the startup: “Klink Mobile CEO Jessie Bishop bets that the future of moving money is on your cellphone“.
Update 2 p.m. – When published, article incorrectly stated Jean-Olivier Buteau resided in Mexico City. Buteau resides in Miami.
Credit: Screenshot from klinkmobile.com. Photos courtesy Klink Mobile.
