Interview

In this exclusive interview, Bobby Tinsley, Co-founder and CEO of SKUx, a cutting-edge digital payment platform, opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of raising capital, and the invaluable role of Board of Advisors (BA) in his success. Bobby shares insights into the importance of self-awareness, the relentless pursuit of innovation, and how focusing on a singular mission can propel businesses to new heights. As SKUx continues to make waves in the fintech space, Bobby reflects on the key decisions that shaped the company’s growth and its ongoing transformation.

Q: Bobby, thanks so much for joining us today. Let’s start from the beginning — tell us about SKUx and the journey that led to its creation.

Bobby Tinsley: Thanks for having me. SKUx started with a simple idea: we wanted to create a platform that could revolutionize digital payments, making them more efficient, transparent, and accessible for businesses across all industries. We focused on building a seamless infrastructure that integrates directly into payment networks, with a strong focus on transparency and return on investment for our partners. The journey has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. What I’ve learned is that in fintech, like any other industry, it’s essential to be able to navigate not just technological hurdles, but also human dynamics, partnerships, and market needs. 

Q: The success of SKUx has been incredible so far, but no journey is without its challenges. What were some of the toughest lessons you learned as you were raising capital?

Bobby Tinsley: Raising capital was definitely a process of growth for us. The toughest lesson came when we realized that while there were endless opportunities, we couldn’t chase them all. It’s easy to get distracted by everything you could do, but the key is to stay focused on the mission. We learned that saying “no” to certain opportunities—no matter how tempting—is crucial to staying true to our vision and our values. Building a business, especially one like ours in the payments space, is about making hard decisions and staying aligned with your core objectives. Without that focus, you end up spreading yourself too thin, which can be detrimental.

Q: SKUx’s journey has involved a lot of growth, and you’ve had to navigate some complex integrations. How do you manage the balance between innovation and staying true to your core product?

Bobby Tinsley: That balance is always tough, but it’s essential. As a visionary, I often see the “big picture” and where we could take SKUx, but it’s about grounding those ideas in the reality of what we need to achieve right now. We’ve had to put a strong emphasis on creating recurring revenue generation first, as a means to support our long-term goals. That involves carefully selecting the right opportunities and integrating them into our product in a way that serves our immediate objectives. It’s not about jumping to the “North Star” without building the necessary infrastructure first. I believe that staying disciplined and focused on what will move the needle today is key.

Q: You mentioned the importance of focus earlier, especially with so many opportunities. How do you personally manage the temptation to stray from the original vision?

Bobby Tinsley: It comes down to self-awareness and knowing what you’re good at—and more importantly, what you’re not good at. I’ve always been someone who goes all-in when I believe in something, and that conviction is important. But as a leader, I’ve also learned to surround myself with people who complement my skill set. I can’t do it all myself. Having the right team is crucial, and it’s about empowering them to lead in areas where I don’t have expertise. By creating a culture of trust and transparency, we’re able to stay focused on our mission, even when new opportunities pop up.

Q: That focus and trust in your team are clearly vital. Can you tell us how the Board of Advisors (BA) played a role in SKUx’s growth?

Bobby Tinsley: Board of Advisors was absolutely instrumental in the early stages of SKUx. The community that BA has built is unique—it’s a group of like-minded individuals who are all deeply invested in each other’s success. We wouldn’t have SKUx without the support we received from the members of BA. The introductions, the advice, and the capital we secured from that network have been pivotal to our journey. It’s not just about networking; it’s about forming relationships with people who genuinely want to see you succeed. Joining BA wasn’t just about business connections—it was about finding a group of people who are willing to help each other grow. 

Q: How would you describe the culture at SKUx? And what part of that culture was influenced by your experience at BA?

Bobby Tinsley: At SKUx, we strive to create a transparent culture, one where everyone feels empowered to share their ideas and contribute to the company’s direction. Transparency is not just part of our product; it’s something we value deeply as a team. This was something I really admired about BA—how open and supportive the community is. We’ve tried to foster that same sense of openness at SKUx. As a leader, I believe it’s my job to set the tone for the company’s culture. If something’s not working, I own it, and we work together to find a solution. It’s about leading by example and creating an environment where everyone feels responsible for the company’s success.

Q: It’s clear that culture is central to your success. Looking ahead, what’s next for SKUx, and where do you see the company in the next five years?

Bobby Tinsley: We’re in an exciting phase right now. We’ve proven that our platform works, and we’ve seen significant traction with major players in the fintech and payments industries. Over the next five years, we’re focused on scaling. We want to expand our reach, grow our partnerships, and continue to refine our product to meet the needs of the market. We’re also investing heavily in the infrastructure that will allow us to grow sustainably. But beyond just business growth, we want to leave a legacy—one that creates generational wealth and has a positive impact on our communities. It’s about using this platform to do something bigger than ourselves. 

Q: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are just starting out?

Bobby Tinsley: My advice would be to stay true to your vision, even when things get tough. The road to success is never linear, and it’s easy to get discouraged. But if you have a strong conviction in your mission and surround yourself with the right people, you’ll be able to overcome the challenges that come your way. Focus on building a team that complements your strengths, stay disciplined in your approach, and never stop learning. Entrepreneurship is a journey, and the best way to succeed is by staying persistent and being adaptable.