292: Done Deal: Ollie Walsh on Pipit’s 12-Year Journey to Qenta
This week, I’m welcoming back Ollie Walsh, formerly the co-founder and CEO of Pipit Global, and now, the President of Qenta, following Qenta’s recent acquisition of Pipit. This is Ollie’s fourth appearance on MoneyNeverSleeps, making him the all-time guest record holder on the show.
This conversation is a special one. Not only has Ollie been building something purpose-driven and globally relevant for over a decade, but I’ve also had the privilege of sitting on Pipit’s board since 2019 and seeing the full journey from the inside.
In this episode, we dive into the first public conversation about Pipit’s acquisition by Qenta. US-based Qenta is rethinking how money moves around the world, blending fintech, blockchain, and impact into one powerful payments platform.
In this episode, Ollie and I get into the weeds on what it really takes to build a startup with social impact at its core, what it feels like to finally get a deal across the line after years of trying, and how it all unfolds when you're leading with purpose rather than flash.
We also get into:
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The “rollercoaster on fire” of startup life
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What makes a startup acquirable, especially in emerging markets
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Why leading with social impact turned out to be Pipit’s greatest strength
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Lessons learned the hard way: cap tables, crowdfunding, and mental resilience
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Ollie’s unexpected deep dive into Daoism and Tai Chi, and how it shaped his founder mindset
This one’s packed with honest reflections, tactical insights, and a rare look inside the real M&A journey from a founder who lived every second of it.
If you're building with purpose, fundraising under pressure, or just trying to stay centered through it all, this one’s for you.
Connect with Ollie Walsh and Qenta:
Ollie Walsh: LinkedIn
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