In this exclusive Q&A, we sit down with Stuart Kasin—CEO of BizTravelSolutions and a serial entrepreneur with a background in finance and technology.
From launching niche platforms like Global SUV and Grape News to volunteering in his local community, Stuart blends business acumen with a grounded, people-first perspective. We spoke with him about his journey, his take on travel tech, and how he balances innovation with real-world needs.
Q: Stuart, take us back to the beginning. How did your career in finance evolve into founding tech companies?
Stuart Kasin: I started in finance, and honestly, that background has been foundational. But what really pushed me into tech was seeing the inefficiencies in everyday systems—especially in corporate travel and expenses. I kept thinking, “There’s got to be a smarter way to do this.” BizTravelSolutions was born out of that simple frustration. I wasn’t trying to build something trendy; I just wanted to fix something that was broken.
Q: And that led directly to BizTravelSolutions?
Not right away. There were a few steps in between. I worked in international banking, which catered to premium bank clients, and brokerage services—geared toward investment management. Each one taught me something new: logistics, client expectations, back-end tech. With BizTravelSolutions, I brought it all together. We focused on verifying travel expenses—something most companies don’t realise eats a ton of time and money.
Q: What was the gap you saw in the market?
The main problem was the “trust-but-verify” model. Companies would give employees travel cards and then spend weeks validating receipts after the fact. That creates tension—between finance teams and travellers. I saw an opportunity to make verification seamless, automated, and fair. Not flashy—just efficient.
Q: A lot of entrepreneurs talk about scaling fast. You seem more methodical.
That’s fair. I’ve always taken the view that growth should be a by-product of usefulness. I didn’t want to build something flashy that fizzled out in six months. It’s better to have a solid tool that makes someone’s job easier every single day.
Q: You’ve started multiple ventures across different industries. How do you decide what to pursue?
It always starts with a question. With Grape News, for example, it was: “Why can’t wine lovers access truly local reviews and trends?” With Global SUV, it was about the gap between customer, manufacturer, and the experience. I don’t chase categories—I chase overlooked problems. Once I see a pattern or a niche need, I test it out. Not everything works. But if it resonates, I go deeper.
Q: Do you still stay hands-on in your companies?
Yes, especially at the start. I believe in building the first layer myself—understanding the pain points, talking to customers, writing early specs. Once we’ve got a working prototype, then I’m more comfortable stepping back and letting the team scale it. But I always stay involved in product feedback.
Q: What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned as a founder?
That timing matters more than you think. You can have a great idea, solid tech, a motivated team—but if the market’s not ready, you’ll feel like you’re pushing a boulder uphill. I’ve had ventures where we were simply too early. It taught me patience. Now I spend more time watching trends before jumping in.
Q: Outside of work, we hear you’re active in your local community.
That’s true. I’ve volunteered at a nursing home for years and was involved in my son’s school’s parent organisation. That’s where you stay grounded. It reminds me that success isn’t just what you build, but what you give back. It also keeps me in touch with people outside the tech bubble—which helps more than you’d think.
Q: What’s something that keeps you energised personally?
Music, for sure. I listen to a wide range—everything from jazz to experimental electronic. It helps me disconnect and recharge. And I swim regularly. It clears my head and gives me space to think without screens or noise.
Q: Finally, what advice would you give someone starting out in tech today?
Stay curious, but stay useful. Everyone wants to disrupt something. But real value comes from making life easier for someone else. If you do that consistently, opportunities will follow. And don’t forget to listen—it’s your best edge.
Key Takeaways:
Innovation should begin by solving simple, overlooked problems.
Timing can be as critical as product quality or team strength.
Staying involved in community work helps keep founders grounded and human-focused.
Simplicity, not scale, often leads to sustainable success.
Listening—both to markets and to individuals—is a core leadership skill.
Read more:
Inside the Industry: Stuart Kasin on Travel Tech, Start-Ups, and Staying Grounded
