Payzli: The Journey of Building a Payments Powerhouse

In 2019, a shared vision among three industry veterans laid the foundation for what would become Payzli, a next-generation payment technology company. Cofounded by Naim Hamdar (Chief Revenue Officer), Arash Izadpanah (Chief Risk Officer), and Kapil Pershad (Chief Technology and Product Officer), Payzli has rapidly emerged as a transformative force in the payment processing industry, rooted in technology-driven innovation and a deep commitment to service excellence.

For Hamdar, entrepreneurship was more than a career—it was a necessity and a calling. Growing up as an immigrant in Tampa after his family left Lebanon, he witnessed the resilience and hard work required to build a future from the ground up. His entrepreneurial spirit ignited at 18 and culminated in his leadership at Payzli. With a mission to simplify and elevate the payment experience, Hamdar and his team are reimagining the industry.

Kapil Pershad, Payzli’s Chief Technology and Product Officer, describes the company’s vision succinctly: “Payzli’s ‘For the Joy of Business’ tagline embodies our fundamental ethos as a company created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. It signifies our dedication to developing products that not only fulfill our customers’ needs but also bring them joy. By crafting solutions that streamline processes and boost productivity, we strive to make doing business a joyful experience and make the daily life of the business owner just a tad bit easier.”

Technology Meets Customer-Centricity: Payzli’s Unique Edge

Payzli’s competitive advantage lies in its dual commitment to cutting-edge technology and personalized service. As a Visa Platform Connect direct fintech, Payzli designs proprietary tools that empower businesses of all sizes and risk levels. The company’s flagship offerings include a robust Payment CRM and Payzli POS, a point-of-sale system tailored specifically for the beauty and service sectors.

“Traditionally, payment processing was just a credit card terminal. Today, it’s about integrating payments with every aspect of a business’s operations,” Hamdar explains. From AI-powered reviews to fraud management integrations, Payzli’s solutions address modern business challenges with an eye toward scalability and user experience.

Arash Izadpanah, Chief Risk Officer, highlights the company’s customer-centric philosophy: “At Payzli, we believe true customer satisfaction goes beyond competitive pricing. By offering direct, accessible support for Risk and Underwriting, we ensure merchants get the answers they need—every time. That’s what defines exceptional customer experience.”

Naim Hamdar attributes much of Payzli’s growth to strategic partnerships and its innovative product development division, Payzli Labs, helmed by co-founder Kapil Pershad. A key collaboration with Visa’s Platform Connect has been particularly instrumental. These alliances have allowed Payzli to enhance its products and provide merchants with exceptional efficiency, ensuring that innovation remains at the forefront.

People-First Culture: The Heart of Payzli

At the core of Payzli’s operations is a vibrant, people-focused culture. The company fosters an environment of courage, transparency, and relentless innovation, reflected in its values and daily practices. Employees are empowered to bring ideas to life and contribute meaningfully to the company’s mission: uplifting businesses to their highest potential.

“Our core values—courageous innovation, emotional intelligence, and excellence—guide everything we do,” says Hamdar. “We’re not just a tech company. We maintain a human element that ensures every partner and employee feels seen and valued.”

Hamdar also emphasizes that starting a business is not for the faint of heart, advocating for commitment and passion as prerequisites for entrepreneurial success. “Business is challenging,” he notes. “But if you’re driven by a mission and willing to work tirelessly, the potential is limitless.”

Deep Roots in Tampa Bay: Committed to Local Growth

Payzli’s connection to Tampa Bay runs deep, with the company’s leadership making a deliberate choice to base operations in the region. For Hamdar, Tampa isn’t just a home—it’s a thriving business hub that offers unmatched resources, a vibrant community, and a business-friendly environment.

“I love this city,” Hamdar shares. “The growth and transformation I’ve seen over the years are incredible. Tampa is more than a place to work—it’s a place where businesses like ours can thrive and make an impact.”

Payzli is committed to contributing to Tampa Bay’s economic ecosystem by fostering local partnerships and creating jobs. The company’s leadership is actively involved in initiatives that support the area’s growth, including the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), a network that Hamdar praises for its role in connecting and empowering entrepreneurs.

“Tampa is a special place, and we’re dedicated to being a part of its continued growth. It’s a city where innovation meets opportunity, and we’re proud to call it home,” Hamdar emphasizes. As Payzli scales, the company is steadfast in its commitment to driving progress in Tampa and the surrounding areas.

Overcoming Challenges and Growing Resiliently

Payzli’s journey has not been without its hurdles. Early on, the company secured seed funding through Arash’s network but faced significant capital challenges while building its proprietary technology stack. Instead of stepping back, Hamdar merged resources from his previous business to keep the vision alive, underscoring his unwavering commitment to Payzli’s success.

This resilience bore fruit in January 2024 when Payzli secured a $6 million investment from Esquire Bank, further solidifying its position in the industry. With this funding, the company doubled down on technology development, extending its market reach and refining its solutions for both low-risk and high-risk merchants.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Billion-Dollar Future

Hamdar’s aspirations for Payzli are bold but clear: to build a billion-dollar “unicorn” in Tampa Bay. “It’s about doing a few things really well,” he says. “We’re focused on scaling our POS solutions, enhancing our partner-centric approach, and entering untapped verticals.”

From high-risk industries like CBD and e-commerce to empowering 1099 sales professionals with best-in-class tools, Payzli is strategically positioning itself for exponential growth. “The Tampa Bay area provides the perfect environment for a company like ours,” Hamdar shares. “The business-friendly climate and resources here are unmatched.”

Recognized as a GrowFL Honoree

Being named a GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch honoree is a milestone for Payzli and its leadership. “This recognition means the world to us,” says Hamdar. “It validates the hard work and innovation that we’ve poured into this company, and it reinforces our mission to create a positive impact here in Florida.”

Hamdar also credits the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) for its role in his professional growth, describing the network as invaluable for overcoming business challenges and fostering collaboration.

Advice for Entrepreneurs

Hamdar’s advice to those considering entrepreneurship is rooted in his own journey: “Be committed to your vision, and don’t pursue it for the wrong reasons. Passion and dedication are non-negotiable if you want to succeed.”

With this ethos driving Payzli forward, the company continues to inspire innovation and ambition in Florida and beyond. For the Payzli team, the journey is about more than growth—it’s about creating lasting change in the business landscape, For the Joy of Business.