Derek Canton
Managing Director
About
<p>Venture-Backed Forbes 30 Under 30 CEO and Founder using AI to power the future of customer experiences.<br /><br /><br />_________</p> <p> </p> <p>Derek Canton, the CEO and Founder of Paerpay, is known for his passion, innovation execution in the fintech world. As a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree, his entrepreneurial journey began in 2017 after winning the Money 20/20 hackathon, the largest fintech hackathon at the time.</p> <p>In 2020, faced with the global challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Derek guided Paerpay towards providing safe, contactless payment solutions for restaurants, demonstrating resilience and adaptability during a crisis.</p> <p>The subsequent year, 2021, marked a pivotal phase for Paerpay as it joined the Techstars' New York City Accelerator, enhancing its visibility and operations. This growth trajectory continued into 2022, with Derek leading the company to secure $3M in seed funding from leading venture capitalists, elevating their total funding to over $4.2 million, a testament to Derek’s vision and his platform’s market relevance.</p> <p>Presently, Paerpay is expanding its reach nationwide and working with brands like Carl’s Jr. Under Canton's leadership, the company is not just processing millions in transactions but enriching the interaction between restaurants and guests, as evidenced by 60% of guest rating of the platform a 4.7/5 or higher.</p> <p>In 2023, Canton's efforts extended Paerpay's business achievements. He won the NBA Foundation’s pitch competition and secured $150,000 of non-dilutive funding from Google’s Black Founders fund. These accolades are significant for their contribution to fostering diversity in entrepreneurship. Moreover, his participation in panels at universities and institutions like Google and Mastercard highlights his commitment to supporting black founders and promoting equity in business and society.</p> <p>In essence, Derek Canton's passion and persistence transcends his position as a CEO. He is a figure actively shaping a more inclusive future in both the fintech sector and the entrepreneurial landscape at large.</p>
Brands
Steak ‘n Shake
Legal Sea Foods, Inc.