Adyen success story: Pieter van der Does building one of Europe’s largest fintech unicorns

Adyen's Pieter van der Does shares lessons from building a global payment platform, emphasizing product focus and operational principles. He recounts targeting high-end clients from the start with a transparent pricing model, contrasting industry norms. A key element of Adyen's success involves a unique hiring process where board members interview every candidate, ensuring a high bar for talent and cultural fit. Van der Does highlights the importance of including engineers in early decision-making and fostering a culture of open communication and continuous improvement. Rejecting acquisition offers and prioritizing long-term vision shaped Adyen's path to IPO, focusing on sustainable business models over short-term gains.