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Meet Peter Vogt, Silicon Valley tech CEO who’s coming to Birmingham
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A west coast native and an investment banker turned tech entrepreneur—meet Peter Vogt, founder of Prepaid2Cash. The company is relocating its headquarters to Birmingham, AL—which means Peter is headed south. Keep reading to see his first impressions of the Magic City!
Why is Peter Coming to Birmingham?
Birmingham has become a bustling hub for tech companies and startups alike in recent years. This past April, the city was named as one of America’s new tech hot spots.
The Alabama Futures Fund (AFF) is the largest seed-stage investment fund in Alabama’s history. One of their most recent investments was in San Franciso-based startup Prepaid2Cash.
Prepaid2Cash allows customers to get cash for their prepaid cards. All you have to do is download the app, enter some basic info, scan your prepaid or gift card, and that money could be in your bank account in as little as 24 hours.
Following the investment, the company’s headquarters is making the move to the Magic City!
He’s a West Coast Transplant
Peter has lived in San Fransico for the past 13 years. However, he was born and raised in Seattle, WA.
As one might imagine, the path of Seattle to San Franciso to Birmingham might be quite the culture shock.
“I had been to Atlanta a couple of times before for business, but honestly hadn’t previously spent much time in the South. “
Peter Vogt, CEO of Prepaid2Cash
He began his career in Investment Banking, where he first met his Co-Founder, John. They worked at a firm that primarily advised on the sale of financial technology companies (which, of course, is how you would describe Prepaid2Cash).
Peter has over a decade of experience in investing as well as scaling and growing companies. Peter and John teamed up to create Prepaid2Cash, which they launched to the public in 2016.
Joining the Birmingham Tech Scene
Moving to a new place can be intimidating on its own, but moving your company across the country is even more nerve-wracking. Peter and his team have visited Birmingham several times now, and they like what they see.
“We really like Birmingham. I think there is tremendous growth opportunity here for early stage companies.
There is a great talent pool with the local universities, immense infrastructure in the historical buildings, and a community that is intensely focused on embracing technology companies and building out the ecosystem.
We think that is a powerful combination and is a major attraction for companies to come to Birmingham.”
Peter Vogt, CEO of Prepaid2Cash
From what he’s seen so far, Peter believes that people within the tech community here are genuinely trying to help one another succeed and support each others’ endeavors.
A True Birmingham Welcome
Operating in Birmingham is certainly more economical than Silicon Valley, but there are other perks as well. Peter said the positive ecosystem around the tech community in Birmingham pleasantly surprised him and his team.
Plus, southern hospitality is alive and well in the Magic City. The Prepaid2Cash team agreed they’ve felt very welcomed here from the start.
“We have been able to meet a number of people in the business community, and their willingness to make introductions and open their rolodexes to us makes us feel humbled and grateful for the assistance and getting assimilated into the community.”
Peter Vogt, CEO of Prepaid2Cash
The Most Important Question… Food!
We all know Birmingham has an incredible food scene.
Like any good local, I asked Peter to tell me the best food he’s had in the Magic City so far. He claimed he always loves the barbeque in the south (he came to the right place!) and that he’s a fan of the brisket at Jim ‘N Nick’s.
“Fried Okra and fried green tomatoes are growing on me.”
Peter Vogt, CEO of Prepaid2Cash
As Peter makes his full-time transition to Birmingham next year, he’ll have plenty of time to try out the city’s best grub. Be sure to send us your top suggestions of can’t-miss-meals for us to pass along.
Be sure to download Prepaid2Cash in time for the holiday season! And as always, stay tuned to Bham Now for the latest and greatest in Birmingham news.
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