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# Matt Welle, CEO Mews: How Mews is turning a hotel-focused SaaS product into a fintech play
- URL: https://www.embeddedfinancereview.com/podcasts/how-mews-is-turning-a-hotel-focused-saas-product-into-a-fintech-play/
- Published: 2024-07-16T11:35:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T13:46:13.000Z
- Description: How Mews revolutionizes the hotel industry with embedded finance solutions like payments and lending. Their journey from SaaS to fintech dominance explained.
- Author: Lars Markull
- Tags: Podcast, Embedded Payments, Embedded Lending, Mews, YouLend, Stripe, Netherlands, Europe, Global, Hospitality, Embedder

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Prefer to read? The full transcript of this episode is available [here](https://www.embeddedfinancereview.com/matt-welle-mews-transcript/).

In this episode, host Lars Markull interviews [Matt Welle](https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthijswelle/?ref=embeddedfinancereview.com), Co-Founder and CEO of [Mews](https://www.mews.com/en/?ref=embeddedfinancereview.com), a SaaS and FinTech platform transforming the hotel industry. They discuss Mews’ journey, its innovative approach to hospitality software, and how embedded finance is pivotal in its operations.

## Introduction to Mews and Its Mission

- **What is Mews?**  
Mews is a cloud-based property management system (PMS) for hotels, replacing traditional on-premises setups. It serves a wide range of hotels, from small bed-and-breakfasts to large hotel chains.
- **Core Mission:**  
To modernize and simplify hotel operations by integrating advanced technology and financial services into the guest and employee experience.

## Key Features and Innovations

**Transforming Hotel Operations:**

- Automates check-ins, check-outs, and payments using cloud technology.
- Offers mobile-friendly solutions like tablet-based reception or fully digital check-ins.
- Integrates with over 1,000 systems, including accounting tools, booking platforms like Expedia, and restaurant management systems.
- **Global Reach:**  
Operating in 85 countries with a focus on Europe, North America, and Australia/New Zealand.  
Started in the Czech Republic but now serves both SMBs and enterprise-scale hotel chains globally.

## Embedded Finance at Mews

**FinTech as a Growth Driver:**

- Payments have become a larger revenue stream than SaaS for Mews.
- The company uses Stripe Connect for seamless payment processing across guest journeys.
- Introduced cash flow lending for hotels to address seasonal financial challenges.

**Future Financial Products:**

- Exploring dynamic currency conversion, payroll services, and account issuing.
- Considering deeper integration into the financial stack with licenses for payments or e-money.

## Challenges and Strategies

- **Overcoming Legacy Systems:**  
Hotels traditionally relied on outdated on-premise systems with minimal innovation. Mews disrupted this by offering cloud-first solutions.
- **Trust Building:**  
Gaining trust in an industry resistant to change required years of thought leadership and customer education.
- **Scaling Operations:**  
With over 1,100 employees globally, Mews has embraced remote-first operations to attract top talent.

## Lessons Learned

- **Importance of Hiring Expertise:**  
Bringing in experienced professionals from companies like PayPal and [Booking.com](https://booking.com/?ref=embeddedfinancereview.com) has been critical for scaling FinTech operations.
- **Cross-functional Collaboration:**  
Teams across SaaS and FinTech work together through mission-driven projects to ensure seamless integration of products.
- **Adapting to Market Needs:**  
Product launches are tailored to specific markets based on demand (e.g., lending in Europe vs. payroll in the U.S.).