Growing fintech VibePay has announced that Vikram “Vikkstar” Barn, Sidemen member and YouTuber with 7.4 million subscribers, has joined the business as a shareholder and partner.

The firm outlined that the move marks a major step in making account-to-account payments the ‘go-to way’ that the creator economy, streamers and side-hustlers pay and get paid.

Vikram “Vikkstar” Singh Barn said on his link with the firm: VibePay is a brand that I have long been a fan of as a creator and businessman. With our community still being burnt by the middleman when it comes to payments, VibePay solves a genuine problem and brings a new set of features that I believe will transform how we, as creators, engage with our audiences in the future. 

“Having watched the likes of WeChat in Asia and CashApp in the US  gain so much popularity, I see so much potential in VibePay becoming Europe’s equivalent. I can’t wait to help shape the future of VibePay and be part of a business that is revolutionising the payments industry and taking on the out-dated, traditional players.”

The partnership between Vikkstar, one of the biggest content creators in the world, and VibePay, the specialists in payments and Open Banking, sees a first-of-its kind deal with the UK-based streamer becoming a part-owner of the business, ‘signalling a new role creators and influencers can play in the ownership structure of fintechs’.  

Luke Massie, CEO of VibePay, added: “Bringing Vik into the VibePay journey at this exciting moment is going to help us to drive success amongst creators just like him. As he has built a huge solo following across multiple platforms, and is part of one of the biggest online collectives there is in The Sidemen, we couldn’t ask for more in terms of insight across online communities and what the entrepreneurs of tomorrow need. We believe this strategy of offering influencers part-ownership will be the business model of the future to drive growth and increase brand awareness.

“With the VibePay app already on the market, we are moving quickly towards the launch of VibePay Pro, which will transform the offering available to sellers and businesses. This follows our Channels launch that shines a light on the post-transactional experience and adds a new engaging dimension to payments, enabling users to interact with customers, fans and subscribers in the same place payment is made. We can’t wait to work with Vik and fine tune what we offer, elevating VibePay as a leader in the European market.”

Expert Analysis: The collaboration is an innovative and unique step for VibePay, with the firm continuing its commitment to revolutionising the payment space, as it links with one of the most recognisable faces on YouTube.