FinTech Magazine - July 2022 | Page 19

ngest aire

Born in 1990 in Sydney , Australia , Nick Molner hit billionaire status aged just 30 when his BNPL company , Afterpay , hit the big time when it sold to Square for US $ 29bn .

Afterpay was founded in 2014 by Molner and his nextdoor neighbour , investor Anthony Eisen .
But this momentous event was precluded by Molner ’ s natural , entrepreneurial flair for opportunities in business – a trait that was encouraged by his father , Ron Milner .
When he was a young commerce undergraduate at the University of Sydney , Nick Molner began his journey in business by selling jewellery on eBay during his college years . He discovered he had a talent for shifting merchandise fast and also benefitted from his relatively early entry to the platform , just as it was at its peak in terms of popularity .
In fact , Molner actually sold the most jewellery of any vendor on eBay in Australia , but despite his success , still hankered after a career in the financial world because he didn ’ t see his vendor success as a ‘ proper career ’.
A long road to success But despite his keen business instincts , Nick Molner struggled to break into the tough investments job market . In

“ By combining with Square , we will further accelerate our growth in the US and globally , offer access to a new category of in-person merchants , and provide a broader platform of new and valuable capabilities and services to our merchants and consumers ”

fact , in the end , it was a combination of his father ’ s belief in his ability – and his friend – and soon-to-be business partner – Anthony Eisen that helped him get his first break .
According to reports , co-founder Mr Eisen , an accountant by training , was putting out the bins one night when he met with Ron Molner at the end of the driveway . Ron Molner suggested Eisen give career advice to his son because he was concerned about the long hours Nick was putting in very late at night as he sold his jewellery on eBay .
fintechmagazine . com 19