The Future of Integrations: A Conversation with Shensi Ding Lopez

Shensi Ding Lopez is the Co-Founder & CEO of Merge, a unified API platform that enables companies to connect seamlessly with hundreds of integrations. In this article, we will delve into the world of integrations, exploring the importance of this technology and how Merge is revolutionizing the industry.

Introduction to Merge

Introduction to Shensi Ding Lopez, Co-Founder & CEO of Merge

Shensi Ding Lopez, a computer scientist by background, took an unconventional path to founding Merge. She started her career as an Investment Associate at Silverlake and later worked as Chief of Staff at Expanse, which was acquired by Palo Alto Networks for $800 million. Despite not writing a single line of code when starting Merge, Shensi spent months conducting deep market research, customer interviews, and competitive analysis before building an MVP.

The Importance of Integrations

The importance of integrations in the industry

Integrations are crucial for companies to connect with various systems and platforms. Shensi realized the importance of integrations while working at Expanse, where she saw the need for integrations with ticketing services. The cost of building and maintaining these integrations was high, and she wondered why no one had solved this problem before.

Early Days of Merge

The early days of Merge and its focus on B2B integrations

Merge focuses on B2B integrations, specifically on connecting companies with hundreds of integrations. The company started with HR and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) integrations, as Shensi's co-founder had experience in the recruiting tech industry. They launched in 2020, a time when hiring and remote work platforms were on the rise.

Use Cases for HR Tech Companies

Use cases for HR tech companies, including accounting integrations

Shensi discussed various use cases for HR tech companies, including accounting integrations. For instance, payroll companies can use Merge to integrate with accounting systems, eliminating the need for manual CSV downloads and uploads. This automation enables companies to focus on more strategic tasks.

Success Factors for Merge

Factors contributing to Merge's success, including its focus on B2B integrations

Shensi attributed Merge's success to its focus on B2B integrations, which was a less crowded space compared to internal workflows. The company's timing was also fortunate, as the industry was shifting towards vendor-led integrations. Additionally, Merge's ability to provide a scalable and maintainable integration solution has been a key factor in its success.

Helping Payroll Companies

How Merge helps payroll companies improve their marketplaces

Merge helps payroll companies improve their marketplaces by providing a scalable and maintainable integration solution. This enables companies to rapidly increase the number of integrations with other platforms, putting control of their marketplace back in their hands.

Characteristics of Unsuccessful Customers

Characteristics of customers who may not be a good fit for Merge

Shensi discussed the characteristics of customers who may not be a good fit for Merge, including those focusing on internal integrations or requiring post-use cases that are not well-supported by HR platforms.

The Future of Merge

Shensi's vision for the future of Merge

Shensi's vision for the future of Merge is to become the go-to platform for companies needing integrations. She believes that every company should be using Merge, and that building integrations in-house is no longer necessary.

Conclusion

Conclusion and final thoughts on the importance of integrations

In conclusion, integrations are a crucial aspect of the technology industry, and Merge is at the forefront of this space. Shensi's vision for the future of Merge is ambitious, and the company's focus on B2B integrations has been a key factor in its success.

Final Thoughts

Final thoughts on the importance of integrations and the future of Merge

As the industry continues to evolve, the importance of integrations will only continue to grow. Merge is well-positioned to lead this charge, and Shensi's vision for the future of the company is exciting and ambitious.