Bloom (YC W21)

Client Overview:

‍Bloom is a fintech company focused on developing apps similar to Robinhood, aiming to help employees invest in ETFs and funds directly through payroll embedding.

Challenge:

‍Bloom wanted to create an embedded payroll system that allows employees to invest seamlessly. They needed to develop paper trading APIs to enable users, particularly teenagers, to practice trading before engaging in actual trading.

Solution:

• Collaborated with Alpaca, a company providing paper trading APIs, to integrate their system into Bloom's app.
• Developed an interface for paper trading, allowing users to simulate trades in a risk-free environment.
• Engaged in partnership discussions with Alpaca to enhance the app's capabilities.

Results:

• Successfully developed and implemented the paper trading feature within two months.
• Provided users with a practical tool to learn trading without financial risks.
• Laid the groundwork for future partnerships to expand the app's functionalities.

Technologies Used:

• Backend: Node.js
• Frontend: N/A (Backend-focused project)