Tesorio, a cash flow performance platform, is seeking a remote Senior Backend Engineer in Latin America. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of experience, strong Python and Django skills, and experience with REST APIs and SQL databases. They will contribute to building and maintaining core backend systems, focusing on scalability, performance, and security. This role involves collaborating with other engineers, product managers, and designers to deliver high-quality software solutions for enterprise clients.
Jasmine is a Y Combinator-backed startup aiming to automate Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) compliance and payouts for solar projects. They handle the complex process of registering, tracking, and monetizing RECs, simplifying revenue generation for solar developers and asset owners. This automation reduces administrative overhead and ensures projects capitalize on the full value of their renewable energy generation.
Hacker News users discuss Jasmine's potential, focusing on the complexity of Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) markets. Some express skepticism about automating such a nuanced process, citing variations in state regulations and the potential for fraud. Others see value in streamlining REC management, particularly for smaller solar installers. Several commenters inquire about Jasmine's pricing model and integration with existing solar software. The discussion also touches on the challenges of accurately tracking REC ownership and the importance of transparency in the market. A few users with experience in the solar industry offer insights into the specific pain points Jasmine aims to address, validating the need for such a solution.
Fintoc, a YC-backed fintech startup simplifying financial data access in Latin America, is seeking a Senior Software Engineer. They offer the unique opportunity to live rent-free in either Santiago, Chile or Mexico City, while contributing to a fast-growing company. The role involves designing, building, and maintaining Fintoc's core API and SDKs, working with technologies like Python, Node.js, and Postgres. Ideal candidates possess strong backend development experience, a passion for fintech, and a desire to work in a dynamic, remote-friendly environment. Fintoc emphasizes a collaborative culture and provides competitive compensation and benefits alongside the covered housing perk.
HN commenters discuss Fintoc's offer of remote work in Chile or Mexico, with some expressing skepticism about the "rent-free" claim, suggesting it likely translates to a lower salary. Several highlight the importance of clarifying total compensation rather than focusing on a potentially misleading perk. Others question the long-term viability of such an arrangement, wondering if employees might be expected to relocate later. Some commenters note the appeal of Latin America for remote work due to the lower cost of living and vibrant culture. A few express interest in the position, while others share concerns about potential tax implications for US citizens working abroad. Overall, the comments reflect a cautious optimism tempered by a desire for more transparency regarding the compensation package.
Karsa, a YC W25 startup, launched a platform for buying and saving stablecoins internationally. It aims to provide an easier way for people in emerging markets to access and hold USD-pegged stablecoins as a hedge against local currency volatility and inflation. The platform allows users to purchase stablecoins directly with their local currency through various payment methods, and then earn interest on their holdings. Karsa emphasizes a simple and accessible user experience, designed specifically for individuals in these markets who may be less familiar with cryptocurrencies.
Several commenters on Hacker News expressed skepticism about the need for Karsa, questioning whether the problem it solves is significant enough, especially given existing solutions like Wise and Revolut. Some doubted the claim of cheaper and faster transfers, citing personal experience with these alternatives. Others questioned the regulatory landscape and potential legal hurdles for operating in multiple jurisdictions. A few commenters requested clarification on Karsa's specific advantages, particularly concerning fees and exchange rates, while some expressed interest in using the service for specific use cases like paying international employees. Overall, the comments reflected a cautious but curious attitude towards Karsa, with many seeking more information to assess its true value proposition.
Lago's blog post details how their billing platform now supports custom SQL expressions for defining billable metrics. This allows businesses with complex pricing models greater flexibility and control over how they charge customers. Instead of relying on predefined metrics, users can now write SQL queries directly within Lago to calculate charges based on virtually any data they collect, including custom events and attributes. This simplifies the implementation of usage-based billing scenarios like charging per API call with specific parameters, tiered pricing based on aggregate usage, or dynamic pricing based on real-time data. The post emphasizes how this feature reduces development time and empowers product and finance teams to manage billing logic without extensive engineering involvement.
Hacker News users discuss Lago's approach to flexible billing using custom SQL expressions. Some express concerns about the potential complexity and debugging challenges of using SQL for this purpose, suggesting simpler alternatives like formula-based systems. Others highlight the power and flexibility SQL offers for handling complex billing scenarios, especially for businesses with intricate pricing models. A few commenters question the performance implications of using SQL queries for real-time billing calculations and suggest pre-aggregation or caching strategies. There's also discussion around the trade-off between flexibility and auditability, with concerns about the potential difficulty in understanding and verifying SQL-based billing logic. Some users share their experiences with similar systems, emphasizing the importance of thorough testing and validation.
Despite the hype, large banks remain largely undisrupted by fintech companies. While fintechs have innovated in specific areas like payments and lending, they haven't fundamentally changed how big banks operate or significantly eroded their market share. These established institutions benefit from robust regulatory frameworks, vast customer bases, and economies of scale, making them difficult to displace. Rather than disruption, the prevailing trend is collaboration, with banks integrating fintech innovations or acquiring them outright, ultimately strengthening their position. Genuine disruption, if it comes, will likely originate from outside the financial services sector, potentially driven by AI, blockchain, or a shift in consumer behavior.
Hacker News commenters largely agreed with the article's premise that true disruption of major banks hasn't happened. Several pointed out that fintech companies often partner with, rather than compete against, established banks, highlighting the difficulty of navigating regulations and acquiring customers. Some argued that "disruption" is often misused, and that fintechs are merely offering iterative improvements rather than fundamental changes. Others suggested that true disruption might come from unexpected sources like stablecoins or changes in consumer behavior, though even these are unlikely to completely displace traditional banks. A few commenters mentioned the difficulty in competing with banks' scale and existing infrastructure, while others questioned whether disruption is even desirable in such a crucial and regulated industry. Several users also pointed to the slow pace of change in banking and the challenges posed by legacy systems as significant barriers to entry.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43715525
HN commenters discuss Tesorio's remote LatAm hiring strategy, with some expressing skepticism about the long-term viability of such arrangements due to potential communication difficulties and time zone differences. Others question the "LatAm" focus, wondering if it's driven by cost-saving measures rather than genuine regional interest. Conversely, several commenters applaud Tesorio's approach, highlighting the benefits of accessing a wider talent pool and promoting global work opportunities. Some commenters share personal experiences with similar remote setups, offering insights into both the advantages and challenges. A few also inquire about specific technologies used at Tesorio.
The Hacker News post linking to Tesorio's careers page generated a modest discussion, primarily focused on the listed salary range and remote work opportunities.
One commenter questioned the advertised salary range of $60k-$90k for a Senior Backend Engineer, finding it unusually low, especially given the "senior" title. They speculated whether this range might be an error or if Tesorio is targeting developers in Latin America where the cost of living might be lower. This sparked a discussion about global salary expectations and the complexities of hiring internationally. Another commenter weighed in, agreeing that the range seemed low for a senior role, even in Latin America, especially considering the competitive market for experienced engineers.
Another thread emerged around the details (or lack thereof) regarding Tesorio being a "remote-first" company. One commenter pointed out the lack of specific information on the career page about remote work benefits and policies, suggesting it would be helpful for potential applicants. This prompted a short discussion about the importance of transparency in remote work arrangements and how clearly outlining benefits, equipment policies, and co-working allowances can be attractive to prospective employees.
Finally, a few comments simply expressed surprise or interest in the job posting, acknowledging the growing trend of remote work and expressing interest in seeing more companies offer such opportunities.
While the discussion wasn't extensive, it highlighted key considerations for job seekers evaluating remote positions, namely salary transparency and clarity around remote work policies. The comments reflect a critical assessment of the provided information and underscore the importance of companies providing comprehensive details to attract top talent in a competitive market.