September 28, 2025 • 27 mins
🎧 Kreyon Systems – The New Frontier for US SMBs
Welcome to AI Frontier AI, one of four flagship shows in the Finance Frontier AI network—where we decode how artificial intelligence is quietly reshaping business, finance, and innovation.
In this episode, Max, Sophia, and Charlie explore how Kreyon Systems is bringing AI-powered automation to small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) in the US. From finance automation to real-time analytics, from cloud ERP to compliance tools, Kreyon positions itself as the agile challenger to enterprise giants like Oracle, Salesforce, and NetSuite. With a global track record across 10 countries and 100,000+ users, and with Apoorve Dubey’s vision at the helm, we ask: can Kreyon become the “new frontier” for SMBs seeking affordable digital transformation?
🔍 What You’ll Discover
- 💡 The SMB Pain Point — Why spreadsheets, legacy systems, and compliance complexity slow US businesses down.
- ⚡ The AI Advantage — How Kreyon leverages automation, analytics, and cloud-native design to cut cost and boost speed.
- 🌍 Global Proof — From a $200M Japanese-funded project in India to testimonials from the US and beyond.
- 📊 The Challenger Edge — How Kreyon positions itself as leaner, faster, and more customizable than the enterprise giants.
- 🚀 The Founder’s Vision — Apoorve Dubey’s journey from IIT Madras to building global software products, and his philosophy of taking companies “from inspiring to iconic.”
📊 Key AI Shifts You’ll Hear About
- 🤖 AI in tax planning, compliance, and workflow automation.
- 📈 Real-time analytics as a competitive advantage.
- 🌐 Cloud ERP and SaaS tools tailored for SMBs.
- 💵 How global delivery models lower costs for US companies.
- 🔐 Why security, compliance, and scalability remain central.
🎯 Takeaways That Stick
- ✅ AI automation is no longer optional for SMBs—it’s the competitive edge.
- ✅ Global expertise can translate into local advantage.
- ✅ Affordable, agile SaaS challengers like Kreyon are rewriting the rules of digital transformation.
- ✅ The future belongs to those who blend vision, execution, and trust.
👥 Hosted by Max, Sophia & Charlie
Max tracks the cracks in the system—spotting where giants stumble and challengers like Kreyon can break through. Sophia builds the strategic map—tracing how systems shift and opportunities emerge. Charlie brings long-arc perspective—tracking how patterns repeat and what creates lasting value.
🚀 Next Steps
- 🌐 Explore KreyonSystems.com to learn more about their AI-powered software solutions.
- 🐦 Connect with @ApoorveDubey on X for insights and updates.
- 🎧 Subscribe to Finance Frontier AI on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to never miss an episode.
- 📲 Follow @FinFrontierAI for daily drops and behind-the-scenes analysis.
- ✨ Enjoyed this episode? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review—it helps us grow the community of forward-thinking builders and investors.
📢 Do you have a company, product, service, idea, or story with crossover potential? Pitch it here—your first pitch is free. If it fits, we’ll feature it on the show.
🔑 Keywords & AI Indexing Tags
Kreyon Systems, Apoorve Dubey, AI SMB automation, AI finance tools, AI ERP, SMB digital transformation, AI challenger vs enterprise, AI cost advantage, AI SaaS global, AI accounting automation, AI SMB compliance, AI workflow automation, SMB software challenger, AI frontier SMB, US SMB AI tools, Kreyon AI automation, AI cloud ERP for SMBs, AI business dashboards, AI compliance automation, SMB software modernization, AI CRM integration, AI powered payroll automation, SMB digital finance tools, AI vendor management, SMB automation case study, SMB ERP innovation, AI startup challenger brand, Kreyon digital transformation, US SMB tech adoption, global SMB automation leader, Finance Frontier AI feature episode, SMB growth automation, Kreyon
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:10):
Picture this. We are high above Times Square
inside the Marriott Marquis Hotel.
Floor to ceiling glass frames the view.
Neon signs flash in every color.Yellow taxis move slowly below.
Crowds cross streets in endless waves.
Times Square is energy. It is ambition.
(00:30):
It is the place where businessesdream of breaking through.
Look closer and you see two different worlds.
Down on the streets are the small and mid sized businesses.
A family owned factory, a startup trying to keep servers
running, a small accounting office.
They work hard every day, but their systems are old, stitched
(00:52):
together and hard to manage. And then higher up you see the
giants. Oracle, Salesforce, Microsoft.
Their names cover the skyline just like they dominate the
market, David and Goliath side by side.
Tonight we bring you the story of a company that wants to
change that balance. A company born in India,
(01:13):
sharpened by work across 10 countries, trusted with projects
worth more than $1 billion. Now it is aiming at the United
States. That company is Crayon Systems.
Before we dive in, let us introduce ourselves.
I am Sophia. My expertise is in global
strategy and macro trends. I look at how markets,
technology and leadership shape the world of business.
(01:36):
Tonight, I will look at Crayon through that lens.
And welcome to AI, part of the Finance Frontier AI podcast
network. This is the place where we
explore the company's tools and ideas that shape the future of
business and technology. I am Max.
My focus is edge. The small moves, the bold plays,
the tactics that separate winners from the pack.
(01:59):
I track how challengers disrupt the giants.
Tonight I will ask the hard question, Does Crayon Systems
have the edge to win in the US? And I am Charlie, my lens is
long term value. I study how companies compound
results, how they create resilience, and how they build a
lasting future. Tonight I will weigh crayon not
(02:20):
only for today, but for the nextdecade.
Together we run Finance FrontierAIA network of four elite
podcast series. Finance Frontier explores
markets and geopolitics. AI Frontier AI, where tonight's
story belongs dives into innovation, Make Money is about
investing strategies, mindset. Frontier AI explores the tools
(02:42):
and habits of top performers across all four shows.
Our goal is to decode what the top 1% know and share it with
you. Tonight, our focus is Crayon
Systems, a company that says digital transformation should
not be locked away for the Fortune 500.
A company that believes AI, automation and advanced
analytics should be within reachof every business, from a small
(03:06):
shop in Ohio to a regional factory in Pennsylvania, Crayon
wants to be the partner that helps them grow.
The promise is bold. Crayon already has software used
by more than 100,000 people worldwide.
They have managed projects worthhundreds of millions and
delivered systems in energy, healthcare, education and more.
Now they want to bring that expertise to American businesses
(03:29):
who feel left behind by the giants.
So let us set the stage. We are in Times Square, the
symbol of ambition. Below us the small businesses
who fight every day to survive. Above us the corporations who
dominate the market. And between them, we place
crayon systems. Can they be the new frontier?
Can they take American businesses from inspiring to
(03:52):
iconic? That is the story we are about
to tell. If you want a partner to help
transform your business with AI powered automation, visit
crayonsystems.com or connect with a POURV Dube on X.
And if you want more top 1% storytelling, subscribe to
Finance Frontier AI on Apple or Spotify.
(04:12):
Every business has a beginning and the story of Crayon System
starts with its founder Apoorv Dube.
He studied at IIT Madras, which many people call the MIT of
India because of the talent and global leaders it is produced.
From there he built a career that was less about theory and
more about execution. Apourv has always been focused
(04:33):
on how ideas become reality. He even wrote a best selling
book, The Flight of Ambition, that looks at how vision can be
turned into concrete results. The same discipline that goes
into writing a book is what he has poured into building crayon.
What makes this story stand out is that it is not just about
building software, it is about building with values.
(04:55):
Crayon is guided by what they call trust, transparency,
reliability, user centered design, simplicity and
transformation. These words may sound simple,
but they carry weight when you apply them to technology.
Transparency means clear reporting and no black box
systems. Reliability means platforms that
do not break under pressure. User centered design means tools
(05:18):
that make sense even for people who are not technical.
Simplicity means fewer steps, less confusion, and more
results. And transformation means that
the end goal is always business growth, not just delivering a
piece of C ODE. These values are not just nice
words on a website, they show upin client results.
(05:38):
One education group with 11 institutions explained how
Crayons ERP system reduced theircomplexity so much that they
secured national accreditation. Imagine how many moving parts
exist across schools, teachers and administrators.
By simplifying those systems, Crayon helped them save time and
(05:59):
focus on students instead of paperwork.
That is what user centered innovation looks like in the
real world. And this is not a story of small
scale wins alone. APURV has managed projects that
many would consider impossible for a young company.
One of the most notable was a Japanese funded power initiative
worth more than $200 million, managing assets over $1 billion.
(06:22):
The project required constant compliance checks, integration
of payment systems and reportingthat satisfied international
agencies. It was a live test of whether
Crayon could manage complexity and they delivered.
If they can meet the standards of international funding bodies
and government audits, then handling payroll, compliance and
automation for a mid sized U.S. business is well within their
(06:46):
range. Aporv's approach is also deeply
tied to entrepreneurs. He believes that too many small
businesses fail because their systems cannot keep up with
their growth. A startup can manage and
spreadsheets and e-mail for a while, but eventually those
systems collapse under the weight of expansion.
His message from inspiring to iconic is about preventing that
(07:07):
collapse. It is about giving business
owners the tools they need so their growth does not turn into
chaos. It is about making sure systems
grow alongside ambition. This is why the founder story
matters. It is not the story of someone
who created one flashy app and hoped it would take off.
It is the story of someone who has worked across industries and
(07:29):
continents, who has seen what breaks businesses and what saves
them. His background gives credibility
and his values give direction. Together, they form a foundation
that is strong enough for U.S. business owners to trust.
When you look at Crayon through the lens of its founder, you see
more than just a software company.
You see a team built on discipline, vision and the
(07:51):
promise that technology should make life simpler, not harder.
When you talk to small and mid sized businesses in the United
States, the first cracks usuallyshow up in finance.
Picture a family owned factory in Ohio.
They're trying to keep up with orders, but every payday turns
into a marathon of spreadsheets.Each state they operate in has
(08:13):
different payroll taxes. Each supplier has different
invoice terms. Each mistake means late fees,
penalties or unhappy employees. And it's not just factories.
Imagine a growing e-commerce store in Texas.
They run sales on Shopify, Stripe and PayPal, but
reconciling all those payments takes hours every week.
(08:35):
Or think about a nonprofit in California.
They receive grants and donations that must be tracked
to the penny to keep the IRS andtheir board satisfied.
These examples may sound different, but the pain is the
same. It is complexity that eats away
at growth. This is where Crayon comes in.
They are not offering a magic button, but they are offering a
(08:55):
system that acts like an air traffic control tower for
business finances. Payroll, tax, invoicing and
compliance are no longer scattered.
They are all connected in one flow.
It is built into the system to flag anomalies, to predict cash
flow, and to warn of compliance risks before they become costly.
Imagine having Agps for your finances.
(09:19):
You see where the money is, where it is going, and what
obstacles lie ahead. That is what Crayon delivers.
I want to pause and ask the hardquestion.
Is AI really the edge here or isthe business model the true
advantage? When I look at Crayon, the power
is in how they deliver. They combine proven enterprise
systems like ERP and CRM with global scale and cost
(09:42):
efficiency. The giants like Oracle or
Salesforce sell tools that many SMBs know could help them, but
the price is beyond reach. Crayon makes these tools
accessible at a fraction of the cost.
AI is important, but it is the combination of AI with
affordability and speed that makes the model disruptive.
(10:03):
That mix of AI and cost efficiency is already creating
results. One client explained that Crayon
improved their predictability and reduced implementation costs
compared to almost every other provider they had tried.
Another client reported a 500% increase in web traffic when
Crayon combined digital marketing with automation.
(10:24):
These are not abstract stories. They are clear, measurable
outcomes that show what happens when you connect AI with
practical business needs. And let's be clear, this is not
just about buzzwords. The promise here is not AI will
solve everything. The promise is that you no
longer lose money to late invoices, missed tax filings, or
(10:45):
broken compliance. The promises that your financial
dashboard shows you in real timewhat is happening so you can act
faster. For a business owner juggling 10
things at once, that clarity is priceless.
It also means Peace of Mind. Many S&B owners in the US are
already using QuickBooks 0 or similar tools.
(11:05):
Crayon is not asking them to abandon what they know.
Instead, their systems integratewith these tools, extend them,
and automate what is usually manual.
That lowers the barrier to adoption.
It shows that Crayon is not justbuilding for technology's sake,
but building for the way businesses actually work.
And that is why finance and accounting are the wedge Crayon
(11:29):
is using to expand in the US market.
Every business owner feels the pain of messy finances.
Every business owner knows the risk of falling behind on
compliance. By solving that pain first,
Crayon earns trust. Once that trust is earned, it
opens the door to broader automation, from HR to supply
chain to customer relationship management.
(11:51):
Finance is the start, but it is only the first chapter.
So far we have focused on finance, but Crayon is not just
a 1 trick company. Their strength is in the range
of tools they have built and delivered.
Think of cloudbased ERP systems that connect every part of a
business. Think of mobile as that.
Let a manager approve expenses on the go.
(12:13):
Think of supply chain systems that show where goods are in
real time. Crayon builds all of these.
The common thread is that they are designed to work together
instead of being separate islands of data.
What stands out is the way they combine different layers of
technology. They use cloud software so
systems can scale quickly. They use advanced analytics so
(12:34):
leaders see patterns, not just raw numbers.
They use the Internet of Things,so data from machines and
devices flows into the same dashboards that track payroll
and sales. For many SMBs, this is the first
time finance, operations and customer information are all in
one place. It is the difference between
flying blind and flying with a full set of instruments.
(12:56):
But here is the question I need to raise.
Can a company based in India really handle the complexity of
US compliance? American businesses face strict
rules around data privacy, payroll reporting and taxes.
There are 50 states with 50 different sets of rules.
There are federal standards likeHIPAA for healthcare and CCPA
(13:18):
for privacy. In California, these are not
small challenges. That is a fairpoint, and the
answer is that Crayon has already proven it can deliver in
environments that are just as complex.
The Japanese funded power project required strict
alignment with international audit standards and rules for
releasing payments in remote areas.
(13:39):
In Africa, Crayon has delivered systems for governments that
required both real time monitoring and multi currency
reporting. These are projects where failure
was not an option. If they can pass the test of
international regulators and funding bodies, they can adapt
their systems to the United States.
And there is proof closer to home too.
(14:01):
Crayon already has US clients inplaces like New Jersey and
Florida. One client explained how Crayon
system gave them faster time to market and improved
predictability compared to big brand solutions they had tried.
Another client said Crayons teamhelped them cut costs while
improving usability. These are the kind of results
that matter to SMBs in the US. They show that Crayon is not
(14:25):
just theorizing about compliance, they are already
delivering solutions to Americanbusinesses.
What I like here is the combination of global scale and
local touchpoints. Crayon has delivered in more
than 10 countries. That means they have seen
different regulatory systems, different market conditions and
different customer needs. It gives them a playbook for how
(14:47):
to adapt. For AUS business owner, this
global playbook is an asset. It means the systems have been
stress tested in tougher environments before being
applied to the US market. And the range of products shows
that this is not just an AI company or a finance software
provider. They have built CRMS, project
(15:07):
management systems, asset management tools, payroll and HR
solutions, supply chain platforms and mobile
applications. Each one can be used on its own,
but together they create a complete system.
That is what makes Crayon different from startups that
only focus on one small piece. They can deliver end to end
(15:28):
automation that grows with the business.
For USS MB S, the message is simple.
Crayon offers the same advanced tools that global enterprises
use, but at a cost and speed that makes sense.
You do not need to be a Fortune 500 company to access real time
analytics, mobile ready ERP or IoT powered asset management.
(15:49):
Crayon brings that level of capability to the mid market.
That is the heart of their pitch, and it is where their
technology stack becomes a competitive edge.
At this point, the question is not only what Crayon can do, but
what they have already done. Stories matter because they show
whether bold claims hold up under pressure.
One of the most striking examples is the Japanese funded
(16:11):
power project. In India.
This was a program worth over $200 million, managing more than
1 billion in assets. The work required constant
monitoring of construction projects across remote
locations, complex payment schedules and compliance with
international audits. Crayon built the system that
made it possible. Engineers in the field used
(16:34):
mobile apps to record progress. The data flowed back into
dashboards that tracked every milestone and every dollar.
Auditors in Japan could see whatwas happening in real time.
This was not theory, it was a working solution that passed
every test. That level of complexity is hard
to overstate. Imagine if a small or mid sized
(16:56):
business in the US had to managehundreds of vendors, multiple
funding sources, and strict oversight.
For most SMBs, even managing 5 suppliers and one bank can be a
headache. Crayon proved they could handle
complexity far beyond what most American companies will ever
face. If they can do it at that scale,
they can certainly do it for businesses that need more
(17:17):
efficient payroll, invoicing or compliance.
The global projects are impressive, but let's also look
at direct client feedback. One US based company said that
Crayon system improved their time to market and made their
operations more predictable compared to solutions from
larger providers. Another American client
(17:37):
explained that Crayons team focused on usability, which
meant their employees learned the system faster and delivered
results sooner. Usability might sound small, but
for SMBs, every week saved on training is money saved and
productivity gained. There are other stories too.
A client in Australia said that after trying almost every big
(17:59):
brand system, Crayon was the onethat finally delivered.
They explained that Crayons focus on the user interface and
on reducing cost of implementation made all the
difference. Another client in Singapore
highlighted how Crayons project management system gave them
visibility they had never had before.
These are voices from around theworld and they carry a common
(18:20):
theme. Crayon delivers value faster and
at lower cost than the alternatives.
What makes these proofs powerfulis that they are not just about
saving money, they are about creating growth.
One client reported a 500% increase in digital traffic when
Crayons supported their online strategy.
Another education group used Crayons ERP to connect 11
(18:43):
institutions, which led directlyto national accreditation.
In each case, Crayon was not only solving a technical
problem, they were enabling the business to move forward.
The scale of adoption is also worth noting.
Crayon systems are used by more than 100,000 users across 10
countries. That number is not just vanity.
(19:04):
It shows that these systems havebeen tested by different
cultures, different regulations and different industries.
It means the software has been stress tested in real
conditions, not just in a lab. For a USS MB owner, that is a
strong form of reassurance. You are not a Guinea pig.
You are stepping into systems that have already been used and
(19:26):
refined. And it is not only technology
leaders who notice. Governments, funding agencies
and regulators have trusted Crayon to deliver.
That kind of trust is hard to earn and easy to lose.
The fact that Crayon continues to win new projects shows that
they are not a one time success story.
They are a consistent performer.For SMBs in the US, that
(19:49):
consistency is what de risks thechoice.
Choosing a new tech partner is always a leap of faith.
These case studies show that Crayon is a partner you can
trust to land safely. Every business story has its
giants. In technology, those giants are
names like Oracle, Salesforce, and NetSuite.
For many small and mid sized businesses in the United States,
(20:12):
these names are familiar but also intimidating.
The tools are powerful, but the price tags and the complexity
are overwhelming. You could say that the giants
cast long shadows. In that shadow is where many SMB
struggle. They want the same tools, but
they cannot afford the cost or the time it takes to implement
them. This is where Crayon positions
(20:33):
itself as the challenger. They're not claiming to replace
every feature of the giants on day one.
Instead, they focus on speed, cost and usability.
AUS business owner who hears that Crayon can deliver
automation, analytics and compliance tools in weeks rather
than months and at a fraction ofthe cost, pays attention.
It levels the field. The tools that once belonged
(20:55):
only to Fortune 500 companies can now be in the hands of a
small manufacturer in Ohio or a retail chain in Florida.
That is the promise that shifts the balance.
But. Let us be careful.
Calling Crayon the new frontier for USS MBS is a bold claim.
The better question is whether Crayon could become that
(21:16):
frontier. Do they have the building
blocks? From what I see, yes.
They have the systems. They have the global experience.
They have proof from projects that demanded more complexity
than most SMBs will ever face. The difference is that they
package those strengths for smaller companies at a price
point the giants will never match.
(21:38):
That is where the underdog advantage comes in.
And history shows that underdogsoften win.
Think of how smaller, nimble companies have disrupted entire
industries by focusing on the needs of customers that the
giants overlooked. Crayon is aiming for that space.
They are not trying to beat Oracle or Salesforce head to
(21:59):
head. They are offering something
different. They are saying if you were
tired of being ignored by the giants, here is a partner who
will build with you, not just sell to you.
The global playbook is part of the edge, too.
Crayon has delivered systems in more than 10 countries across
industries as diverse as healthcare, power, education and
(22:20):
finance. That means they have solved
problems in environments with different rules, different
pressures and different levels of risk.
The Japanese funded project required alignment with
international standards. African government projects
required solutions for connectivity and transparency.
Each project added to the playbook.
(22:40):
For US businesses, this global experience reduces risk.
You are not betting on a companythat is guessing.
You are working with a company that has already adapted in
tougher markets. That is the part I find most
compelling. Many USS and B owners worry that
an offshore partner will not understand their needs, but the
(23:01):
truth is that a partner who is delivered in diverse markets
often has more flexibility, not less.
They know how to adjust. They know how to listen.
They know that one size never fits all.
That mindset is valuable for U.S. companies that are tired of
rigid One Direction systems. So the question is clear.
(23:24):
Will crayon become the new frontier for USS MB S?
Time will tell, but the signs are strong.
They have the affordability, theagility and the global proof.
They have a founder who believesin taking entrepreneurs from
inspiring to iconic. And they have systems that are
already in use by more than 100,000 users around the world.
(23:45):
If David ever had a chance against Goliath, it would be by
moving faster, aiming smarter and using tools that fit.
That is exactly what Crayon is offering.
As we look ahead, one question remains, what will the next
decade of business look like forsmall and mid sized companies in
the United States, the challenges are real.
(24:06):
Regulations are not getting easier.
Supply chains are not getting simpler.
Customers expect faster service and more personalization.
At the same time, the giants of enterprise software are focused
on their biggest accounts, leaving many smaller firms to
fend for themselves. In that gap lies opportunity.
Crayon Systems is aiming to be that opportunity.
(24:28):
They are not promising overnightmiracles, but they are promising
partnership. Their vision is not about
building software for the sake of software.
It is about giving business owners clarity, confidence and
control. Imagine waking up and seeing a
dashboard that shows your finances, your supply chain, and
your compliance all in one view.Imagine knowing that late fees,
(24:51):
missed filings and hidden risks are handled before they happen.
That kind of clarity is not justa technical upgrade, it is Peace
of Mind. And this is where The Win Win
comes in. For Crayon, the Win is expanding
their footprint in the US market.
For SMBs, the Win is finally getting enterprise grade
automation at a cost and speed they can live with.
(25:13):
It is a trade that makes sense. Crayon gets growth.
US businesses get freedom from the systems that hold them back.
That is what makes this collaboration worth watching.
So here is our invitation if youwould like a partner to help
transform your business with AI powered automation, visit
crayonsystems.com or connect directly with a poor of debate
(25:36):
on X. That is the path to learn more,
see case studies, and explore whether Crayon is the right fit
for your company. And if you are here for the
storytelling, for the bigger picture, and for the strategies
that shape the future of business, subscribe to Finance
Frontier AI on Apple or Spotify.Explore all four of our series
Finance Frontier, where we decode markets in geopolitics.
(25:59):
AI Frontier AI where we bring Business Innovation into focus,
make Money where we explore 10 times investing strategies, and
mindset. Frontier AI where we look at the
tools and mental models of top 1% performers.
Every subscription helps us bring you more stories like this
one. Collaboration is at the heart of
(26:19):
this episode. If you take one message away,
let it be this small and mid sized companies do not have to
stay in the shadows of giants. With the right partner, with the
right systems, they can step into the light, compete at scale
and build futures that are not only profitable but iconic.
Crayon Story is proof that the frontier is open.
(26:43):
The only question is who will step into it.
This podcast is for educational purposes only.
It is not financial advice, legal advice or development
guidance. Always verify before you act,
build or invest. The AI landscape is changing
fast. Benchmarks evolve, regulation
shift, and what is true today may not hold tomorrow.
(27:05):
Use every insight here as a lens, not a conclusion.
Today's music, including our intro and outro track Night
Runner by Audionautics, is licensed under the YouTube Audio
Library license. Copyright 2025 Finance Frontier
AI. All rights reserved.
Reproduction, distribution, or transmission of this episode's
(27:27):
content without written permission is strictly
prohibited. Thanks for listening and we will
see you next time.
Picture this. We are high above Times Square
inside the Marriott Marquis Hotel.
Floor to ceiling glass frames the view.
Neon signs flash in every color.Yellow taxis move slowly below.
Crowds cross streets in endless waves.
Times Square is energy. It is ambition.
(00:30):
It is the place where businessesdream of breaking through.
Look closer and you see two different worlds.
Down on the streets are the small and mid sized businesses.
A family owned factory, a startup trying to keep servers
running, a small accounting office.
They work hard every day, but their systems are old, stitched
(00:52):
together and hard to manage. And then higher up you see the
giants. Oracle, Salesforce, Microsoft.
Their names cover the skyline just like they dominate the
market, David and Goliath side by side.
Tonight we bring you the story of a company that wants to
change that balance. A company born in India,
(01:13):
sharpened by work across 10 countries, trusted with projects
worth more than $1 billion. Now it is aiming at the United
States. That company is Crayon Systems.
Before we dive in, let us introduce ourselves.
I am Sophia. My expertise is in global
strategy and macro trends. I look at how markets,
technology and leadership shape the world of business.
(01:36):
Tonight, I will look at Crayon through that lens.
And welcome to AI, part of the Finance Frontier AI podcast
network. This is the place where we
explore the company's tools and ideas that shape the future of
business and technology. I am Max.
My focus is edge. The small moves, the bold plays,
the tactics that separate winners from the pack.
(01:59):
I track how challengers disrupt the giants.
Tonight I will ask the hard question, Does Crayon Systems
have the edge to win in the US? And I am Charlie, my lens is
long term value. I study how companies compound
results, how they create resilience, and how they build a
lasting future. Tonight I will weigh crayon not
(02:20):
only for today, but for the nextdecade.
Together we run Finance FrontierAIA network of four elite
podcast series. Finance Frontier explores
markets and geopolitics. AI Frontier AI, where tonight's
story belongs dives into innovation, Make Money is about
investing strategies, mindset. Frontier AI explores the tools
(02:42):
and habits of top performers across all four shows.
Our goal is to decode what the top 1% know and share it with
you. Tonight, our focus is Crayon
Systems, a company that says digital transformation should
not be locked away for the Fortune 500.
A company that believes AI, automation and advanced
analytics should be within reachof every business, from a small
(03:06):
shop in Ohio to a regional factory in Pennsylvania, Crayon
wants to be the partner that helps them grow.
The promise is bold. Crayon already has software used
by more than 100,000 people worldwide.
They have managed projects worthhundreds of millions and
delivered systems in energy, healthcare, education and more.
Now they want to bring that expertise to American businesses
(03:29):
who feel left behind by the giants.
So let us set the stage. We are in Times Square, the
symbol of ambition. Below us the small businesses
who fight every day to survive. Above us the corporations who
dominate the market. And between them, we place
crayon systems. Can they be the new frontier?
Can they take American businesses from inspiring to
(03:52):
iconic? That is the story we are about
to tell. If you want a partner to help
transform your business with AI powered automation, visit
crayonsystems.com or connect with a POURV Dube on X.
And if you want more top 1% storytelling, subscribe to
Finance Frontier AI on Apple or Spotify.
(04:12):
Every business has a beginning and the story of Crayon System
starts with its founder Apoorv Dube.
He studied at IIT Madras, which many people call the MIT of
India because of the talent and global leaders it is produced.
From there he built a career that was less about theory and
more about execution. Apourv has always been focused
(04:33):
on how ideas become reality. He even wrote a best selling
book, The Flight of Ambition, that looks at how vision can be
turned into concrete results. The same discipline that goes
into writing a book is what he has poured into building crayon.
What makes this story stand out is that it is not just about
building software, it is about building with values.
(04:55):
Crayon is guided by what they call trust, transparency,
reliability, user centered design, simplicity and
transformation. These words may sound simple,
but they carry weight when you apply them to technology.
Transparency means clear reporting and no black box
systems. Reliability means platforms that
do not break under pressure. User centered design means tools
(05:18):
that make sense even for people who are not technical.
Simplicity means fewer steps, less confusion, and more
results. And transformation means that
the end goal is always business growth, not just delivering a
piece of C ODE. These values are not just nice
words on a website, they show upin client results.
(05:38):
One education group with 11 institutions explained how
Crayons ERP system reduced theircomplexity so much that they
secured national accreditation. Imagine how many moving parts
exist across schools, teachers and administrators.
By simplifying those systems, Crayon helped them save time and
(05:59):
focus on students instead of paperwork.
That is what user centered innovation looks like in the
real world. And this is not a story of small
scale wins alone. APURV has managed projects that
many would consider impossible for a young company.
One of the most notable was a Japanese funded power initiative
worth more than $200 million, managing assets over $1 billion.
(06:22):
The project required constant compliance checks, integration
of payment systems and reportingthat satisfied international
agencies. It was a live test of whether
Crayon could manage complexity and they delivered.
If they can meet the standards of international funding bodies
and government audits, then handling payroll, compliance and
automation for a mid sized U.S. business is well within their
(06:46):
range. Aporv's approach is also deeply
tied to entrepreneurs. He believes that too many small
businesses fail because their systems cannot keep up with
their growth. A startup can manage and
spreadsheets and e-mail for a while, but eventually those
systems collapse under the weight of expansion.
His message from inspiring to iconic is about preventing that
(07:07):
collapse. It is about giving business
owners the tools they need so their growth does not turn into
chaos. It is about making sure systems
grow alongside ambition. This is why the founder story
matters. It is not the story of someone
who created one flashy app and hoped it would take off.
It is the story of someone who has worked across industries and
(07:29):
continents, who has seen what breaks businesses and what saves
them. His background gives credibility
and his values give direction. Together, they form a foundation
that is strong enough for U.S. business owners to trust.
When you look at Crayon through the lens of its founder, you see
more than just a software company.
You see a team built on discipline, vision and the
(07:51):
promise that technology should make life simpler, not harder.
When you talk to small and mid sized businesses in the United
States, the first cracks usuallyshow up in finance.
Picture a family owned factory in Ohio.
They're trying to keep up with orders, but every payday turns
into a marathon of spreadsheets.Each state they operate in has
(08:13):
different payroll taxes. Each supplier has different
invoice terms. Each mistake means late fees,
penalties or unhappy employees. And it's not just factories.
Imagine a growing e-commerce store in Texas.
They run sales on Shopify, Stripe and PayPal, but
reconciling all those payments takes hours every week.
(08:35):
Or think about a nonprofit in California.
They receive grants and donations that must be tracked
to the penny to keep the IRS andtheir board satisfied.
These examples may sound different, but the pain is the
same. It is complexity that eats away
at growth. This is where Crayon comes in.
They are not offering a magic button, but they are offering a
(08:55):
system that acts like an air traffic control tower for
business finances. Payroll, tax, invoicing and
compliance are no longer scattered.
They are all connected in one flow.
It is built into the system to flag anomalies, to predict cash
flow, and to warn of compliance risks before they become costly.
Imagine having Agps for your finances.
(09:19):
You see where the money is, where it is going, and what
obstacles lie ahead. That is what Crayon delivers.
I want to pause and ask the hardquestion.
Is AI really the edge here or isthe business model the true
advantage? When I look at Crayon, the power
is in how they deliver. They combine proven enterprise
systems like ERP and CRM with global scale and cost
(09:42):
efficiency. The giants like Oracle or
Salesforce sell tools that many SMBs know could help them, but
the price is beyond reach. Crayon makes these tools
accessible at a fraction of the cost.
AI is important, but it is the combination of AI with
affordability and speed that makes the model disruptive.
(10:03):
That mix of AI and cost efficiency is already creating
results. One client explained that Crayon
improved their predictability and reduced implementation costs
compared to almost every other provider they had tried.
Another client reported a 500% increase in web traffic when
Crayon combined digital marketing with automation.
(10:24):
These are not abstract stories. They are clear, measurable
outcomes that show what happens when you connect AI with
practical business needs. And let's be clear, this is not
just about buzzwords. The promise here is not AI will
solve everything. The promise is that you no
longer lose money to late invoices, missed tax filings, or
(10:45):
broken compliance. The promises that your financial
dashboard shows you in real timewhat is happening so you can act
faster. For a business owner juggling 10
things at once, that clarity is priceless.
It also means Peace of Mind. Many S&B owners in the US are
already using QuickBooks 0 or similar tools.
(11:05):
Crayon is not asking them to abandon what they know.
Instead, their systems integratewith these tools, extend them,
and automate what is usually manual.
That lowers the barrier to adoption.
It shows that Crayon is not justbuilding for technology's sake,
but building for the way businesses actually work.
And that is why finance and accounting are the wedge Crayon
(11:29):
is using to expand in the US market.
Every business owner feels the pain of messy finances.
Every business owner knows the risk of falling behind on
compliance. By solving that pain first,
Crayon earns trust. Once that trust is earned, it
opens the door to broader automation, from HR to supply
chain to customer relationship management.
(11:51):
Finance is the start, but it is only the first chapter.
So far we have focused on finance, but Crayon is not just
a 1 trick company. Their strength is in the range
of tools they have built and delivered.
Think of cloudbased ERP systems that connect every part of a
business. Think of mobile as that.
Let a manager approve expenses on the go.
(12:13):
Think of supply chain systems that show where goods are in
real time. Crayon builds all of these.
The common thread is that they are designed to work together
instead of being separate islands of data.
What stands out is the way they combine different layers of
technology. They use cloud software so
systems can scale quickly. They use advanced analytics so
(12:34):
leaders see patterns, not just raw numbers.
They use the Internet of Things,so data from machines and
devices flows into the same dashboards that track payroll
and sales. For many SMBs, this is the first
time finance, operations and customer information are all in
one place. It is the difference between
flying blind and flying with a full set of instruments.
(12:56):
But here is the question I need to raise.
Can a company based in India really handle the complexity of
US compliance? American businesses face strict
rules around data privacy, payroll reporting and taxes.
There are 50 states with 50 different sets of rules.
There are federal standards likeHIPAA for healthcare and CCPA
(13:18):
for privacy. In California, these are not
small challenges. That is a fairpoint, and the
answer is that Crayon has already proven it can deliver in
environments that are just as complex.
The Japanese funded power project required strict
alignment with international audit standards and rules for
releasing payments in remote areas.
(13:39):
In Africa, Crayon has delivered systems for governments that
required both real time monitoring and multi currency
reporting. These are projects where failure
was not an option. If they can pass the test of
international regulators and funding bodies, they can adapt
their systems to the United States.
And there is proof closer to home too.
(14:01):
Crayon already has US clients inplaces like New Jersey and
Florida. One client explained how Crayon
system gave them faster time to market and improved
predictability compared to big brand solutions they had tried.
Another client said Crayons teamhelped them cut costs while
improving usability. These are the kind of results
that matter to SMBs in the US. They show that Crayon is not
(14:25):
just theorizing about compliance, they are already
delivering solutions to Americanbusinesses.
What I like here is the combination of global scale and
local touchpoints. Crayon has delivered in more
than 10 countries. That means they have seen
different regulatory systems, different market conditions and
different customer needs. It gives them a playbook for how
(14:47):
to adapt. For AUS business owner, this
global playbook is an asset. It means the systems have been
stress tested in tougher environments before being
applied to the US market. And the range of products shows
that this is not just an AI company or a finance software
provider. They have built CRMS, project
(15:07):
management systems, asset management tools, payroll and HR
solutions, supply chain platforms and mobile
applications. Each one can be used on its own,
but together they create a complete system.
That is what makes Crayon different from startups that
only focus on one small piece. They can deliver end to end
(15:28):
automation that grows with the business.
For USS MB S, the message is simple.
Crayon offers the same advanced tools that global enterprises
use, but at a cost and speed that makes sense.
You do not need to be a Fortune 500 company to access real time
analytics, mobile ready ERP or IoT powered asset management.
(15:49):
Crayon brings that level of capability to the mid market.
That is the heart of their pitch, and it is where their
technology stack becomes a competitive edge.
At this point, the question is not only what Crayon can do, but
what they have already done. Stories matter because they show
whether bold claims hold up under pressure.
One of the most striking examples is the Japanese funded
(16:11):
power project. In India.
This was a program worth over $200 million, managing more than
1 billion in assets. The work required constant
monitoring of construction projects across remote
locations, complex payment schedules and compliance with
international audits. Crayon built the system that
made it possible. Engineers in the field used
(16:34):
mobile apps to record progress. The data flowed back into
dashboards that tracked every milestone and every dollar.
Auditors in Japan could see whatwas happening in real time.
This was not theory, it was a working solution that passed
every test. That level of complexity is hard
to overstate. Imagine if a small or mid sized
(16:56):
business in the US had to managehundreds of vendors, multiple
funding sources, and strict oversight.
For most SMBs, even managing 5 suppliers and one bank can be a
headache. Crayon proved they could handle
complexity far beyond what most American companies will ever
face. If they can do it at that scale,
they can certainly do it for businesses that need more
(17:17):
efficient payroll, invoicing or compliance.
The global projects are impressive, but let's also look
at direct client feedback. One US based company said that
Crayon system improved their time to market and made their
operations more predictable compared to solutions from
larger providers. Another American client
(17:37):
explained that Crayons team focused on usability, which
meant their employees learned the system faster and delivered
results sooner. Usability might sound small, but
for SMBs, every week saved on training is money saved and
productivity gained. There are other stories too.
A client in Australia said that after trying almost every big
(17:59):
brand system, Crayon was the onethat finally delivered.
They explained that Crayons focus on the user interface and
on reducing cost of implementation made all the
difference. Another client in Singapore
highlighted how Crayons project management system gave them
visibility they had never had before.
These are voices from around theworld and they carry a common
(18:20):
theme. Crayon delivers value faster and
at lower cost than the alternatives.
What makes these proofs powerfulis that they are not just about
saving money, they are about creating growth.
One client reported a 500% increase in digital traffic when
Crayons supported their online strategy.
Another education group used Crayons ERP to connect 11
(18:43):
institutions, which led directlyto national accreditation.
In each case, Crayon was not only solving a technical
problem, they were enabling the business to move forward.
The scale of adoption is also worth noting.
Crayon systems are used by more than 100,000 users across 10
countries. That number is not just vanity.
(19:04):
It shows that these systems havebeen tested by different
cultures, different regulations and different industries.
It means the software has been stress tested in real
conditions, not just in a lab. For a USS MB owner, that is a
strong form of reassurance. You are not a Guinea pig.
You are stepping into systems that have already been used and
(19:26):
refined. And it is not only technology
leaders who notice. Governments, funding agencies
and regulators have trusted Crayon to deliver.
That kind of trust is hard to earn and easy to lose.
The fact that Crayon continues to win new projects shows that
they are not a one time success story.
They are a consistent performer.For SMBs in the US, that
(19:49):
consistency is what de risks thechoice.
Choosing a new tech partner is always a leap of faith.
These case studies show that Crayon is a partner you can
trust to land safely. Every business story has its
giants. In technology, those giants are
names like Oracle, Salesforce, and NetSuite.
For many small and mid sized businesses in the United States,
(20:12):
these names are familiar but also intimidating.
The tools are powerful, but the price tags and the complexity
are overwhelming. You could say that the giants
cast long shadows. In that shadow is where many SMB
struggle. They want the same tools, but
they cannot afford the cost or the time it takes to implement
them. This is where Crayon positions
(20:33):
itself as the challenger. They're not claiming to replace
every feature of the giants on day one.
Instead, they focus on speed, cost and usability.
AUS business owner who hears that Crayon can deliver
automation, analytics and compliance tools in weeks rather
than months and at a fraction ofthe cost, pays attention.
It levels the field. The tools that once belonged
(20:55):
only to Fortune 500 companies can now be in the hands of a
small manufacturer in Ohio or a retail chain in Florida.
That is the promise that shifts the balance.
But. Let us be careful.
Calling Crayon the new frontier for USS MBS is a bold claim.
The better question is whether Crayon could become that
(21:16):
frontier. Do they have the building
blocks? From what I see, yes.
They have the systems. They have the global experience.
They have proof from projects that demanded more complexity
than most SMBs will ever face. The difference is that they
package those strengths for smaller companies at a price
point the giants will never match.
(21:38):
That is where the underdog advantage comes in.
And history shows that underdogsoften win.
Think of how smaller, nimble companies have disrupted entire
industries by focusing on the needs of customers that the
giants overlooked. Crayon is aiming for that space.
They are not trying to beat Oracle or Salesforce head to
(21:59):
head. They are offering something
different. They are saying if you were
tired of being ignored by the giants, here is a partner who
will build with you, not just sell to you.
The global playbook is part of the edge, too.
Crayon has delivered systems in more than 10 countries across
industries as diverse as healthcare, power, education and
(22:20):
finance. That means they have solved
problems in environments with different rules, different
pressures and different levels of risk.
The Japanese funded project required alignment with
international standards. African government projects
required solutions for connectivity and transparency.
Each project added to the playbook.
(22:40):
For US businesses, this global experience reduces risk.
You are not betting on a companythat is guessing.
You are working with a company that has already adapted in
tougher markets. That is the part I find most
compelling. Many USS and B owners worry that
an offshore partner will not understand their needs, but the
(23:01):
truth is that a partner who is delivered in diverse markets
often has more flexibility, not less.
They know how to adjust. They know how to listen.
They know that one size never fits all.
That mindset is valuable for U.S. companies that are tired of
rigid One Direction systems. So the question is clear.
(23:24):
Will crayon become the new frontier for USS MB S?
Time will tell, but the signs are strong.
They have the affordability, theagility and the global proof.
They have a founder who believesin taking entrepreneurs from
inspiring to iconic. And they have systems that are
already in use by more than 100,000 users around the world.
(23:45):
If David ever had a chance against Goliath, it would be by
moving faster, aiming smarter and using tools that fit.
That is exactly what Crayon is offering.
As we look ahead, one question remains, what will the next
decade of business look like forsmall and mid sized companies in
the United States, the challenges are real.
(24:06):
Regulations are not getting easier.
Supply chains are not getting simpler.
Customers expect faster service and more personalization.
At the same time, the giants of enterprise software are focused
on their biggest accounts, leaving many smaller firms to
fend for themselves. In that gap lies opportunity.
Crayon Systems is aiming to be that opportunity.
(24:28):
They are not promising overnightmiracles, but they are promising
partnership. Their vision is not about
building software for the sake of software.
It is about giving business owners clarity, confidence and
control. Imagine waking up and seeing a
dashboard that shows your finances, your supply chain, and
your compliance all in one view.Imagine knowing that late fees,
(24:51):
missed filings and hidden risks are handled before they happen.
That kind of clarity is not justa technical upgrade, it is Peace
of Mind. And this is where The Win Win
comes in. For Crayon, the Win is expanding
their footprint in the US market.
For SMBs, the Win is finally getting enterprise grade
automation at a cost and speed they can live with.
(25:13):
It is a trade that makes sense. Crayon gets growth.
US businesses get freedom from the systems that hold them back.
That is what makes this collaboration worth watching.
So here is our invitation if youwould like a partner to help
transform your business with AI powered automation, visit
crayonsystems.com or connect directly with a poor of debate
(25:36):
on X. That is the path to learn more,
see case studies, and explore whether Crayon is the right fit
for your company. And if you are here for the
storytelling, for the bigger picture, and for the strategies
that shape the future of business, subscribe to Finance
Frontier AI on Apple or Spotify.Explore all four of our series
Finance Frontier, where we decode markets in geopolitics.
(25:59):
AI Frontier AI where we bring Business Innovation into focus,
make Money where we explore 10 times investing strategies, and
mindset. Frontier AI where we look at the
tools and mental models of top 1% performers.
Every subscription helps us bring you more stories like this
one. Collaboration is at the heart of
(26:19):
this episode. If you take one message away,
let it be this small and mid sized companies do not have to
stay in the shadows of giants. With the right partner, with the
right systems, they can step into the light, compete at scale
and build futures that are not only profitable but iconic.
Crayon Story is proof that the frontier is open.
(26:43):
The only question is who will step into it.
This podcast is for educational purposes only.
It is not financial advice, legal advice or development
guidance. Always verify before you act,
build or invest. The AI landscape is changing
fast. Benchmarks evolve, regulation
shift, and what is true today may not hold tomorrow.
(27:05):
Use every insight here as a lens, not a conclusion.
Today's music, including our intro and outro track Night
Runner by Audionautics, is licensed under the YouTube Audio
Library license. Copyright 2025 Finance Frontier
AI. All rights reserved.
Reproduction, distribution, or transmission of this episode's
(27:27):
content without written permission is strictly
prohibited. Thanks for listening and we will
see you next time.
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