Christophe Picciotto
Developer since 1984, former Paris firefighter, entrepreneur since 2004. I built PockPay because no tradesperson should lose a sale for lack of a card terminal.
View my LinkedIn profileA terminal in your pocket, not a loan on your back
PockPay was born from a real frustration experienced in the field
When I was doing jobs for FuiteRecherche.com, the same scene kept repeating: the client pulls out their card, I look at my phone, and I have to say "Sorry, I don't have a card terminal". A cheque? Nobody carries those anymore. A bank transfer? Too slow. I lost payments over a problem that shouldn't exist in 2025.
I looked at what was available: terminals at €30/month, 24-month commitments, hidden fees. Solutions built for big chains, not for the plumber fixing a leak on a Saturday night or the craftsman at a market.
So I coded what I wished I'd had: a free app that turns any smartphone into a payment terminal. The customer taps their card on the phone, the payment goes through in 2 seconds via Stripe. No hardware, no subscription, no surprises.
The road to PockPay
From an Amstrad CPC to Tap to Pay: every step brought me closer to mobile payments
Discovering code
At 11, while other kids play, I'd rather write BASIC on my Amstrad CPC 6128. No video games for me — just lines of code and the thrill of watching a program run.
Paris firefighter
I join the Paris Fire Brigade. Responding to emergencies teaches me to build systems where every second matters — exactly like a payment.
IT entrepreneur
I start my own IT company. I discover the reality of small businesses: overpriced banking tools, 24-month contracts, solutions designed for big corporations.
The field wake-up call
Running FuiteRecherche.com, I'm out meeting clients. How many times do I hear "Do you take card?" when I don't have a terminal. The problem is crystal clear.
NFC changes everything
Smartphone NFC technology matures. I realise any phone can become a payment terminal — no hardware, no subscription needed.
PockPay is born
I launch PockPay: a free payment terminal in your pocket. Tap to Pay, payment links, invoices — everything you need to get paid, powered by Stripe.
An ecosystem for independents
Payment, website, prospecting, security — everything you need to launch and grow your business
PockPay
The app that turns your phone into a card terminal. Tap to Pay NFC, payment links, automatic invoices — zero entry cost, powered by Stripe.
Visit the site →Web Pulse
Your online storefront ready in 48 hours. Fast, SEO-optimised sites so customers find you on Google.
Visit the site →Prospect Hub
The CRM that tracks your prospects from first contact to closing. Visual pipeline, automatic follow-ups, lead map.
Visit the site →HiveProtect
AI shield for websites. Real-time threat detection, automatic blocking, zero configuration.
Visit the site →FuiteRecherche
My first field business. Water leak detection using tracer gas and thermal imaging — where it all started.
Visit the site →Ready to get paid anywhere?
PockPay turns your smartphone into a payment terminal. Free, no commitment.