Lane Conner is the Founder and CEO of Dallas-based fintech company Fuzse, which he founded in response to the continued growth of the digital economy and the need for seamless and supported payments integration.
A new way of powering platforms for websites, mobile applications, and custom software, Fuzse unites proprietary gateway technology with various payment processing platforms to create an all-in-one solution aimed at independent software vendors (ISV’s) and developers. Fuzse takes a hands-on approach that strives to limit cost for its partners while increasing revenue for customers.
Fuzse is the latest fintech venture from Conner, who was one of the co-founders and first employee of the Jerry Jones-backed Blue Star Payment Solutions, a sister company to the Dallas Cowboys. In 2015, Blue Star was acquired by private equity firm Providence Equity Solutions and is now operating as Blue Star Sports. Prior to Blue Star, Lane led the Strategic Partnership channel at First American Payment Systems. He entered the payments industry in 2010 at startup Century Payments. With Conner’s contributions, Century Payments quickly grew and was named to the Inc. 500 as one of the top 100 fastest-growing, privately-owned businesses in the United States for three consecutive years. Century Payments was acquired after five years in business by WorldPay.
A Dallas, Texas native, Lane grew up in a household of entrepreneurs and graduated from Southern Methodist University with a bachelor’s degree and attended the University of Oklahoma for his master’s degree. Before entering the payments landscape, Lane spent a number of years leading international sales teams in the hospitality and fine art industries for Park West Gallery where he was the Sales and Brand Manager between Park West and Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Sandals Vacation Clubs, and Costco.
Lane is adamant about the importance of giving back. His community and volunteer work span a range of passions, with an impact on people in many demographics. He serves on the Host Committee for the Taste of the NFL benefit for the North Texas Food Bank, the Board of Directors for the Dallas Business Journal 40 Under 40 Alumni Association, and the Board of Directors for the Dallas Summer Musicals Associate Producers. He is influential in the tech start up scene where he has worked with and mentored entrepreneurs at startup incubator Tech Wildcatters, the Dallas Entrepreneur Center, and with the Emerging Leaders Program at SMU. Lane gives back to his industry by serving on the Board of Directors for the Western States Acquirers Association as Treasurer for the organization and the Green Sheet Advisory Board. Not forgetting the importance and adaptability of his liberal arts education, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Alumni association at Trinity Christian Academy, the Board of Directors for the Alumni Association of Kappa Alpha Order at SMU, and the Board of Directors of the SMU Mustang Club in the Athletics Department. He is also serving in leadership as the President of the Dallas Mayor’s Star Council, driving civic engagement among young leaders in the DFW metroplex. Lastly, Lane is also working in leadership at a governmental level by being on the Board of Trustees for Metrocare Services in Dallas County which is the largest provider of mental health service in Dallas County, serving more than 57,000 adults and children annually.
In 2017, the Dallas Business Journal named Lane to their top 40 Under 40 influencers in the Dallas area and he now sits on their Board of Directors.
In 2018, Parkland Hospital named Lane to its cohort of Community First Award Recipients for his work in Dallas County
In 2018, the Electronic Transactions Association named Lane to their top 40 Under 40 influencers in the Payment Industry in the United States.
In 2018, BBVA Compass Bank presented Lane with the Small Business Disruptor Award.
