Bengaluru-based decentralized finance (DeFi) startup PlutoPe has secured Rs 5 crore (approximately $0.5 million) in a pre-seed funding round, spearheaded by Indian investor Manit Gupta. Gupta, a co-promoter and director of a $500 million IPO-bound company, has thrown his weight behind PlutoPe’s vision of creating a borderless, user-centric financial ecosystem.
Empowering Global Financial Access Through Decentralization
Founded in 2022 by Kumar Chetan Tyagi, PlutoPe is redefining financial access by offering non-custodial crypto wallet services that empower users with direct ownership of their digital assets. Unlike traditional banking and many centralized crypto platforms, PlutoPe enables complete user control over funds, eliminating the need for intermediaries.
“Our mission is simple yet powerful—financial empowerment should not depend on your location, socioeconomic background, or internet speed,” said Tyagi, PlutoPe’s founder and CEO. “We are building for a world where anyone, anywhere, can independently manage and grow their wealth.”
Building a Crypto Neo-Bank for the Future
PlutoPe is positioning itself as a crypto neo-bank tailored for the next generation of users and businesses. The platform’s seamless user interface, low entry barriers, and accessibility make it an ideal solution for underbanked and digitally excluded populations globally.
The startup is focusing on unlocking financial inclusion in emerging markets across MENA (Middle East and North Africa), Southeast Asia, and Latin America (LATAM). The fresh capital will fuel PlutoPe’s international expansion, product development, and user acquisition strategies, including creator-led marketing campaigns and strategic collaborations.
Impressive Early Traction
PlutoPe has already achieved notable traction:
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Processed over USD 14.5 million in crypto swaps.
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9% month-on-month user growth rate.
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65% active user retention.
The startup’s decentralized infrastructure allows users to bypass traditional banks and crypto exchanges, enabling fast, secure, and cost-effective crypto transactions.
Vision for Global Scale
Lead investor Manit Gupta emphasized PlutoPe’s potential to transform financial infrastructure worldwide. “PlutoPe is not just creating products; they are building the next foundational layer of borderless finance,” he said. “Their vision is aligned with the growing global demand for user-owned, transparent, and accessible financial systems.”
The pre-seed funding will also support the launch of several key offerings:
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Crypto debit cards for users in MENA, Southeast Asia, and LATAM.
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A merchant app that simplifies crypto acceptance for businesses.
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A one-tap fiat-to-crypto on-ramp designed specifically for Indian users to enhance accessibility.
Aggressive Growth Targets
PlutoPe is aiming for exponential growth, targeting a surge in transaction volume from the current USD 80 million to an ambitious USD 2.5 billion. The company is building a decentralized financial operating system that seamlessly integrates wallet, swap, and card services—providing a comprehensive solution for the modern digital user.
By creating an exchange-free, bank-independent crypto ecosystem, PlutoPe is moving towards a future where people worldwide can manage their digital assets with full autonomy.
The Road Ahead
As DeFi continues to reshape the financial services landscape, PlutoPe’s focus on decentralization, inclusivity, and user empowerment positions it as a significant player in the crypto space.
The startup’s long-term goal is to enable frictionless, real-time, and fully secure financial transactions for billions of users across the globe. By bridging gaps in accessibility and simplifying crypto adoption, PlutoPe is setting the stage for a truly decentralized financial future.