Funding Alert

DeFi Startup PlutoPe Raises $500K in Pre-Seed Round to Expand Global Crypto-Neobank Vision

• ByStartupStory     |    June 14, 2025

PlutoPe, a decentralized finance (DeFi) startup focused on non-custodial crypto banking, has raised $500,000 in a pre-seed funding round led by angel investor Manit Gupta. The Bengaluru-based company plans to utilize the capital to accelerate its next phase of growth, including expanding its global user base and strengthening its presence in emerging and under-connected markets.

Founded in 2022 by Kumar Chetan Tyagi, PlutoPe operates as a non-custodial crypto neobank, offering users full control over their digital assets while delivering a user experience on par with traditional finance. Its all-in-one platform integrates a secure wallet, multi-chain token swaps, real-time remittances, and a globally accepted debit card—all built on a decentralized architecture that removes reliance on centralized exchanges or legacy financial rails.

The company is gearing up to launch a suite of new offerings, such as crypto debit cards targeting regions like the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Southeast Asia (SEA), and Latin America (LATAM). Additionally, it plans to introduce a merchant-facing application for crypto payment acceptance and a one-tap on-ramp product tailored for Indian users to easily access digital assets.

PlutoPe’s mission is to lower entry barriers in digital finance by tackling issues like limited infrastructure, complex onboarding, and low digital literacy. Its decentralized, user-first approach aims to foster direct asset ownership and inclusive financial access for underserved communities.

The startup has already recorded strong early traction, claiming 9% month-on-month user growth, 65% active user retention, and over $14.5 million worth of token swaps processed to date. Looking ahead, PlutoPe intends to forge strategic partnerships with stablecoin issuers, Layer-1 blockchain networks, and progressive banking institutions to further its global reach and ecosystem growth.

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