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Triple-A gets funding from Peak XV to help more businesses use crypto | TechCrunch

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Triple-A gets funding from Peak XV to help more businesses use crypto | TechCrunch

Created by the founder of Thunes, global digital currency payments institution Triple-A wants to close the gap between traditional finance and blockchain-based payments with its white-label solutions for businesses. It enables clients to pay in or accept crypto and get fiat money in their bank accounts the next day.

Triple-A announced today it has raised a $10 million Series A from returning investors Peak XV (former Sequoia India and Southeast Asia) with strategic backing from MENA-focused venture firm Shorooq Partners, alongside undisclosed repeat backers. This round comes about a year after Triple-A’s $4 million seed round, bringing its total raised so far to $14 million.

The company’s new funding will be used to expand in the Middle East, North America and South America. It also plans to add new cryptocurrency solutions to its crypto payments and payout products. Headquartered in Singapore, Triple-A currently has more than 70 employees and offices in Miami, Hong Kong, Paris and Barcelona.

Triple-A was founded by Eric Barbier, a serial fintech founder whose previous startup was cross-border payments platform Thunes, now valued at more than $900 million.

Before Thunes, Barbier sold his first company, mobile messaging provider Mobile 365, to Sybase in 2006. Then he moved to Singapore with an eye on new opportunities.

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While traveling to the Philippines, the idea for Thunes struck Barbier as he watched people exchange prepaid mobile credit. He wanted to make cross-border transactions easier, Barbier tells TechCrunch. Thunes launched its first international mobile payment in 2008 between Malaysia and Indonesia before expanding worldwide.

The idea for Triple-A came while Barbier worked at Thunes with clients facing chargeback fraud issues, leading him to see the potential of cryptocurrencies as a payment solution for businesses selling goods and services across borders.

“I wanted to provide businesses with an additional, more efficient payment method,” he says. “Cryptocurrency payments not only shield businesses from chargeback fraud risks, but also help to streamline B2B cross-border payments. With instant settlements and no middlemen required, I realized we could solve many pressing issues in the payments industry today.”

Triple-A currently supports cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Lightning, Ether, Tether and USD Coin. Barbier also says stablecoins “are a major game-changer in payments” by enabling real-time settlements, in contrast to traditional payment methods like SWIFT transfers, which take several days to clear.

“Many businesses cannot afford to wait two to three days for a SWIFT transfer to clear, and that need for speed and efficiency prompted me to build Triple-A,” Barbier says. “With stablecoins, individuals and businesses worldwide, even in emerging countries, can now easily own and use a USD-denominated currency.”

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Triple-A holds licenses that allow it to operate around the world. These include one from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) as a payments institution and a payments institution license from the central bank of France that allows it to execute payment transactions across all EU member states. Triple-A is also registered with the United States Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), and plans to expand its regulatory framework around the world.

Triple-A is currently used by more than 20,000 businesses, including merchants like iStudio, Farfetch, Charles and Keith, Singapore Red Cross, Razer and Reap, along with large enterprises. Once a client provides all required documents, Triple-A completes the KYC (know your customer) process and onboarding within one to two business days. Its integration methods include API and no-code integration.

The startup’s target customers are enterprises that prioritize compliance, regulation and licensing, Barbier says, and need to pay in or accept crypto payments, but want to avoid the risks and complexities of handling crypto transactions on their own.

“Businesses are seeking to accept cryptocurrency payments to cater to growing demand from consumers who prefer paying in digital currencies,” he says. “They are also looking for the option of making cross-border payments to vendors, contractors and suppliers that specifically seek compensation in cryptocurrency.”

Some examples of how Triple-A’s enterprise clients use its white-label solutions include e-commerce payments and cryptocurrency payments within the creator economy (remote work platform Multiplier works with the startup to compensate content creators, influencers and freelancers around the world). In terms of B2B use cases, Triple-A is used by businesses to pay vendors, contractors and suppliers in different countries with digital currencies. Triple-A’s white-label solution also lets payment service providers offer cryptocurrency payments to merchants.

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Other companies that enable businesses to send and receive cryptocurrency payments include B2BinPay and CryptoProcessing by CoinsPaid. Barbier says Triple-A differentiates from competitors with its focus on regulation and licensing. “Compliance is a cornerstone for us, and we aim to be the most regulated payments institution for digital currencies worldwide. This is instrumental in onboarding businesses that prioritize compliance and wouldn’t have otherwise enabled crypto payments.”

Triple-A also competes with incumbents like cash and traditional bank transfers, but Barbier says “our solution tackles the inefficiencies of these payment methods.”

In a statement about the investment, Peak XV vice president Aakash Kapoor said, “Blockchain-based digital infrastructure provides real value in cross-border payments in terms of speed and liquidity of flows. These infrastructure rails including stablecoins and centrally backed digital currencies (CBDCs) have the potential to transform how global businesses transact money more efficiently. Licensed by major regulators in Singapore and Europe, Triple-A is building a compliant and steady foundation to enable this future.”

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Experts celebrate promising new breed of cryptocurrency: 'Not only promises efficiency …'

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Experts celebrate promising new breed of cryptocurrency: 'Not only promises efficiency …'

An up-and-coming player in the world of cryptocurrency is looking to revolutionize the industry through its unique processes that highlight sustainability.

According to Be3, cryptocurrency XRP, developed by Ripple Labs, could have a “transformative impact on both finance and environmental sustainability” thanks to its unique consensus mechanism that does not require mining and uses a negligible amount of energy even as it scales.

It generates a minuscule amount of pollutants per transaction while producing 1,110 pounds of electronic waste and impacting just over 8 cubic miles of natural resources.

This approach separates XRP from its contemporaries, which often rely on the notoriously power-hungry proof-of-work systems and hulking mining centers that can destabilize the grid.

Statistics provided by TRG Datacenters show that XRP is the second-most eco-friendly cryptocurrency behind IOTA, consuming just 0.0079 kilowatt-hours per transaction. Comparatively, bitcoin ranks last at a staggering 707 KWh per transaction.

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Furthermore, the cryptocurrency became the first major global blockchain to achieve carbon net zero by purchasing enough renewable energy to offset its minimal energy requirements, per the XRP Ledger.

Be3 also noted other features that make XRP an attractive option for institutions focused on environmental responsibility, as it takes just three to five seconds to settle at fractions of a cent per transaction.

It’s a welcome addition to a sector that desperately needs more sustainable options. A study by the International Monetary Fund found that crypto mines, in conjunction with artificial intelligence data centers, accounted for 2% of global electricity demand and 1% of carbon dioxide pollution in 2022.

The United Nations found that the bitcoin mining network used 173.42 terawatt-hours of electricity between 2020 and 2021, resulting in a carbon footprint equivalent to burning 84 billion pounds of coal. 

Coal and natural gas also supplied 66% of the energy for mining operations during this period, polluting the planet with planet-warming gases.

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Luckily, the sector has made significant strides in recent times in an effort to become more eco-friendly. 

Alephium, which utilizes a proof-of-work blockchain, has partnered with Gigatons to implement a proof-of-less-work consensus that is significantly more energy efficient. 

Meanwhile, Ethereum has transitioned to a proof-of-stake system that has cut its energy consumption by nearly 100%.

“In a world increasingly attentive to environmental impact, XRP’s innovative technology not only promises efficiency but also a greener future,” Be3 wrote.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

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ZIUM Launches to Revolutionize Instagram and Cryptocurrency Solutions

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ZIUM Launches to Revolutionize Instagram and Cryptocurrency Solutions

Zagreb, Croatia–(Newsfile Corp. – January 12, 2025) – ZIUM, a cutting-edge agency founded to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in social media and digital marketing, is now officially open for business. Specializing in Instagram username claims, account unbans, and cryptocurrency marketing, ZIUM has positioned itself as a trusted partner for individuals and businesses seeking innovative solutions in the digital age.

The agency operates at the intersection of technology, social media, and blockchain marketing, empowering clients to unlock their full potential online. With a dedicated team of experts and a results-driven approach, ZIUM is redefining the way people navigate the ever-changing online landscape.


ZIUM

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A New Era of Digital Problem Solving
ZIUM’s services address real-world challenges in today’s digital ecosystem. Instagram, one of the largest and most influential social platforms, has become a critical tool for personal branding, business promotion, and community engagement. However, issues such as unavailable usernames or unfair account suspensions can hinder growth and cause frustration. ZIUM steps in to provide solutions that are fast, efficient, and tailored to each client’s needs.

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Additionally, ZIUM excels in cryptocurrency marketing, offering projects and startups a strategic edge in the fast-paced blockchain industry. By combining deep knowledge of crypto trends with cutting-edge marketing strategies, the agency helps blockchain projects stand out in an increasingly crowded market.

Core Services Offered by ZIUM

  1. Instagram Username Claims
    In the crowded social media space, having the perfect Instagram username can make all the difference. Whether it’s for a brand, influencer, or business, ZIUM specializes in acquiring sought-after usernames to align with clients’ goals and identities. The agency handles the process from start to finish, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

  2. Instagram Account Unbans
    Account suspensions on Instagram can be devastating, especially for businesses and influencers relying on the platform for engagement and revenue. ZIUM offers expert account recovery services, helping clients navigate Instagram’s policies to regain access to their accounts quickly and effectively.

  3. Cryptocurrency Marketing
    The cryptocurrency space is highly competitive, and visibility is key. ZIUM provides end-to-end marketing strategies tailored to blockchain projects, ensuring they reach the right audience. From brand development to targeted campaigns, ZIUM helps crypto ventures grow and thrive in an ever-evolving market.

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Donald Trump Embraces Meme Coins—A Presidential First

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Donald Trump Embraces Meme Coins—A Presidential First

Donald Trump is making news once more, but this time it’s not for political reasons; it’s about cryptocurrency. As he prepares to return as the 47th President of the United States, Trump will become the first sitting president to own meme currencies, a decision that has stirred both enthusiasm and skepticism in the crypto community.

Trump: A Significant Crypto Portfolio

Recent sources claim that Trump’s crypto wallet consists largely of meme coins and is valued roughly $8 million. Among the assets are $1.5 million in a meme currency with Trump-themed design and $5.5 million in TROG tokens.

In addition, he has about 1.3 billion GUA coins, which amounts to nearly $400,000, and $167,000 in TRUMPIUS tokens. This is a first of its kind, where Trump becomes an oddity in the world of politics and cryptocurrency, considering his earlier reluctance towards digital assets.

From Skepticism To Support

Trump’s journey into the crypto world is notable. He had been a strong critic of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, calling them scams. But that all changed in 2024 when he started publicly endorsing Bitcoin and speaking out for the right to own it. That’s a broader trend among politicians, who are increasingly recognizing the potential of cryptocurrencies and their growing popularity among voters.

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Trump’s financial success in the digital sphere was also aided by his venture into non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on Ethereum. Trump reportedly made a good living from these endeavors, and he currently owns roughly 496.77 ETH, which is worth about $1.6 million.

BTC is currently trading at $94,144. Chart: TradingView

Implications For Regulation

Many people are eager to see how Trump’s administration will regulate cryptocurrencies now that he is back in office. A possible change toward a more advantageous regulatory climate for digital assets is hinted at by the nomination of important individuals like David Sacks as “Crypto Czar” and Paul Atkins as SEC chair. This could result in more precise rules for investors and businesses involved in the cryptocurrency industry.

Trump

Donald Trump. Image: Ronda Churchill/Reuters

The policies by Trump are already changing market dynamics as everybody is anxiously awaiting them. During this time when Bitcoin hit a record high of $108k, while meme coins surged, analysts still feel that Trump could make the year 2025 a major turning point in cryptocurrencies.

Meme Coin Boom

The rise of Trump-owned meme coins is indicative of a broader cultural shift among younger investors who are fed up with established financial institutions. This combination of the political influence of Trump and the speculative nature of meme coins puts a scenario under which political events could significantly affect cryptocurrency markets. Thus, while the investors go about this, they are not ignorant of the volatility that is usually associated with meme coins.

Featured image from Fortanix, chart from TradingView

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