UnblockPay Secures $4.5 Million to Build Stablecoin-Native Global Banking Rails

UnblockPay, the Brazilian fintech specializing in stablecoin-native banking, has successfully closed a $4.5 million seed funding round led by London-based venture capital firm Prelude. The investment round valued the startup at $20 million and included participation from major global players such as Plug and Play, Wintermute, and Crescera Capital. This capital injection marks a significant milestone for the company as it looks to redefine the infrastructure of international money movement.

Founded in 2025, UnblockPay provides a B2B platform that acts as the technological and regulatory plumbing for digital dollar operations. The system allows businesses to move money globally through seamless conversions between fiat currencies and stablecoins like USDC and USDT. By bypassing traditional corresponding banking networks, the platform enables transactions that are faster and more cost-efficient than conventional cross-border methods.

The company has demonstrated rapid market traction, processing over R$300 million in transaction volume during its first year of operation. It currently serves more than 40 corporate clients, including the regional giant Mercado Bitcoin, which utilizes the infrastructure for its own remittance services. The startup aims to reach a monthly processing volume of R$1 billion by the end of 2026.

The founding team brings significant industry experience to the table, including CEO Lucca Freire, who previously helped build digital accounts and Pix infrastructure at the Brazilian payment leader Stone. This deep technical background is paired with a clear regulatory focus. A primary goal of the new funding is to secure an official Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from the Central Bank of Brazil.

Expanding beyond its current footprint in Latin America, the United States, and Europe is a key priority for the coming months. UnblockPay plans to use the seed capital to accelerate product development and establish trade corridors in Asia and the Middle East. As global markets increasingly adopt blockchain technology for treasury operations, the company positions itself as a vital bridge between traditional finance and digital assets.