Slovak-based Fumbi Network has acquired DLTpay, a Techstars-backed crypto payments startup. The move signals growing ambition in CEE to bridge regulated custody with crypto-native commerce—without relying on U.S. infrastructure.
The deal: Fumbi + DLTpay
As announced in Cointelegraph’s press release, Fumbi Network, one of Central Europe’s leading regulated crypto investment platforms, has acquired DLTpay, a crypto payments and checkout API provider backed by Techstars.
The acquisition amount was undisclosed, but both firms are based in Slovakia, and the integration is expected to accelerate Fumbi’s push into B2B crypto payment infrastructure—especially for merchants, platforms, and e-commerce providers across the EU.
Who’s who
Fumbi Network
- One of the first regulated crypto investment platforms in Slovakia
- Offers retail access to diversified crypto portfolios, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and DeFi indexes
- Claims over 150,000 users in the CEE region
- Licensed to operate as a virtual asset service provider (VASP) under EU frameworks
DLTpay
- API-first crypto checkout platform
- Enables merchants to accept on-chain payments (BTC, ETH, stablecoins)
- Supports both instant settlement and hybrid fiat-crypto flows
- Alumni of Techstars London, with strong emphasis on developer tools and compliance
Why it matters
This deal highlights three emerging trends that RatEx42 has been tracking:
1. The rise of regulated CEE crypto infrastructure
While much attention focuses on Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and France, countries like Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Hungary are quietly building regulatory-compliant VASP ecosystems.
Fumbi is positioning itself as a regional leader—and this acquisition helps it move beyond custody into payments and commerce.
2. API-based crypto checkout is heating up
With Stripe, Shopify, and PayPal taking cautious steps into Web3, a new wave of crypto-native checkout solutions is emerging in Europe.
DLTpay offers Fumbi the ability to power merchant adoption directly, possibly competing with BitPay, NOWPayments, or MoonPay for regional dominance.
3. Vertical integration is back
In a post-FTX world, crypto companies are being forced to own their rails—especially across custody, compliance, and fiat conversion.
By acquiring DLTpay, Fumbi ensures it can offer end-to-end infrastructure from investment to transaction to payment, without relying on third parties.
What it means for RatEx42
1. CEE is becoming a serious crypto corridor
Expect more regulated players to emerge from Poland, Slovakia, and the Baltics. These platforms will increasingly seek direct listings, stablecoin liquidity, and cross-border compliance integrations—which RatEx42 is well positioned to support.
2. Merchant-side demand for stablecoin rails is growing
DLTpay enables real-world merchants to accept on-chain payments in stablecoins and major crypto. As more SMEs explore stablecoin invoicing, expect increased B2B flow demand across RatEx42’s payment corridors.
3. Compliance + UX is the winning combination
Fumbi’s pitch: crypto that your accountant can understand. It’s this kind of “regulated but accessible” approach that institutions, family offices, and late-stage fintechs increasingly expect from their digital asset partners.
Final word
The Fumbi–DLTpay deal won’t make global headlines—but it should.
Because it shows that the future of crypto isn’t just being built in Silicon Valley, Zug, or Dubai. It’s also happening in Bratislava, Kraków, and Vilnius—by founders who understand that crypto infrastructure must serve both code and compliance.
Keep your eyes on Central Europe.
And keep your rails open.
More at RatEx42.com
