Our journey in the crypto industry began in 2017, when we decided to launch a company focused on managing a network of Bitcoin ATMs. In early 2018, we installed the first Bitcoin ATM in Iași. At that time, there was only one other company managing crypto ATMs in Romania.
It wasn't easy. There was no specific crypto legislation in Romania — we learned to interpret the law as it evolved, consulted with authorities, and adapted to every regulatory change. Like any entrepreneurs at the start of their journey, we made mistakes and improved every day — across all areas, from operations to technology to customer relationships.
Our product attracted many people taking their first steps into crypto — without technical experience, without a wallet, who simply wanted to buy Bitcoin without navigating a complex exchange. Because of this, educating users became a priority from the very beginning and has remained so ever since.
From the start, we were drawn to blockchain technology and what it offers beyond security — above all, independence and the ability to make peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries. We have stayed true to this philosophy. Everything we have built since has followed the same principle: crypto infrastructure that allows users to enter and exit the ecosystem without us ever holding their funds, always encouraging self-custody of private keys.
In an industry where many operators have turned crypto into a traditional financial product — with leverage, automated investments, and banking services — we have stayed true to crypto in its original sense: you own your funds, you are in control.
In May 2023 we founded Abarai — a registered trademark under Chidori Technologies SRL. Our goal was to build the simplest way to buy and sell crypto in Romania, while maintaining the non-custodial principle. We started with a POS application developed together with Juan Carlos Vera, a Solutions Architect with international fintech experience, and simultaneously built the online platform.
Our philosophy is that of a boutique — clients receive assistance without friction, without complex help pages, without AI assistants. Over the years we have processed over 40,000 transactions.
Active in the crypto industry since 2017. Financial background with hands-on experience in compliance, product management and regulatory affairs. Has attended official ONPCSB briefings on KYC and AML and worked directly with specialized law firms to navigate crypto legislation in Romania. Has interacted directly with clients of all types from the first ATMs to today.
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An engineer by training, he entered the crypto industry in 2017 during his third year of university. He negotiated the first contracts for installing Bitcoin ATMs in Romanian shopping malls, helping build one of the first local networks of its kind. A self-taught problem solver, he has accumulated experience in managing technical infrastructure and developing operations. He currently oversees Abarai's operational activities and strategic partnerships.
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Over 10 years of experience in digital marketing, SEO and content strategy. Has managed campaigns with budgets of up to €15,000/month and achieved up to 700% organic traffic growth. At Abarai she handles educational content and organic growth strategy.
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Developer and SEO specialist with experience since 2016, including international projects in the United Kingdom. Freelancing since 2020, with a focus on WordPress, on-page optimization and organic growth. At Abarai he handles platform development and optimization.
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Over 25 years of experience in payment systems and fintech technology. Has held VP roles in product development and business development in Canada and the Middle East. Winner of the Bitcoin Bankathon 2021 award for best technology implementation.
↗ LinkedInTransactions on Abarai are carried out in accordance with applicable European and international regulations, through MiCA and FinCEN authorized partners.
Reporting entity registered with the National Office for Prevention and Control of Money Laundering
Abarai operates in compliance with European MiCA regulations on digital assets
Abarai operates in compliance with FinCEN regulations of the US Department of the Treasury
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