Our story in the crypto industry began in 2017, when we decided to launch a company to run a network of Bitcoin ATMs. In early 2018 we installed the first Bitcoin ATM in Iași. At the time, there was only one other company operating crypto ATMs in Romania.
It wasn't simple. There was no crypto-specific legislation in Romania — we learned to interpret the law as we went, consulted with the authorities, and adapted to every regulatory change. Like any entrepreneurs starting out, we made mistakes and improved every day — on every front, from operations to technology to how we worked with users.
From the start, our product attracted many people to their first contact with crypto — no technical experience, no wallet, people who simply wanted to buy Bitcoin without navigating a complicated exchange. Because of that, educating users became a priority early on and has stayed that way.
From the beginning we were drawn to blockchain technology and to what it brings beyond security — above all, independence, the ability to transact peer-to-peer without intermediaries. We've stayed true to that philosophy. Everything we've built since has followed the same principle: crypto infrastructure that lets users move in and out of the ecosystem without us holding their funds, always encouraging people to keep their own private keys.
In an industry where many operators have turned crypto into a conventional financial product — with leverage, automated investing, banking-style services — we've stayed close to what crypto originally meant: you hold your funds, you're in control.
In May 2023 we founded Abarai — a brand registered under Chidori Technologies SRL. We wanted to build the simplest way to buy and sell crypto in Romania, while keeping the non-custodial principle. We started with a POS app developed together with Juan Carlos Vera, a Solutions Architect with international fintech experience, and built the online platform alongside it.
Our philosophy is that of a boutique — customers get frictionless support, no complicated help pages, no AI assistant. Over the course of our work in the industry, we've processed more than 40,000 transactions.
Active in the crypto industry since 2017. Financial background, with hands-on experience in compliance, product management, and working with regulators. Has taken part in official ONPCSB briefings on KYC and AML topics and has worked directly with specialised law firms. Has dealt directly with all kinds of customers, from the first ATMs to today.
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A graduate of the Politehnica University of Bucharest, he entered the crypto industry in 2017, during his third year of university. He negotiated the first contracts to install Bitcoin ATMs in shopping centres across Romania, helping expand one of the first local networks of this kind. Self-taught and problem-solving oriented, he built up experience managing technical infrastructure and growing operations. He now leads 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 delivered organic traffic growth of up to 700%. 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 UK. Freelancing since 2020, focused on WordPress, on-page optimisation, and organic growth. At Abarai he handles platform development and optimisation.
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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 2021 Bitcoin Bankathon award for best technical implementation.
↗ LinkedInTransactions on Abarai are carried out in line with current European and international regulations, through partners licensed under MiCA and registered with FinCEN.
Chidori Technologies SRL, notification number 3120-3119 dated 02.06.2023
Transactions are processed in accordance with EU regulations on digital assets
Transactions comply with US Treasury Department regulations through registered partners
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