Aureo, formerly known as Swapido, has successfully secured $1.1 million in pre-seed funding from Early Riders, aimed at developing a specialized Bitcoin platform for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), family offices, and corporations in Mexico and Latin America. The announcement, made on October 20, 2025, emphasizes the company’s focus on creating a high-end service dedicated to secure Bitcoin transactions, custody, and advisory services tailored for institutional and long-term holders.
This funding will enable Aureo to build a comprehensive platform that aligns with U.S.-based counterparts like Onramp and River, while adapting their business models to fit the unique needs of the regional market. Originally launched as Swapido on October 11, 2024, by CEO Gustavo Flores Echaiz, the company initially functioned as a web application that facilitated Lightning Network-to-peso conversions. In its inaugural year, Aureo processed over 5 BTC in trading volume, gaining traction among hundreds of advanced users and establishing itself as Mexico’s most straightforward off-ramp for utilizing Bitcoin.
The rebranding to Aureo signifies an ambitious expansion into a full suite of Bitcoin services, prioritizing security and trust. The platform will cater to high-volume transactions with features such as discreet execution, self-custody guidance, multi-institution custody (MIC) advisory, and local fiat integration, along with inheritance planning services. Moreover, Aureo holds a Bitcoin Service Provider (BSP) license from El Salvador and asserts full compliance with Mexican regulations, according to the press release distributed to Bitcoin Magazine.
Aureo’s announcement highlighted the transformative potential of Bitcoin for investors and corporations, framing it as a neutral and secure store of value. The company believes it can tap into billions of dollars in idle capital throughout the region, potentially driving the next wave of Bitcoin adoption.
Looking ahead, Aureo has plans to introduce a “Buy” feature and collaborate with Onramp Bitcoin to develop a LatAm-specific MIC platform. This partnership is set to leverage Onramp’s infrastructure, carefully tailored to adhere to local regulations and suited to the specific profiles of regional investors.
The executive team at Aureo boasts extensive expertise in the Bitcoin space. Echaiz is reuniting with original co-founders from Veriphi, a Canadian Bitcoin firm renowned for helping thousands of clients buy, sell, and store Bitcoin. Complementing Echaiz are Nathaniel Kitzkte in the role of fractional Chief Technology Officer, Tristan Borges Solari as Chief Product Officer, and Maciej Cepnik as Chief Marketing Officer. The team includes professionals from prominent players in the industry, such as Bull Bitcoin, Unchained Capital, Wasabi, Bitrefill, Bitcoin Well, and Zaprite.
Aureo, headquartered in Mexico, is gearing up for expansion, intending to grow its workforce through upcoming job postings. Interested parties can sign up for updates at aureobitcoin.com and follow the company on its X account at x.com/AureoBitcoin. As Bitcoin continues to gain traction in Latin America, firms like Aureo are poised to play a pivotal role in bridging traditional finance with digital assets, offering the region enhanced access to Bitcoin—a resource that has historically provided a refuge for nations grappling with high inflation.
