Nume Crypto

High-Level Overview

Nume Crypto is a fintech startup building a flat-fee payments rollup on Ethereum (initially on Polygon zkEVM) to enable affordable web3 payment solutions, including token transfers, NFT mints, and trades with instant confirmation and horizontal scalability[1][2]. It serves the cryptocurrency payments market by solving high gas fees and accessibility barriers, targeting users in the US first before expanding to crypto-friendly regions like Singapore and Indonesia[1]. Founded in 2021, the company has raised $2.1M in seed funding, employs a small team of about 8, and shows early momentum through backing from top VCs like Sequoia Capital India and angels such as Balaji Srinivasan[1][2][3].

The platform supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins, aiming for near-zero-cost transactions to drive financial inclusivity via a borderless, trustless payments rail[1][2]. Its mission emphasizes easy global economic access regardless of technical or financial literacy[2].

Origin Story

Nume Crypto was founded in 2021 by sisters Madhumitha Harishankar (CEO) and Niveda Harishankar (CPO), who identified gas fees as a major barrier to cryptocurrency adoption[1][2]. Based initially in Florence, New Jersey (with some sources noting San Francisco ties), the idea emerged from a vision to create a Layer 2 scaling platform on Ethereum for near-zero-cost payments[1][2][3]. Early traction came via a $2M pre-seed round led by Sequoia Capital India, used to build products, validate market fit, and attract customers in the US before Asian expansion[1]. Pivotal support includes advisors from Polygon and angels like Jaynti Kanani (Polygon) and Balaji Srinivasan (ex-CTO, Coinbase), humanizing the venture as a family-led push for crypto accessibility[2].

Core Differentiators

• Flat-Fee Model: Eliminates variable gas fees with predictable, near-zero costs for transactions like token transfers, NFT mints, and trades on an Ethereum rollup (Polygon zkEVM), enabling instant confirmations and scalability[1][2].
• Developer and User Experience: Simplifies crypto access for all literacy levels via a borderless payments rail, supporting Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins from launch[1][2].
• Strong Backing and Team: Led by sisters Madhumitha (CEO) and Niveda (CPO), with engineers, designers, and advisors from Polygon, Apple, and Root Pay; funded by Sequoia India and angels like Balaji Srinivasan and Gabby Dizon[2].
• Market Focus: Targets payments underserved by high fees, prioritizing product-market fit in crypto-friendly markets with horizontal scalability[1].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Nume Crypto rides the Layer 2 scaling trend in blockchain, addressing Ethereum's gas fee pain points amid rising web3 adoption for payments and DeFi[1]. Timing aligns with maturing zkEVM tech (via Polygon) and demand for affordable, scalable solutions as crypto moves mainstream, fueled by stablecoin growth and regulatory shifts in Asia/US[1][2]. Market forces like high Ethereum congestion favor flat-fee rollups, positioning Nume to lower entry barriers for global users and influence fintech by enabling true financial inclusivity—expanding the ecosystem for developers building on cheap, reliable infra[2].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Nume Crypto's path forward hinges on product launches, US market validation, and Asian scaling, leveraging zkEVM upgrades for broader asset support and deeper DeFi integration[1][2]. Trends like zero-knowledge proofs, stablecoin proliferation, and regulatory clarity will accelerate growth, potentially evolving its influence from niche payments to a core web3 rail. As gasless crypto gains traction, Nume could redefine accessibility, turning high-fee hurdles into a flat-fee advantage that empowers global participation[1][2].