Azteco, a company founded in 2014 by Alexander Fernandez and Paul Ferguson, is revolutionizing the way people purchase and use Bitcoin. With a mission to make Bitcoin more accessible, Azteco offers prepaid bitcoin vouchers that can be purchased for as little as $10 and redeemed in a minute. These vouchers are available in over 190 countries and can be purchased online or with cash from in-person vendors.
One of the key advantages of using Azteco vouchers is the anonymity it provides, as users do not have to disclose their identity to purchase Bitcoin. Additionally, Azteco offers both on-chain and Lightning capabilities, giving users the flexibility to redeem their BTC on either the Bitcoin base chain or the Lightning Network.
According to Fernandez, over one million people have already purchased Azteco vouchers, and the company aims to expand its customer base even further. Fernandez envisions Azteco as a global force for good, particularly for the unbanked and those without access to traditional financial services.
In a recent conversation, Fernandez shared insights into the inspiration behind Azteco, his own experience of being unbanked, and the importance of viewing Bitcoin as “synthetic money” rather than traditional currency. He also discussed the challenges of regulatory compliance and the need for businesses like Azteco to provide easy access to Bitcoin for everyday users.
Fernandez highlighted the importance of companies like Samourai Wallet, Wallet of Satoshi, and Bitkey as compliments to Azteco, emphasizing the need for user-friendly interfaces to drive mainstream adoption of Bitcoin. He expressed optimism about the future of Bitcoin and the potential for it to become as ubiquitous and mundane as everyday technologies like WhatsApp or Uber.
As Azteco continues to grow and expand its reach, Fernandez remains committed to his vision of making Bitcoin more accessible and user-friendly for people around the world. With a focus on simplicity, anonymity, and ease of use, Azteco is poised to play a significant role in “normalizing” Bitcoin and bringing it into the mainstream.
