Seychelles-based fintech Fusepay has announced the close of a $350,000 pre-seed funding round, aimed at transforming payments and financial operations for underserved Indian Ocean islands. The round was led by Hustle Fund, with participation from Everywhere Ventures, First Check Ventures, Startup Istanbul, and angel investor Ryan Nesbitt. The company’s mission is to simplify and secure financial transactions in regions traditionally reliant on cheques, manual transfers, and cash-heavy operations.
Laying the Foundation for Digital Payments
This funding milestone marks a major step toward Fusepay’s goal of becoming a licensed Payment Service Provider (PSP) in Seychelles. The company is building a faster, smarter, and more secure platform that aims to reduce costs, save time, and eliminate fraud risks for local businesses. By replacing legacy payment systems with digital tools, Fusepay is targeting the operational pain points that small and medium-sized businesses face across island economies.
A Founding Team Rooted in Real-World Problems
Fusepay was co-founded in June 2024 by Vidhyasahar Thiyagarajan, a seasoned product designer, and Francesco Rocchi, a software developer with experience in startup-focused tech services in Seychelles. The idea was born from their shared experiences helping their families navigate inefficient payment systems in the retail and wholesale sectors. Together, they’ve assembled a 10-person team with global experience spanning Intel, Goldman Sachs, and YC-backed startups, combining product, engineering, and finance expertise.
Investor Confidence in Frontier Fintech
Fusepay’s investor group includes seasoned early-stage backers who have supported hundreds of startups worldwide. These investors recognize the platform’s potential to create a lasting impact in frontier and emerging markets by building infrastructure from the ground up. Their support reflects growing global interest in digitising commerce in markets historically overlooked by mainstream financial technology.
A Product Suite Designed for Local Needs
One of Fusepay’s key products, FuseCheq, is tailored for retail and wholesale businesses that currently rely on post-dated physical cheques. With FuseCheq, companies can schedule secure digital payments while gaining full traceability and reducing operational overhead. This product aligns with broader government efforts in Seychelles to phase out paper cheques and encourage digitised, transparent financial practices.
Preparing for Launch in Seychelles
With its PSP license now secured and final compliance steps underway with the Central Bank of Seychelles, Fusepay is preparing for an official product launch in August 2025. The launch will include a B2B invoice payment platform that streamlines accounts payable and receivable processes on top of Fusepay’s mobile money infrastructure. The platform is designed to help businesses take control of their cash flow with greater efficiency, visibility, and security.
Fusepay’s launch comes at a time when financial digitisation is gaining momentum in smaller markets around the world. By focusing on island economies like Seychelles, the company is carving out a niche with high-impact potential and minimal competition. Backed by global investors and led by a mission-driven team, Fusepay is well-positioned to lead the evolution of digital payments in frontier markets.