Stackup aims to simplify crypto operations for businesses with account abstraction and banking integration
Crypto infrastructure startup Stackup, co-founded by a former SpaceX senior mission manager, has raised $4.2 million in seed funding to enhance its platform that streamlines crypto and fiat operations for businesses. The funding round was led by venture capital firm 1kx, with participation from Y Combinator, Digital Currency Group, Goodwater Capital, Soma Capital, and Amino Capital.
Stackup, based in Los Angeles, has previously built wallet infrastructure for Coinbase and Trust Wallet. With this funding, the company aims to expand its platform’s capabilities and address key challenges businesses face in managing on-chain operations securely and efficiently.
Account Abstraction for Safer On-Chain Activity
Stackup is leveraging Ethereum’s account abstraction, a technology introduced to the mainnet in 2023, to offer smart contract-based wallets with programmable logic. These wallets allow for features such as spending limits, bulk transaction reviews, custom fund recipient permissions, and seamless wallet recovery.
CEO John Rising, a former mission manager at SpaceX and an engineer with experience at Virgin Galactic, emphasised that while crypto developers often prioritise security, they must not overlook user safety. Reflecting on a tragic aerospace incident he witnessed early in his career, Rising noted that even the most sophisticated systems can fail without a focus on the human element.
“Builders in crypto tend to think about preventing unauthorised access. But users don’t just need security, they need safety,” he said. With millions at stake in crypto transactions, Rising drew a parallel to aerospace missions, saying, “Imagine if SpaceX had 20 launch failures? It’s the same amount of loss in dollar terms.”
New Features: Bank Integration and Multi-Chain Support
As part of its product expansion, Stackup has rolled out a direct banking integration, enabling non-custodial ACH transfers. This eliminates the need for intermediaries and simplifies the operational burden for businesses navigating between traditional finance and crypto.
This integration is particularly beneficial for companies that have long struggled with maintaining separate systems for fiat and crypto. Stackup now enables these operations under one unified platform, minimising fragmentation, custody risk, and operational complexity.
In addition, Stackup has expanded its multi-chain compatibility, now supporting major blockchains such as Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon, Avalanche, and Binance Smart Chain (BSC). This allows businesses to manage assets across multiple networks without relying on multiple wallets or risky bridging solutions.
Future Plans: Automation, Compliance, and Growth
With the fresh capital, Stackup will prioritise further automation, UI/UX improvements, and deeper integrations with both banking systems and crypto infrastructure. The company is also preparing to launch new analytics and reporting tools aimed at helping crypto businesses manage high transaction volumes more effectively.
To ensure long-term sustainability, Stackup is also working on compliance-ready features in anticipation of evolving regulatory standards in the digital asset space. The platform is targeting growth among mid- to large-sized crypto businesses seeking an efficient and secure way to control their funds at scale.
From Infrastructure to End-to-End Platform
Founded in 2021, Stackup began by building wallet infrastructure for high-profile Web3 players. That foundation now supports its broader ambition to become an end-to-end digital asset management platform for businesses.
According to Rising, Stackup’s mission is to provide companies with “the tools they need to manage their digital assets with the same level of efficiency and control they expect from traditional financial systems.”
With backing from top-tier investors and a clear focus on reducing operational risks, Stackup is positioning itself as a vital player in the evolving crypto enterprise landscape.
