Dapp

Dapp is a financial technology company based in Queretaro, Mexico, that has engineered an interoperable payment network designed to bridge the gap between merchants, banks, and digital wallets. The firm was founded in 2016 by Antonio Peláez, who serves as CEO, alongside co-founders Jorge Alfaro and Sergio Blando. Peláez's background in marketing and prior entrepreneurial ventures in application development provided the foundation for Dapp's focus on creating a more inclusive payment ecosystem in Mexico.

The company's core business revolves around creating alternative payment rails that cater to both the banked and unbanked populations. Dapp facilitates seamless transactions by connecting various payment methods, particularly focusing on QR code technology, to a unified network. This allows clients, which range from SMEs to large corporations like Soriana, Office Max, and Circle K, to accept payments from a multitude of digital wallets without needing to establish individual integrations with each one. The business model functions as a strategic connection point, simplifying the payment process for both merchants and the end-users of banking and non-banking wallets such as Kueski, Bitso, and Banco Azteca.

Dapp's primary service is its API-based infrastructure that enables interoperability. For in-store retail, the platform allows merchants to accept QR code payments, push notifications, or payment links that connect directly to a customer's preferred digital wallet. For e-commerce, a similar system generates payment codes or links for online checkouts. A key benefit is the reduction of complexity and costs for merchants, who only need to integrate with Dapp to access a wide network of payment providers. The platform also offers features like a transaction management portal, cash-in/cash-out services at partner merchants, and is exploring remittances and buy-now-pay-later options. Initially launched as a digital wallet, the company pivoted to its current interoperability model based on local market needs, a move that culminated in a $12.4 million Series A funding round in June 2021, led by G2 Momentum Capital and Kalonia Venture Partners.

Keywords: payment interoperability, QR code payments, financial technology, Mexico fintech, payment gateway, digital wallets, payment network, merchant payment solutions, alternative payment methods, e-commerce payments, API integration, financial inclusion, contactless payments, payment processing, retail tech, mobile payments, point of sale integration, cross-wallet payments, digital transactions, emerging market fintech