I wanted to share my journey with Bittr - the platform I built to make Bitcoin saving easy across Europe.
How it started:
Bittr began as a university project in 2017, focused on what I believed to be the only real use of blockchain technology: Bitcoin, a decentralized form of money. My vision was simple: allow everyone in Europe to save in Bitcoin easily by sending money via bank transfer and receiving Bitcoin directly in their wallet. By March 2018, Bittr was more than an idea – it was a living, breathing platform 🎉.
From day one, Bittr stood on three principles:
1. User control over funds – No access to user funds, reflecting Bitcoin’s promise of financial sovereignty.
2. Ease of use – No complicated KYC processes, making Bitcoin accessible to all.
3. Bitcoin-only focus – I believed in Bitcoin, even if it meant turning down potential profits.
Hitting a wall with EU regulation:
Things changed with the introduction of the EU's AMLD5 regulations, requiring strict KYC checks. This went against Bittr’s core values, and the tightening regulations forced me to make a tough decision. In March 2020, rather than compromise my principles, I shut down Bittr. It was a heartbreaking moment 😢.
Restarting in Switzerland 🇨🇭:
A year later, Bittr found a new home in Switzerland, where the regulations aligned better with our values. Since then, we’ve revamped our platform and are excited about what’s coming in 2024! From launching a Bitcoin app with a built-in Lightning Node to introducing our Bittr Boosters affiliate program, the future looks bright. We’re also adding more educational content for those new to Bitcoin.
Getting Bittr to this point hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. I hope to continue growing a community that values Bitcoin’s fundamental ethos, not just the financial benefits.
Thanks for being part of this journey!❤️
