ZAR has managed to secure a whopping $12.9 million, courtesy of a16z, to bring dollar-backed stablecoins to the unbanked masses of Pakistan, all via your friendly neighborhood kiosks.
In a truly remarkable turn of events, fintech startup ZAR has succeeded in raising a staggering $12.9 million this week. This round was graced by the presence of the venture capital giant, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). ZAR is focused on the noble cause of democratizing access to dollar-backed stablecoins, with their sights firmly set on the unbanked consumers of Pakistan and other such emerging economies. Fancy that!
a16z’s Grand Gesture to Save the World, One Unbanked Consumer at a Time
According to the well-informed folks over at Bloomberg, this round wasn’t just a solo affair. Oh no, it was attended by a host of other prestigious firms like Dragonfly Capital, VanEck Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, and Endeavour Catalyst. Talk about a show of support! This investment, it seems, speaks volumes about the strong belief these investors have in ZAR’s mission to conquer the world, or at least Pakistan’s 240 million residents. With more than 100 million adults unbanked in the country, ZAR surely has a massive opportunity to make its mark.
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While ZAR’s ambitious plans are no surprise, their method is. Rather than relying on the usual channels, ZAR has opted for a rather novel approach: they’re teaming up with local agents to spread the good word of stablecoins. These agents, who are well-versed in the ways of convenience stores and money kiosks, will be the backbone of ZAR’s bold move. It’s all about making the world’s most stable digital currencies accessible at your local store, apparently.
The newly raised funds will be put to good use, particularly in creating an offline exchange system that leverages local shops. These agents and kiosks will facilitate the exchange of cash to stablecoins, allowing a seamless transition from the mundane to the extraordinary.
And here’s the real kicker: ZAR’s mobile wallet will allow users to spend stablecoins across the globe. With a handy Visa card linked to the system, ZAR is making traditional finance shake hands with the world of digital assets. In theory, this means consumers can enjoy dollar stability and global mobility all at once. A match made in financial heaven, one might say!
How Local Kiosks are the Future: A Regulatory Shift That Will Change Everything
Now, in the backdrop of this monumental fundraising effort, a little thing called the Virtual Assets Ordinance 2025 came into play. Yes, you read that correctly-regulation is here, and it’s about time. This new ordinance, which went into effect in July 2025, offers a long-awaited legal framework to manage digital currencies in a consistent manner. And voila! Enter the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA), the shiny new body tasked with ensuring all crypto activities comply with the law. We can only imagine the bureaucratic joy this brings.
As if that wasn’t enough, ZAR is riding the wave of this new regulatory landscape with a clear focus on the unbanked population. With over 100 million adults currently without access to banking, ZAR’s mission to bring easily accessible, dollar-backed stablecoins to these folks could very well change the economic dynamics in Pakistan for the better.
It’s not just about Pakistan, though. Thanks to the generous $12.9 million investment, ZAR plans to extend its reach beyond this lovely corner of the world. The goal? To replicate this model and bring it to other countries that have yet to experience the wonders of dollar-backed stablecoins. Oh, how delightful for them!
In the end, this fundraising round is more than just a financial milestone; it’s a confirmation that the business model works. By combining international venture capital with a local fintech operation, ZAR is building a bridge to global dollar liquidity. Or as we like to call it, the future of finance.
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2025-10-28 19:37