Coala Pay, a pioneering stablecoin startup connecting humanitarian aid organizations with donors, has raised an impressive $3.5 million in seed funding. The round was led by Castle Island Ventures, with strong backing from Lattice Fund, Factor Capital, and the founders of The Giving Block, a leading crypto charity platform.
Stablecoins, cryptocurrencies pegged to the U.S. dollar, have become a game-changer for cross-border payments. By leveraging stablecoins, Coala Pay slashes transaction costs by up to 25%, ensuring that more donation funds reach those in need rather than being lost to fees.
“If this were just a business story, that metric alone would be remarkable,” said founder Melyn McKay. “But the fact that it translates into lives saved and communities served makes it all the more powerful.”
McKay’s journey with stablecoins began in 2021 while advising a European Union initiative in Myanmar. In the aftermath of a military coup that restricted access to private banking, she sought innovative ways to deliver aid without exposing recipients to government surveillance. Coala Pay emerged as the solution—enabling donors to fund on-the-ground programs via smart contracts while protecting the identities of both parties.
The platform rigorously vets both donors and local aid organizations, requiring thorough documentation to ensure legitimacy. Once verified, participants gain access to each other’s credentials, fostering transparency and trust.
Rather than relying on traditional agreements, Coala Pay automates donations through smart contracts, embedding the terms of each transaction into the blockchain. A dedicated token tracks how funds are used, adding an extra layer of accountability.
Coala Pay generates revenue by charging a service fee for facilitating these smart contracts. While McKay declined to disclose financial figures, the company’s rapid growth signals strong market traction.
With this new round of funding, Coala Pay plans to scale its operations, bringing in top talent with experience at the United Nations and U.S. government agencies. The company is poised to redefine how humanitarian aid is delivered—ensuring that every dollar makes a difference.