Our Humble Beginnings

Our story began in 2023 with a bold dream and a $9 server — a testament to how big ideas often start small. Launching a crypto company in Nigeria isn't just challenging; it's like navigating a minefield blindfolded.

Within just 15 days, we weren't just a local startup anymore. We became a global phenomenon, with users from 121 countries signing up. Imagine our shock: our little dream was growing faster than we could handle. Servers crashed, stress mounted, but our passion burned brighter.

Navigating Regulatory Challenges

The regulatory landscape? A rollercoaster that would make even the most resilient entrepreneur dizzy. Licensing costs fluctuated from ₦200M to ₦500M, with bureaucratic hurdles that seemed designed to crush innovation. But we didn't just survive—we adapted.

The Harsh Economics of Dreams

Let's be brutally honest: we didn't make money. Supporting 4 million users isn't a victory lap; it's a financial marathon. By July 2024, we had built an exchange, but our battle for legitimacy was far from over.

The emotional toll was immense. Racist comments, bureaucratic nightmares, and constant pressure threatened to break our spirit. We faced hate that cut deeper than any financial challenge—comments that reduced us to stereotypes, attempting to diminish our worth.

Why We Chose Acquisition

Some will call it surrender. We call it strategic evolution. In the volatile world of crypto, survival isn't about stubborn resistance—it's about intelligent adaptation. Centralized exchanges are vulnerable—a recent $1.5B hack was our wake-up call.

Rumors swirled about our sale price—$10M, $1M, "peanuts". But here's the truth: our value isn't in a number, but in our vision. We're transitioning to decentralized finance, not disappearing.

A Message of Resilience

To every Nigerian entrepreneur, every dreamer facing impossible odds: keep pushing. Sometimes, giving your dream "up for adoption" isn't defeat—it's a strategic pause, a breath before the next leap.

I remain proudly committed to Celia. I still hold our token, provide advisory support, and believe in our core mission. Our story isn't over—it's transforming.

To our community: We saw what Paystack did when Acquired. Acquisitions aren't endings; they're new chapters with more resources, broader perspectives.

We are still building. We are still dreaming.

Stay SAFU