BTC Direct

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Bitcoin has revolutionized the financial world, and one of the pioneering companies at the forefront of this transformation in Europe is BTC Direct. As a leading cryptocurrency exchange based in the Netherlands, BTC Direct has played a vital role in expanding access to digital assets across multiple European countries. With a strong commitment to innovation, user empowerment, and long-term sustainability, the company continues to shape how individuals buy and interact with cryptocurrencies.

A Pioneer in European Cryptocurrency Adoption

Founded in 2013 by Davy Stevens, Mark Bakker, and Mike Hutting, BTC Direct stands as one of the oldest cryptocurrency businesses in both the Netherlands and Europe. Its early entry into the market positioned it as a trailblazer during Bitcoin’s formative years. The company began as a simple exchange platform but quickly evolved into a comprehensive service provider for digital currency users.

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From its headquarters in Nijmegen, BTC Direct expanded operations beyond Dutch borders, becoming active in Belgium, France, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, and Ireland by 2014. This cross-border presence underscored its vision: making cryptocurrency accessible, secure, and user-friendly for everyday Europeans.

By May 2016, BTC Direct announced it had surpassed 100,000 users, marking a significant milestone in mainstream adoption. This growth reflected rising public interest in decentralized finance and digital ownership.

Expanding Digital Asset Offerings

While initially focused solely on Bitcoin (BTC) trading, BTC Direct continuously broadened its portfolio to meet evolving market demands. In 2015, the platform introduced support for Ethereum (ETH) and Litecoin (LTC), giving users more options to diversify their crypto holdings.

Two years later, in 2018, Bitcoin Cash (BCH) and Ripple (XRP) were added to the platform’s offerings. This expansion not only increased product variety but also aligned BTC Direct with global trends in multi-currency wallet services and interoperability.

The introduction of these major cryptocurrencies allowed users to explore different blockchain ecosystems—from smart contracts on Ethereum to fast cross-border payments via XRP—without switching platforms.

Innovating User Experience with BLOX Wallet

Prior to 2018, users were required to have an external cryptocurrency wallet to receive their purchased coins. While this gave control to users, it also created friction for beginners unfamiliar with wallet management.

To solve this issue, BTC Direct launched BLOX, its proprietary mobile app, in 2018. BLOX simplified the onboarding process by offering an integrated wallet solution where users could securely store, send, and manage their digital assets—all within a single interface.

This move significantly lowered the barrier to entry for new investors and enhanced overall user experience. BLOX became more than just a storage tool; it served as a gateway for financial education and engagement with the broader crypto economy.

Strategic Integrations with Global Platforms

BTC Direct didn’t stop at building its own tools—it actively forged partnerships with internationally recognized hardware and software wallets. By 2020, the company was integrated into platforms such as Trezor, Coinomi, and KuCoin, allowing seamless purchases of crypto directly through those interfaces.

These integrations meant that users of Trezor hardware wallets could buy Bitcoin instantly using BTC Direct’s backend without leaving the Trezor ecosystem. Similarly, Coinomi users gained direct access to fast, localized payment methods through the partnership.

Such collaborations demonstrated BTC Direct’s role not just as a standalone exchange but as a critical infrastructure provider within the global crypto network.

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Growth Through Acquisition and Investment

In September 2020, BTC Direct strengthened its position in the Dutch market by acquiring Cryptomaan, a popular local cryptocurrency webshop. This acquisition expanded its customer base and reinforced brand recognition among Dutch-speaking audiences.

Later that year, in December 2020, the company secured a major vote of confidence: a €11 million investment from a private investor. This funding round highlighted strong institutional belief in BTC Direct’s long-term potential and provided capital for further technological development, team expansion, and market outreach.

With around 80 employees as of 2021, BTC Direct maintained a lean yet highly capable team focused on innovation, compliance, and customer support.

Championing Financial Literacy

Beyond transactions and technology, BTC Direct has invested in education. In November 2020, the company published the Dutch translation of The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous—a seminal book explaining Bitcoin’s economic principles and historical context.

By making this influential work accessible to Dutch readers, BTC Direct contributed to deeper public understanding of cryptocurrency fundamentals, promoting informed decision-making over speculation.

A First-Mover in Bitcoin Salaries

One of BTC Direct’s most notable initiatives began in May 2018: paying employees part of their salary in Bitcoin. This made BTC Direct the first company in Europe to offer such a program at scale.

This bold move wasn’t just symbolic—it reflected a deep belief in Bitcoin’s value proposition as sound money. It also attracted talent passionate about blockchain technology and encouraged employees to engage directly with crypto economics.

The program set a precedent for other forward-thinking firms exploring decentralized compensation models.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is BTC Direct?
A: BTC Direct is a Netherlands-based cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2013. It allows users to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and XRP using local payment methods. The company operates across several European countries and emphasizes ease of use and financial education.

Q: Is BTC Direct available outside the Netherlands?
A: Yes. Since 2014, BTC Direct has expanded into Belgium, France, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, and Ireland, serving a broad European audience.

Q: Can I store my crypto on BTC Direct?
A: Yes. Through its BLOX app launched in 2018, BTC Direct offers users an integrated wallet to securely store purchased cryptocurrencies.

Q: Does BTC Direct pay employees in Bitcoin?
A: Yes. Since May 2018, BTC Direct has paid part of its employees’ salaries in Bitcoin, making it the first European company to implement such a policy widely.

Q: Who invested in BTC Direct?
A: In December 2020, a private investor contributed €11 million to support BTC Direct’s growth and expansion efforts.

Q: What cryptocurrencies can I buy on BTC Direct?
A: You can purchase Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Ripple (XRP) through the platform.

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