Miami-based direct-debit payment provider DRUO is poised for significant expansion following a successful seed funding round led by Global PayTech Ventures (GPT). This funding will allow the company to grow its proprietary network and enhance access for merchants and consumers alike.
"We're giving the world a radically better way for businesses to accept payments," says DRUO CEO Alejandro Pinzon. With plans to extend its reach to over 30 countries by 2026, the company is targeting increased user adoption among financial institutions and businesses across the globe.
Presently, DRUO connects approximately 10,000 financial institutions, servicing nearly one million users across the United States and Latin America. The company’s innovative direct-debit payment solution enables businesses to receive payments directly from customers’ bank accounts, streamlining the payment process and cutting out intermediaries.
According to Pinzon, "We removed almost a dozen middlemen and built a new system to replace an antiquated process. DRUO gives merchants what they never had — secure, near-free payments." The technology allows users to directly charge over 1 billion bank accounts, significantly lowering transaction costs to less than 0.5%. This is a stark contrast to traditional systems that often see 3-5% deducted in fees.
In the face of outdated global payments infrastructure, which typically relies on complex networks and several intermediaries, DRUO distinguishes itself by providing simplicity and immediate benefits to its users. The firm processed a strong total of approximately $294 million USD in transactions since its launch in 2022, contributing to a 188% growth year-over-year in Q3 2025 alone, amounting to $57.8 million USD in transactions.
As DRUO prepares for further expansion, its direct-debit network has garnered attention for potentially transforming international transactions. "DRUO's direct-debit network creates a new category in the global payments system," states Javier Perez, Founder and Managing Partner of GPT. He emphasizes the importance of reducing friction associated with bank account transactions, noting that DRUO's approach allows for secure and efficient payment processing.
Based on its rapid growth and evolving market strategies, DRUO plans to invest seed funding primarily in building out its global infrastructure. "Partnering with GPT is both an enabler and a validation of our vision to redefine global payments," continued Pinzon. The strategic alliance is set to accelerate DRUO’s capabilities to expand its reach.
By next year, DRUO aims to facilitate payments in European markets, addressing a fundamental gap in the payments system by ensuring that charging any bank account directly becomes standardized and straightforward.
The innovative attributes of DRUO's platform not only provide lower transaction costs but also offer a substantive reduction in fraud risk — a critical factor for many businesses operating on a global scale. "The brilliance of DRUO lies in its utter simplicity: Direct, secure access to the source of funds," concluded Perez.
With an increasing demand for streamlined and cost-effective payment solutions, DRUO stands at the forefront of a financial transformation, breaking barriers that have long limited access to the global payment landscape. As it continues to evolve, the impact of DRUO's direct-debit payment network could redefine how companies transact on a global stage, paving the way for a more inclusive financial ecosystem.