ZAR

Founded in 2024 by Sebastian Scholl and Brandon Timinsky, and based in Singapore, Golden Age Dev Lab Pte Ltd, trading under the name ZAR, is a digital currency exchange platform that allows users to convert cash into digital dollars, facilitating seamless transactions in regions with limited access to traditional banking services. In October 2025, ZAR raised USD 12. 9 million in venture funding led by returning investor Andreessen Horowitz, with participation from other returning investors Dragonfly Capital, VanEck and Coinbase Ventures. New investor Endeavor Catalyst also participated in the round.

ZAR operates primarily through its digital currency exchange platform, enabling users to convert cash into digital dollars seamlessly. The core offering facilitates four straightforward steps: users can find a nearby ZAR agent, compare exchange rates, use a QR code to initiate the transaction, and receive digital dollars instantly in their ZAR wallet. This service aims to bridge the gap between cash-based economies and web3 technologies, specifically targeting areas with limited banking services. ZAR caters to a diverse customer base, including individuals protecting their savings from local currency fluctuations and merchants facilitating cash-to-digital transactions, enhancing stablecoin adoption among underserved populations.

ZAR generates revenue through a 1% platform fee applied to both the buying and selling of digital dollars via the ZAR platform. Clients, consisting of individual users and ZAR agents, engage in transactions where cash is exchanged for digital dollars. The ZAR agent processes the transaction, deducting the platform fee, before transferring the digital dollars to the customer’s wallet. ZAR agents set their own exchange rates and earn profits on each transaction, offering flexibility with no minimum exchange limits, fostering a direct-to-consumer model while allowing agents to build customer loyalty.

In October 2025, ZAR raised USD 12. 9 million in venture funding to expand its stablecoin-based cash conversion services to 20 additional countries with high demand for alternatives to traditional financial systems. The company plans to launch new products aimed at enhancing user experience while expanding into additional geographic markets. Specific target markets for growth will be identified, with objectives to increase accessibility to digital financial services in those regions by the end of 2025.