BTC Direct: A Pioneer in European Cryptocurrency Exchange Services

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Bitcoin has revolutionized the way people think about money, and at the forefront of this transformation in Europe stands BTC Direct, one of the continent’s earliest and most influential cryptocurrency exchange platforms. Founded in 2013 in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, BTC Direct has grown from a local startup into a pan-European financial service provider with operations spanning Belgium, France, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, and Ireland.

With a strong commitment to innovation, user accessibility, and financial empowerment, BTC Direct has consistently pushed the boundaries of what a digital asset platform can achieve—offering not just trading services but also pioneering employee compensation in Bitcoin and expanding into educational content through book publishing.

The Origins and Growth of BTC Direct

BTC Direct was co-founded by Davy Stevens, Mark Bakker, and Mike Hutting in 2013, positioning itself as one of the oldest cryptocurrency companies in both the Netherlands and Europe. At a time when Bitcoin was still considered a niche technology experiment, BTC Direct recognized its potential and built infrastructure to make it accessible to everyday users.

By 2015, the platform had already expanded its offerings beyond Bitcoin to include Ethereum (ETH) and Litecoin (LTC)—two major digital assets that remain central to the crypto ecosystem today. In 2018, it further diversified its portfolio by adding Bitcoin Cash (BCH) and XRP, allowing users to buy multiple leading cryptocurrencies through a single trusted interface.

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This strategic expansion coincided with rapid user growth. By May 2016, BTC Direct proudly announced it had surpassed 100,000 users, a significant milestone for any fintech company operating in a then-unregulated and highly volatile market.

Innovation in User Experience and Wallet Integration

Until 2018, users were required to have their own external crypto wallets to receive purchased assets—an approach that posed challenges for newcomers unfamiliar with blockchain technology. Recognizing this barrier to entry, BTC Direct launched BLOX, its proprietary mobile app, enabling users to securely store and manage their digital assets directly within the platform's ecosystem.

The introduction of BLOX marked a major shift toward self-custody solutions while maintaining ease of use. It allowed even non-technical users to participate in the crypto economy without needing prior knowledge of wallet seed phrases or private key management.

Beyond internal tools, BTC Direct also forged key partnerships with leading hardware and software wallet providers. In 2020, it integrated with Trezor, Coinomi, and KuCoin, allowing users to purchase crypto directly from within these trusted third-party applications. These integrations significantly enhanced convenience and security, reinforcing BTC Direct’s reputation as a reliable gateway to digital currencies.

Strategic Acquisitions and Investment Milestones

BTC Direct’s growth trajectory received a major boost in September 2020 with the acquisition of Cryptomaan, a well-known Dutch cryptocurrency webshop. This move expanded BTC Direct’s customer base and strengthened its presence in the Benelux region. By absorbing an established brand with loyal users, BTC Direct accelerated its market penetration and consolidated its position as a dominant player in Dutch-speaking markets.

Later that year, in December 2020, the company secured €11 million in private investment—a clear vote of confidence from institutional backers who recognized the long-term potential of regulated European crypto platforms. This capital infusion supported further technological development, compliance enhancements, and international scaling efforts.

A Cultural Shift: Paying Employees in Bitcoin

One of BTC Direct’s most groundbreaking initiatives came in May 2018, when it became the first company in Europe to offer part of its employees’ salaries in Bitcoin. This bold decision reflected more than just corporate confidence in cryptocurrency—it signaled a philosophical alignment with decentralization, financial sovereignty, and trustless systems.

Offering payroll in Bitcoin not only attracted tech-savvy talent but also served as a real-world case study on the viability of digital currency as a medium of exchange. For employees, it provided early exposure to holding and managing crypto assets—a powerful form of financial education.

This initiative positioned BTC Direct not just as a service provider but as a thought leader advocating for broader adoption of blockchain-based compensation models across industries.

Expanding Beyond Transactions: Publishing "The Bitcoin Standard"

In November 2020, BTC Direct took another step toward promoting cryptocurrency literacy by releasing the Dutch translation of The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous—a seminal work explaining Bitcoin’s economic principles and historical context.

By making this influential book accessible to Dutch-speaking audiences, BTC Direct demonstrated its commitment to education as a cornerstone of adoption. Understanding how Bitcoin functions as sound money is crucial for long-term user engagement, and this publication helped bridge the knowledge gap for many new investors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is BTC Direct?

BTC Direct is a Netherlands-based cryptocurrency exchange platform founded in 2013. It allows users to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and XRP using traditional payment methods. It operates across several European countries and emphasizes security, usability, and financial education.

Is BTC Direct available outside the Netherlands?

Yes. While headquartered in Nijmegen, BTC Direct serves customers in Belgium, France, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, and Ireland. Its integration with international wallets like Trezor and Coinomi also supports global accessibility.

Does BTC Direct have its own wallet?

Yes. In 2018, BTC Direct launched BLOX, its native mobile app that functions as a secure digital wallet for storing purchased cryptocurrencies. The app simplifies asset management for beginners while maintaining robust security standards.

Can you get paid in Bitcoin at BTC Direct?

Yes. Since May 2018, BTC Direct has offered its employees partial salary payments in Bitcoin, making it the first company in Europe to implement such a policy. This reflects its belief in cryptocurrency as a legitimate form of money.

How does BTC Direct ensure security?

BTC Direct employs bank-level encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and cold storage practices for user funds. Additionally, its partnerships with established wallet providers enhance trust and reduce fraud risks.

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Has BTC Direct received outside investment?

Yes. In December 2020, BTC Direct raised €11 million from a private investor. This funding supported product development, regulatory compliance, and expansion into new markets.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Crypto Adoption in Europe

As digital finance continues to evolve, companies like BTC Direct play a vital role in shaping public perception and usage patterns. From simplifying access to crypto purchases to advocating for salary payments in Bitcoin, BTC Direct exemplifies how innovation and education go hand-in-hand.

With increasing institutional interest and improving regulatory clarity across Europe, platforms that prioritize transparency, security, and user experience will lead the next wave of adoption.

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Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, understanding trusted entry points like BTC Direct is essential for navigating today’s dynamic cryptocurrency landscape.

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