CoinSwitch: Simplifying crypto for everyday India

March 26, 2026 Start Up Valli Sarvani

India’s crypto journey found a turning point when Ashish Singhal, Govind Soni, and Vimal Sagar Tiwari launched CoinSwitch in 2017.

Their goal was clear: to make cryptocurrency simple, safe, and accessible for the average Indian investor.

At a time when crypto platforms were complex and fragmented, the founders saw a gap. Users struggled with technical interfaces and inconsistent pricing.

Therefore, CoinSwitch focused on ease of use, offering a clean, mobile-first experience. It allowed users to invest in assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum without deep technical knowledge.

Moreover, the platform introduced beginner-friendly features such as SIP-based investing and SmartInvest tools.

These encouraged disciplined, long-term investing instead of speculation. As a result, CoinSwitch appealed strongly to first-time users rather than seasoned traders.

However, the journey was not easy. The 2018 banking restrictions imposed by the Reserve Bank of India created uncertainty across the crypto sector.

Although lifted later, the ban forced CoinSwitch to prioritise compliance, security, and transparency. This approach helped build trust in a volatile market.

In addition, education became a core strategy. CoinSwitch simplified blockchain concepts through blogs, videos, and in-app content.

This helped users understand crypto without jargon. Consequently, the platform positioned itself as a guide rather than just a trading app.

The company also adopted a trust-first marketing approach. Campaigns focused on awareness instead of hype, making crypto feel less intimidating.

Partnerships with fintech influencers further expanded its reach among young investors.

Backed by investors like Tiger Global Management and Ribbit Capital, CoinSwitch has raised over $302 million. It reached a valuation of $1.91 billion, becoming one of India’s leading crypto unicorns.

Today, CoinSwitch competes with platforms like CoinDCX and Gemini. Yet, its focus remains unchanged, bringing clarity and trust to crypto investing.

Ultimately, CoinSwitch proves that with the right mix of simplicity, education, and compliance, even complex financial tools can become mainstream in India.

Image Credit: Coinswitch Website Screenshot