Founders Everywhere: Sandeep Pyapali
Sandeep Pyapali is the co-founder and CEO of Mesta, a global cross border payment network that combines traditional FIAT payment rails and Stablecoin blockchain payment systems.
Welcome to Founders Everywhere, where we highlight the incredible people behind the companies we’ve backed at Everywhere Ventures, a global pre-seed fund supported by a community of 500 founders and operators.
Global payment networks are transforming the way money moves across borders, driving faster, more secure, and cost-efficient transactions for businesses and individuals worldwide. Mesta is making global payments efficient by allowing customers to send USD, EUR, GBP and stablecoins to over 50 currencies. They’re changing the game by cutting international payment costs by at least 50%, eliminating delays and uncertainty, and providing real-time tracking for every transaction. They have simple APIs that allow businesses to go live in just seven days and with built-in compliance features like KYB and jurisdictional monitoring, they deliver a seamless, efficient payment experience. From fast-growing startups to established enterprises, Mesta empowers companies to optimize their global payment operations with reliability and transparency. Their platform fosters financial inclusion and fuels economic growth on a global scale.
Sandeep Pyapali is the co-founder and CEO of Mesta. He has over 15 years of experience building payment systems, including leading Uber’s global payment operations across 70+ countries, ensuring millions of drivers and restaurants received reliable daily payouts. He teamed up with Kiran Polavarapu, Head of Engineering, who brings 20 years of experience building large-scale engineering systems. Their partnership is rooted in a 25-year friendship that began during their time in engineering school in India. Sandeep also enlisted Nitin Shrivastava, Head of Product and Partnerships, who is an expert in payment infrastructure. Nitin impressed Sandeep when they worked together briefly at a crypto exchange. Together, this Bay Area-based team combines deep technical knowledge and a shared vision to transform Mesta into an efficient global payment network.
Why Mesta and why now?
I’ve spent over 15 years building traditional payment systems and noticed inefficiencies, especially in cross-border payments. Blockchain and stablecoins have matured significantly, and with upcoming regulations in 2025, we’re focused on optimizing the top 20 global currencies.
What is Mesta’s North Star?
We believe that changing how money moves can change lives. Access to money should never be a barrier to building businesses or pursuing personal aspirations. Our mission is to fundamentally change how money moves across the world by providing faster, cheaper and efficient access to money.
Tell us about a recent milestone Mesta crushed.
We reached $12 million in total payment volume (TPV) within twelve weeks of launch. This rapid growth is a reflection of the trust our users have placed in us and the early progress we’ve made toward building an efficient payment network.
What inspired the name Mesta?
The name combines “ME” from medium (medium of exchange) and “STA” from stablecoin. If you look at fiat currencies, they are an excellent store of value, meaning $10 today will be $10 tomorrow, of course, barring inflation. But stablecoins, which is what Mesta is based on, are excellent mediums of exchange, allowing instant, global transfers within seconds on the blockchain.
What makes you a unique founder?
I have “founder-market fit” due to my 15+ years of experience building global payment systems at companies such as Uber, BILL and PayPal. My expertise bridges traditional payment systems with new technologies such as stablecoins, enabling us to create innovative solutions.
Any advice for other founders?
Focus on the next five tasks to avoid getting overwhelmed. That will help you box it and be able to get through your day.
Expect tough times and be prepared.
Have someone you can lean on during good times and especially during challenging times.
Fun fact:
About 20 years ago, I was a professional orator and I was part of a group that set a record for the world’s longest public speaking event (certified by the Limca Book of Records), where we spoke non-stop for an entire week.
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