From Brexit to Blockchain: How a Czech CEO Landed at the Heart of Global Crypto Payments
Ben Costantini, a French entrepreneur focused on European tech growth, says Western investors express interest in Central and Eastern European startups but too often don’t follow through with action. He believes there’s untapped potential in connecting innovative startups with traditional industries and improving access to markets and clients through better-designed business exhibitions. Costantini argues that such efforts could help bridge the persistent gap between Western capital and the CEE innovation ecosystem.
She started her career in trade diplomacy, helping British businesses navigate the chaos of Brexit across Central and Eastern Europe. But after hitting a career ceiling in the civil service, she pivoted—first into tea, then into tech.
Today, Anna Strebl is the CEO of Confirmo, a Prague-founded crypto payment platform processing $70 million a month.
“When crypto is used purely as a money-making tool, especially by people in power, it can hurt the credibility of the entire space,” says Strebl.
In our interview, she also talks about:
How she transitioned from the British civil service to running a crypto payments business
Why Czech crypto firms struggle with local banks—and what needs to change
How Confirmo balances global compliance with regulatory flexibility
Whether the political attention of politicians like Andrej Babis or Donald Trump is helping or hurting the crypto industry
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