eSignus: the Desafía Program startup making digital asset custody secure, accessible, and customizable

05.05.2025 12:35, Rita Longobardi

Meet Daniel Hernández, Co-Founder of eSignus. The cybersecurity-focused startup develops hardware-based blockchain solutions, including HASHWallet—a biometric device to safeguard private keys and secure authentication and transactions. In May, Daniel and the other nine Desafía Team members will participate in a two-week immersive business program across Zurich, Lausanne, and Bern to establish sustainable growth pathways in Switzerland's innovative ecosystem.

Daniel Hernández is an expert in cybersecurity, digital assets, and product innovation, with over a decade of experience in the fintech and blockchain sectors. He studied at IE Business School in Madrid, where he cultivated his interest in disruptive technologies and entrepreneurship. After several years leading digital projects across financial and tech environments, Daniel focused on one of the crypto industry's key challenges: secure and accessible self-custody. In 2018, he founded eSignus, a cybersecurity company dedicated to building cutting-edge solutions for crypto asset custody. Motivated by the need to bring institutional-grade security to a broader market, Daniel developed a cold wallet in a credit card format — a secure, air-gapped device that works via NFC without batteries or cables. To complement the hardware, eSignus also created a white-label platform, allowing businesses to launch their secure wallets under their brand.

What is the main mission of eSignus, and how does it distinguish itself in the market?
The main mission of eSignus is to make digital asset custody secure, accessible, and customizable for institutions and businesses worldwide. We distinguish ourselves by offering a white-label cold wallet platform that combines offline hardware security with enterprise-grade digital infrastructure. Our signature product is an NFC-enabled wallet in a credit card format, offering true cold. What sets us further apart is our dual card solution, which integrates Visa or Mastercard payment capabilities on the same physical device — enabling users to manage digital assets securely while also handling everyday payments. Together with our proprietary Backup Center for secure recovery and full white-label flexibility, eSignus delivers a unique value proposition at the intersection of security, usability, and financial innovation.

Can you elaborate on the technology behind eSignus's solutions?
Our solution supports multiple networks and assets, allowing secure management of cryptocurrencies and digital identities. The cards use EAL6+ secure elements and can be manufactured globally. eSignus also offers a white-label platform for full interface and backend customization, plus a proprietary Backup Center for secure key recovery. Our upcoming dual card combines crypto custody with Visa or Mastercard payment capabilities, enabling users to manage and spend digital assets with one device. This blend of security, flexibility, and interoperability sets us apart.

What motivated the creation of eSignus?
eSignus was born from the need for secure, user-friendly, and institution-ready self-custody solutions. Existing hardware wallets were either too complex or lacked the security standards required by businesses. We set out to change that — combining true cold storage, intuitive design, and scalable infrastructure in a portable format. Our goal is to help companies offer secure, branded wallets that build trust and support digital asset adoption.

How does eSignus align with the objectives of the Desafía Switzerland program?
eSignus joins the Desafía Switzerland program to accelerate its international growth, connect with key players in digital finance, and explore new applications for its white-label custody platform. With Switzerland—especially Crypto Valley—offering a leading ecosystem for blockchain innovation and regulatory clarity, the program provides an ideal setting to build partnerships with financial institutions, blockchain firms, and investors. It also enables eSignus to refine its secure self-custody solutions for regulated markets.

What are eSignus’s aspirations for the future?
As the digital asset landscape grows, eSignus aspires to become the leading provider of self-custody wallet solutions for financial institutions, setting the stage for the next generation of financial services in a decentralized world.