Gega Tsurtsumia

Founder and operator focused on payments infrastructure for fragmented post‑Soviet markets. Gega co‑founded PAYZE to provide a single integration for enterprise merchants operating across the Caucasus, Central Asia and neighboring regions, positioning the company as a localized alternative to global processors by supporting local card rails and payment methods. payze+2

Background mixes technical engineering, military leadership and large infrastructure delivery. He trained as an ocean engineer (US Naval Academy), served as a platoon commander in an engineering brigade, and then led engineering operations on the Anaklia port consortium — a combination that informs his approach to building robust, compliance‑oriented payments infrastructure. substack+1

Regional expansion and traction oriented: under his leadership PAYZE has pursued licensing and market entry across Georgia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, participated in international accelerator programs (e.g., YC S21, 500 Startups program exposure) and has engaged with international investors to scale cross‑border payments in emerging markets. bm+2

Public founder presence and storytelling: active on Twitter (handle @gegatsur) and regularly shares lessons and travel/market updates; has been profiled and interviewed by regional and investor publications, reflecting both investor relations activity and regional thought leadership. twitter+2