Reaching out directly to acquiring bank. Anyone done it?

Yes, several times. What are you looking for?

In many parts of the world, acquirers don't have to be banks. Adyen, WorldPay, and Nuvei are examples of acquirers that you can work with directly and which aren't banks.

hunterbidenx said:

Would need one compatible with high risk verticals

That is going to be challenging, really, it will be up the hills and you will need some really good case in order to get approved.

@OP
you would need a Mid, most acquirers proceed positively, when a Mid resides within the required jursidiction and same proximity.

where intended merchant acquiring onboarding would activated as well readily available docs,pre-verification needs, banking checks and DD etc.