UAE based Wisdomise reaps $3.8 million in revenue

UAE based Wisdomise reaps $3.8 million in revenue

Wisdomise is a Swiss AI company with offices in UAE and Estonia, offering software solutions for wealth management to crypto retail and institutional clients with their CeDeFi Wealth Management Platform has reaped $3.8 million in revenues since its launch.

With a vision to democratize wealth creation using AI, Blockchain and other technologies, backed by global and MENA based investors such as Venture Souk, the company has already racked in $3.8M in revenue, and $30 million in trading volume in 2 months.


In 2024 the company raised $9.5 million with contributions from Chainlink Labs, SingularityDAO, VentureSouq, Pontinova Invest, Cetacean Capital, and ODE Capital. The funds are being used to enhance Wisdomise’s deep tech foundation, focusing on AI/ML, Blockchain, and Quant Finance, and supporting the development of a Financial Intelligence SuperApp.

The capital injection built on Wisdomise’s investment history, including $6.5 million raised in Seed and Pre-Series A rounds in the past two years. The Pre-Series A round in September 2023 valued the company at $75 million post-money.

According to the company, Wisdomise is crypto’s smartest all-in-1 AI trading platform out there, redefining the trading experience of users by saving time, cutting risk & boosting yield for them. Real-time AI Insight Agents analyze millions of market & social media data to identify patterns & catch trends early on, while AI Trading Agents automate & optimize trade execution on CEXs & DEXs. Soon, Wisdomise’s AI Agent Builder will let users create custom, fully autonomous agents for intelligent, automated wealth management.

“The recent funding round is a significant stride in our mission to empower everyone on earth to participate in the exciting world of digital assets. At Wisdomise, we are dedicated to harnessing the power of AI and innovative financial instruments to build a platform that removes barriers to entry and fosters informed decision-making for active traders and passive investors,” Dr. Fardad Zand, CEO and co-founder of Wisdomise. “This additional capital will fuel our efforts to further enhance our deep tech foundation (across three key dimensions: AI/ML, Blockchain, and Quant Finance) and reach new heights, ultimately democratizing access to the immense potential of digital assets and contributing to financial inclusion and independence globally.”

MGX investment in Binance using 2% of its 100 billion fund is AI focused

MGX investment in Binance using 2% of its 100 billion fund is AI focused

As most have hailed the UAE MGX $2 billion investment into Binance as a strategic win for the crypto exchange, the biggest investment to date in a crypto exchange. The real story is what this means for AI (Artificial Intelligence) and leading-edge technology investments and strategy within the UAE.

MGX, chaired by Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s national security advisor and a brother of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, backed not only by Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala but also G42 invested 2 percent of its 100 billion investment vehicle into the world leading crypto exchange Binance.

MGX the brain child of AI and Advanced Technology Council

MGX was created in 2024 by The Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council as a Technology Investment Vehicle with Mubadala and G42 as Founding Partners. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates announced creation of MGX in January 2024. He hailed it as a technology investment company to enable the advancement and deployment of leading-edge technologies intended to improve the lives of current and future generations.

The aim of the company was to accelerate the development and adoption of AI and advanced technologies through world leading partnerships both in the UAE and globally. MGX focuses on three main areas, AI infrastructure including data centers and connectivity, semiconductors and AI core technologies and applications.

His Highness Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chair of the AIATC, said at the launch “In MGX, we are establishing a UAE national champion focused on AI and advanced technologies that will shape a future where technology enables a more prosperous, sustainable and interconnected world.

A year later and after investments into OpenAI and Elon Musk’s xAI, DataBricks, Khazna Data, Anthropic and $7 billion in the Stargate Project, as well as partnerships with BlackRock and Microsoft to build data centers and expand energy capacity for AI’s growing demand, it now has invested in Binance.

MGX has now invested $2 billion into Binance

Now, after several huge investments into AI and datacenter projects, MGX has invested 2% or 2 billion of its 100 billion investment vehicle into Binance. Binance explained to Lara on the Block, ” This investment signifies a growing convergence of AI, blockchain, and cryptocurrency technologies. MGX, as an AI-focused investor, is leveraging Binance’s leadership in the crypto space to explore innovative solutions at the intersection of these fields.”

According to Binance the partnership could accelerate the development of AI-powered blockchain applications, decentralized finance (DeFi), and tokenized economies, further integrating these technologies into mainstream finance.

This is further exemplified in a recently commissioned report by Mubadala Investment Company and Abu Dhabi’s AI and advanced technology investor MGX. The whitepaper, titled Alpha Intelligence explored how investment funds are leveraging AI to drive alpha, improve operational efficiency, and redefine portfolio value creation.

Based on a 2024 Bain & Company survey of private equity firms representing over $3.2 trillion in assets under management, the report states that 93% of respondents anticipate moderate to substantial benefits from incorporating AI into their processes within three years, although just 2 % are expecting substantial returns this year.

Current AI usage in the industry remains in the augmentation phase and focused on enhancing existing processes rather than replacing them. However, the pace of AI adoption is accelerating, by deploying AI to automate deal-making, optimize portfolio management, and enhance decision-making processes.

Ahmed Yahia, Managing Director and CEO of MGX said noting the report, “More than any other technology in human history, AI will be pervasive across all aspects of our lives. It will enable greater and faster learning, innovation, technology breakthroughs, cheaper and faster production systems, unparalleled delivery of services. It will enable unprecedented prosperity. As an AI native investment company, we are leveraging AI in everything we do. Fusion with AI starts in MGX.”

Within three-to-five years, funds expect AI to unlock transformative capabilities, including real-time portfolio adjustments and unprecedented efficiencies in sourcing, diligence, and exit strategies.

Binance also adds in its comments to Lara on the Block, that the UAE has positioned itself as a global hub for innovation, particularly in crypto and blockchain. This investment aligns with the UAE’s strategy to foster technological advancement and regulatory clarity in digital assets. They add, “Binance, will likely play a pivotal role in driving adoption, innovation, and regulatory compliance in the region. The partnership reinforces the UAE’s ambition to lead in blockchain and AI driven financial ecosystems.”

Binance’s views on AI in crypto trading in 2025

Concurrently with the $2 billion investment from MGX, Binance published on its blog its views on how AI is revolutionizing multiple industries including crypto trading.

As the blog notes, in 2025, AI-driven trading bots, predictive analytics, and machine learning algorithms are reshaping the way traders analyze data, predict market trends, and execute trades. The blog looks into how AI is being used in crypto trading with AI powered trading Bots, and AI powered crypto projects to watch in 2025.

For example AI-based automated trading bots use machine learning to execute high-frequency trades with precision and speed. Platforms like 3Commas, Pionex, and Cryptohopper have gained popularity for their AI-driven trading algorithms that analyze market conditions in real time.

Additionally, AI can process massive amounts of historical price data to predict potential market movements. Sentiment analysis tools powered by AI also scan social media, news, and trading activity to determine market sentiment before price swings occur. An example: AI models analyzing Twitter & Reddit discussions to detect early crypto trends as well as how AI is being used to enhance risk management by identifying potential liquidation risks, stop-loss recommendations, and portfolio diversification strategies. AI-driven risk assessment helps traders minimize losses and maximize gains.

Binance also names what it calls the top Top AI-Powered Crypto Projects in 2025 such as Fetch.ai ($FET ) – Decentralized AI for automation, SingularityNET (AGIX) – AI marketplace for smart contracts, Ocean Protocol (OCEAN) – AI-driven data sharing network and Numerai ($NMR ) – AI-powered hedge fund model.

As for the future Binance believes that AI-powered trading is expected to grow even more in 2025, with advancements in AI-powered smart contracts for automated transactions, more sophisticated trading bots with deep learning capabilities and AI-enhanced decentralized exchanges (DEXs) for optimized liquidity.

So it would seem that MGX has invested in Binance at a time when AI is seen to be revolutionizing the future of crypto trading, and AI Crypto projects powering data sharing and hedge fund models.

Binance has already made investments in AI projects. Binance Labs, the venture capital and incubation arm of Binance, has already for invested in Sahara AI, a decentralized AI blockchain platform built for open and equitable AI. Sahara AI is building a collaborative AI economy that prioritizes the sovereignty and provenance of AI, ensuring security, equity, and accessibility for all.

It has also invested in MyShell a decentralized AI ecosystem designed to democratize the creation and distribution of AI applications.

Binance Headquarters in UAE? not yet…

Yet despite this huge investment, Binance has still not announced where it will put its headquarters. Binance tells Lara on the Block, ” We will not be disclosing any matters related to our HQ efforts. What we can say is that we have been engaged in a very thorough and comprehensive process as it relates to selecting the location of our headquarters, which has enormous implications with respect to how the company will operate going forward. We are focused on remaining disciplined and thoughtful as we explore our options.”

UAE based MANSA raises $10 million led by Tether

UAE based MANSA raises $10 million led by Tether

UAE based MANSA, a fintech innovator in cross-border payments, has raised $10 million in its recent funding round led by Tether, the creator of USDT stablecoin. MANSA aims to alleviate liquidity challenges for payment companies worldwide.

The company’s stablecoin-based solution offers payment providers in emerging and mature markets a flexible and reliable way to manage liquidity challenges in cross-border payments.

MANSA raised $3 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Tether and co-led by Polymorphic Capital with participation from other prominent investors, including Octerra Capital, Faculty Group, and Trive Digital. The fintech company has secured an additional $7 million in liquidity funding from institutions, including corporate investors, quantitative funds, and alternative investment firms.

As per the press release the funds will support the company’s further market expansion into Latin America and Southeast Asia, alongside the rollout of bespoke liquidity and ancillary solutions tailored to address complex cross-border payments needs.

“Securing $10 million in pre-seed and liquidity funding marks a significant milestone in our mission to transform the way money moves. By bringing payments on-chain and leveraging efficient liquidity solutions, we are addressing critical challenges in cross-border transactions—making payments faster, cheaper, and more reliable worldwide” said Mouloukou Sanoh, CEO and Co-Founder of MANSA. “This funding accelerates our global expansion, enabling us to empower payment companies with seamless, real-time settlement infrastructure and drive the future of payments”

Since its launch in August 2024, MANSA has gained traction by building partnerships with major payment companies across Africa, Asia, and South America. These strategic alliances have contributed to the proliferation of its instant liquidity solutions, resulting in $27 million in transaction volume to date, with nearly $11 million in on-chain transaction volume in January – reflecting a 574% growth from August 2024. MANSA leverages stablecoins, thereby reducing settlement delays and transaction costs, and giving payment providers the resources to scale their operations efficiently.

“MANSA’s vision for addressing liquidity challenges in cross-border payments aligns with our mission to create a more efficient and inclusive financial system. By leveraging USDT for real-time settlements and instant payouts, MANSA is solving critical pain points for payment companies operating in emerging markets. We are proud to collaborate with MANSA and support their efforts to reshape global payment infrastructure.” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether.

The newly secured funds will be instrumental in its strategic expansion into Latin America and Southeast Asia – regions where liquidity challenges hinder cross-border transactions. It intends to expand its reach and influence by enabling faster, more affordable payment solutions through scaling its liquidity infrastructure and developing strategic partnerships.

“Mansa is here to disrupt a massive traditional market with blockchain and the Web3 paradigm. Polymorphic supports extraordinary founders. The Mansa team is up to this incredible challenge. stated Vitaly Spassky, Managing Partner, Polymorphic Capital

“We invested in MANSA because of their bold, diverse, high-caliber team of visionary founders addressing critical challenges faced by payments companies in Emerging Markets. We firmly believe that decentralized finance and asset tokenization are game-changing frontier technologies. With immense market potential in emerging economies, MANSA is uniquely positioned to drive transformative impact and bridge the credit gap across Africa.” added, Ashim Egunjobi, Managing Partner, Octerra Capital

UAE Blum decentralized trading platform raises $5 million

UAE Blum decentralized trading platform raises $5 million

UAE unregulated Blum, a decentralized trading platform that operates via Telegram has raised $5 million in a pre-seed and seed round. The round was led by Gumi Cryptos Capital and backed by YZi labs, Spartan Capital, No Limit Holdings, OKX Ventures, TOP.co, Bitscale Capital, and Wintermute Ventures

With the funding, it aims to enhance its infrastructure, improve trading functionalities, and expand its operations across multiple blockchain networks offering users greater flexibility to manage their digital assets.

Additionally, it aims to focus on developing its intelligent trading bot which has attracted over 1 million users. The platform sees this as a reflection of a growing interest in seamless and efficient trading solutions.

Since its launch in 2024, Blum aims to grow in the Web3 space. Currently, its Telegram community containing over 32 million members and platform has 2.2 million registered 2.2 unique wallet activity.

The company transitioned from a “Click to Earn” model to a “Trade to Earn” strategy which is sustainable in the long-term. With this new approach, it aims to encourage users to actively participate in trading rather than simply engaging in passive interactions.

Gleb Kostrav, Blum’s CEO, and Vlad Smirkes, CMO, both emphasized that this funding is not limited to capital alone but also includes partnerships to enhance the platform’s capabilities. Additionally, they added that this move is aligned with Blum’s goal of establishing a more efficient and secure trading environment for users.

Abu Dhabi headquartered Soter digital asset insurer closes Series A round

Abu Dhabi headquartered Soter digital asset insurer closes Series A round

Abu Dhabi headquartered, Soter Insure, a provider of specialized digital asset insurance products tailored to the digital asset economy, has closed its Series A funding round, led by Galaxy, with participation from Brevan Howard Digital, Karatage, Token Bay, Pharsalus and others.

Soter headquartered in Abu Dhabi also operates out of Bermuda, with offices in London, New York and Dubai, it was also incubated by UAE based Further Ventures and WebN Group.

The company offers specialized digital asset insurance products for financial institutions, including Asset Loss, Directors & Officers (D&O), and Smart Contract Failure coverage, uniquely denominated in both fiat and native digital assets.

The company as such offers comprehensive insurance solutions tailored to the unique risks of decentralized technologies.

As per the press release, the investment will support Soter Insure’s expansion, bolstering its underwriting and technology teams to scale operations across key markets.

“Our mission at Soter is to set a new standard for risk management in the digital assets space. We are proud to have the support of Galaxy and our other Series A investors as we work to build innovative insurance products that meet the unique needs of the market. With this funding, we’ll continue to expand our offerings and grow our footprint globally, providing clients with trusted and transparent risk management solutions,” said Henson Orser, Founder and CEO of Soter Insure.

Mike Novogratz, Founder and CEO of Galaxy, added, “Galaxy is excited to support Soter Insure in their mission to bring innovative insurance solutions to the digital asset ecosystem. Their tailored approach to risk management meets a crucial industry need, empowering digital asset holders and operators with confidence. We are excited to contribute to their growth and global expansion.”

UAE investors and consumers warned about memecoins by Dubai regulator VARA

UAE investors and consumers warned about memecoins by Dubai regulator VARA

UAE investors and consumers were officially warned about investing in memecoins by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) given the risks associated with advertisements promoting subscriptions to memecoins.

The UAE virtual asset regulator noted that memecoins are unregulated and highly risky in nature. The crypto regulator noted memecoins are highly speculative and volatile assets, frequently subject to market manipulation.

The regulator also stated that these memecoins lack intrinsic value and derive their pricing from social media trends, hype or misleading promotional strategies.

As such investors should exercise caution when presented with claims of unrealistic returns, as these often indicate fraudulent schemes.
There is a risk of significant financial loss within short timeframes due to price collapses, liquidity shortages, or scams.

Moreover VARA added that any virtual asset issuance from Dubai must ensure adherence with VARA Regulations and Rulebooks.
Any promotion, advertising, or solicitation of virtual assets must adhere to VARA’s Marketing Regulations.
Entities engaging in unauthorized virtual asset activities may be subject to enforcement action.

These memecoin platform may also be restricted without prior notice.

Limited a premium global banking service for stablecoin holders has raised $3 million

Limited a premium global banking service for stablecoin holders has raised $3 million

Founded by Hussein Ahmed originally from Egypt, Limited, a next-generation fintech startup offering stablecoin-based premium global banking services, has raised a $3 million pre-seed funding round led by Third Prime, with participation from The House Fund and Arche Capital.

As per the press release, the company, aims to transform how businesses and consumers worldwide interact with money by merging the best of crypto technology with the familiarity of traditional banking—minus the institutional vulnerabilities seen in failing banks or centralized exchanges.
Stablecoins have seen meteoric growth in recent years, with on-chain transaction volumes exceeding $12 trillion in 2024, far outpacing major payment networks like Visa. By placing assets in self-custody wallets, Limited users retain complete control of their funds—safeguarding them from the risks of bank collapses or platform failures.

“We believe financial services, while sometimes perceived as boring or soulless, are deeply personal,” said Hussein Ahmed, Limited’s founder and CEO. “Money is a huge part of our lives—both for businesses and individuals—and should be managed thoughtfully and elegantly. We took the best aspects of stablecoins—speed, low cost, self-custody—and merged them with a user experience similar to, and even better than, traditional banks, so our customers can stay protected, enjoy global access, and avoid the pitfalls of failed institutions.”

Third Prime, a New York and Nashville-based venture capital firm whose portfolio includes prominent fintech and crypto players like Circle, Chime, Octane, Kafene and Yellow Card led the $3 million round.

Its Co-founder and General Partner, Wes Barton, underscored the timing, “Limited’s unique approach—secure self-custody stablecoins, global banking accessibility, and a frictionless user experience—aligns perfectly with our thesis that the future of finance is decentralized, trusted, and user-centric. We have seen Hussein’s track record in building great products, and we’re convinced Limited can reshape global financial services.”

Co-leading the round with Third Prime is The House Fund, a UC Berkeley–focused venture firm founded by Jeremy Fiance—who was also an early investor in Hussein’s previous venture, Oxygen—alongside other prominent crypto and FinTech founders. Hussein originally founded Oxygen and grew it to over one million accounts. While Oxygen focused on the U.S. market leveraging traditional banking rails, Limited takes that vision a step further by integrating stablecoins and self-custody into the day-to-day global banking experience.

“We’ve witnessed Hussein’s drive to simplify complex finance solutions throughout his time at UC Berkeley Haas and with Oxygen,” said Jeremy. “Limited brings accessibility, security, and speed to a global audience.” The House Fund has also backed leading AI and FinTech infrastructure innovators, including Databricks, Perplexity, and Flexport.

Arche Capital, backed by major LPs with a focus on the intersection of crypto and fintech, also participated in the raise.

“Limited combines stability, transparency, and practical innovation to solve a critical challenge in global finance,” said Vanessa Grellet. “While many solutions remain fragmented and complicated, Limited stands out by making cross-border transactions faster, more affordable, and truly self-directed,” added William Wolf.

Inspired in part by the American Express model, Limited offers premium Visa and MasterCard options worldwide, their own, spanning White, Silver, and Gold tiers, and also enables co-branded card programs for brands seeking a global footprint. This approach lets partners easily design, launch, and fully manage customized cards that significantly boost customer engagement and loyalty—unlike typical co-branded offerings that are restricted to local or regional deployments.

Limited caters to high-end users. The Limited Gold Card comes with 24/7 global concierge services, exclusive perks like complimentary breakfasts at luxury hotels (including the Ritz-Carlton and Mandarin Oriental), free rental days at Hertz, and top-tier travel experiences that rival the best in the market. Simultaneously, the company supports instant, near-zero-fee cross-border payments in over 140 countries, using more than 300 local payment methods (such as WeChat, Pix, SPEI, GrabPay, and others) across 80 currencies.

Limited operates globally—excluding sanctioned and restricted jurisdictions—and aims to position itself as the go-to solution for businesses, entrepreneurs, and individual customers seeking a stable and efficient alternative to conventional banking.

Klickl and IMKAN Properties to convert crypto into AED for real estate transactions

Klickl and IMKAN Properties to convert crypto into AED for real estate transactions

While the UAE Central Bank has made it clear that crypto cannot be used as a legal tender for the purchase of goods and services inside the country, while AED stablecoins can be, real estate investors and buyers can still utilize cryptocurrencies for real estate purchases with Klickl and IMKAN Properties which has 26 properties across two continents.

Klickl, the Web3 financial platform out of the UAE, will be able to help IMKAN offer international investors with secure, fast and flaxible options of alternative payments in high value sector such as real estate. Klickl will offer cryptocurrency payment processing system.

“Our collaboration with IMKAN aligns with our mission to extend the benefits of Web3 technologies into everyday business transactions,” said Michael Zhao, CEO of Klickl. “From cross-border remittances to real estate investments, digital currencies offer an unmatched level of convenience, transparency, and efficiency. By supporting IMKAN’s customers with both crypto payment acceptance and fiat conversion, we are creating a model that other real estate companies can adopt to attract a new generation of buyers.” He went on to say.

The collaboration will allow IMKAN to offer its clients the option of converting cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins like USDT for use to invest in premium real estate . With these options, both local and international buyers gain greater flexibility, avoiding the complexities and delays that often come with cross-border bank conversions.

One of the key drivers behind this initiative is the increasing number of international investors in UAE real estate. The ability to use digital currencies for conversion will streamline transactions for overseas buyers, especially those in emerging markets or regions with less-developed banking infrastructure.

“Crypto is more than a payment method—it’s a financial tool that enables us to operate more efficiently across borders,” Zhao explained. “Our goal with IMKAN is to offer this technology to its customers in a way that enhances liquidity and supports business continuity, providing real estate developers with the financial stability they need to grow.”

Klickl’s platform will be offered seamlessly with IMKAN’s existing sales and payment systems. Buyers will experience a straightforward process where cryptocurrency payments can be made through a secure platform, and all necessary regulatory checks will be conducted automatically.

Klickl will ensure that all transactions are compliant with UAE regulations. From Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols to anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, the platform incorporates best-in-class security features to protect both IMKAN and its clients.

“We are committed to maintaining the highest levels of security and compliance,” Zhao emphasized. “Every transaction will go through rigorous checks to ensure it meets regulatory standards, so our partners and their customers can transact with confidence.”

The long-term vision includes expanding the use of digital finance tools across IMKAN’s full range of projects, from luxury residential developments to large-scale commercial properties.

“The UAE is rapidly emerging as a major crypto hub driven by the region’s welcoming regulatory environment and its proactive approach to supporting the digital asset sector. As one of the nation’s leading real estate developers, IMKAN is proud to play a decisive role in revolutionizing real estate transactions by embracing cryptocurrency for property investments. Together with Klickl, we are helping to ensure that the UAE will remain a leader and not a follower in digital currency proliferation,” said Engineer Suwaidan Al Dhaheri, CEO of IMKAN Properties.

“This collaboration demonstrates how blockchain and digital assets can bring real value to traditional industries,” said Zhao. “It’s not just about following trends; it’s about using these technologies to solve real-world challenges and unlock new opportunities. We see the potential for this model to reshape not only real estate but also other sectors where high value transactions are common.”

Komainu licensed in the UAE, raises $75 million in Bitcoin from Blockstream

Komainu licensed in the UAE, raises $75 million in Bitcoin from Blockstream

UAE regulated digital asset service provider and custodian, Komainu, licensed by VARA Dubai, and backed by Laser Digital, a Nomura company, has raised $75 million in strategic investment from Blockstream Capital Partners (“Blockstream”) in Bitcoin. The raise is subject to relevant regulatory approvals.

As per the press release, the funding enables the company to accelerate its international strategic growth plans whilst adopting and integrating class-leading technologies developed by Blockstream Corporation Inc (“Blockstream Corp”), to maximize efficiencies and enhance client services in collateral management and tokenization.

The funding transaction itself is funded in Bitcoin with appropriate hedging and risk management and Komainu establishing its own Bitcoin Treasury to manage the Bitcoin provided by Blockstream.

Blockstream Corp’s Liquid Network will enable Komainu to dramatically cut the time for its off-exchange margining & settlement solution, Komainu Connect, from hours to minutes, becoming class-leading in the process. Blockstream Corp’s AMP technology will enable Komainu to automate its regulated asset support for tokenization and develop trustless trading solutions. The company will also integrate other technologies and services developed by Blockstream Corp, including its enterprise HSM wallet, in order to provide institutional clients with a broader range of bank-grade digital asset services.

To solidify the strategic partnership between the two entities, Adam Back, PeterPaul Pardi and Nicolas Brand will join Komainu’s board of directors.

Adam Back, CEO Blockstream Corp, commented “We are delighted that Komainu is adopting Blockstream’s various technology streams to enhance its institutional service offering. This is testament to the fundamental veracity of Bitcoin-related technologies and applications and marks the first time that these have entered the institutional arena. I am confident this will be the first of many such use cases as the institutional community wakes up to the power of the Lightning and Liquid Networks.”

Paul Frost-Smith, Co-CEO at Komainu, and who also joins Komainu’s board of directors, said, “At Komainu, our mission is to empower the digital asset ecosystem by offering secure, compliant, and innovative digital asset services. This partnership with Blockstream will transform the services we are able to offer and enhance our customer experience on many levels. Having a closely-aligned technology partner like Blockstream, one of the original visionaries in the digital assets ecosystem, is testament to our determination to become the go-to provider of digital asset services for Bitcoin and the institutional market, as well as increasing institutional adoption.”

PeterPaul Pardi, Director, Blockstream Corp, commented “This partnership with Komainu, backed by Nomura’s Laser Digital, is a landmark moment for the adoption of Bitcoin-related technology by a bank-built, regulated financial services business. It showcases the institutional use-cases for Bitcoin as demand reaches new highs. We are delighted that Komainu has chosen to implement Blockstream’s technology and we anticipate even wider uses for it in the institutional investor community over coming months”

Robert Johnson, Co-CEO & CTO at Komainu, said, “Integrating Blockstream’s technologies will significantly enhance and diversify our underlying core technology stacks. At Komainu we believe in offering our clients a wide choice of technology options and this partnership with Blockstream will maximize efficiencies and lower latencies across the various services that we offer. “

UAE Further Ventures leads $16 million investment in digital asset wallet

UAE Further Ventures leads $16 million investment in digital asset wallet

Further Ventures, a private equity fund in Abu Dhabi UAE, has led a $16 million investment Series A round in French digital asset wallet and custodian developer, DFNS, DFNS, which was launched in 2020, and has operations both in Paris and New York aims to compete against FireBlocks and Ledger.

Using the funds raised both in 2022, $12 million and that raises now $16 million, the startup plans to accelerate its development to meet requirements of financial institutions.

This deal was led by Further Ventures, which is a private equity fund based in Abu Dhabi. Other historical investors, such as White Star Capital, Hashed, Semantic, Techstars and Bpifrance also participated in the round.

“This deal validates both our product and our focus on fintechs and financial players,” explains Clarisse Hagège, co-founder and CEO of DFNS, which claims more than 130 customers including Fidelity, Zodia Custody (Standard Chartered’s crypto subsidiary) and Stripe, which has just acquired Bridge.

DFNS developed a wallet creation solution based on MPC (Multi-Party Computation) technology. This MPC technology breaks down the access keys to the digital wallet into fragments; these are then distributed across different secure universes. Using an API system, the startup allows developers to take bricks and create their own wallet system.

“We allow our customers to deploy their own instances on public clouds like AWS, private clouds, and connect their Thales or IBM HSMs to our blockchain transaction management system,” explains Clarisse Hagège

Als in terms of pricing , while not all offers are the same, the startup offers a billing system based on usage and not on volumes under management.

UAE Future Ventures has already invested in several digital asset service providers including Soter Insure, a provider of insurance products tailored to the digital asset economy licensed by VARA in the UAE, as well as QCP, a global digital asset trading firm, Fuze, a digital assets infrastructure provider, TwinStake, Tungsten, Kemet trading, and others.