Blockchain Press Releases
ZEELO SECURES $14 MILLION IN SERIES A EXTENSION TO POWER US GROWTH AND NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
- Total equity investment reaches $34 million as Zeelo gears up to serve new US enterprise clients and launch new transportation technology features for bus operators
- Three new venture capital firms from Europe and North America complete the round which was led by FlatzHoffmann with additional participation from existing firms ETF Partners, InMotion Ventures and angel investors
- Co-founders Sam Ryan (CEO) and Barney Williams (CCO) relocate to Boston to scale team and accelerate US expansion
- Commitment to reach net-zero services by 2030, with nearly 10% of all UK Zeelo services already operating on battery electric vehicles
BOSTON, Aug. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Zeelo, the global transit-tech company powering bus operators, employers and schools to provide highly efficient, sustainable and affordable private bus and shuttle transport programs, has secured $14 million in its latest Series A extension round from three new venture capital firms, including FlatzHoffmann, the European growth equity investor; IREON Ventures, the venture capital arm of Motor Oil Hellas; and a prominent Boston-based family office with a principal that recently took their Nasdaq listing private for $6 billion.
In an oversubscribed investment round led by FlatzHoffmann, with additional participation from angels and venture capital funds, Zeelo commits to accelerate and scale the team and operations and launch new technology products to serve US enterprise clients and operators for employee shuttle transportation needs for commutes across the East and West coasts.
Zeelo, which has live operations on three continents, is on a mission to accelerate expansion in the US, opening its second headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts. Co-founders Sam Ryan and Barney Williams have relocated to invest in scaling the team to meet increased demand, while fellow co-founder and CTO Dani Ruiz continues to build the engineering team in Europe to accelerate new product development. Zeelo has already secured contracts with Fidelity as well as two leading multi-site corporate enterprise clients, including the world’s leading e-commerce marketplace and a global shipping and logistics business. This sets the stage for rapid revenue growth at low capital expenditure in the world’s leading developed market. With a proven Transport-as-a-Service (TaaS) platform, Zeelo is well-positioned to capture significant market share and drive sustainable growth within the B2B bus commuting sector in developed markets. The combined US and UK mass transportation market is worth $40 billion.
“Developed markets are underserved for daily mass transportation needs and we have seen increased demand for our transit-tech solution in the United States over the past 12 months,” says Sam Ryan, Co-Founder and CEO at Zeelo. “Due to this demand, we’ve had a growing number of requests from shuttle operators to leverage our technology to improve their client relationships and streamline operations. This new capital will accelerate Zeelo’s expansion across the US for an accelerated rollout of large scale, multi-site transportation contracts, with some of North America’s biggest household brands, as well as further investment in our software offering.”
Zeelo addresses the evolving needs of B2B organizations – such as shift worker employers, office worker employers, schools and universities – providing customized transportation services for daily commutes to suburban and peri-urban areas that lack sufficient mass transit coverage. In addition, Zeelo’s platform offers relevant insights to its clients to plan their headcount, production capabilities, and staff punctuality to save clients on average of 12 hours per week in administrative tasks, increase bus ridership by 50% and enable 43% in cost savings per year, on average, for employee shuttle transportation.
“Our newly set up fund seeks to support technology companies with proven business models and a lasting environmental impact,” says Christopher Hoffmann, Partner at FlatzHoffmann. “We help them navigate the transition from Series A to growth and beyond. Zeelo is a unique and proven mobility player headquartered in Europe with a strong expansion push to the US. It combines a strong transit-tech platform with a clear sustainability mission. We are convinced of Zeelo’s experienced leadership team and their ability to innovate and execute. They have come very far in building their business, and we look forward to supporting their growth strategy for developed markets.”
FlatzHoffmann, which was established this year by Alois Flatz and Christopher Hoffmann, operates in Munich and Zurich with a pan-European reach. The fund targets companies at the later-stage growth phase from Series A onwards, with established customer use-cases, recurring revenues and sound unit economics. Both partners bring substantial investment and operational experience to the table. Alois Flatz was an early partner at Sustainable Asset Management (SAM), a partner at cleantech investor Zouk Capital and a Senior Advisor at Al Gore’s Generation Investment Management fund. Christopher Hoffmann is an operator-investor who was a growth equity investor at Zouk Capital and has a 10-year operational track record as CFO of growth companies, including a successful cleantech IPO in 2016 with va-Q-tec.
Zeelo also passes on CO2 emissions savings to its clients and has committed to transitioning all services to net-zero emissions battery-electric buses by 2030, with nearly 10% of Zeelo’s UK clients having already made the switch to electric buses for their commuter services. Meanwhile in 2022, Zeelo offset over 2,600 tons of CO2 emissions and created over 26,000 employment opportunities, with 70% of Zeelo riders admitting that they rely on the service to commute to work, and without which they would not have been able to accept their job.
Zeelo has an experienced, execution-focused and entrepreneurial management team. The co-founders previously built, led and successfully exited their first transit-tech business to Addison Lee.
For press inquiries, please contact Zeelo:
Sonia Afzal, Head of Communications
sonia@zeelo.co | +44 (0)7950 467 773
Kathleen Osborne, Kamel PR
kathleen@kamelpr.com | +001 607 434 2065
About Zeelo
Zeelo is a leading global transit-tech company powering bus operators, employers and schools to provide highly efficient, sustainable and affordable transportation programs. Zeelo provides software and managed services to its clients and partners to increase bus occupancy levels and reduce transportation costs, CO2 emissions and administrative time. Its secure and innovative transportation management software system comprises a SaaS platform, proprietary routing algorithm, mobile apps for riders and drivers, and 24/7 customer support (4.9 TrustPilot rating) ensuring poorly connected commuters have a regular, subsidized and sustainable bus service, wherever they are based. Headquartered in London with an R&D team in Spain and live operations in the UK, US and South Africa, Zeelo was founded in 2016 by Sam Ryan, Barney Williams and Dani Ruiz. The co-founders previously sold their pioneering ride-sharing app JumpIn to Addison Lee in 2014. Zeelo, your next stop. For more information, please visit www.zeelo.co
About FlatzHoffmann
FlatzHoffmann is a European growth equity investor that invests in environmental tech companies, supporting their transition from venture to growth. The fund backs experienced management teams that harness technology to drive progress and impact within our planetary boundaries. FlatzHoffmann invests across industrial technology, transportation & logistics, energy, sustainable materials and food & agriculture. The fund takes an active approach to partnering with portfolio companies, supporting commercial and organisational growth and leveraging its entrepreneurial ecosystem of fund investors. For more information, please visit www.flatzhoffmann.com
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2185824/Barney_Williams_Sam_Ryan.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2185828/Zeelo_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/zeelo-secures-14-million-in-series-a-extension-to-power-us-growth-and-new-product-development-301900765.html
Blockchain
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – May 9, 2025 | Robinhood, Solana, Tether, China, Women in Web3
Today’s blockchain landscape pulses with innovation, expansion and strategic jockeying. From established trading platforms laying the groundwork for international tokenized US asset markets to fresh efforts empowering women in Web3, the industry is evolving at frantic pace. Solana-based tokenization pathways, China’s state-driven blockchain masterplan and Tether’s push onto new Layer-1 rails further underscore diversification. In this daily op-ed, we unpack five major developments—examining what they mean for DeFi growth, NFT marketplaces, regulatory contours and the ongoing quest for greater inclusivity in crypto.
1. Robinhood’s European Blockchain Trading Ambitions
News Summary
Robinhood Markets Inc. is reportedly constructing its own blockchain infrastructure to facilitate trading of U.S. equities and other assets in European markets. Insiders suggest the project seeks to leverage distributed-ledger technology for settlement efficiency, near-real-time clearing and reduced reliance on legacy central counterparties. The move signals Robinhood’s ambition to transcend its domestic brokerage roots and capture European retail and institutional order flow.
Key Details
-
Infrastructure Build: A private, permissioned ledger governed by Robinhood and selected counterparties.
-
Asset Scope: U.S. equities, ETFs and potentially tokenized debt instruments.
-
Regulatory Interface: Engagements with the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) to align on custody and market-making rules.
-
Timeline: Internal pilots slated for Q4 2025, with public rollout in mid-2026.
Analysis & Opinion
Robinhood’s pivot underscores a broader industry trend: exchanges and brokerages striving to “own the rails” rather than simply interface with existing clearinghouses. By internalizing settlement on a bespoke blockchain, Robinhood hopes to slash settlement times from T+2 to near-instant, a boon for liquidity providers and high-frequency traders. However, risks include the complexity of cross-border regulatory compliance and the operational challenge of maintaining robust on-chain and off-chain reconciliations.
From a DeFi convergence standpoint, Robinhood’s ledger could bridge traditional and decentralized finance, enabling tokenized margin lending and programmable corporate actions directly on-chain. Should Robinhood open permission to DeFi protocols, we may witness new hybrid liquidity pools that blend CEX order books with AMM liquidity. This would mark a milestone in mainstream DeFi adoption—and potentially pressure incumbents like Nasdaq to innovate their own on-chain settlement layers.
Source: Bloomberg
2. Women in Web3: Cultivating Greater Gender Diversity
News Summary
A recent deep-dive from Cointelegraph spotlights the persistent gender gap in blockchain and crypto. Despite Web3’s ethos of decentralization, women represent less than 20 percent of crypto investors and under 10 percent of core development teams. The article outlines initiatives—from targeted grants and incubation programs to mentorship networks—aimed at lowering barriers and attracting more female talent.
Key Details
-
Current Statistics: Women account for approximately 17 percent of crypto traders globally; in development, the share dips below 8 percent.
-
Notable Initiatives:
-
Women in Blockchain Fund: USD 50 million allocated for early-stage female founders.
-
Global Web3 Sisters Network: Mentorship platform pairing novices with veteran executives.
-
University Partnerships: Scholarships for women studying blockchain engineering and cryptography.
-
Analysis & Opinion
Web3’s promise of equal-opportunity innovation rings hollow if half the population remains sidelined. Heightened grant funding and mentorship can help, but systemic change requires cultural shifts within DAOs, core teams and investor circles. Projects and protocols must adopt policies—like blind code reviews, diversity hiring quotas and inclusive governance frameworks—to ensure sustainable participation.
Moreover, as the industry grapples with regulatory scrutiny, diverse leadership can foster better risk management and community trust. Women leaders have often been at the forefront of compliance, ethics and consumer protection—even in traditional finance—qualities sorely needed in crypto’s maturing phase. Token projects that embed gender-diverse advisory boards may see stronger reputational profiles and wider community buy-in.
Source: Cointelegraph
3. SOL Strategies: Tokenizing Shares on Solana
News Summary
SOL Strategies, a financial-services startup, is exploring a pathway to tokenize private and publicly traded shares on the Solana blockchain. Their recently filed whitepaper proposes a framework where equity is represented as SPL tokens, enabling fractional ownership, 24/7 trading and programmable dividend distributions.
Key Details
-
Token Standard: Extension of Solana Program Library (SPL) with “Equity Token” schema.
-
Custody Model: Licensed custodian holds underlying shares; token holders have legal claim via smart-contract link.
-
Compliance Layer: On-chain KYC/AML middleware to restrict token transfers to approved wallets.
-
Pilot Partners: Early engagements with two mid-cap European tech firms eyeing capital-raising via tokenization.
Analysis & Opinion
Tokenized equity stands to revolutionize capital markets by lowering minimum investment thresholds and unlocking global liquidity. On Solana, with its sub-second finality and low fees, fractional shares could trade seamlessly—outpacing Ethereum’s scalability challenges. Yet the critical hurdle lies in regulatory acceptance: will securities regulators view these tokens as bona fide equity or as unregistered securities?
SOL Strategies’ integrated custody approach could mollify regulators, replicating existing T+2 standards while enabling T+0 settlement on-chain. Should they secure regulatory sandbox approvals in the U.K. or Singapore, other blockchains—like Stellar and Polkadot—may race to develop similar tokenization toolkits. For DeFi protocols, tokenized equities could become collateral in lending pools, further intertwining traditional and decentralized finance.
Source: Newsfile Corp.
4. China’s Blockchain Playbook: Infrastructure, Influence & New Frontiers
News Summary
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) published an extensive analysis of China’s state-driven blockchain strategy. Beyond its digital yuan rollout, Beijing is investing in cross-border infrastructure, influencing global standards bodies and forging Belt and Road blockchain corridors across Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Key Details
-
Key Initiatives:
-
BSN 2.0: Blueprint for national and international consortium chains.
-
International Standards: Active lobbying in ISO/TC 307 for governance models favoring state-actors.
-
Tech Diplomacy: Blockchain MOUs with Pakistan, Indonesia and several African union members.
-
-
Strategic Goals: Extend digital yuan acceptance, export Chinese ledger tech, shape global governance.
Analysis & Opinion
China’s multi-pronged approach signals blockchain’s emergence as a theater of geopolitical competition. By undercutting SWIFT dependency and offering turnkey consortium-chain solutions, Beijing enhances its financial influence in Belt and Road countries. Western governments and multinationals must navigate this blockchain bifurcation—between open public rails and permissioned state-backed consortia.
For crypto projects, the CSIS report offers both caution and opportunity. While the digital yuan may corner state-aligned corridors, decentralized networks remain resilient by design. Projects focusing on interoperability—such as Polkadot bridges and Cosmos IBC—can link fragmented chains and preserve open value transfer. Investors should monitor on-chain metrics in emerging markets, as Chinese-backed consortium chains gain traction in cross-border trade finance.
Source: CSIS
5. Tether Expands Stablecoin Reach to 196 Million Users via Kaia
News Summary
Tether has launched USDT on the Kaia blockchain, bringing its flagship stablecoin to Kaia’s user base of approximately 196 million. Kaia, a burgeoning Layer-1 optimized for high-throughput mobile applications, opens new corridors for USDT in gaming, remittances and micro-trading in emerging markets.
Key Details
-
Technical Integration: USDT issued as a native Kaia token, supported by Tether’s reserve-backing audit framework.
-
User Impact: Near-zero fees for micro-transactions; sub-second confirmation times even on mobile networks.
-
Partnership Scope: Integration with Kaia’s wallet SDK and gaming marketplace; joint launch of an educational DApp for fiat-on-ramp literacy.
Analysis & Opinion
By deploying on Kaia, Tether diversifies its blockchain footprint beyond Ethereum, Tron and Solana, underscoring a multi-chain thesis for stablecoin ubiquity. Emerging-market users—often plagued by volatile local currencies—stand to benefit immensely from a mobile-first, low-cost remittance rail. Moreover, Kaia’s developer incentives may spawn DeFi lending dApps collateralized by USDT, fueling localized credit markets.
Yet healthy competition among blockchains for stablecoin volume could concentrate risk: reserve transparency, network stability and regulatory compliance will differentiate winners. Tether’s public attestations and reserve audits are critical, but as US regulators intensify scrutiny on stablecoin giants, projects deploying on smaller chains may face fresh legal complexities around money-transmission licensing.
Source: Bitcoin.com
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
-
Institutional On-ramp Acceleration: Robinhood’s European chain signals major brokerages view blockchain as core infrastructure—not mere gadget.
-
Inclusivity Imperative: Women’s underrepresentation remains a blindspot; targeted grants and cultural reforms are needed for equal Web3 participation.
-
Tokenization Tide: Solana’s high-speed rails may host the next wave of equity tokens, bridging capital markets and DeFi.
-
Geopolitical Battlegrounds: China’s consortium chains and digital-yuan corridors illustrate how blockchain is reshaping global influence.
-
Stablecoin Multichain Strategy: Tether’s Kaia integration reflects the logic of diversifying rails to reach underserved, mobile-first users.
As blockchain advances, the interplay between technological innovation, regulatory frameworks and social inclusion will define whether the next chapter of crypto fulfills its vision of open, equitable finance—or replicates old hierarchies in digital garb. Today’s headlines underscore that the path forward lies in cross-chain interoperability, proactive policy-shaping, and a relentless focus on broadening the community that stewards and benefits from these transformative networks.
The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – May 9, 2025 | Robinhood, Solana, Tether, China, Women in Web3 appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Blockchain Press Releases
MEXC Lists USD1, Accelerating Global Stablecoin Innovation with World Liberty Financial
VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, announced that it will list World Liberty Financial USD (USD1) in the Innovation Zone on May 9, 2025 (UTC). The USD1/USDT trading pair will also open at 08:00 on May 8, 2025 (UTC), and the MEXC Convert feature will be available from 09:00 on May 8, 2025 (UTC), offering users a seamless asset conversion experience. This listing expands the range of digital assets on the platform and further demonstrates MEXC’s commitment to advancing the global stablecoin ecosystem.
USD1: A New Era in Stablecoins and Financial Transparency
USD1 is World Liberty Financial (WLFI)’s stablecoin that provides secure and transparent digital asset services for global users. The stablecoin is backed 1:1 by the US dollar, with its reserve assets custodied by BitGo, held and subject to regular audits by third-party accounting firms to ensure transparency and stability. Currently, USD1 is deployed on both Ethereum and BNB Chain, with plans to expand to additional blockchains in the future to enhance interoperability.
Furthermore, USD1 has made significant strides in the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. For example, ListaDAO has launched a USD1 lending vault on BNB Chain, providing liquidity support for 20 million USD1. Renowned market maker DWF Labs has also deployed USD1 liquidity across multiple platforms, further enhancing its availability and market depth. According to the data from CoinMarketCap, USD1’s market capitalization has surpassed USD 2.12 billion, demonstrating strong market demand.
Special Promotion to Celebrate the Listing
To celebrate the successful listing of USD1, MEXC is launching a series of special offers to thank its users for their support. Starting May 8, 2025, at 08:00 (UTC), users can enjoy the following benefits:
- Zero Trading Fees: The USD1/USDT spot trading pair will have 0 trading fees.
- Zero Withdrawal Fees: Users will enjoy 0 withdrawal fees when withdrawing USD1.
MEXC Drives the Evolution of Stablecoins Through Ecosystem Empowerment
As a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, MEXC has earned the trust of 36 million users across 170+ countries worldwide, thanks to its fast token listing process, diverse asset offerings, deep liquidity, and robust security. At the same time, MEXC continues to empower quality projects and partners, actively promoting the healthy development of the global digital asset and stablecoin ecosystem.
Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision for the Future of Stablecoins
MEXC’s listing partnership with World Liberty Financial further drives innovation in the development of stablecoins. Looking ahead, MEXC will continue to strengthen its support for stablecoin projects, promoting the widespread adoption of stablecoins globally. At the same time, the platform will keep iterating its products and services to provide users with a more secure and seamless trading experience.
About MEXC
Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC
Risk Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2682552/1920×1080.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2668118/MEXC_new_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mexc-lists-usd1-accelerating-global-stablecoin-innovation-with-world-liberty-financial-302450296.html
Blockchain Press Releases
BingX Unveils ChainSpot: A CeDeFi Innovation for Simpler and Safer On-Chain Trading
PANAMA CITY, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BingX, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is proud to unveil ChainSpot, a pioneering CeDeFi (Centralized-Decentralized Finance) feature that empowers users to access decentralized tokens directly from their BingX accounts — without the need for external wallets or complex on-chain processes. As part of its 7th anniversary celebration, BingX becomes one of the first major exchanges to roll out such a hybrid product, signaling a bold leap forward in its product evolution.
With the promise of “One Tap, All Chains”, ChainSpot introduces an effortless way to explore and trade on-chain assets while staying fully protected by BingX’s centralized infrastructure. As a CeDeFi innovation, it blends the best of both centralized and decentralized worlds — offering the ease and reliability of a centralized exchange with the openness and innovation of DeFi protocols.
Key Benefits of ChainSpot
Designed to make on-chain trading simpler and safer, ChainSpot offers a host of features that enhance user experience:
- Enhanced Security: Users enjoy trusted safeguards like two-factor authentication and cold wallet storage while interacting with decentralized markets.
- Broader Asset Access: Seamlessly explore trending DeFi tokens and new on-chain projects — no bridges, no external wallet setup required.
- Smarter Discovery: AI-driven filters surface high-quality DeFi projects quickly, reducing research time and noise.
- Cross-Chain Compatibility: Built for a multi-chain future, ChainSpot supports cross-chain asset trading efficiently — all within one centralized interface.
Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer of BingX, commented on the launch: “Over the past seven years, BingX has grown by staying close to our users. ChainSpot is a direct result of listening to their desire for more flexible, decentralized opportunities — without losing the security and convenience of our platform. Our goal with ChainSpot is to redefine what access to DeFi looks like, making it simple, intuitive, and protected. This isn’t just another feature — it’s part of a broader vision to shape a financial future where innovation meets inclusivity, and where security coexists with freedom.”
ChainSpot marks a strategic milestone in BingX’s evolution as a CeDeFi enabler. As the platform continues to expand its ecosystem, more innovative features and product enhancements are expected in the months ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just getting started in crypto, ChainSpot opens the door to DeFi’s full potential — without the friction.
About BingX
Founded in 2018, BingX is a leading crypto exchange, serving over 20 million users worldwide. BingX offers diversified products and services, including spot, derivatives, copy trading, and asset management – all designed for the evolving needs of users, from beginners to professionals. BingX is committed to providing a trustworthy platform that empowers users with innovative tools and features to elevate their trading proficiency. In 2024, BingX proudly became the official crypto exchange partner of Chelsea Football Club, marking an exciting debut in the world of sports.
For more information please visit: https://bingx.com/
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2682597/1200x675_1.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2310183/BingX_logo_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bingx-unveils-chainspot-a-cedefi-innovation-for-simpler-and-safer-on-chain-trading-302450061.html
-
Blockchain7 days ago
HODL 2025: Blockchain’s Brightest Minds. All in Dubai
-
Blockchain Press Releases7 days agoInterlace Debuts at Token2049 to Accelerate Web2-Web3 Integration Across MENA
-
Blockchain Press Releases7 days agoFrom Exchange to Ecosystem Builder: MEXC Celebrates 7th Anniversary at TOKEN2049 Dubai with $300M Ecosystem Development Fund Launch
-
Blockchain Press Releases3 days agoHTX Premieres USD1 Stablecoin Globally, Partnering with World Liberty Financial to Forge a New Era of Decentralized Economy
-
Blockchain Press Releases7 days ago
Bybit and St. Paul American Scholars School Furthers Partnership Commitment in Bybit’s HQ Visit
-
Blockchain6 days agoUnitedStaking.com Launches Advanced Crypto Staking Platform with Global Reach and Real-World Impact
-
Blockchain Press Releases3 days agoJuCoin made a global impact at TOKEN2049 Dubai, advancing its ecosystem with the “Peak Experience” vision and JuChain’s robust tech.
-
Blockchain1 day agoBlocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – May 7, 2025 | Coinbase, Riot Games, Curve DAO, Litecoin, AR.IO
