Blockchain
WealthPark Raises JPY907 Million for Digitalizing Alternative Investment Platform
WealthPark Co., Ltd. (Headquarter: Shibuya, Tokyo; CEO: Ryuta Kawada; “WealthPark”) announced it has closed JPY907 million (USD 8.5 million(1)) in financing. SBI Investment Co., Ltd. (SBI AI&Blockchain LPS), Mizuho Capital Co., Ltd. (Mizuho Growth Fund No.3 Limited Partnership), Aozora Bank, Ltd., Japan Finance Corporation, and various domestic and foreign investors participated in this round.
A year and a half pursuant to securing Series A financing of JPY540 million (USD 5.0 million(1)), WealthPark continues its engineering-centric hiring strategy, strengthening corporate operation capabilities, and improving business foundations.
WealthPark closed JPY907 million (USD 8.5 million(1)) in Series B to accelerate the next stage of growth after achieving steady growth through concerted efforts within the company. The latest financing round will bring its total raised amount to JPY1,898 million (USD 17.7 million(1)).
Background
WealthPark provides an asset management platform targeting real estate management companies.
As of the end of July 2020, more than 70 companies and over 10,000 real estate investors are using WealthPark’s platform. The Platform is also used by overseas management companies to satisfy cross-border investors’ needs.
Service Enhancement & Future Expansion
As the premier communication tool between real estate management companies and investors, WealthPark is committed to strengthening its features and collaborating with different industry players to enhance its offerings.
Recent partnerships announced include SBI Sumishin Net Bank Ltd., PriceHubble, and DocuSign, which strengthened our offerings to real estate investors and real estate management companies. WealthPark is committed to delivering further value to our clients by partnering with financial institutions to digitize transaction processes and enhance features in real estate management.
The Platform is not limited to the “real estate” vertical but aims to use “technology” to drive “wealth management” for investors together with real estate management companies.
A Word from WealthPark’s CEO
During the Series B financing round, we received overwhelming support from our existing investors as well as new partners such as Aozora Bank, angel investors and family offices with alternative investment backgrounds from the United States, Hong Kong, and Europe. We will continue working with property managers, developers, brokers, and financial institutions to help real estate, an illiquid asset class, be accessible in a low cost, convenient, and enjoyable way.
Digitalizing illiquid assets such as real estate is an arduous and time-consuming task. However, WealthPark will follow our vision of “helping investors achieve maximum returns” and continuously work hard on expanding our products, services, and customer communication.
Comments from the Investors
SBI Investment Co., Ltd.
In Addition to our investment in Series A, we are very happy to be able to lead this additional financing for Series B. WealthPark has a unique worldview of digitizing alternative assets such as real estate, and many investors and real estate management companies are now using apps and systems.Compared with the Series A financing, WealthPark’s business has grown steadily and its business base has continued to accumulate. An excellent management team centered on the CEO Kawada is ready to expand the market rapidly along with the quick digital transformation. Additionally, WealthPark is not only aiming for Japan but also establish the foundation in developing global business. From all the above, we look forward to its future growth of WealthPark and decided to make additional investments.
The SBI Group mainly operates “Financial Services Business,” which provides comprehensive services related to finance, such as SBI SECURITIES Co., Ltd. and SBI Sumishin Net Bank, Ltd. and “Asset Management Business,” which provides services related to investment in domestic and foreign companies and asset management, such as SBI Investment Co., Ltd. We will support WealthPark’s further growth by utilizing and alliances with the SBI Group’s business and resources.
Mizuho Capital CO., Ltd.
Following the Series A round, we have decided to also participate in the current Series B round. WealthPark is providing a service platform fundamentally based on the simple and clear mission of “investing in real estate with technology”. Since the last round of financing, the user base of real estate management companies and real estate investors has been steadily increasing. Through the proceeds from this round, WealthPark’s strategy is to strengthen the foundations of the platform by realizing the solution business and features to platform users, which were still in the planning stage in the previous round. We decided to make an additional investment based on the performance results, evaluation of the business strategy and forecasts. Mizuho Capital will continue to support WealthPark in achieving its vision of becoming the “world’s number one alternative investment platform”.
Aozora Bank, Ltd.
As a professional financial institution, Aozora Bank ‘s mission is to “create new financial added value and contribute to economic and social growth”. By accelerating innovation in various business fields, Aozora strives to become the “New Japanese Partner Bank”, by leveraging a high degree of expertise, mobility, and flexibility. WealthPark is an IT start-up that leverages technology to service the real estate market. We decided to participate in the round from the expectation of partnership with Aozora Bank and the significant improvements in the real estate industry. Together with the entire Aozora Bank group, we will continue to support WealthPark’s growth towards the future.
List of Investors (no particular order)
- SBI Investment Co., Ltd. (SBI AI&Blockchain LPS)
- Mizuho Capital Co., Ltd. (Mizuho Growth Fund No.3 Limited Partnership)
- Aozora Bank, Ltd.
- Japan Finance Corporation
- Marcus Everard: Investment Advisor, Tinshed Asia
- Varun Bery: Board member, Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association
- Water Cheung: Senior Principal & Asia-Pacific CEO, StormHarbour Securities LLP
- Other angel investors and family offices from both Japan and abroad
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Blockchain
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain (BlackRock, Plume, SEALSQ, Hedera, Deutsche Bank, KuCoin)
Blockchain technology continues to drive innovation across industries, reshaping finance, infrastructure, and philanthropy. Today’s news roundup explores exciting developments in blockchain ETFs, tokenization funding, quantum-resistant chips, public blockchain initiatives, and impactful social projects. Here’s a deep dive into the latest blockchain headlines:
BlackRock ETF Embraces Blockchain with First Muni Bond Purchase
BlackRock’s blockchain-focused ETF has made its first foray into municipal bonds, signaling increased confidence in integrating blockchain technology with traditional finance. The ETF’s strategic investment demonstrates how blockchain can enhance transparency and efficiency in bond markets.
By tokenizing municipal bonds, BlackRock aims to simplify trading and settlement processes while reducing associated costs. This development underscores the growing role of blockchain in transforming financial instruments and fostering greater market accessibility.
Source: Yahoo Finance
Plume Secures Funding for Tokenization Platform
Blockchain fintech company Plume has raised significant funding to advance its tokenization platform. The company’s innovative approach enables businesses to convert real-world assets into digital tokens, streamlining asset management and unlocking liquidity.
Tokenization is rapidly gaining traction as a game-changer in sectors such as real estate, art, and commodities. Plume’s success reflects a broader trend of investment in blockchain solutions that bridge the gap between traditional assets and decentralized technologies.
Source: Fortune
SEALSQ and Hedera Partner for Quantum-Resistant Blockchain Chips
SEALSQ and Hedera have announced a groundbreaking collaboration to develop quantum-resistant chips designed to secure blockchain infrastructure. These advanced chips will provide robust protection against future quantum computing threats, ensuring the integrity of blockchain networks.
As quantum computing capabilities evolve, safeguarding blockchain ecosystems becomes increasingly critical. This partnership highlights the importance of proactive measures in maintaining the resilience and trustworthiness of decentralized systems.
Source: The Quantum Insider
Deutsche Bank’s Public, Permissioned Blockchain Initiative
Deutsche Bank’s Layer 2 blockchain solution is set to go public and operate as a permissioned network, according to its tech partner. This initiative aims to strike a balance between accessibility and security, leveraging blockchain to streamline financial services and enhance operational efficiency.
The decision to adopt a public, permissioned model reflects a growing trend among enterprises seeking to harness the benefits of decentralization while maintaining control over sensitive data. Deutsche Bank’s approach could serve as a blueprint for other financial institutions exploring blockchain adoption.
Source: CoinDesk
KuCoin’s “Light Up Africa” Initiative Brings Hope to Thousands
Cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin has made a significant impact through its “Light Up Africa” donation ceremony in Ghana, benefiting 36,000 children across the continent. The initiative combines blockchain technology with philanthropy to address energy poverty and support education.
By leveraging blockchain for transparency in charitable contributions, KuCoin sets an example of how the crypto industry can drive meaningful social change. The project demonstrates the potential of blockchain to empower communities and foster sustainable development.
Source: PR Newswire
Industry Implications and Key Takeaways
Today’s developments highlight the transformative potential of blockchain across multiple domains:
- Integration with Traditional Finance: BlackRock’s ETF underscores the synergy between blockchain and established financial systems.
- Tokenization Trends: Plume’s funding success reflects the growing demand for digital asset solutions.
- Quantum-Resistant Technologies: SEALSQ and Hedera’s partnership addresses emerging cybersecurity challenges.
- Enterprise Blockchain Adoption: Deutsche Bank’s public, permissioned network showcases the adaptability of blockchain in financial services.
- Social Impact: KuCoin’s philanthropic efforts illustrate blockchain’s capacity to drive positive societal outcomes.
The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain (BlackRock, Plume, SEALSQ, Hedera, Deutsche Bank, KuCoin) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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