Welcome to the FinTech Times, a weekly newsletter covering the biggest FinTech news from around the globe. If you want to read F|T before anyone else, make sure to subscribe using the form at the bottom of this page.
Georgian closes $1.02 billion USD alignment fund (BETAKIT)
BetaKit first reported on the planned launch of this $1.02B fund in February.
Live webcast: Investor Insights on Scaling from Seed to Growth Stage
If you don’t prepare ahead of time, you could get stuck not producing the key SaaS metrics that investors want to see when they’re considering investing in your next round.
Join Sage Intacct on Thursday, May 6 as Douglas Soltys, Editor-in Chief at BetaKit, moderates a dynamic discussion between Laura Lenz, Partner at OMERS Ventures, and David Appel, Head of Software and SaaS at Sage Intacct, on the importance of SaaS metrics and reporting to scale your business.
Coinbase’s public listing is a cryptocurrency coming-out party (NEW YORK TIMES)
With acceptance from traditional investors, a profitable start-up that eases transactions is offering proof of the industry’s staying power. Coinbase’s shares surged in its debut, and Version One Ventures won big as well.
NFT startup Dapper Labs raising money at over $7.5 billion valuation (THE INFORMATION)
Just a few weeks after Dapper Labs raised $305 million at a valuation of $2.6 billion, the company is raising a new round at a valuation above $7.5 billion, according to a person with direct knowledge of the deal talks.
Canada approves world’s first Ether ETFs for retail investors (THE GLOBE AND MAIL)
Canadian asset managers look to launch exchange-traded funds solely dedicated to the cryptocurrency.
goeasy to acquire LendCare for $320 million (BETAKIT)
The acquisition is being funded in part by a bought deal equity agreement with BMO Capital Markets totalling $130 million. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021.
Ant Group announces overhaul as China tightens its grip (NEW YORK TIMES)
Beijing had accused the internet-finance titan, a sister company of the e-commerce giant Alibaba, of flouting regulations in its quest for growth. Ant is also reportedly exploring ways for Jack Ma to exit.
Revolut founder plots path to $10bn valuation with new fundraising (SKY NEWS)
The founder of Revolut is plotting a new fundraising that will value the company at more than $10bn (£7.2bn) and cement his status as one of Europe’s youngest FinTech billionaires. Revolut announced back in March that it was leaving the Canadian market.
BetaKit Live: Diversity in Cybersecurity (BETAKIT)
Wednesday, April 21, BetaKit is proud to present a BetaKit Live panel in partnership with Microsoft Canada focused on this important conversation: What needs to be done to build and support a diverse cybersecurity ecosystem in Canada?
The Zebra becomes a unicorn with $150M Series D (CRUNCHBASE)
The investment brings The Zebra’s total raised to $251.5 million since its 2012 inception, as well as values the company at more than $1 billion, CEO Keith Melnick told Crunchbase News.
OKR Financial launches $150 million fund to help early-stage startups access funding, loans, grants (BETAKIT)
The purpose of OKR Financial’s fund is to ensure companies can access non-dilutive funding and extend their runway until they receive their tax credit from the government.
How payment processor Stripe became Silicon Valley’s hottest startup (WALL STREET JOURNAL)
Stripe has turned a humdrum business — helping companies accept credit-card payments — into a blockbuster valuation.
Dear Canadian founders, your time is now! (BETAKIT)
Damien Steel, Managing Partner and Head of Ventures at OMERS Ventures, shares his thoughts on why there’s never been a better time to be a Canadian founder.
Six ways startups can prepare for financial instability before it happens (BETAKIT)
Xero Canada Country Manager Faye Pang shares her top six tips for what small businesses can do to prepare for financial instability.
