Toronto-based Newton, which is building a mobile cryptocurrency platform, has entered into several partnerships to help it grow.
The company is partnering with Chicago-based proprietary trading platform DV Trading, which owns subsidiaries like DV Chain and Independent Trading Group, a Canadian broker dealer that is a member of the Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, Canadian Investor Protection Fund, the Toronto Stock Exchange, and the Canadian Securities Exchange.
DV will invest up to $15 million in debt and equity in Newton; the company received an undisclosed initial equity investment, and as it meets certain performance targets, more low-interest debt will be released to Newton as the platform grows in trading volume. Newton is also integrating into DV’s cryptocurrency trading platform (run by the DVx Capital Markets subsidiary), and will leverage both DV Trading and ITG’s expertise in serving the capital markets.
Back in April, BetaKit reported on the launch of Newton, which was founded by former Akira CEO Dustin Walper. Walper is setting out to build Canada’s first commission-free cryptocurrency brokerage, which supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin trading. It’s currently in closed beta testing, and Newton plans to launch open trading in the fourth quarter of this year with Android and web applications.
“We were looking for a partner to help us deliver an easy-to-use mobile app that allows Canadians to buy and sell cryptocurrencies on their phone at fair prices with no commissions or fees,” noted Dino Verbrugge, co-founder of DV Trading. “Dustin’s entrepreneurial flair, combined with his past achievements, made him and Newton the ideal partner to work with and invest in.”
As the cryptocurrency market moves toward maturation, Newton hopes that this partnership will expand the institutional and retail investor base of the industry and encourage regulatory oversight.
“The partnership with DV is key to Newton’s growth,” said CEO Dustin Walper. “Working with an established partner such as DV Trading not only provides Newton with the funds needed to expand, but also gives investors and customers the confidence of knowing that we are working with a regulated financial institution, a position unique in the Canadian crypto market.”