Sponsored By
The Daily Brief

Crypto Loan Company Raises Millions in Funding RoundCrypto Loan Company Raises Millions in Funding Round

The funding includes a $2.5 million equity investment from digital currency and blockchain tech firm Galaxy Digital Ventures.

Samuel Steinberger, Senior Technology Editor

July 26, 2018

1 Min Read
cryptocurrency-blockchain
ThinkStock/G0d4ather

Crypto asset-backed loan company BlockFi announced a $52.5 million funding round, which includes a $2.5 million equity investment from digital currency and blockchain tech firm Galaxy Digital Ventures, according to TechCrunch. The loans are designed for cryptocurrency holders who need cash, but don't want to immediately cash out of their crypto assets, especially in the face of crypto volatility. Fifty million dollars of the capital round will be used to fund loans to BlockFi customers.

The company is a year old and joins similar companies, like U.K.-based Lendingblock, that are engaged in different forms of crypto lending. “A robust lending market is the keystone for financial systems and BlockFi’s institutional approach and deep lending expertise were key drivers in our decision to partner with them,” said Galaxy Digital Ventures Founder Mike Novogratz.

BlockFi said they’re a leader among crypto-lenders because of their “robust legal and compliance approach,” which affords them “the largest geographic coverage” in the U.S., in a statement. BlockFi includes founder Zac Prince, who has a background in consumer lending, and Rene van Kesteren, chief risk manager and a former Bank of America managing director.

Want The Daily Brief delivered directly to your inbox? Sign up for WealthManagement.com’s Morning Memo newsletter.

About the Author

Samuel Steinberger

Senior Technology Editor, WealthManagement.com

Samuel Steinberger is Senior Technology Editor for Informa Connect’s WealthManagement.com. In his role, Mr. Steinberger provides the publication’s wealth and financial technology coverage. 

Mr. Steinberger’s editorial insight and familiarity with technology accelerates Informa’s growth within the financial advisor and wealth management communities, providing in-depth news for advisors and financial professionals. 

Before joining Informa Connect, Mr. Steinberger produced documentaries with former CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien at Soledad O’Brien Productions (formerly Starfish Media Group). He specialized in research, shooting and editing, as well as finding distinct voices to explain topics like mental health, poverty and racial divide. 

Prior to joining Soledad O’Brien Productions, Mr. Steinberger managed multi-departmental technology projects for global legal technology leader Transperfect Legal Solutions. After obtaining his graduate degree in journalism from Columbia University, he completed his transition from technology management to media. 

Mr. Steinberger is an award-winning journalist, author and researcher who has written, edited and reported for a number of publications, including The New York Times, Financial PlanningAmerican Banker and PBS. He is founder of beverages publication Give Me Weird Drinks

Mr. Steinberger’s technology analysis and insight has been featured in several books on virtual and augmented reality. Mr. Steinberger has received awards and recognition for his reporting and research, including the American Business Media's prestigious Jesse H. Neal Award for editorial excellence.

Follow on Twitter: @slsteinberger