Estonian blockchain-based firm Funderbeam announced that a Japanese investor and incubator, Mistletoe will invest €2 million in the blockchain startup that will be utilized to expand Funderbeam services globally, as well as to enter into the Asia-Pacific region.
The announcement was made during Slush Tokyo 2017 event that saw keynote speech by Kaidi Ruusalepp, Founder, and CEO of Funderbeam. Kaidi was joined on stage by Taizo Son, the Japanese serial entrepreneur, and CEO of Mistletoe.
“Our vision has always been to become the global stock exchange for startups. We’ve built the world’s first blockchain-powered always-open exchange, and now it’s time to scale outside of Europe. Mistletoe and Taizo Son, are ideal partners for this endeavor, as one of the most prominent and visionary investors in the region,” Kaidi stated.
Funderbeam and Mistletoe have planned to work together on their detailed strategy in order to enter Asia-Pacific markets. Blockchain firm Funderbeam has already established in Europe and sees Asia as its best and biggest opportunity for expansion. The company launched 2 next steps of the vision — platform for funding and trading startups, in April last year.
Mistletoe focuses on empowering startups and innovators to create a more human-centered and sustainable future with the help of new emerging technologies.
“Mistletoe engages in various activities to support and grow a startup ecosystem in which entrepreneurs and startups can grow freely. And for the healthy development of this ecosystem, a transparent and open fundraising process, is one of its critical components,” Taizo Son, explained during his speech at the event. “Through supporting Funderbeam’s Asia Pacific expansion, Mistletoe hopes to contribute to the democratization of startup fundraising in Asia Pacific.”
