Introducing Xend Finance’s Investors and Key Supporters
To realize the vision of the first DeFi platform for credit unions to the masses, it was important for us to assemble a group of investors that could help us reach our long, and short-term, goals. When we made our launch announcement last week, covered in an exclusive by Coindesk, we mentioned that we raised a “strategic” $1.5 million funding round. “Strategic”, meaning we put together the best team of investors that could also act as experienced advisors in numerous geographic regions that would help us accelerate our mission statement: providing access to the global money market to all, regardless of geographic location.
One of our first backers was Google Developers Launchpad, which included intensive mentorship from Google’s engineers and leadership team, including Chuka Ofili, who helped provide guidance in moving our product to Google Cloud. While we were given free access to Google’s suite of products to help scale Xend Finance, our greatest benefit came from mentors including Edem K., Wiza J., Kenneth K., Jubril J., and Fola O.. This early support from the world’s premier technology firm gave us the confidence and mentorship we needed during the early stages of our company. While having an experienced founding team that has worked with some of Africa’s largest employers, including KPMG, Chevron, and Stanbic Bank, gave us practical real-world experience, Google’s startup accelerator helped us navigate the early-stages of building a startup.
We also participated in Longhash Venture’s accelerator, chosen amongst hundreds of applicants, that provides strategy, fundraising, go-to-market, technology, and administrative support. Thankful for the support from Shi Khai Wei and Alexis Lee.
The importance of Binance as one of our early investors goes without saying. Binance Director Yele Bademosi, who we continue to work closely with, has been very helpful with our team strategy, providing support and facilitating introductions. Not only are they the world’s top cryptocurrency exchange, Binance has developed a multi-pronged worldwide blockchain ecosystem that encompasses investments, mentorship, and even their own smart chain, for which we are one of the first technology companies to build upon. (Read why we built on Binance Smart Chain here.) Blockchain and decentralization owe Binance a debt of gratitude for being such strong advocates and evangelists. We’re grateful to be part of the Binance Labs family.
Amongst our most influential investors are AU21 and their Managing Partner, Kenzi Wang. Kenzi has been instrumental in introducing us to some of our other key investors and advising us on our strategy and roadmap. We have benefited immensely from his guidance on the business side of the crypto world. AU21 has invested in Polkadot, Elrond, and provided seed capital for many of the largest exchanges, including Binance, Huobi, and OKEx, amongst others.
Amplifi has given Xend Finance access to active crypto communities, including Karma DAO. They also invested in Polkadot, as well as Blockex and RSK. Other Xend Finance investors include Block VC, Jun Capital, TRG Capital, Twin Apex Capital, DeltaHub Capital, and Moon Whale. Our investors have a strong international presence, with offices in the United States, China, Israel, The Netherlands, Canada, and Singapore, amongst others.
In order to improve and optimize the value for members of credit unions and cooperatives around the world, it’s important for us to have a worldwide network of investors to help us navigate different territories. We are excited to introduce to you our investors that will help get us towards our mainnet launch coming in the next few months.
Our first testnet on Binance Smart Chain is currently scheduled for December. We hope you’ll join us there soon. Follow Xend Finance on Twitter and Telegram for updates.
Sincerely,
Kevin Leu
Xend Finance Head of Marketing
