Fintech
Enzo Villani, Former Nasdaq Strategist and Fintech M&A Executive Raising $100 Million for New Hedge Fund Focused on Blockchain and Digital Currencies
Los Angeles, CA, March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (via Blockchain Wire) Alpha Sigma Capital (ASC), a new blockchain investment and digital currency hedge fund, officially launched on January 6, 2020, with a focus on delivering growth capital to blockchain companies with a multi-strategy hedge fund that utilizes tokens, cryptocurrencies, equities, derivatives, and private investments. Founded by Enzo Villani and Michael Onghai, two serial entrepreneurs with extensive experience in private equity, public equities, M&A and portfolio management came together to fill a need in the market that allows institutional investors to invest in digital assets via a professionally structured fund that deems liquidity and proven success as key investment criteria. Hedging allows the fund to manage through uncertain liquidity cycles and market evolution. Alpha Sigma Capital was born out of a recognized need to fund leading blockchain-focused companies that are delivering. Alpha Sigma Capital invests in firms that launched digital assets that have met or surpassed their roadmaps and expectations and require next stage capital to fuel growth. Enzo Villani, CEO of Alpha Sigma Capital said, “Alpha Sigma Capital was created to invest in promising projects as we enter the adoption phase of blockchains and digital assets. As a hedge fund, we have the flexibility to invest in tokens, debt, equities, and derivatives which allows our investors downside protection while focused on above-market returns.”Mike Onghai, CFA, Partner said, “We don’t have a crystal ball but what we do have is the proven progress our portfolio are making. They are proving their revenue models, executing on their token economics and delivering real-world value.”To date, Alpha Sigma Capital investments include:Factom: a big data blockchain protocol being leveraged by the US Department of Homeland Security founded by David Johnston, Paul Snow and Jay Smith. (www.factom.com / www.factomprotocol.org)SingularityNet: a decentralized AI platform founded by the acclaimed AI mathematician and former CTO of Hanson Robotics, Dr. Ben Groetzel and Dr. David Hanson, Founder of Hanson Robotics, creator of Sophia the robot. (www.singularitynet.io)Carry Protocol: the leading consumer rewards blockchain company in Korea founded by Grant Sohn and Richard Choi, co-CEOs of Spoqa, Korea’s fastest-growing customer loyalty startup with 21M+ total users checking across 10,000+ stores. (www.carryprotocol.io / www.spoqa.com)Presearch/Dsearch: a new search engine founded by serial entrepreneur and engineer Colin Pape with over 2M+ total subscribers that pay users to search plus invented a new way to pay for keyword advertising through staking. (www.presearch.org / www.dsearch.com)About Enzo VillaniEnzo Villani is a serial entrepreneur with twenty-years of experience as a chief strategist to Fortune 500 companies, private equity firms, and venture capital. Enzo was co-founder of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of two strategic M&A consolidations in the areas of investor relations, proxy solicitation, corporate governance, and financial technology. Enzo was key in consolidating over ten service companies across four continents representing over 5,000 public companies and raising in excess of $500 million. In the blockchain industry, Enzo was Chief Strategy Officer of Transform Group. Transform Group represented the launch of over 37% of the alt-coin market capitalization by 2019. He is the co-founder of Blockchain Wire and was the head of international strategy and innovation at OKEx. Enzo holds an MBA from Cornell University Johnson School.About Michael OnghaiMichael Onghai, CFA is an investor, 2x entrepreneur, author, inventor, and speaker. He is a partner at Alpha Sigma Capital, LP, an active investing technology hedge fund. Over his career, Mr. Onghai has founded and invested in leading innovative blockchain companies including Coinbase and TZero. He is an advisor to several internet incubators and is a panelist who advises FundersClub. Mr. Onghai was the third employee at GeoCities which sold to Yahoo for $3.5 billion. He has been an investor and operator in several internet technology companies including LookSmart. He is the founder of AppAddictive since 2011 and President of Snowy August Management LLC, a special situations fund. Mr. Onghai holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of California, Los Angeles. He also graduated from the Executive Management Certificate Program in Value Investing at Columbia Business School.About Alpha Sigma Capital Fund, LP
Alpha Sigma Capital (ASC) was formed in early 2020 as an investment firm and hedge fund to fund blockchain companies that have successfully built a user base, demonstrating real-world uses for their decentralized ecosystems. ASC is focused on technology companies that are leveraging blockchain technology to provide value-add in areas such as fintech, AI, supply chain, and healthcare. Alpha Sigma Capital is an open-ended investment hedge fund based in the United States with offices in Los Angeles and Toronto. You can find more information at www.alphasigma.fundContact:Enzo VillaniAlpha Sigma Capital Fund, LP[email protected]
Fintech
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA)
As we close out 2024, the fintech industry continues to deliver headlines that underscore its dynamism and innovation. From IPO aspirations to groundbreaking regulatory milestones, today’s updates highlight the transformative power of fintech partnerships, regulatory evolution, and disruptive technologies. Here’s what you need to know.
Chime’s Quiet Step Toward Public Markets
Chime, the U.S.-based financial technology startup best known for its digital banking services, has taken a significant step by filing confidential paperwork for an initial public offering (IPO). As one of the most valuable private fintechs in the U.S., Chime’s move could potentially signal a renewed appetite for fintech IPOs in a market that has been cautious following fluctuating valuations across the tech sector.
With a valuation that reportedly exceeded $25 billion in its last funding round, Chime’s IPO could set a new benchmark for the industry. Observers note that its strong customer base and revenue growth may make it an appealing choice for investors seeking to capitalize on the digital banking boom. However, the timing and success of the IPO will depend on broader market conditions and the regulatory landscape.
Source: Bloomberg
ZBD’s Pioneering Achievement: EU MiCA License Approval
ZBD, a fintech company specializing in Bitcoin Lightning network solutions, has made history by becoming the first to secure an EU MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) license. This landmark approval by the Dutch regulator positions ZBD at the forefront of compliant crypto-fintech operations in Europe.
MiCA, which aims to harmonize the regulatory framework for crypto-assets across the EU, has been a focal point for industry players aiming to establish legitimacy and expand their offerings. ZBD’s achievement not only validates its operational rigor but also sets a precedent for other fintech firms navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.
Industry insiders view this as a strategic advantage for ZBD as it broadens its footprint in Europe. By leveraging its regulatory approval, the company can accelerate its product deployment and establish trust with institutional and retail users alike.
Source: Coindesk, PR Newswire
The Fintech-Credit Union Synergy: A Blueprint for Innovation
The convergence of fintechs and credit unions continues to reshape the financial services ecosystem. Collaborative initiatives, such as the one highlighted in the recent partnership between fintech innovators and credit unions, are proving to be a potent force in delivering tailored financial solutions.
This “dream team” approach allows credit unions to leverage fintech’s technological expertise while maintaining their community-focused ethos. Key areas of collaboration include digital payments, personalized financial management tools, and enhanced loan processing capabilities. These partnerships not only enhance member engagement but also enable credit unions to remain competitive in an increasingly digital-first financial environment.
Industry analysts emphasize that such collaborations underscore a broader trend of traditional financial institutions embracing fintech-driven solutions to bridge service gaps and foster innovation.
Source: PYMNTS
Tackling Student Loan Debt: A Fintech’s Mission
Student loan debt remains a pressing issue for millions of Americans, and a Rochester-based fintech aims to offer relief through its cloud-based platform. This innovative solution is designed to simplify loan management and provide borrowers with actionable insights to reduce their debt burden.
The platform’s features include repayment optimization tools, personalized financial education, and seamless integration with loan servicers. By addressing the complexities of student loan management, this fintech is empowering borrowers to make informed decisions and achieve financial stability.
As the student loan crisis continues to evolve, solutions like this highlight the critical role fintech can play in addressing systemic financial challenges while fostering financial literacy and inclusion.
Source: RBJ
Industry Implications and Takeaways
Today’s updates underscore several key themes shaping the fintech landscape:
- Regulatory Milestones: ZBD’s MiCA license approval exemplifies the importance of regulatory compliance in unlocking growth opportunities.
- Strategic Partnerships: The collaboration between fintechs and credit unions demonstrates the value of combining technological innovation with traditional financial models to drive customer-centric solutions.
- Market Opportunities: Chime’s IPO move reflects a potential revival in fintech public offerings, signaling confidence in the sector’s long-term prospects.
- Social Impact: Fintech’s ability to tackle systemic issues, such as student loan debt, showcases its role as a force for positive change.
The post Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Fintech
SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025
Leading global payments platform SPAYZ.io has confirmed it will be attending iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 on 14 to 16 January. Exhibiting at Stand 64 at Trade Centre Dubai, SPAYZ.io’s team of professionals will be on hand providing live demonstrations of its renowned payment services for payment providers. Attendees will also receive exclusive insight into SPAYZ.io’s plans for 2025 alongside early early access to its upcoming plans for the new year.
SPAYZ.io delivers a host of payment solutions that leverage the latest technological innovations and open access to the fastest growing emerging markets across Africa, Europe and Asia. Over the past year, there has been huge demand for its Open Banking and local payment method services, alongside bank transfers, mass payouts, online banking and e-wallets.
Yana Thakurta, Head of Business Development at SPAYZ.io commented: “We look forward to once again participating at iFX Dubai to expand our network of partners and clients. It’s a fantastic way to kick off the year, connecting with thousands of industry leaders from FOREX platforms to trading companies, and everything in between.
“Our key goal for iFX Dubai EXPO 2025 is to expand our portfolio of solutions and geographies. We’re using this as an opportunity to partner with like-minded entities who share our ambition to provide payment solutions that are truly global.”
Come meet SPAYZ.io’s team at the Trade Centre Dubai at Stand 64. You can also book a meeting slot with a member of a team.
The post SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Fintech
Airtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments
Airtm, the most connected digital dollar account in the world, is proud to announce the addition of two distinguished industry leaders to its Board of Directors: Rafael de la Vega, Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane, and Shivani Siroya, CEO & Founder of Tala. These appointments reflect Airtm’s commitment to innovation and financial inclusion as the company enters its next phase of growth.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rafael and Shivani to Airtm’s Board of Directors,” said Ruben Galindo Steckel, Co-founder and CEO of Airtm. “Their unique perspectives and proven track records will be invaluable as we continue scaling our platform to empower individuals and businesses in emerging markets. Together, we’ll push the boundaries of financial inclusion and innovation to create a more connected and equitable global economy. Rafael and Shivani bring a wealth of experience and strategic insight that will strengthen Airtm’s mission to connect emerging economies with the global market.”
Rafael de la Vega, a seasoned leader in fintech global partnerships and technology innovation, is currently the Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane. With a proven track record of delivering scalable, impactful solutions at the intersection of fintech, innovation, and commerce, Rafael’s expertise will be pivotal as Airtm continues to grow. “Airtm has built a platform that breaks down barriers and opens up opportunities for people in emerging economies to connect to global markets. I am excited to contribute to its growth and help further its mission of fostering financial inclusion on a global scale,” said Rafael.
Shivani Siroya, CEO and Founder of Tala, is a pioneer in financial technology, renowned for empowering underserved communities through access to credit and essential financial tools. Her leadership in leveraging data-driven innovation aligns seamlessly with Airtm’s vision of creating more equitable financial opportunities. “Empowering underserved communities has always been at the core of my work, and Airtm’s mission resonates deeply with me. I’m thrilled to join the Board and work alongside such a dynamic team to expand access to financial tools that truly make a difference in people’s lives,” said Shivani.
The post Airtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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