Fintech
Covey Raises $2.5M to Build a Community Where Analysts Share their Investing Strategies, Compete for Monthly Rewards, and Top Performers Earn the Right to Manage Investor Money, Generating Higher Returns for More
Covey, the first analyst-owned community created to find and reward the world’s next top money managers, closed a $2.5M seed round led by Social Leverage and Portage Ventures with participation from Cue Ball and BoxOne.
The barrier to entry for investing has been lowered thanks to fintechs enabling the mainstream adoption of commission-free investing, microinvesting, cryptocurrencies, and more. However, although someone might have the means to begin investing, retail investors in particular are likely to face obstacles in the way of actually seeing returns, and in turn creating any meaningful wealth. Those that are already actively investing lack market and strategy knowledge, causing over 85% of daytraders to actually lose money. Even 80% of professional fund managers trail behind the S&P 500. Further, many potentially talented analysts are generally locked out of the finance industry due to lacking a traditional education or professional network connections, or the high capital requirement of greater than $200K necessary to start a hedge fund.
Covey was founded as an investment community open to all, to find and rank the best and brightest stock analysts from around the world, so that everyone can benefit from the top performers, creating an unprecedented amount of wealth-making opportunities for all.
For the past year, Covey hosted over a hundred anonymized analysts on the blockchain-enabled platform, tracking their simulated stock picks on Covey’s leaderboard, with the users that have the best performing portfolios receiving monetary rewards. Going forward, Covey will reward the best ideas with tokens, recognizing the members contributing the most to the community. Soon, Covey will award the top 10% of analysts with the opportunity to publish their investment ideas to Covey users, who can then implement the analysts’ strategies for themselves through the Covey platform. This will allow Covey’s users to be able to benefit from the ideas of these proven investors , armed with a transparent view of their performance and investing philosophies, all tracked on the blockchain. Additionally, earning potential is unlimited for analysts as they can receive returns from other users who are leveraging their content.
Covey was founded by Brooker Belcourt, an established investor who spent the last 7 years managing investments for Citadel, a Tiger Management Seeded Fund, and Coatue. Brooker built Covey as a personal tool to simulate and track his own portfolio strategies, but soon realized Covey could be a ubiquitous tool for the future of active management.
“Having spent 7 years personally overseeing ideas at large hedge funds, I learned how hard it was to beat the market, but I also saw a small group of Analysts that consistently won. That talent can come from any background, we need an open platform to find the Analysts that can consistently beat the market and allocate money to them,” said Brooker Belcourt, Founder, and CEO of Covey. “It’s no secret that traditionally, Wall Street has only been accessible to those who could afford prestigious educations or with deep enough pockets to open a hedge fund, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that these are the best people to be heading up investing strategies. Covey is allowing everyone the opportunity to test their strategies and then those with the best performance–whether it be a well-read flight attendant using their downtime to get smart on stocks, a young up-and-coming student who spends a lot of time on Reddit and Twitter, or your traditional financial services industry veteran that frequents the Wall Street Journal–can become money managers based purely on merit. We’ve seen from recent events fueled by retail investors, that when smart, strategic investors work together, they can beat the market, and we’re excited about scaling this community.”
Covey will use the funds to continue building its platform, with an emphasis on its token launching this fall and copy trading launching in 2023. A copy trading functionality will be groundbreaking for both the future money managers and a broader set of investors using the platform as they’ll be able to leverage these proven strategies with more ease and efficiency, allowing investors to make the most of the money they’re able to invest. Additionally, Covey is expanding the engineering team, with plans to almost double its size by the end of the year.
“I invested in Covey because of the founding team, and I believe the best investment analysts have yet to be found. Covey has built both a platform and community that will find and reward the next generation of great analysts,” said Howard Lindzon, Founder and Managing Partner of Social Leverage. “Active investing has been losing trillions to indexing and machines over the last decade, when Covey adds Copy trading it will offer a new generation of active managers the opportunity to practice their trade.”
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.
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.
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.
-
Fintech6 days agoFintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Synapse, Shenzhen Institute, Visa, AutomatIQ, MeridianLink)
-
Fintech5 days agoFintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Revolut, Bestow, Advyzon, Tyme Group, Nubank)
-
Fintech3 days agoFintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA)
-
Fintech6 days agoAsian Financial Forum returns as region’s first major international financial assembly in 2025
-
Fintech7 days agoNASDAQ-Listed LYTUS Appoints Visionary Leader Sai Guna Ranjan Puranam as COO (Lytus Healthcare) and Group CTO (Lytus Technologies) to Revolutionize Healthcare and Technology
-
Fintech PR2 days agoAccording to Tickmill survey, 3 in 10 Britons in economic difficulty: Purchasing power down 41% since 2004
-
Fintech4 days agoAirtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments
-
Fintech PR2 days agoPresident Emmerson Mnangagwa met this week with Zambia’s former Vice President and Special Envoy Enoch Kavindele to discuss SADC’s candidate for the AfDB