There was a time when investment opportunities were limited to big investors and closed groups. Now, things are different. You can invest as an individual in a startup or other firms of your choice. Thanks to the latest fintech platforms that are providing such opportunities. Republic is one such platform that is providing investment opportunities for all. Through the Republic, you can invest in startups, real estate, cryptocurrencies, video gaming, and other businesses.
Journey of Republic Investment Platform
Republic was founded in 2016 with the principle that investment opportunities should be provided for all. There was a trend where old investors were only getting opportunities to invest in. These things changed recently. On the Republic platform, anyone can become an investor. The startup has become the main source of crowdfunding.
Currently, the fintech platform has 1+ million users who are investing in different sectors. Republic platform has helped the investors to invest more than $300 million till now. In the last 12 months, it has recorded a whopping $150 million investment transactions through its platform.
Republic operations are under Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF), Reg A, and Reg D. These regulations provide opportunities for non-accredited investors.
Republic platform offers customers a curated list to make investment decisions easy. It also helps the founders and the top management of business firms to connect with potential investors.
Currently, the Republic has become a leader in crowdfunding events for small businesses and startups. As per the new rules and regulations, startups can collect up to $5 million annually from crowdfunding. Earlier, it was limited to $1.07 million. Republic took the advantage of this regulation and became the first platform to raise $5 million from crowdfunding.
Republic is not just a platform for retail investors. Recently, it has launched the Republic Deal Room for accredited and institutional investors. It is providing opportunities for big and small investors.
Republic is also the first mainstream financial organization to adopt cryptocurrencies by creating Republic Note on its platform. This initiative of Republic is supported by Prosus Ventures, a known technology investor.
What do Investors say about the Republic?
Banafsheh Fathieh, Head of Americas Investments at Prosus Ventures, said:
“Prosus Ventures has a strong history of being an early investor in businesses that target big societal challenges, and Republic has created a platform that has the potential to break down the systemic barriers that exist in the funding process.”
He further added:
“Republic’s continued growth will enable more entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups to raise funds beyond the usual gatekeepers, and investors will be able to help businesses they are passionate about when they need it most.”
Republic investors are quite happy with the vision and mission of the startup. Richard Kim, partner at Galaxy Interactive, Republic’s lead investor, said:
“We are at the early stages of a multi-decade super-cycle of retail empowerment. Republic is at the forefront of this trend, and there is no team that better understands the intricate web of consumer tech, finance, and regulation needed to bring real innovation to the private investment space. We are thrilled to partner with Ken and the team, and look forward to the amazing opportunities they will enable in the years to come.”
Kristine Harjes, Investment Officer at Motley Fool Ventures, also showed enthusiasm in Republic investment.
Kristine said:
“The Motley Fool has long championed the individual investor, and we feel deeply aligned with the Republic’s mission to increase access to once-exclusive private investment opportunities. Motley Fool Ventures is thrilled to support the Republic’s efforts to revolutionize the alternative investment landscape through its best-in-class technology and community.”
Fundraising, Growth, and Acquisitions by Republic
Republic has expanded its operations by acquiring Fig, Freycroft, Compound, and NextSeed. From March onwards, the platform is also expanding its cryptocurrency offerings by allowing both US and non-US participants.
Republic CEO Kendrick Nguyen has worked hard to establish the online firm. He has played a key role in creating more equitable funding and investment opportunities for founders and retail investors alike.
He said:
“We have entered a new era of investing, one in which all stakeholders of a business can become shareholders. The support of marquee institutional investors in Republic’s funding round is indicative of the vast potential of our mission: to enable investors everywhere to align their passion with profit.”
In a recent series A funding round, the company has raised $36 million led by Galaxy Interactive with participation by Tribe Capital, Motley Fool Ventures, and Broadhaven Ventures. Prosus Ventures has also invested in Republic Note. Overall, the Republic has raised a total of $70 million to fund its ventures.
THE company CEO said:
“We have entered a new era of investing, one in which all stakeholders of a business can become shareholders. The support of marquee institutional investors in Republic’s funding round is indicative of the vast potential of our mission: to enable investors everywhere to align their passion with profit”
