Republic, a US-based online capital formation platform, now operating in Europe, has launched the website for Republic Asia.
Last year, Republic closed on its acquisition of Seedrs – a large UK-based platform that has also been operating on the European continent.
In March of 2022, Republic announced a majority stake in TogetherApps, a Korean peer-to-peer investment platform focusing on real estate loans. The investment included a strategic partnership with TogetherApps to collaborate on new product offerings and expand capital markets access through Republic’s global network.
At the same time, Republic announced a minority investment in Korbit, an approved cryptocurrency exchange in Korea.
As part of its Asian expansion, Republic has always indicated its intent to set up an office in Singapore – the leading Fintech hub in Asia.
Recently, the Republic Asia website was launched, promoting Republic Crypto, Republic Retail, Seedrs, and Republic Capital. The site states that “the next wave of Fintech innovators and web3 adoption will change the future of commerce in Asia.”
Youngro Lee, the former founder of NextSeed, which was acquired by Republic, is the Head of Republic Crypto.
This past week, Lee posted his thoughts on the new venture:
“In the midst of the unpredictable global macro these days and the seemingly perpetual uncertainty that accompanies it, I strongly believe that FinTech, spurred by certain web3 infrastructure innovations that can dramatically reduce existing transaction costs, can help drive the industry forward into the future. Along the way, my simple hope is to help these entrepreneurs’ lonely yet long journey become a bit smoother than my own, so that their positive impact can become far greater than they ever imagined.”
Republic Asia is part of the ongoing vision of capital formation without borders. Investors want access to promising early stage ventures regardless of location. Private firms need access to growth capital – a process that is moving online. Republic is the portion of the equation that marries those with money with those in need of capital. All in a compliant manner.
So which jurisdiction is next? My money is on Latin America.
