Shield's $5M Push to Integrate Blockchain into Global Trade

Shield, a crypto neo-bank specializing in cross-border payments, has completed a $5 million seed funding round led by Giant Ventures, with additional participation from a16z’s crypto startup accelerator, Factor Capital, Coinbase, and Bank of AmericaShield Secures $5M Seed for Crypto Cross-Border Payments^[1]. This brings the company’s total funding to $7 million to dateCrypto finance startup Shield completes $5 million seed round of ...^[2]. The capital will be allocated to expand Shield’s compliance infrastructure, including transaction monitoring and fraud detection systems, while securing new banking partnerships to enhance its platform for global trade businessesShield Secures $5M Seed for Crypto Cross-Border Payments^[1].

Founded in 2022, Shield transitioned to a payments-focused model in 2024, leveraging stablecoins to address the inefficiencies of traditional international wire transfers. The platform enables exporters and importers to conduct transactions in US cryptocurrencies, offering compliance screenings against sanctions and money laundering risksShield Secures $5M Seed for Crypto Cross-Border Payments^[1]. Shield operates as a licensed Money Service Business in the US and a registered crypto exchange in the EU, supporting secure cross-border transactionsShield Secures $5M Seed for Crypto Cross-Border Payments^[1]. Since its launch, the company has processed over $100 million in payments, with $40 million of that volume generated in the last month aloneShield Secures $5M Seed for Crypto Cross-Border Payments^[1].

The funding round underscores growing interest in blockchain-driven solutions for global commerce. Shield’s target markets include Latin America, Africa, and parts of Asia, where limited access to US dollars has historically constrained trade. By utilizing stablecoins, the platform aims to reduce costs and expand market reach for businesses in these regionsShield Secures $5M Seed for Crypto Cross-Border Payments^[1]. The company’s infrastructure is designed to compete with established fintech players like PayPal’s Xoom and Stripe’s Bridge, positioning blockchain as a tool for real-world economic integrationShield Secures $5M Seed for Crypto Cross-Border Payments^[1].

Giant Ventures, which has focused on systemic innovation in climate, health, and economic mobility, emphasized the strategic alignment with Shield’s mission to streamline cross-border tradeCrypto finance startup Shield completes $5 million seed round of ...^[2]. The round also included strategic angel investments from Coinbase and Bank of America, reflecting institutional confidence in the crypto payments sectorShield Secures $5M Seed for Crypto Cross-Border Payments^[1]. Shield’s expansion plans include enhancing its compliance product and scaling operations to meet rising demand, with the ultimate goal of embedding blockchain technology into global trade ecosystemsShield Secures $5M Seed for Crypto Cross-Border Payments^[1].

The $5 million seed round highlights the maturation of crypto-based fintech solutions, as startups increasingly bridge traditional finance and decentralized infrastructure. Shield’s focus on compliance and scalability aligns with regulatory trends and market needs, positioning it to capitalize on the $30 trillion projected RWA tokenization market by 2030Crypto finance startup Shield completes $5 million seed round of ...^[2].