Zodia Markets Secures $18.25M Series A to Fuel Global Expansion, Strengthen Stablecoin Infrastructure

Zodia Markets, a cryptocurrency trading platform affiliated with Standard Chartered, has secured $18.25 million in Series A funding led by Pharsalus Capital and Tokenbay Capital [2]. This capital injection aims to accelerate global expansion and strengthen the firm’s stablecoin infrastructure, which seeks to bridge traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystems [1]. The round includes participation from Circle Ventures, underscoring a strategic focus on stablecoins like USDC [4]. Zodia’s non-custodial platform, where users retain control of their assets, positions it as a competitor to centralized exchanges while addressing institutional demands for security and scalability [1].

The funding aligns with broader industry trends as institutional investors increasingly adopt stablecoins to hedge against crypto volatility while maintaining liquidity [4]. By expanding its infrastructure, Zodia aims to facilitate cross-border payments and institutional-grade trading, capitalizing on jurisdictions with regulatory clarity [5]. Standard Chartered’s backing highlights traditional financial institutions’ growing interest in blockchain-based solutions, reflecting a convergence of TradFi and DeFi [6].

Usman Ahmad, CEO of Zodia Markets, emphasized the round’s role in advancing secure, scalable infrastructure for institutional crypto adoption [1]. The firm’s stablecoin strategy intersects with global efforts to digitize financial systems, though Zodia operates independently of sovereign digital currencies [5]. Analysts note that the funding will enhance the platform’s ability to compete with centralized exchanges by improving scalability and transaction efficiency [2]. The firm’s focus on stablecoins—digital assets pegged to fiat currencies—addresses a critical barrier to crypto adoption: the need for stable, low-volatility mediums of exchange [5].

The timing of the funding coincides with renewed optimism in the crypto sector, driven by stabilizing macroeconomic conditions and evolving regulatory frameworks [1]. Zodia’s expansion strategy targets markets where blockchain is already integrated into financial systems, such as Southeast Asia and parts of Europe [1]. While specific geographic priorities remain undisclosed, the firm emphasized its intent to operate in regions with supportive regulatory environments [5].

Pharsalus Capital and Tokenbay Capital, with a history of investing in high-growth fintech and blockchain ventures, have validated Zodia’s hybrid model [2]. The firm’s non-custodial structure differentiates it from centralized platforms that have faced scrutiny over security breaches and governance practices [1]. The Series A round also signals investor confidence in Zodia’s long-term potential, as the firm plans to expand its stablecoin ecosystem and integrate advanced tools for institutional clients [2].

Despite the significant capital infusion, the press release does not disclose post-funding valuation or revenue projections, which are typical in venture capital disclosures [2]. However, the scale of the funding—$18.25 million for a Series A round—indicates strong investor support for Zodia’s vision [2]. The firm’s roadmap includes advancing its stablecoin initiatives and enhancing trading infrastructure, though specific details remain unannounced [1].

The expansion of Zodia’s stablecoin operations could influence broader market dynamics, particularly in BTC and ETH transactions, by increasing institutional participation [4]. As the firm scales its infrastructure, it may contribute to the growing trend of tokenizing real-world assets, although the specifics of its stablecoin collateral and use cases have not yet been detailed [4]. The alignment of Zodia’s strategy with macroeconomic and regulatory trends suggests a continued shift toward institutional adoption of blockchain technology.

Source: [1] [Zodia Markets Secures $18.25M for Global Growth and Stablecoin Strategy] (https://www.ainvest.com/news/zodia-markets-secures-18-25m-expand-global-operations-strengthen-stablecoin-business-2507/) [2] [Fundraising Digest (@CryptoRank_VCs) / X] (https://x.com/cryptorank_vcs?lang=en) [4] [Zodia Markets Raises $18.25M to Fuel International Expansion, Stablecoin Payments] (https://www.coinlive.com/en/news-flash/861725) [5] [Hyperion DeFi's Stock Rises Following Significant HYPE...] (https://www.coinlive.com/en/news-flash/861725) [6] [137Labs Global (@137LabsEN) / X] (https://x.com/137labsen)