Hard Yaka

Hard Yaka, Inc., established in 2010 and headquartered in Crystal Bay, Nevada, is a private equity firm focusing on buyout and distressed investments. It specializes in investing in companies that facilitate digital transformation, such as those focused on portable identity, payments, and marketplaces. The firm typically seeks majority stakes in its investments. Additionally, Hard Yaka makes early round investments in startup companies within the exchange space, targeting verticals in specific exchange markets or horizontal services providers across various exchange sectors.

Pep Gomez

Partner

Jun Hiraga

Partner

Kevin Leiske

Partner

Margaret Slemmer

Partner

Katie Sullivan

Partner

Past deals in Finance

Emerge

Series A in 2024
Emerge is a financial management tool for businesses. It is a digital-only banking option designed to help Kiwi businesses operate more quickly, economically, and efficiently.

CFX Labs

Seed Round in 2023
CFX Labs Inc. operates within the banking industry, aiming to transform global payment processing by facilitating seamless, accessible, and secure cross-border transactions. The company is recognized for its innovative product, MoveMoney.com, which serves as an embedded wallet platform that monetizes foreign exchange slippage. CFX Labs provides a suite of value-added services, including KYC compliance, conversion, settlement, risk management, reconciliation, reporting, remittance, and fraud prevention. These services enable clients to efficiently manage electronic payments from various sources, such as credit cards, debit cards, banks, and digital wallets. As a privately held entity, CFX Labs Inc. adheres to stringent regulations governing financial transactions while maintaining a dedicated team of professionals to support its mission.

Arf

Seed Round in 2022
Arf is a liquidity platform designed for financial institutions engaged in cross-border payments. It offers short-term, revolving, and digital asset-based credit lines aimed at enhancing access to liquidity for these institutions globally. By providing a cross-border settlement banking platform for international money transfers, Arf eliminates the conventional capital-intensive models prevalent in the industry. The company focuses on delivering digital asset-based working capital and settlement services, featuring native on-ramp and off-ramp capabilities for licensed money service businesses and financial institutions. This approach enables users to transfer funds without hidden fees and at transparent, fair exchange rates.

Decaf

Seed Round in 2022
Decaf is a digital payment platform that specializes in facilitating secure and transparent cryptocurrency transactions. By leveraging advanced blockchain technology, Decaf enables users to send and receive payments within seconds, significantly reducing transaction times compared to traditional methods. The platform features an easy-to-use digital wallet and point of sale infrastructure, allowing businesses to effortlessly accept and convert various cryptocurrencies. With its commitment to immutability and security, Decaf ensures that every transaction is accurately recorded on the blockchain, providing users with confidence in their financial activities.

MOVii

Series C in 2022
Movii is a financial technology company based in Bogotá, Colombia, founded by Hernando Rubio in 2017. The company aims to reduce inequality by providing access to financial services for the unbanked population through innovative technology. Movii offers a digital financial payment application that enables users to manage their money safely and conveniently. Key features include a rechargeable debit card managed through an app, allowing users to buy digital content, pay utility bills, recharge mobile services, transfer money, and make online purchases using any smartphone device.

MOVii

Series B in 2021
Movii is a financial technology company based in Bogotá, Colombia, founded by Hernando Rubio in 2017. The company aims to reduce inequality by providing access to financial services for the unbanked population through innovative technology. Movii offers a digital financial payment application that enables users to manage their money safely and conveniently. Key features include a rechargeable debit card managed through an app, allowing users to buy digital content, pay utility bills, recharge mobile services, transfer money, and make online purchases using any smartphone device.

AnChain.AI

Series A in 2021
AnChain.AI Inc. is a cybersecurity company specializing in blockchain data analytics and cryptocurrency transaction monitoring, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Milpitas, California. The company offers a range of solutions, including Blockchain Ecosystem Intelligence, which connects wallet addresses and transactions to real-world entities for compliance and risk management, and a Transaction Analytics Platform that delivers insights through automated alerts and anomaly detection. Additionally, AnChain.AI provides a Smart Contract Auditing Sandbox for assessing the security of Solidity-based smart contracts and a Crypto Ransom Response service aimed at identifying and mitigating threats from cyber adversaries. Its clientele spans various sectors, including financial institutions, blockchain industry participants like exchanges and wallets, and enterprises engaged in cybersecurity and innovation. AnChain.AI's advanced AML engine monitors over $1 billion in daily cryptocurrency transactions, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing security and compliance within the blockchain ecosystem.

Securitize

Series B in 2021
Securitize, Inc. operates a compliance platform designed for the issuance and management of digital securities. Founded in 2017 and based in Redwood City, California, the company facilitates various services for issuers, including digital security issuance, document handling, investor communications, and accreditation. For investors, Securitize offers features such as wallet management, an investor dashboard, and token distribution. The platform also includes support services like fiat and crypto escrow, along with custodial services. Securitize is distinguished as the only SEC Registered Transfer Agent integrated with multiple regulated U.S.-based marketplaces, enabling eligible investors to own, manage, and trade digital securities across sectors like equity, funds, fixed income, and real estate. The company's approach enhances transparency, liquidity, and efficiency in the tokenization process, while also providing KYC/AML and capital management services.

Olyn

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Olyn is a technology company that specializes in developing an asset registry platform aimed at facilitating connections among individuals, businesses, and economies in the web3 landscape. Headquartered in San Francisco and Barcelona, Olyn's platform focuses on value exchange, enabling users to track their owned assets and empowering them with ownership and identity in the digital realm. The company also emphasizes the importance of streaming portability, security, and collaborative revenue-sharing in its service offerings, allowing users to navigate the evolving landscape of digital assets, including NFTs, with greater ease and transparency.

Coinme

Venture Round in 2020
Coinme Inc. is a prominent bitcoin exchange and ATM operator based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2014. The company operates the largest licensed cryptocurrency cash exchange in the United States, facilitating the buying and selling of bitcoin at thousands of physical locations across 48 states through partnerships with companies like Coinstar and MoneyGram. Coinme provides a comprehensive suite of consumer products, including a digital wallet and solutions for digital currency IRAs and 401(k)s, making it easier for customers to engage with the digital currency economy. Additionally, Coinme offers a proprietary API that enables legacy financial systems and existing ATMs, kiosks, and merchants to integrate cryptocurrency capabilities, thus promoting broader access to virtual currencies and secure transactions.

StandardC

Pre Seed Round in 2020
StandardC is an innovative provider of compliance and business development solutions tailored to meet the needs of a diverse range of organizations, from small lenders to large financial institutions. Its modular platform enhances processes related to identity verification, due diligence, and ongoing monitoring, enabling businesses to adjust to evolving regulations without significant disruptions to existing operations. The platform integrates seamlessly with popular CRM and enterprise software, promoting efficiency. StandardC distinguishes itself with a transparent pay-per-use pricing model, making advanced technology accessible to companies of all sizes. Initially focused on the cannabis banking sector, StandardC has broadened its scope to encompass lending, equipment financing, real estate, and specialty banking. Among its features is VerifyC™, an on-demand remote inspection module that utilizes geolocation and timestamping for greater transparency, allowing users to assess various assets without the need for in-person visits. StandardC's commitment to continuous innovation positions it as a reliable partner in compliance and operational support, equipping clients to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape and empowering them to thrive.

Kava Labs

Seed Round in 2019
Kava Labs Inc. is a provider of interledger solutions, focusing on enhancing the interoperability of blockchains, wallets, and exchanges. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Kava operates a decentralized platform that offers a comprehensive range of financial services tailored for cryptocurrencies. As digital assets gain wider acceptance, Kava aims to fill the gap in traditional financial offerings by providing products such as money markets, loans, stablecoins, and high-yield accounts for crypto assets. By leveraging autonomous software, Kava's platform eliminates the need for intermediaries, allowing users globally to access financial services without incurring additional fees. This approach enables users to optimize their digital assets and generate returns in an evolving financial landscape.

SportBLX

Venture Round in 2018
SportBLX is an investment platform founded in 2018 and headquartered in New York, designed to allow fans and investors globally to acquire shares in unique sports assets. The platform facilitates the process of identifying athletes, teams, or racehorses willing to sell a percentage of their on-field earnings or equity. It provides users with the tools to review and research these offerings before making investments. By enabling ownership in sports-related assets, SportBLX bridges the gap between fans and the financial aspects of the sports industry.

Snowball Money

Seed Round in 2018
Snowball Money operates a crypto investment automation platform that simplifies access to professionally curated portfolios, enabling users to invest like accredited investors. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the platform provides a single, safe, and easy-to-use solution for investing in tax-optimized crypto portfolios or bundles that generate interest. It allows investors to earn high yields without the need to register with multiple exchanges or manage different wallets, streamlining the investment process in the crypto markets.

Trim

Series A in 2018
Trim is a personal finance assistant that aims to enhance the financial health of Americans through its automated services. The application analyzes users' spending habits, negotiates bills for services such as cable and internet, cancels unwanted subscriptions, and provides spending insights and recommendations. By leveraging these features, Trim has successfully saved its users over $60 million. The company is supported by a team with extensive experience from renowned organizations and backed by notable venture investors. As Trim continues to expand its offerings, it remains focused on helping individuals manage their finances more effectively and achieve greater financial stability.

Lightning Labs

Seed Round in 2018
Lightning Labs is a company focused on creating decentralized financial infrastructure through the development of innovative payment protocols. It aims to enhance global financial cooperation by employing cryptography, blockchain technologies, and smart contracts. The company is best known for its Lightning Network Daemon (lnd), recognized as the most advanced and developer-friendly implementation of the Lightning Network protocol. Additionally, Lightning Labs has created Neutrino, an open platform facilitating quick and easy blockchain and Lightning Network transactions for mobile device users. By promoting fast and private transactions, Lightning Labs enables individuals to conduct Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency transactions efficiently, regardless of size.

Empyr

Venture Round in 2018
Empyr, Inc. is a San Diego-based company that operates an online-to-offline advertisement platform designed to connect digital engagement with real-world purchases. Established in 2011, Empyr specializes in card-linked offers, enabling national brands and digital publishers to track online advertisements that lead to offline sales. By integrating directly with major credit card associations, Empyr allows consumers to earn cashback at offline merchants simply by using their debit or credit cards. This platform provides a seamless experience for users while offering publishers the ability to generate revenue from each purchase and allowing merchants to link offline sales to specific online marketing efforts. Empyr collaborates with a diverse range of partners, including notable names in technology, banking, and hospitality, thereby tapping into the significant potential of the $3 trillion offline commerce market driven by online activity. The company has raised $35 million through its parent organization, Mogl, and currently employs 60 individuals.

Finerio Connect

Seed Round in 2017
Finerio Connect is a personal finance platform based in Mexico that offers automated services to help users manage their finances effectively. The platform allows individuals to link their debit and credit accounts from major banks in Mexico, providing insights into financial planning and savings. Finerio's features include monitoring and tracking expenses, viewing comprehensive financial information, and analyzing consumption patterns, enabling users to gain better control over their spending. Additionally, the company provides tools that facilitate data analysis and financial management, with a focus on helping users create custom budgets and improve their overall financial health.

Kore

Seed Round in 2017
KoreConX, founded in 2016 and based in New York City, offers a comprehensive platform designed to streamline the process of raising equity capital for companies. Its services encompass shareholder management, boardroom management, cap table management, portfolio management, and compliance management, all integrated into a single user-friendly interface. This approach facilitates efficient contribution, management, and distribution of corporate information and financial documents among all parties involved. The platform enhances deal preparations, decision-making, and investment management while ensuring security and compliance through a secure and auditable environment. KoreConX's solution is tailored to meet the needs of businesses looking to optimize their organizational processes, whether in raising capital, conducting board meetings, or improving shareholder communications.

Trim

Seed Round in 2015
Trim is a personal finance assistant that aims to enhance the financial health of Americans through its automated services. The application analyzes users' spending habits, negotiates bills for services such as cable and internet, cancels unwanted subscriptions, and provides spending insights and recommendations. By leveraging these features, Trim has successfully saved its users over $60 million. The company is supported by a team with extensive experience from renowned organizations and backed by notable venture investors. As Trim continues to expand its offerings, it remains focused on helping individuals manage their finances more effectively and achieve greater financial stability.

Sure

Seed Round in 2015
Sure Inc. is an insurance technology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2014. It develops and operates an online application that allows users to purchase various insurance coverage, including for luggage, smartphones, clothing, renters, and personal damages. Sure partners with renowned insurance providers such as Nationwide, Chubb, and MetLife to offer these solutions. The company provides an enterprise SaaS platform and APIs that facilitate digital transformation and the distribution of embedded insurance, eliminating the need for extensive IT resources. Its platform is designed to streamline digital insurance sales and service, supporting each phase of the insurance lifecycle and enabling both global consumer brands and insurance companies to efficiently manage and sell their insurance products.

Kickpay

Seed Round in 2015
Kickpay Inc., established in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, operates an online marketplace that facilitates invoice trading. The company connects businesses with investors, allowing businesses to sell their outstanding invoices at a discount for immediate cash flow. This service enables companies, particularly those in the hardware sector, to access financing options previously unavailable, fostering faster growth by improving liquidity and reducing reliance on traditional lending sources.

AppZen

Venture Round in 2015
AppZen is an artificial intelligence company based in Sunnyvale, California, with an additional office in Pune, India. Founded in 2012, AppZen specializes in developing AI solutions for back-office automation, particularly focusing on expense report compliance and audit. The company's platform uses deep learning, computer vision, and semantic analysis to review financial transactions in real-time, cross-checking data with external sources and social media to detect fraud and ensure compliance with IRS rules, FCPA regulations, and company policies. AppZen serves various enterprises globally, including a significant portion of the Fortune 500, helping them reduce spending, comply with policy, and streamline processes.

Knox Payments

Venture Round in 2014
Knox Payments Inc. is a payment processing company that specializes in facilitating ACH transactions, allowing customers to make direct payments to merchants using their existing bank accounts. Founded in 2013 and based in San Francisco, California, Knox Payments differentiates itself by prioritizing speed and efficiency in online checkouts. The company offers a service called Connexus, which enables users to pay merchants by logging in with their online banking credentials, eliminating the need for users to create new accounts. Through its innovative approach, Knox Payments provides a streamlined and secure payment solution for both merchants and consumers.

Marqeta

Series B in 2013
Marqeta operates a modern card issuing and payment processing platform that enables businesses to create customized payment solutions using open APIs. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Oakland, California, with an additional office in London, Marqeta's platform allows users to build, issue, and manage digital, physical, and tokenized payment cards. The company provides a range of services including virtual cards, real-time fund transfers, spend controls, and data analytics solutions. Marqeta serves various industries such as e-commerce, lending, on-demand services, and digital banking by offering flexible and scalable payment infrastructure. It is certified to operate in 40 countries globally.

Visible Market

Seed Round in 2012
Visible Market Inc. is a financial data visualization platform that offers financial information products for mobile devices. The company was formerly known as Related Market LLC. Visible Market Inc. was launched in 2010 and is based in New York, United States.

Coinbase Global

Seed Round in 2012
Coinbase Global, established in 2012, operates a leading cryptocurrency exchange platform in the United States. The company facilitates transactions, buying, selling, and storage of digital currencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin for both consumers and merchants. Coinbase offers a range of products including Coinbase.com, a user-friendly platform for bitcoin transactions, a global digital asset exchange, merchant tools, and custodial services. The company, headquartered in San Francisco, California, aims to provide a safe and regulation-compliant entry point into the cryptocurrency economy.

Startup Stock Exchange

Seed Round in 2012
Startup Stock Exchange (SSX) is a service provider that facilitates the trading of startup and small business shares on a public stock exchange. Founded in 2011, SSX offers brokerage and listing advisory services, connecting these companies with global investors. It operates using the legal framework of the Dutch exchange but manages all interactions between investors and companies, acting as a licensed listing adviser, broker, and shareholder. SSX caters to investors and companies that are aware of and comfortable with the high risks associated with startup investments.
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