Securitize Nets $47 Million in Strategic Funding Led by BlackRock

Securitize has secured $47 million in strategic funding led by BlackRock, with participation from Aptos Labs, Paxos, Circle, Hamilton Lane, ParaFi Capital, and Tradeweb Markets. The funds will support product development, global expansion, and strategic partnerships within the financial services sector. BlackRock's Global Head of Strategic Ecosystem Partnerships, Joseph Chalom, will join the Securitize board of directors. Securitize has played a key role in the launch of BlackRock's inaugural tokenized fund, BUIDL, and has contributed to the growth of the tokenized U.S. treasury market.

Securitize Secures $47 Million in Strategic Funding Led by BlackRock

New York, NY - March 8, 2023 - Securitize, a leading digital asset securities platform, has announced the completion of a $47 million strategic funding round led by BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager. The investment will fuel the company's ambitious plans for product development, global expansion, and industry partnerships.

BlackRock's Strategic Investment Signals Growing Institutional Interest in Digital Assets

BlackRock's participation in the funding round underscores the growing institutional appetite for digital assets. Joseph Chalom, Global Head of Strategic Ecosystem Partnerships at BlackRock, will join Securitize's board of directors as part of the investment.

"This investment represents another step in the evolution of our digital assets strategy," said Chalom. "We believe that digital assets have the potential to meet the future needs of our clients, and Securitize's expertise in tokenization and digital asset infrastructure will play a critical role in helping us navigate this emerging market."

Securitize's Collaboration with BlackRock on Tokenized Treasury Fund

Prior to the funding round, Securitize had collaborated with BlackRock as a transfer agent, tokenization platform, and placement agent for the launch of the BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL) in March 2023. BUIDL, BlackRock's first tokenized fund, invests in cash, U.S. Treasury bills, and repurchase agreements.

Within six weeks, BUIDL accumulated a market capitalization of $375 million, making it the largest tokenized treasury fund, surpassing the Franklin OnChain U.S. Government Money Fund (BENJI). According to RWA.xyz, there is currently $1.28 billion locked in tokenized U.S. treasuries and bonds.

Aptos Labs, Paxos, and Circle Join Funding Consortium

In addition to BlackRock, other investors in the funding round include blockchain developers Aptos Labs and Paxos, as well as stablecoin issuer Circle. Mo Shaikh, Co-Founder and CEO of Aptos Labs, highlighted the bridging role between traditional and open finance.

"Leaders like BlackRock and pioneers like Securitize are shaping the future of finance," said Shaikh. "Our investment in Securitize will accelerate the adoption of digital assets and create new opportunities for investors."

Securitize's Regulatory Compliance and Infrastructure

Securitize is registered as a broker-dealer and transfer agent with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Its robust regulatory compliance and infrastructure provide institutional investors with the comfort and assurance required for participation in digital asset markets.

About Securitize

Securitize is a pioneer in digital asset securities, providing a turnkey platform that enables companies to issue, manage, and trade digital asset securities on the blockchain. The company's clients include leading financial institutions, real estate companies, and alternative investment managers.

About BlackRock

BlackRock is the world's largest asset manager, with over $10 trillion in assets under management. The company offers a wide range of investment products and services to individuals and institutions globally.