
ETFS Capital
Description
ETFS Capital is a London-based investment company with a distinct focus on the FinTech and broader financial services sectors, including capital markets, digital assets, and commodities. Founded by Graham Tuckwell, the visionary behind ETF Securities – the firm that launched the world's first gold ETF in 2003 – ETFS Capital leverages deep industry expertise to identify and nurture transformative businesses. Tuckwell's prior venture, ETF Securities, was notably sold for an aggregate of approximately $683 million in 2018, underscoring the significant financial acumen and market understanding that underpins ETFS Capital's operations.
The firm's investment strategy is characterized by a long-term, strategic approach, often taking significant stakes in companies that are poised to disrupt or enhance the financial ecosystem. They are not confined to a specific stage, investing across the spectrum from early-stage startups requiring foundational capital to more established companies seeking growth equity or strategic partnerships. This flexibility allows ETFS Capital to engage with a diverse range of opportunities, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance derived from their extensive experience in financial markets, technology, and regulation.
ETFS Capital's portfolio reflects its specialized focus, featuring prominent names such as HANetf, a leading UCITS ETF platform where ETFS Capital was a founding shareholder, and CoinShares, a major European digital asset investment firm. Their involvement with CoinShares, which notably raised a $140 million Series B round, exemplifies their commitment to supporting portfolio companies through various growth phases. With at least 11 reported investments, ETFS Capital demonstrates a consistent commitment to building a robust portfolio of innovative financial enterprises. Their typical first cheques range from strategic early-stage investments in the low single-digit millions to more substantial growth capital deployments.
The firm's unique heritage in the ETF space, combined with its forward-looking perspective on FinTech and digital assets, positions ETFS Capital as a sophisticated and influential investor. They seek to partner with founders and management teams who are building the next generation of financial infrastructure and services, providing the necessary capital and strategic support to scale their vision and achieve significant market impact.
Investor Profile
ETFS Capital has backed more than 22 startups, with 3 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 11 rounds, about 50% of its total and boasts 2 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series A, Series Unknown, Seed rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United Kingdom, United States, Switzerland.
- Strong thematic focus on Financial Services, FinTech, Finance.
- Led 1 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $2M – $25M.
Stage Focus
- Series A (36%)
- Series Unknown (32%)
- Seed (18%)
- Series B (9%)
- Series C (5%)
Country Focus
- United Kingdom (59%)
- United States (18%)
- Switzerland (9%)
- Germany (9%)
- France (5%)
Industry Focus
- Financial Services
- Fintech
- Finance
- Software
- Consulting
- Asset Management
- Banking
- Venture Capital
- Cryptocurrency
- B2b
Frequently Asked Questions
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