Where is SoftBank investing? London-based fintech platform gets $190 million to offer fair access to invest in public firms

London-based fintech platform that provides retail investors with fair access to public markets, PrimaryBid has wrapped up a $190 million Series C funding. The round was led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2, with participation from existing investors, including Molten Ventures (formerly Draper Esprit), LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group), OMERS Ventures, Fidelity International Strategic Ventures, ABN AMRO Ventures, Outward VC, Pentech and Hambro Perks.

The new funding comes on the back of the startup’s $50 million Series B investment round in October 2020. The fresh capital will be used to expand its offering across continental Europe, leveraging key strategic partnerships with ABN AMRO and Euronext, as well as its roll out in new geographies, including the U.S.

Founded by Anand Sambasivan, James Deal, and Kieran D’Silva, the company allows everyday investors fair and equal access to investing in public companies raising capital.

According to Anand Sambasivan, CEO and co-founder of PrimaryBid, the platform is on a mission to democratise public market offerings through a combination of technology, data and advocacy. “Our platform deepens the relationships public companies have with their stakeholders and helps them make their equity and debt offerings more inclusive. This fundraising will enable us to deliver PrimaryBid’s infrastructure to companies internationally, expand our product portfolio, and attract best-in-class technology and capital markets talent”

Since its $50 million Series B round, the company has experienced a period of accelerating growth in 2021, with sustained adoption of its platform by high profile public companies, IPO candidates, and the U.K. capital markets ecosystem. The company also expanded its geographical and product footprint by expanding its API services into Europe, conducting its inaugural transaction in France, and launching a new retail bond product.