Argent
The world’s first smart crypto-wallet, designed in Soho, London, has secured $12m (£9.2m) in funding and launched to the public. Argent is available for download to people looking for simpler, more secure ways of accessing cryptocurrencies and decentralised apps.
Read time: 2 mins Added: 22/06/2021
The London-based business began banking with Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking to help its first significant round of venture capital financing (Series A) investors to transfer their investments safely and quickly, as part of the recent fundraising.
Argent helps people to manage and protect their digital assets and identities using a number of innovative blockchain-based security features, including a guardian system via which users can appoint a trusted second person to verify transactions. The company behind the fintech business is based in Soho but has a remote team that works internationally. With a current headcount of 17, including its three founders, the funding will drive the company’s growth in the years ahead.
Itamar LeSuisse, CEO and co-founder of Argent, said: “We’ve built the first smart crypto wallet with the simplicity and security of the best new bank apps, yet we never hold users’ assets. It takes the complexity out of cryptocurrency and is driven by our dedication to user experience.
“Securing funding as a start-up that works in cryptocurrency meant we needed to find a banking partner that understood our unique needs. Lloyds Bank provided this, and the move helped us with a smooth fundraising process that in turn helped fuel our public launch and secure backing from some of the world’s best venture capital groups including the backers of Spotify and Slack. It’s a crucial step in our mission to give people more control over their digital lives.”
Ben Maynard, Relationship Manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Fintech is a real powerhouse sector for our regional economy and businesses like Argent are flying the flag for London in developing new first-class technology that can benefit millions of people. We’re proud to stand by the side of these disrupters in helping Britain prosper.”
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