Fintech

Ex-Wise employees raise $10m to build Europe’s answer to Robinhood

Investors include early Monzo backer Eileen Burbidge and Wise co-founder Taavet Hinrikus

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Early Wise alumni Martin Sokk (L) and Mikhel Aamer (R) founded Lightyear in October 2020 Photo: Tom Harrison

Two former employees of British fintech firm Wise have raised $10m to fund Europe’s answer to Robinhood, bringing on board an all-star cast of investors as their new company launches in the UK.

Lightyear, which offers stock trading alongside multi-currency banking accounts, said it has closed its first seed funding round at $10m with investment from early Monzo backer Eileen Burbidge, venture capitalists Mosaic Ventures, and Wise chief technology officer Harsh Sinha.

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