Robo Wealthsimple negotiating fresh funding round

Robo Wealthsimple negotiating fresh funding round
Investment led by TCV would value the Canadian online investment firm at more than $1 billion
OCT 13, 2020
By  Bloomberg

Wealthsimple Inc., the Canadian online investment firm backed by Power Financial Corp., is near a deal to raise money from investors including Technology Crossover Ventures that will give it unicorn status.

The Toronto-based startup is in the final stages of closing a fresh round of more than C$100 million ($76 million) in funding led by Menlo Park, California-based TCV that values it at more than $1 billion, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

A spokeswoman for TCV did not have a comment and referred questions to Wealthsimple. A representative for Wealthsimple declined to comment.

Last year, the company last year raised capital from investors including Power Financial and Allianz X, the tech investment fund of Munich-based insurer and asset manager Allianz SE, to develop existing services and new product offerings, the company said in a statement at the time. Other backers include Toronto-based Bryker Capital Corp.

Wealthsimple, led by Chief Executive Michael Katchen, pitches itself as a low-fee way to invest through its robo-advisory services and commission-free stock trading. It has more than 175,000 users globally who sit in three tiers of membership based on deposit size, according to its website.

The company had previously raised about $190 million, valuing it at $743 million, PitchBook data show.

Wealthsimple’s emphasis on low-cost investment services has drawn comparisons with Robinhood Markets, which received a valuation of $11.7 billion last month when it raised money from investors including Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital. On Sept. 25, the Globe and Mail reported that Wealthsimple was seeking new funding from U.S. venture capital firms.

Latest News

Integrated Partners, Kestra welcome multigenerational advisor teams
Integrated Partners, Kestra welcome multigenerational advisor teams

Integrated Partners is adding a mother-son tandem to its network in Missouri as Kestra onboards a father-son advisor duo from UBS.

Trump not planning to fire Powell, market tension eases
Trump not planning to fire Powell, market tension eases

Futures indicate stocks will build on Tuesday's rally.

From stocks and economy to their own finances, consumers are getting gloomier
From stocks and economy to their own finances, consumers are getting gloomier

Cost of living still tops concerns about negative impacts on personal finances

Women share investing strengths, asset preferences in new study
Women share investing strengths, asset preferences in new study

Financial advisors remain vital allies even as DIY investing grows

Trump vows to 'be nice' to China, slash tariffs
Trump vows to 'be nice' to China, slash tariffs

A trade deal would mean significant cut in tariffs but 'it wont be zero'.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.