Female Invest: Empowering Women in the World of Investing
When Female Invest launched in 2019, it aimed to create a supportive community for women eager to dive into the stock market but unsure of where to begin. The platform has since evolved, providing users with the knowledge and confidence to make informed investment decisions. Recently, Female Invest announced a significant milestone: the acquisition of Gaia Investments, a Danish fintech company focused on sustainable investing. This strategic move will allow Female Invest users to trade directly within their app, enhancing the overall user experience.
The Acquisition of Gaia Investments
The acquisition of Gaia Investments marks a pivotal moment for Female Invest. While the purchase price remains undisclosed, Gaia had previously raised funds at a valuation of $3 million just three months before the acquisition. This integration will not only streamline the trading process for Female Invest users but also align with the growing demand for sustainable investment options.
Building Trust and Community
Camilla Falkenberg, co-founder and partner at Female Invest, emphasized the importance of community feedback in shaping the platform’s features. “Since day one, we have always been very focused on building the features and products that were requested by our community,” she stated. A recent survey revealed that an impressive 96% of users trust Female Invest with their money more than they do their banks. This trust is a cornerstone of the platform’s success and growth.
Strategic Growth and Development
Over the past year, Female Invest has been laying the groundwork for this integration. Following a successful $4.5 million seed round in November, the company expanded its tech team and developed a robust app. However, when they encountered Gaia Investments in July, it became clear that partnering with an established trading platform would be more efficient than building one from scratch.
Shared Values and Vision
Both Female Invest and Gaia Investments share a commitment to ethical and sustainable investing. Falkenberg noted, “Gaia has a strong brand here in the Nordics and such a strong focus on ethics and sustainable investing, something we are also very interested in.” This alignment of values made the acquisition a natural fit for both companies.
Mads Sverre Willumsen, co-founder and CTO of Gaia, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We knew Female Invest and saw the journey they had been on in the past three years.” The shared vision of creating a much-needed investment product solidified the decision to merge.
The Journey of Gaia Investments
Gaia Investments was born out of a personal experience. Co-founder David Bentzon-Ehlers was inspired to create a platform after his mother expressed the need for a safe space to invest in sustainable companies. This personal connection to the mission has driven Gaia’s development and aligns closely with Female Invest’s objectives.
Navigating the Transition
As Female Invest prepares to integrate Gaia’s platform, current Gaia users will be transitioned smoothly, with their funds returned in full. While a specific launch date for the trading feature has not been announced, Falkenberg indicated that it would first roll out in the European Union, followed by the U.K.
Trends in the Fintech Sector
The acquisition reflects a broader trend in the fintech sector, where early-stage startups are increasingly consolidating to navigate the uncertainties of the market. As the landscape evolves, it’s likely that more companies will seek partnerships to enhance their offerings and ensure sustainability.
Future Aspirations
Despite the challenges in the market, Female Invest remains focused on its long-term vision. Falkenberg articulated a clear goal: “Our vision is to create an extremely user-friendly, and easy to navigate, platform with a focus on sustainability to invest in the values that matter to them.” With a loyal user base eagerly awaiting new features, Female Invest is poised for continued growth and innovation in the investment space.