BBVA Spark, the bank’s startup division led by Carlos Torres, announced a strategic agreement from Elche to back Bit2Me with one million euros. Bit2Me, the leading digital asset company and the first to be registered with the Bank of Spain, entered a debt agreement and participated in a larger investment round totaling 14 million euros. The crypto operator attracted funding in June from Investcorp, Telefónica Ventures, Stratminds, and Emurgo, according to information sourced from BBVA Spark’s public disclosures.
This capital injection marks a notable advance in the broader adoption of cryptocurrencies, aided by support from the European Union and the European Investment Fund through the InvestEU Fund program. The move is seen as a pivotal moment for the sector, fostering confidence in exchanges that emphasize transparency and tax compliance. It positions Bit2Me to scale activities and expand its reach, with Illicitana cited as Spain’s leading cryptocurrency platform by those familiar with the market landscape.
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Leif Ferreira, CEO and co-founder of Bit2Me, stated that the financing from a traditional banking institution for a crypto company signals a broader adoption trend expected in 2024 that will touch every level of finance. He emphasized the significance of such institutional support in validating the sector’s maturation and willingness to engage with crypto services.
Habil Pena, the CSO of the Elche firm, echoed the sentiment, noting that Bit2Me is at the forefront of a wave of early adoption and that the potential for global uptake exists as more institutions and financial players begin integrating cryptocurrency solutions into their operations.
Bit2Me is recognized as a leader within Spain’s crypto industry and is registered with the Bank of Spain as a virtual currency service provider. The company is strategically positioning itself as one of the safest, most user-friendly, and comprehensive digital asset platforms available. Its cyber security posture is reinforced by ISO 27001 certification and Level 1 CSA STAR Certification, alongside holding funds in an Electronic Money Institution to ensure customers’ money is accessible and protected at all times. The integrity of customer funds is maintained by segregation and robust controls, a feature many investors value highly.
Bit2Me serves private, professional, and corporate clients across more than 100 countries. The leadership team includes Leif Ferreira, the platform’s CEO, and Andrey Manuelco, co-founder and COO, with Koh Onozawa serving as co-CEO. The firm employs a team of over 100 professionals, blending deep technical expertise with strategic business acumen. The roster features notable industry figures such as Rodolfo Carpintier, a veteran investor previously involved with Tuenti and BuyVIP, and Pablo Casadio, a long-time investment professional with experience across multinational FP&A, corporate development, and capital markets.