Rotterdam-based crypto asset manager Blockrise has successfully closed its first external funding round. They raised €2 million ($2.6 million) in a seed round backed by venture capital firms and angel investors, including Golden Egg Check Capital.
The funding marks a major milestone for the Dutch startup as it gears up to become a key player in the regulated crypto wealth management space.
The fresh capital will be primarily allocated toward meeting the stringent compliance standards of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR), the upcoming European Union framework for crypto asset oversight.
Blockrise intends to obtain its MiCAR license from the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), positioning itself at the forefront of compliant and secure digital asset services in Europe.
Preparing for MiCAR Compliance and Strategic Growth
The MiCAR regulation, expected to take effect across the EU, represents a major shift in how crypto companies operate within regulated financial markets.
Blockrise’s seed funding will help the firm build the necessary infrastructure and legal frameworks to align with these new rules.
CEO Jos Lazet highlighted that the investment will allow the company to accelerate product development, scale the team, and enhance its market presence.
He emphasized that the MiCAR license would empower Blockrise to broaden its offerings, focusing on delivering regulated Bitcoin-based financial products for high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients.
With ambitions to launch new Bitcoin financing assets by year-end, Blockrise is clearly laying the groundwork for robust, sustainable growth under a legally sound framework.
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Strengthening Leadership and Team Capabilities
To support its strategic goals, Blockrise has significantly bolstered its executive leadership.
The company recently appointed Arthur van Lier as Chief Operating Officer (COO), Luuc Mannaerts as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Valentin Mazareanu as Chief Information & Security Officer (CISO).
These new hires bring extensive expertise in operations, finance, and cybersecurity, critical areas for a company navigating complex crypto regulations.
Additional key hires, including a Head of Legal & Compliance and a Director of Marketing, are expected in the coming months.
These personnel expansions reflect Blockrise’s commitment to strong governance, compliance, and scalable operations as it evolves into a fully regulated crypto asset management firm.
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A Platform Built for Institutional Confidence and Secure Custody
Founded and led by Jos Lazet, Blockrise Capital has already registered with De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) as a crypto-services provider.
They offer a secure Bitcoin custody and asset management platform tailored specifically to institutional and high-net-worth clients.
The platform’s value proposition centers on regulatory compliance, security, and reliability, three pillars that are increasingly vital in today’s maturing digital asset landscape.
Investors are taking note.
“We’re impressed by what Blockrise has already accomplished in such a complex, highly regulated market,” said Thomas Mensink, Managing Partner at Golden Egg Check Capital.
“We believe corporate demand for Bitcoin, for treasury management and structured products, will continue to grow. Blockrise offers a secure, reliable solution, and we’re proud to support their next stage of growth.”