London-based investment platform Lightyear has raised €19.5 million in a Series B round led by NordicNinja, bringing its total funding to approximately €49.3 million.
The round also saw continued backing from existing investors such as Lightspeed Venture Partners, Metaplanet, and Skaala, as well as participation from newcomers Superangel, SpecialistVC, and Bolt founder Markus Villig.
Founded in 2021 by former Wise executives Martin Sokk and Mihkel Aamer, Lightyear aims to simplify investing for retail users across Europe. With the new capital, the company plans to expand into additional countries including Denmark, Sweden, and Bulgaria, building on its current presence in 25 countries and 10 languages.
New AI-Powered Tools to Democratize Investing
The funding announcement comes alongside the launch of three new AI-based tools designed to democratize access to financial analysis. These include:
- “Why Did It Move”: A feature offering instant explanations for price movements in charts.
- “Bulls Say, Bears Say”: Summarized investment insights based on aggregated market research.
- “Lightning Updates”: Personalized news alerts based on individual watchlists and portfolios.
These tools are aimed at breaking down barriers to sophisticated market intelligence traditionally locked behind expensive subscriptions.
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€849M in Customer Assets and Business Account Growth
Lightyear has now reached €849.87 million in assets under management, fueled by the addition of business accounts in 18 countries, fractional European shares, and localized tax products. The company operates under Estonian and UK regulatory frameworks, allowing for compliance across the EU/EEA and the UK.
Strategic Support from NordicNinja and Industry Giants
The round’s lead investor, NordicNinja, a Japanese-backed VC with support from Honda, Panasonic, and JBIC, brings more than just funding. It aligns with Lightyear’s Nordic growth ambitions and strengthens ties in the region.
“Martin & Mihkel have an unparalleled vision for how AI will shape the future of retail investing in Europe, and we couldn’t wait to join in on that,” said Rainer Sternfeld, Partner at NordicNinja.
Co-founder Martin Sokk added, “This Series B round is a huge vote of confidence in the untapped potential of investing in Europe and Lightyear’s ability to make the difference.”
With this latest injection of funding, Lightyear is well-positioned to continue bridging the gap in retail investing access across Europe’s fragmented financial landscape.
