Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: Online Funding / Investing Portals
Fintech Revolutionizes Online Casino Gaming
Nov 10, 2025
The digital transformation of casino gaming accelerates with fintech innovations. Financial technology reshapes how players engage with online platforms. Secure payment systems now support seamless deposits for Gamzix slots. This integration enhances user trust and transaction efficiency. Entrepreneurs leverage these advancements to build competitive gaming startups.
Key Facts
- Global online gambling transactions via blockchain reached $12.7 billion in 2023.
- AI-driven personalization boosted player retention by 34% in 2024.
- Mobile payments accounted for 68% of all casino deposits last year.
- The metaverse casino market is projected to hit $184 billion by 2025.
- Biometric authentication reduced fraud incidents by 52% in iGaming.
- Instant withdrawal processing grew 300% since 2022.
Fintech Fuels Smarter Player Rewards
Modern casinos utilize artificial intelligence to tailor bonuses. Systems analyze individual gameplay to offer personalized promotions. This data-driven approach increases player satisfaction. It also optimizes marketing budgets for operators. Dynamic bonus structures adapt in real-time. They reflect player preferences and spending patterns.
Blockchain Ensures Transparent Jackpots
Distributed ledger technology brings unprecedented fairness to slots. Every spin and jackpot outcome becomes verifiable. Players gain confidence in game integrity. Smart contracts automate payouts without delays. This innovation addresses historical trust issues in online gaming. Transparent algorithms prevent manipulation.
Secure Payments Drive Growth
Advanced encryption and digital identity solutions protect transactions. Startups integrate biometric checks for account safety. Peer-to-peer payment networks enable instant deposits. These systems reduce friction for high-volume players. Secure governance frameworks ensure regulatory compliance. They foster sustainable scale-up opportunities.
The Metaverse Expands Casino Economics
Virtual reality casinos create immersive social gaming experiences. Players use cryptocurrency for in-world purchases. This blends entertainment with alternative finance models. Augmented reality overlays bring slots into physical spaces. Entrepreneurs develop virtual economies around branded games. These platforms attract a younger, tech-savvy demographic.
See: Visa Extends Stablecoin Settlement to Four Blockchains
Fintech continues to redefine online casino operations. It merges financial innovation with entertainment technology. This synergy creates safer, more engaging player experiences. Adopting these technologies becomes essential for industry leadership. The future promises even deeper integration between finance and gaming ecosystems.
Blockchain Creates Unbreakable Player Trust
Distributed ledger technology guarantees absolute game fairness. Every transaction becomes permanently recorded and visible. Players can verify each bet's integrity independently. This transparency builds unprecedented confidence in platforms. Smart contracts automate payouts without human intervention. They eliminate delays and potential errors in winnings distribution.
Cryptocurrencies enable truly borderless gaming experiences. Geographic restrictions and currency conversions disappear. Players enjoy seamless access from any location worldwide. Digital wallets provide instant access to funds. This global reach opens massive new markets for operators. Traditional banking hurdles become irrelevant overnight.
Tokenized loyalty programs reward consistent player engagement. Gamers earn redeemable assets for their activity. These digital tokens hold real-world value and utility. They foster stronger community connections than points systems. Players become invested stakeholders in the platform's success. This alignment creates powerful long-term retention benefits.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Canadian retirees earn a stable passive income daily by mining XRP through ETCMining
Nov 4, 2025
In Canada, a growing number of retirees are seeking a safe and worry-free way to realize long-term growth in their digital assets. Faced with persistently low bank interest rates, limited returns from traditional investment products, and volatile crypto markets, striking a balance between stability and growth has become a crucial issue for retired families.
Many Canadian retirees are legally participating in XRP (Ripple) cloud mining through ETCMining platform, Earn passive income every day. This new model requires no trading and does not rely on short-term price fluctuations, providing a completely new solution for long-term retirement income.
Make your mainstream cryptocurrency holdings truly "start working for you."
In the past, retirees holding XRP or BTC had to wait for price increases to profit. With ETCMining, these assets are directly converted into cloud mining income. For retirees, this means they can receive a daily digital "retirement supplement" without having to operate or monitor the market.
Why are more and more Canadian retirees choosing ETCMining?
1. Simple operation, no technical requirements required
Register an ETCMining account → Select a hash rate contract → Start mining automatically, no equipment or maintenance required.
2. Safe, stable, and clear returns
The platform boasts mature technology and stable hash rate, providing users with stable long-term returns and suitable for conservative investment needs.
3. Multi-currency support, more flexible configuration
Supporting major cryptocurrencies such as BTC, XRP, ETH, and DOGE, users can freely choose the mining asset of their choice.
4. Comprehensive customer service and training support
We provide 24/7 customer service and online training to help retirees quickly get started and build confidence.
See: Investing in the Future of AI and Blockchain
The following are some of the most popular contracts recently launched:
| mining pools | price | day | Daily income | Principal + Return |
| New User Experience Contract | $100 | 2 | $4 | $100+$8 |
| MICROBT WhatsMiner M50 | $500 | 5 | $6 | $500+$30 |
| MICROBT WhatsMiner M50S | $1,200 | 10 | $14.76 | $1,200+$147.6 |
| ETC Miner E9 Pro | $3,300 | 16 | $42.9 | $3,000+$686.4 |
| Bitcoin Miner S21+ Hyd | $5,000 | 25 | $70 | $8,000+$1,750 |
| ETC Miner E11 | $8,300 | 30 | $124.5 | $10,000+$3,735 |
ETCMining is more like a "digital pension value-added channel," allowing retirement assets to continue to grow over the long term.
How to Join ETCMining?
Register an Account
Register for an ETCMining account and receive a $20 new user bonus, allowing you to experience the platform's profitability with zero entry requirements.
Choose a Cloud Mining Contract
Choose based on your budget and schedule, and participate directly with major assets like XRP, BTC, and ETH.
Automatically Receive Daily Income
Income will be distributed daily to your account and can be withdrawn or reinvested at any time, achieving compound growth.
The Trend is Here
"From the Era of Trading to the Era of Holding for Interest"
ETCMining represents a more mature asset management approach, not high-risk speculation
As more and more Canadian retired families begin to consider crypto assets as a source of long-term cash flow, cloud mining is becoming a new generation of reliable financial management tools.
About ETCMining
ETCMining is a global clean energy cloud mining platform founded in the UK in 2019, dedicated to providing users with stable, secure, and sustainable computing power services. Leveraging over 100 large-scale mining farms and data centers across Eastern Europe, North America, Central Asia, and Australia, the platform implements a highly efficient, low-energy, green mining strategy.
Currently, ETCMining's services are available in over 190 countries and regions worldwide, with over 7 million registered users. With its leading technology and stable returns, it continues to be widely trusted by investors worldwide.
Overview
If you already have XRP/BTC/ETH, you desire a stable cash flow from your assets, you are averse to speculative risk, and you prefer a sustainable and secure growth model, then ETCMining could be your second pension for your digital assets.
For more information, please visit https://etcmining.com/ or contact us via email: info@etcmining.com
Application download: https://etcmining.com/xml/index.html#/app
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Gander Social Nears $1.5M as Canadians Invest in Canada
Equity Crowdfunding | Oct 31, 2025
Image: Gander Social via FrontFundr equity crowdfunding campaign
Gander Social’s Fast Funding Raise Reflects Canadians Investing in National Digital Independence
On October 24, 2025, Gander Social, a Canadian alternative to foreign-owned social platforms, announced that they surpassed $1 million raised from more than 1,595 investors in its initial private community phase, exceeding their target in just over a week. Then on October 30, the company announced in a release that they are opening the campaign up to the public on FrontFundr, inviting Canadians across the country to join its growing base of community owners.
See: CSA Proposes $50K Harmonized Self Certified Investor Exemption
The campaign has now raised almost $1.2 million and is targeting $1.5 million and continues to grow rapidly through organic participation and word-of-mouth sharing, demonstrating the strong appetite for Canadian-built platforms and the expanding role of equity crowdfunding in mobilizing retail investors, especially at a time when early stage venture funding channels are under pressure.
Canadian Platform with Purpose
Led by Ottawa-based longtime creative director turned founder CEO Ben Waldman, Gander Social is built by a small team of Canadian engineers and creators who want to give people a trustworthy alternative to ad-driven social media. The company is structured as a Public Benefit Corporation, showing its commitment to long-term public accountability rather than short-term profit. Waldman described the movement behind Gander as “more like a call to arms,” a push to rebuild online spaces around community ownership and digital sovereignty.
BenWaltman, CEO Gander Social:
“We’re not seeking venture capital, foreign funding, bombarding you with ads, and we’re not going to sell your data. We’re inviting you to become co-owners of Gander with us. The world is screaming for an alternative, so we’re building it with Gander Social right here in Canada.”
Wave of Investment Patriotism
By setting a minimum investment of $255, Gander is making participation accessible to everyday Canadians. The campaign reinforces the growing “keep it in Canada” mindset that prioritizes domestic ownership, ethical innovation, and sustainable platform design. Investors are not just looking for returns but they want to help define the kind of digital economy they want to see in Canada.
See: H1 2025 Global Fintech Funding Slows, Some Sectors Firing
As Canada feels the geopolitical pressures, across the country investors are embracing equity crowdfunding to participate directly in the innovation economy and keep growth capital in Canada. It’s a model that strengthens community engagement while advancing national competitiveness and financial inclusion.
Conclusion
For policymakers and fintech advocates, Gander’s raise demonstrates how equity crowdfunding can mobilize citizens to fund nationally significant ventures. It shows how financial innovation and digital sovereignty can align to strengthen Canada’s independence, resilience, and competitiveness in a global tech landscape increasingly defined by foreign control. Learn more about the Gander Social campaign here.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create aa vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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NHL Bets on Fintech’s Future with Kalshi and Polymarket
Prediction Markets | Oct 29, 2025
Image: NHL Calder Memorial Trophy example (Polymarket)
NHL Embraces Fintech Innovation, Turning Prediction Markets Into A New Form of Fan Finance
On October 22, 2025, the National Hockey League (NHL) announced new multi-year partnerships with Kalshi and Polymarket. It's the first time a major sports league has given prediction markets an official seat at the table.
Both Kalshi and Polymarket will use official NHL data, league marks, and broadcast rights to let fans interact with games through regulated financial platforms. The partnerships show how fintech innovation is breaking into unexpected territory, and why responsible design and governance matters just as much as bold ideas.
A New Kind of Fan Connection
Think of a prediction market as a meeting point between finance and curiosity.
People can trade small contracts based on real-world outcomes, such as who will win this year's Stanley Cup or a playoff series? How many goals a team might score? Or whether a player reaches a milestone? The prices of those contracts is based on supply and demand, so they reflect what the crowd believes will happen.
See: Real World Implementation of Real Estate Tokenization
Kalshi operates under the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), while Polymarket began as a blockchain experiment using the Polygon network and USDC stablecoin.
For fans, prediction markets turn watching into participation.
For fintechs, it validates that with the right mix of data, incentives, and community interactions financial tools can become part of mainstream entertainment when framed responsibly. Innovation when paired with trust can educate and expand access, too.
Inside the Legal Frontier
Behind the excitement sits a serious legal question. Kalshi is fighting a federal battle with the New York State Gaming Commission, which insists that its contracts are a form of unlicensed sports wagering. Kalshi argues otherwise. Other regulators in places like Massachusetts and Nevada have voiced similar concerns. Each ruling is a test of whether innovation can coexist with public accountability. The company says federal law gives the CFTC authority, not state gaming boards.
Polymarket’s path has been anything but linear. After paying a $1.4 million CFTC fine in 2022 for operating without registration, the firm earned approval to relaunch in the U.S. in 2025 by acquiring QCEX exchange with a CFTC license.
See: Regulatory Fairness Returns as SEC and CFTC Realign
By changing from a fully decentralized model to one that aligns with compliance standards, Polymarket demonstrated how they could innovate within regulatory frameworks. Now it sits alongside Kalshi as an NHL partner. A fintech built on blockchain that's earned institutional trust by embracing regulation, instead of resisting it.
As covered by the Sports Business Journal, the NHL didn’t jump in blindly. Reports show the NHL consulted regulators and examined consumer protections before agreeing to the partnerships.
Even so, the American Gaming Association called the deal “deeply troubling” (subscription required) warning that fans could confuse regulated markets with gambling. That tension captures a bigger issue facing every fintech today. That is how to innovate responsibly while protecting users. The NHL partnership suggests that fintechs can scale mainstream by demonstrating to regulators And customers that innovation and safety can coexist.
Takeaway
For Canada, the NHL partnership is a glimpse into what the future of participatory finance could look like. Canadian regulators have already been exploring frameworks for digital assets, open banking, and tokenized finance.
See: SEC Chair Backs Crypto Super Apps and AI Finance at OECD
Prediction markets fit naturally into that conversation. If handled properly, they could open new avenues for retail engagement and capital formation while reinforcing Canada’s reputation for responsible fintech growth.
Conclusion
Prediction markets are moving from the edges of crypto into the center of participatory commerce. By partnering with Kalshi and Polymarket, the NHL is betting not only on fan enthusiasm but on fintech’s capacity to build trust through transparency. For Canada’s fintech community, the moment reinforces a truth long advocated by NCFA, when innovation, regulation, and inclusion advance together, everyone gains.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create aa vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Trump Issues Binance Founder CZ Full Unconditional Pardon
Crypto | Oct 24, 2025
Image courtesy of AI
Full Pardon of Binance Founder, Restoring CZ’s Legal Standing
On October 23, 2025, as reported by AP News U.S. President Donald Trump issued a full and unconditional pardon to Changpeng Zhao, a Canadian citizen and founder of Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange. The decision cleared Zhao’s 2023 conviction under U.S. anti–money laundering and sanctions laws.
According to the White House, Trump “exercised his constitutional authority” to issue the pardon, describing Zhao’s prosecution as part of “the Biden Administration’s war on cryptocurrency.” The news arrived amid a record Bitcoin record high above $120,000 earlier in July, showing renewed investor optimism in the digital asset market.
Regulatory Clarity and Competition
The pardon comes as global regulators assess how to balance enforcement with innovation. For Canadian fintechs, it raises questions about regulatory predictability and competitiveness. Under the current U.S. administration, regulatory enforcement appears more forgiving toward large crypto platforms, which could influence global investment decisions.
See: Crypto Finance Finding Scale and Clarity in 2025
In Canada, regulators fined Binance $6 million CAD for anti–money laundering violations and Binance compliance failures in Canada.
The pardon reintroduces uncertainty over how enforcement consistency (or inconsistency) impacts capital allocation and market trust. Transparent, consistent oversight is still vital to sustaining trust and access to global markets.
CZ's Reaction and Canadian Connection
Zhao’s Canadian citizenship links Canada directly to one of the most influential figures in crypto. After serving nearly four months in prison and paying a $50 million fine, Zhao retained his stake in Binance while appointing Richard Teng as CEO.
In a statement, Zhao said he was “deeply grateful for today’s pardon and to President Trump for upholding America’s commitment to fairness, innovation, and justice,” adding that he would “do everything we can to help make America the Capital of Crypto.”
As the perceived regulatory risk lowers in the U.S. due to regulatory clarity, there's renewed optimism among institutional investors. For Canadian investors, a more predictable U.S. outlook could improve confidence in cross-border partnerships if compliance frameworks remain strong.
See: Canadian Investors Lead Class Action Against Binance Canada
With the pardon now in place, Binance may renew expansion in the U.S. under current CEO Richard Teng who has emphasized compliance, transparency, and rebuilding trust with regulators worldwide. Analysts note that the pardon “could pave the way for the firm’s return and reintegration into the American market.”
Outlook
The Trump pardon of Changpeng Zhao is another key moment in the global crypto narrative. For Canada, it highlights the importance of credible, consistent oversight as markets respond to pro-crypto U.S. policy signals. Renewed institutional attention to digital assets could open doors for compliant fintechs, but long-term success will depend on maintaining transparency, sound governance, and global coordination.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create aa vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Wealthsimple Drops Options Fees and Launches Real Gold
Fintech Event | Oct 23, 2025
Image; Wealthsimple For Nerds 2025, Michael Katchen
Wealthsimple’s 2025 Event Introduces Zero Fee Options, Real Gold, and Private Market Investing
On October 22, 2025, Wealthsimple held its For Nerds Only showcase in Toronto, launching a bevy of new products and milestones that highlight the major changes happening in Canada's retail investing market.
Over 220,000 Canadians registered for the livestream which is double the audience size at WS's event held last June. The company splashed some big news in that it officially surpassed $100 billion in assets under administration, reaching the milestone 3 years ahead of its original 2028 target!
See: Fintechs Urge Ottawa to Modernize Account Transfers
Alongside the product updates, Wealthsimple shared results from a June 2025 survey of clients aged 25 to 45 with more than $50,000 in assets that confirm there's demand for digital control when paired with trusted guidance:
- 92% reported confidence managing their own investments
- 69% identified as above-average risk takers
- 67% preferred to manage their own portfolios
- 79% viewed traditional financial institutions as slow to innovate
What Was Announced?
1. Zero fee options and lower trading costs
Wealthsimple introduced what it calls Canada’s first zero commission options platform with no per-contract fees. By eliminating traditional contract costs that major bank brokerages still charge, the firm aims to make options more accessible to retail investors with zero fee options rolling out to all clients in phases in 2026. Users should monitor fee transparency and execution quality as adoption scales.
See: Quebec Decision Challenges Canada’s Crypto Rules
WS’s zero fee options will disrupt the pricing structures of Canada’s largest bank brokerages, such as RBC Direct Investing, TD Direct Investing, BMO InvestorLine, and Scotia iTRADE who all still charge between $1.25 and $2.50 per contract, a model that has long supported their retail trading revenue. By removing per contract costs entirely, WS sets a new benchmark that will pressure banks to justify higher fees or cut them to stay competitive.
As more and more investors move to lower cost platforms, traditional banks risk losing up/cross selling opportunities in savings, credit, and advisory products. For younger retail investors and clients who value cost transparency and mobile-first design, zero fee options trading is the way to go.
2. Real gold trading with physical redemption
Wealthsimple also launched real gold trading (See: support guide) directly in client accounts, making it available around the clock and backed by the Royal Canadian Mint. Investors can buy fractional amounts starting at one dollar and will be able to redeem for physical one ounce and tenth ounce coins beginning in November 2025.
The new feature combines online convenience with real ownership of gold, appealing to people who want something tangible instead of investing in gold ETFs. If trading costs stay low, it could change how Canadians buy and hold gold in their accounts.
3. Managed portfolios and Summit expansion
Wealthsimple introduced a Mutual Fund Exchange to help investors transition from high-fee mutual funds to lower-cost managed portfolios, covering transfer fees and offering personalized guidance.
The firm also previewed its flagship Summit portfolio, a new managed offering that blends public equities with private equity, private credit, infrastructure, and gold exposure.
See: Wealthsimple Aims at Banks With New Credit and Loan Tools
According to the newsroom release:
Investors switching from high-fee mutual funds to the Summit portfolio could retire up to 47% richer due to fee savings alone.
4. Direct indexing and tax automation
Wealthsimple confirmed that direct indexing portfolios are now available, offering the same tax saving tools used by large institutions. The service automates daily tax loss harvesting across individual stocks and charges a 0.15% management fee, as shown on the direct indexing page.
It lets investors mirror an index while owning each company directly, which can improve after-tax results and give more control over what they hold. The system automatically sells losing stocks to offset gains and reinvests the money to keep market exposure.
5. New AI tools and upcoming features
Wealthsimple previewed upcoming AI powered research and trading tools that will generate market summaries, identify trends, and deliver event alerts. Also scheduled for release are secured puts, multi-leg option strategies, and a built-in Norbert’s Gambit function for more efficient currency conversion.
See: BoC’s Carolyn Rogers Calls Banks an Oligopoly
These new tools showcase how automation and personalized data analysis are converging on the platform.
6. Expanding advice and scale
Wealthsimple introduced a new full service wealth management tier that combines digital access with human advice via text and proactive tax and contribution planning. Management fees start at 0.5% for higher balances.
In Closing
The 2025 event reinforced Wealthsimple’s ambition to democratize sophisticated investing while lowering costs for Canadians. From zero fee options and physical gold to direct indexing and hybrid advice, the company’s strategy blends accessibility with innovation. As its AI tools and private market portfolios scale through 2026, the balance between automation, transparency, and client empowerment will remain key measures of success.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create aa vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Jon Medved Steps Down as OurCrowd CEO After ALS Diagnosis
OurCrowd | Oct 22, 2025
Image: Inaugural Canadian Crowdfinance Summit 2015, NCFA Craig Asano with Jon Medved CEO OurCrowd
CEO Jon Medved Transitions to Chairman of OurCrowd Following ALS Diagnosis
On October 21 2025, as reported by several news outlets, OurCrowd announced on Tuesday that Founding CEO Jon Medved will move into the role of Chairman after being diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gherig’s disease. OurCrowd named Cali Chill as Acting CEO and COO, a long-time executive who has led investment operations. Medved will stay active by focusing on strategy, global partnerships, and support for portfolio companies.
In his conversation with Calcalist, Medved said that after thirteen years leading the company this change was necessary but that he continues to work full days.
“A few months ago, I was hospitalized and diagnosed with ALS, a serious and terrible disease. Everything still works, but it’s very difficult for me to breathe. I’m improving and fighting it, and I still work eight to ten hours a day, which allows me to continue treatment.”
OurCrowd began in 2013 when new rules under the JOBS Act opened doors for online investment. The platform connected smaller accredited investors with venture deals that were once limited to big institutions. Under Medved’s leadership, it grew into one of the world’s largest tech investment networks, backing companies such as Anthropic, Databricks, Groq, and SpaceX.
As reported by Crowdfund Insider, OurCrowd now reports more than 2.6 billion USD in commitments across 500 portfolio companies and 68 funds with 240,000 registered investors from 195 countries.
Cali Chill said he is honoured to lead at this time and credited Medved for building the culture that drives the company. He said that by offering curated access to venture opportunities, OurCrowd bridges the gap between institutional investors and individuals who want professional access to global startups. Medved said he will keep pushing to democratize venture investing and use artificial intelligence to reach a wider community of investors.
See: OurCrowd Double IPO Success Provides Crowdfunding Validation
A Lasting Connection With Canada’s Crowd
Medved has been a returning keynote speaker at NCFA Canada events over the years, such as the 2015 Canadian Crowdfinance Summit and FFCON19: Fearless. He was known for his inspiring energy, storytelling, and ability to connect people. After his talks, crowds would often follow him as he handed out business cards and traded ideas with founders and investors. He was highly sought after and a regular guest in leading media outlets where he spoke about Israel’s technology ecosystem, global venture markets, and innovation trends. His stories about Israel’s startup culture and how necessity sparked resilience left a strong mark on the Canadian innovation community.
One memorable example came during his keynote at CCS 2015, when Medved made a spontaneous commitment on stage to open a Canadian office for OurCrowd. Within months, the firm delivered on that promise, establishing operations in Toronto and announcing a 1 million USD investment in Influitive, a Toronto-based advocate marketing leader. Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development at the time, Brad Duguid, described the move as "a landmark step for Canada’s growing technology and venture capital scene".
Read: Equity Crowdfunding Leader OurCrowd Opens Canadian Office; Targets 1st Investment in Canadian Company Influitive
Medved Continues to Lead Through ALS
Even now as Jon manages ALS, he continues to work and inspire others. He remains a powerful voice for founders, investors, and countries building inclusive capital markets. His determination to keep working through adversity shows the same spirit that made OurCrowd a global success. On behalf of NCFA, we wish all the best for Jon and his team during this time.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create aa vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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