Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: Press Releases
Keiretsu Forum and Keiretsu Capital Partners with Online Investment Platform FrontFundr
FrontFundr / Keiretsu Forum Release | Nov 17, 2017
SEATTLE / VANCOUVER, November 15th, 2017 – The world’s largest angel network, Keiretsu Forum, and its affiliate Keiretsu Capital announced a partnership with FrontFundr, Canada’s leading online investment and funding platform. Keiretsu and FrontFundr will collaborate in the areas of deal syndication, due diligence and build out the investor community in Canada.
The partnership enables Keiretsu members and the wider investor community in Canada to invest online in companies whom are both based in Canada and the United States.
Nathan McDonald, President of Keiretsu Forum Northwest and CEO of Keiretsu Capital: “Our collaboration with FrontFundr allows us to accomplish one of our key objectives to extend access to our Keiretsu global network and to open up co-investment opportunities to a wider investor community provide follow-on funding”.
Keiretsu members who may not have time to actively participate Keiretsu pitch meetings or who are looking to invest in smaller amounts can now invest in the online FrontFundr platform. It also enables non-Keiretsu members to invest alongside Keiretsu investors.
“We are extremely excited about our partnership with Keiretsu”, says Peter-Paul Van Hoeken, Founder & CEO of FrontFundr. “This partnership helps us address the lack of access to capital for companies and provide access to the wider investor community to screened investment opportunities.”
See: CEO, FrontFundr Speak NOV 28 @VanFUNDING 2017 GOING MAINSTREAM Blockchain & Fintech Conference
Registered as an Exempt Market Dealer (EMD), equivalent to a Broker-Dealer in the U.S., FrontFundr can distribute securities online to both accredited and non-accredited investors in Canada. Keiretsu and FrontFundr are also looking to open up investment opportunities in North America to accredited investors outside of Canada and the United States.
About FrontFundr
FrontFundr is Canada’s leading online investment platform providing investors access to investment opportunities in vetted companies. FrontFundr uses technology to assist companies in raising capital efficiently from both seasoned investors and the wider public through a streamlined online investment process.
About Keiretsu Forum and Keiretsu Capital
Keiretsu Forum is a global angel investor network supporting its portfolio companies with equity and resources worldwide. With chapters in North America, Europe, and Asia, Keiretsu Forum has invested more than $750 million in over 1,000 fundings since inception and backed over 170 companies in 2016 alone. Keiretsu Capital is the exclusive worldwide fund partner of Keiretsu Forum and manages angel co-investment and real estate funds for its investors. Keiretsu Forum and Keiretsu Capital are ranked as the most active venture investors in the world by Pitchbook and the National Venture Capital Association. Below are the 2Q 2017 rankings tables.
For further information, please contact:
Katie Hamburg at katie@keiretsucapital.com or Jasper Dikmans at jasper@frontfundr.com
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding, alternative finance, fintech, P2P, ICO, and online investing stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, industry stewardship, and networking opportunities to over 1600+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. For more information, please visit: ncfacanada.org
Competition Bureau invites feedback on draft FinTech report
Press Release | Competition Bureau | Nov 6, 2017
November 6, 2017 – OTTAWA, ON – Competition Bureau
As part of its commitment to engage with Canadians on emerging issues, the Competition Bureau has published a draft report on its market study concerning technology‑led innovation in the Canadian financial services (FinTech) sector.
The financial services sector is a pillar of the Canadian economy. From consumers buying groceries to businesses making investments that create the jobs of tomorrow, practically everything we do relies on this sector.
Recently, there has been a wave of new, innovative, and technology-based means for Canadians to access financial services. The introduction of innovative products is an opportunity to inject greater competition in the sector. When there is more competition, we generally see lower prices, more choice and convenience for consumers, as well as higher levels of innovation.
“The future is now. Let’s get it right by providing policymakers with the information they need to nurture a competitive environment that allows Canada’s FinTech companies to innovate and grow globally.”
-John Pecman, Commissioner of Competition
However, innovative products are often challenged by the rules associated with the old ways of doing business. The draft report contains a number of recommendations for regulators and policymakers to consider. Each recommendation is aimed at modernizing the regulation of financial services to support innovation and greater competition through FinTech.
See: Competition Bureau suggests Canadian FinTech sector’s slow growth due to regulation, consumer complacency
Through the publication of a draft report, the Bureau continues to engage with stakeholders, including businesses, consumers, and domestic and foreign regulators and policymakers. Interested parties are invited to provide their feedback on the draft report no later than November 20, 2017 by completing the online form, or by sending comments to the coordinates below:
Competition Promotion Branch
Competition Bureau
50 Victoria Street
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0C9
Fax: 819-934-9293
The Bureau will soon release a final report which takes into consideration the views collected during the consultation period.
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding, alternative finance, fintech, P2P, ICO, and online investing stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, industry stewardship, and networking opportunities to over 1600+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. For more information, please visit: ncfacanada.org
Global Payout’s MoneyTrac Technology, Inc. Partners with Innovative Blockchain and Token Accelerator Pegasus Fintech, Inc. for Joint Development of Cryptocurrency-Based Token
Global Newswire Press release | Oct 24, 2017
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Payout, Inc. (OTCPink: GOHE) (“Global”) is pleased to announce that its majority owned subsidiary, MoneyTrac Technology, Inc. (“MTRAC,” the “Company”) has established a strategic partnership with Pegasus Fintech, Inc., an innovative blockchain and token accelerator company delivering regulatory-compliant solutions in the financial services, technology, blockchain, and cryptocurrency market sectors.
See Pegasus CEO Speak: [Nov 16, Toronto Event]: New Frontiers in Capital Innovation – Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs)
The core focus of the partnership will center around the development of a regulatory-compliant, security-based cryptocurrency token to be utilized within the financial technology platform that MTRAC is currently developing for its clients operating in the cannabis industry. Additionally, it is MTRAC’s intent to introduce a value-driven token that will completely streamline payment processing for businesses and consumers across an industry that continues to grow substantially.
“MoneyTrac Technology is aiming to establish itself as the most effective full-service provider of financial technology solutions for businesses in the cannabis industry,” says MTRAC COO Vanessa Luna. “Pegasus’s cryptocurrency technology will serve as the catalyst for us to develop and introduce a cryptocurrency token that we believe will become the foundation for a revolutionary financial platform for the cannabis industry and go well beyond anything currently available in this market.”
Pegasus founder and CEO David Lucatch adds, “At Pegasus Fintech, we have devoted a considerable amount of time and effort toward the development of a security-based token acceleration process that meets the needs and expectations of a changing global securities landscape. We are excited to have the opportunity to work in collaboration with MoneyTrac Technology on the development of a regulatory compliant Public Initial Blockchain Offering (“PIBCO”) that will become the foundation for a token offering in their market sector that we believe will not only offer a real value to investors and token holders, but also facilitate market liquidity.”
With the development and successful launch of a cryptocurrency-based token, MoneyTrac expects to increase its revenue earning potential in addition to its overall value amongst its client base within the cannabis industry.
About Global Payout, Inc. (OTC Pink: GOHE)
Since the Company's inception in 2009, Global Payout, Inc. has been a leading provider of comprehensive and customized prepaid payment solutions for domestic and international organizations distributing money worldwide. In 2014, Global introduced its first online payment platform called the Consolidated Payment Gateway (CPG), which allowed its enterprise clients to transfer money to international bank accounts, mobile accounts, and prepaid card accounts. The development of the CPG became the foundation for the introduction of its new, state of the art FINTECH payment system in 2017, for both online and mobile applications to allow account holders to maximize an expanded suite of financial services and minimize operational costs. Global will continue to offer their FINTECH payment system to many vertical markets for support of foreign currency exchange and digital currency, including ongoing support of the banking industry and international governments. For more information, visit www.GlobalPayout.com
About MoneyTrac Technology
MoneyTrac Technology, Inc. is a pioneer in offering a full-service solution for alternative banking and electronic financial solutions and provides all aspects of financial technology including E-Wallet and mobile apps services for businesses and companies in various "high-risk" industries. MoneyTrac's technology platform allows for its clients to access their financial information from anywhere in the world, in addition to providing tracking and compliance to help them manage and control the flow of all revenue through their business. MoneyTrac Technology also provides Business Development services to clients in high risk industries for the further facilitation of all business expansion, regulatory compliance, and facilitation of business opportunities. For more information, visit www.MoneyTracTechnology.com
About Pegasus Fintech, Inc.
Pegasus Fintech, Inc. is a Blockchain and Token Accelerator that focuses on supporting innovative solutions in the Financial Services, Technology, Blockchain and Cryptocurrency communities. Pegasus’ Accelerator program deploys a team of highly skilled industry, marketing, legal and financial specialists that provide evaluation, management, marketing programs, resources and tools to affect the growth of the business and create and execute the Blockchain and regulatory compliant, security-based Token programs. They also work with investment banking, private equity and democratized investment community to assist their clients with financing initiatives. For more information, visit www.PegasusFintech.com
Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer:
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "ongoing," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time the statements are made and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainty and other factors that may cause our results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. This press release should be considered in light of all filings of the Company that are contained in the Edgar Archives of the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.
Public Relations and Media Contact: Global Payout www.GlobalPayout.com 619.795.5180 Office Information@GlobalPayout.com Communications Contact: NetworkNewsWire (NNW) New York, New York www.NetworkNewsWire.com 212.418.1217 Office Editor@NetworkNewsWire.com View: press release
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both investment and social crowdfunding, blockchain ICO, alternative finance, fintech, P2P and online investing stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support, and networking opportunities to over 1600+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative online financing industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
Lending Loop Surpasses $10M in Loans to Small Businesses Across Canada
Lending Loop | | Oct 18, 2017
TORONTO Oct. 18, 2017 – Lending Loop has officially helped provide financing of more than $10 million to small businesses across Canada. To date, the company, which is Canada’s premier peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform, has helped over 180 small businesses in a variety of industries access funding to expand their businesses.
Speaking on the achievement, Lending Loop co-founder and CEO Cato Pastoll said:
“We’re excited to have hit this milestone in such a short period of time. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our rapidly growing community of 12,000 Canadians who are all helping to contribute to our collective success. Everyone knows how important small businesses are to the continued growth of our economy and we’re proud to be playing a part in helping their growth.”
Lending Loop’s unique P2P lending model allows Canadians across the country to lend their money to small businesses posted on Lending Loop’s online marketplace. These investors derive their return from the interest rate attached to each loan, which in turn corresponds to the risk rating of that business. By cutting out the banks and the middlemen, Lending Loop loans are often significantly more affordable than loans from other financial providers, with rates starting as low as 5.9%.
See: Lending Loop launches “Auto-Lend” after raising new round of funding
When asked about the milestone, Lending Loop co-founder and CTO Brandon Vlaar said that:
“Our team is deeply passionate about helping the small business community thrive. We’re looking forward to helping even more small businesses learn about our better way to borrow, while also educating Canadians about how they can grow their wealth through this new and exciting investment opportunity.”
Continue to the full article --> here
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both investment and social crowdfunding, blockchain ICO, alternative finance, fintech, P2P and online investing stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support, and networking opportunities to over 1600+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative online financing industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
[VanFUNDING 2017, NOV 28]: Blockchain Fintech Conference + RegTech Hackathon (Vancouver)
NCFA Canada | Team #VF2017 | Oct 5, 2017
VANCOUVER, BC – October 5, 2017 – In less than two months, the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA) will be hosting the 3rd annual VanFUNDING 2017, an immersive full day financial innovation forum and premier hackathon on Nov 28 in downtown Vancouver at SFU's Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue.
VanFUNDING 2017 is the leading Blockchain and Fintech educational conference dedicated to igniting online and alternative finance markets in Canada providing opportunities for startups and scaleups seeking to accelerate access to private capital markets, investors, and partners to expand their networks. In addition to prime networking and leading educational series, the conference is expanding to include a 1 day hackathon to provide opportunities for Blockchain RegTech and Fintech startups (stealth) seeking business and technical mentorship, partners, and opportunities for investment in a 'business concept' sprint with winning companies pitching to prominent judges for feedback and prizes.
The 2017 agenda covers the hottest topics from Blockchain smart contracts and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) to the latest developments, emerging regulations, new business models and opportunities in PeerToPeer (P2P) crowdfinance, fintech, alternative finance, cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence applications, and global financial marketplaces.
Looking for massive disruption and globally expanding markets?
'Crowdsales', Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and tokens represent the next generation of Crowdfinance and P2P online capital and community aggregation having raised in excess of $1 billion in the first half of 2017. ICOs are fully digital offers that are designed and sold using the protocols of smart contract technology inherent on public blockchains such as Ethereum that are quickly evolving. With new crowdfunding regulations and an explosion of blockchain technology and initial coin offerings powering cryptoeconomics and continued strong investor appetite for innovative fintech companies, 2017 is a new wave of financial innovation and tipping point full of opportunity as markets coalesce globally for a piece of the action, however with new potential and growth comes new challenges and risks.
VanFUNDING 2017 will feature a prominent keynote, 'Stories from the Edge', leading start-ups and industry participant 
experts in a unique 'UN-style' venue selected to promote interactive dialogue and discussion. Combined with workshops and a 'business concept' hackathon there are opportunities for the entire venture funding ecosystem from companies to policy makers and start-ups to enterprise. Other vital capital innovation topics will cover international developments, perk/rewards, lending, equity, royalty, market provisioning and infrastructure; investor marketing, leadership culture, cyber security and legal and financial considerations.
Get involved with VanFUNDING 2017!
- Are you a leading financial innovator, investor or a blockchain rock star? Apply to speak here; or
- Build your brand’s profile, gain access and help shape the industry (view Partnership Opportunities); or
- Help make the event day outstanding, apply to volunteer here; or
- Media passes are available for accredited media representatives.
Hurray! Early Discount Registration Until NOV 8 (Save 30%)!
Visit the VanFUNDING 2017 conference website to learn more.
vanfunding.ca
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The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both investment and social crowdfunding, blockchain ICO, alternative finance, fintech, P2P and online investing stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support, and networking opportunities to over 1600+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative online financing industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
For more information, please contact:
Media Contact:
Craig Asano
Executive Director
casano@ncfacanada.org
416 618 0254
@NCFACanada
Local Crowdfunding Platform to Assist Fire Ravaged Communities
Community Futures | Graham Stanley | Aug 22, 2017
Vanderhoof, BC. – As devastating wildfires continue to tear across the province of British Columbia many small and medium sized businesses, as well as non-profit organizations, are seeking solutions to make rebuilding easier. Local crowdfunding platform, InvestLocalBC feels it can assist in some small way.
“Sourcing funds to assist with the recovery from the wildfires is an excellent example of what the InvestLocalBC platform was created to accomplish,” said Graham Stanley, the Manager of Community Futures Stuart Nechako which created the platform. “Local solutions to local problems.”
With so many rural communities being impacted by the wildfires, this local perspective has taken on a whole new significance. “Right now we are just seeing the emergency portion of this disaster,” said Stanley, “the rebuilding of our communities will be going on for years to come. With this in mind and with our mandate to assist local communities InvestLocalBC waiving the service fees for any campaign involved in the rebuilding from these horrific fires.” InvestLocalBC operates under a “fixed funding” model. Fixed funding assumes administrative fees of a 5% commission. This commission will be waived for all vetted projects and campaigns, removing at least one financial barrier to reconstruction.
To further the cause InvestLocalBC has partnered with Fundrazr a crowdfunding pioneer in BC to “increase our reach on the nonprofit side and FundRazr has an extremely large audience,” stated Stanley.
Anyone looking at a wildfire recovery or community redevelopment campaign can visit the website at www.investlocalbc.ca(link is external) or contact local manager Tom Bulmer with any questions or concerns. Call 1-800-266-0611 or email admin@investlocalbc.ca(link sends e-mail)
About Community Futures Stuart Nechako:
Media Contact:
Graham Stanley
250-567-5219
About InvestLocalBC.ca:
Media Contact:
Tom Bulmer
250-567-5219
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support, and networking opportunities to over 1600+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more at ncfacanada.org.
Impak Finance ICO planned for launch Aug 21
Impak Coin | Paul Allard | Aug 16, 2017
impak Coin (MPK) first legal Initial Coin Offering (ICO) positions Canada as a global leader in the cryptocurrency space and gives individuals around the world the opportunity to ignite the impact economy by participating in the crowdsale opening August 21 2017.
MONTREAL, Canada, August 16, 2017 - impak Finance, the fintech company focused on driving the social impact economy, announces the public presale of its impak Coin which is Canada’s first ICO (Initial Coin Offering) fully compliant with Canadian securities laws. A truly innovative investment device, this complementary currency is designed to work alongside traditional economy but with public benefit in mind. The public crowdsale of impak Coin begins on August 21, 2017 and investors can participate on www.impakcoin.com
“impak Finance is writing a new page in the young history of ICOs by taking on the challenge of becoming fully regulatory compliant and as a result bringing a higher degree of protection for participants. Once again, impak Finance demonstrates that transparency and trust are core to our project”, says Paul Allard, impak Finance’s Chief Ecosystem Officer. “We are delivering on our promise to use technology to reinvent the way citizens can use money for doing good.”
See: Impak Finance raises largest single-day amount for Canadian equity-crowdfunding initiative
impak Coin is one of the few ICOs in the world to have passed all of the national regulatory requirements ensuring transparency and integrity for participants in the presale of this cryptocurrency. The impak Coin ICO will be a model for regulators worldwide to protect investors, while playing a positive role in enabling small businesses to raise capital with the latest developments in financial technologies.
impak Coin, a cryptocurrency for a better world
Impak Coin combines the advantages and functionalities of complementary currencies, recognition programs, and new cryptocurrencies. Built on the WAVES fully transparent blockchain platform, it is stable, safe and more efficient than many other digital currencies. Designed for everyday use, transactions within the impak ecosystem are free for both merchants and customers. By also rewarding user participation in the ecosystem with impak Coins, we will ensure that all stakeholders become winners and continue to grow the impact economy.
About impak Finance
impak Finance Inc., an innovative Canadian fintech company focused on driving the social impact economy, recently raised over $1.5 mm in 2016 with strategic investors and through a highly successful equity crowdfunding campaign. Dedicated to the development of the social impact economy, impak Finance proposes to radically change the way citizens and organizations collaborate and transact. Impak Finance Inc. is building a financial ecosystem that connects investors, businesses and citizens who share the same social values while on its way to creating Canada’s first 100% digital Canadian chartered bank.
Regarding Blockchain and ICOs
ICOs have already raised USD 327 million this year alone, compared to USD 101 million in all of 2016, according to the latest numbers from Smith + Crown a blockchain research firm. “This is inevitably becoming a fast-growing alternative for businesses to raise capital.”
Blockchain technology has been on fire in the past year, with blockchain-based cryptocurrencies recently passing $100 billion market cap, and the technology being adopted in projects all over the world. The fact that multibillion dollar companies like Toyota and Deloitte are working with the blockchain just adds to the technology’s reputation and proves it has value. As for ICOs, around 20 offerings a month are currently taking place and the Tezos blockchain ICO is the most recent record that generated US$232 million, ending on July 13.
Media Contacts
Eve Montpetit - eve.montpetit@impakfinance.com 514-813-0871
Press kit : download link
Video: Introducing impak Coin Info at www.impakcoin.com
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support, and networking opportunities to over 1600+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more at ncfacanada.org.
