Target Information

We are pleased to announce our investment in Kraken, a leading cryptocurrency platform renowned for its robust security measures and innovative services. Kraken has achieved impressive financial performance, generating approximately $1.5 billion in annual revenue and recording a trading volume of $665 billion, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 46%. The company's user base is expanding rapidly, with projections indicating it will surpass 15 million users soon.

Kraken operates in a dynamically evolving market landscape, benefitting from recent regulatory support for cryptocurrencies and blockchain innovations in the United States. This favorable environment enhances its growth potential, particularly within its consumer business segments, creating opportunities for significant financial returns in the near term.

Industry Overview in the United States

The cryptocurrency sector in the United States is experiencing a transformative era, marked by increased regulatory clarity and institutional adoption. Recent government initiatives have sought to lower barriers to entry and bolster the legitimacy of blockchain technologies, contributing to an expanding marketplace. According to current estimates, the U.S. crypto market is valued at around $3.5 trillion, significantly lagging behind traditional assets like gold and equities. This suggests that further expansion in the sector remains a tantalizing prospect.

The regulatory landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. While greater scrutiny has been introduced, regulatory measures such as the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also offer clear pathways for compliant operators. Kraken holds multiple licenses, allowing it to navigate these changing regulations effectively, thus positioning itself as a trustworthy platform in a space often viewed with skepticism.

Moreover, the emergence of decentralized finance (DeFi) holds promise, though complexities in user experience and market fragmentation have hindered wider adoption. Despite these hurdles, the underlying trends towards decentralized trading and greater financial autonomy remain strong, with Kraken developing innovative solutions like the Ink blockchain to address these issues.

Rationale Behind the Deal

Our investment in Kraken stems from the company's significant growth trajectory and strategic positioning in the cryptocurrency sector. Valuation indicators suggest that Kraken is currently undervalued, operating at approximately 11 to 15% of Coinbase’s market valuation despite generating around 22% of its revenue. With plans to further enhance its consumer base and expand into new markets, we see an opportunity for substantial returns, especially with the potential for an IPO slated for 2026.

Kraken's unique offerings, such as its high annual revenue per user compared to competitors, indicate a well-defined business model that caters to both institutional and retail investors. Additionally, its strong cash reserves of nearly $1 billion allow for agile responses to market demands and future investment in innovative infrastructure.

Information About the Investor

The investment partnership driving this deal is committed to identifying attractive opportunities within the financial technology landscape. Backed by a team with extensive experience in venture capital, we leverage deep market insights to find undervalued assets capable of tremendous growth. Our approach emphasizes long-term value creation, focusing on companies like Kraken that possess a solid operational foundation and strong market positioning.

We continue to monitor trends in cryptocurrency adoption and user engagement to support our portfolio companies effectively. Our dedication to strategic investments supports our conviction that Kraken will not only thrive in its market but also emerge as a significant player in the broader financial services space.

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In my expert opinion, this investment in Kraken is a compelling opportunity that merits considerable attention. The combination of robust financial performance, rapid user growth, and advantageous regulatory positioning notably increases the likelihood of significant returns. Based on valuation comparisons with Coinbase and projected market trends, I believe that Kraken’s anticipated growth will outpace its competitors.

Furthermore, Kraken's focus on security and regulatory compliance sets it apart in an industry often marred by concerns over safety and transparency. With no significant breaches since its inception, and a commitment to user protection, Kraken has established itself as a credible trading platform that can weather market volatility.

It is also essential to highlight the ongoing evolution of the cryptocurrency landscape, with an increasing number of users worldwide. As the demographics of crypto owners expand, Kraken’s innovative approach to product offerings ensures retention and acquisition of new users, further driving profitability.

Overall, considering these factors, I ascertain that this investment therein presents not only a unique growth opportunity but also the potential to capitalize on an evolving market that continues to attract interest and investment.

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Not specified

invested in

Kraken

in 2024

in a Secondary Buyout deal

Disclosed details

Transaction Size: $7,500M

Revenue: $1,500M

EBITDA: $380M

Enterprise Value: $7,500M


Multiples

EV/EBITDA: 19.7x

EV/Revenue: 5.0x

Deal Parametres
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