Wise

Wise enables international money transfers – allowing private individuals and businesses to send money abroad without hidden charges.

 

What did the business need?

The business was pre-product launch and in its earliest days had a founding team that was in development across UK and Europe, with either location becoming a HQ. Additionally, the big banks were still learning how to work with startups and disruptors, like Transferwise, so it was important to understand building on their platforms.

 

What lasting value did PE/VC investment bring?

Seedcamp worked very closely with the founders during the critical first days to help with team development and connecting into the UK ecosystem to make the UK the clear choice to set up the HQ. Transferwise is one of the biggest banner stories for UK tech. Seedcamp significantly assisted with further rounds after the companies pre- seed round, and particularly bridge building with the US trip, where the Company met with a16z (its first US institutional VC) and other VCs.

 

What did the investment achieve?

Seedcamp sold majority of its interest. The sale of its TransferWise assets has returned 500% of capital back to its Angels and Funds. Seedcamp also invested heavily in Transferwise staff who left and started their own businesses.