Finst, a fast-growing Dutch crypto platform, has raised €8 million in a Series A funding round led by Endeit Capital. Founded by former DEGIRO executives, Finst aims to bring transparency, low costs, and strong security to the often opaque crypto market.
With 100,000 verified users, a MiCAR license, and ambitious plans for European expansion, the Finst platform is positioning itself as a serious long-term player in the digital asset space.
A new generation of crypto platforms
The Dutch crypto platform Finst has successfully raised €8 million in fresh capital in a Series A funding round led by Endeit Capital, a well-known growth equity firm focused on European technology companies. The funding marks an important milestone for the young company, which officially launched only in 2023 but has already gained significant traction in a highly competitive market.
Finst was founded by a former team from DEGIRO, the online brokerage that disrupted traditional stock trading in Europe by offering low-cost, transparent access to financial markets. With Finst, the founders are pursuing a similar mission, this time in the world of cryptocurrencies. Their goal is to make crypto investing simpler, cheaper, and safer for everyday users, while removing much of the confusion and hidden costs that still characterize parts of the industry.
Transparency and low fees as core principles
One of the biggest pain points for crypto investors, especially beginners, is the lack of transparency around fees. Many large platforms charge transaction costs of 1% to 2% per trade, often combined with hidden spreads or unclear pricing models. Over time, these costs can significantly reduce returns, particularly for active traders or long-term investors who make regular purchases.
Finst takes a different approach. The platform charges a flat transaction fee of just 0.15%, positioning it among the most affordable regulated crypto platforms in Europe. According to the company, clear pricing and honest communication are essential to building trust in a market that has suffered reputational damage from bankruptcies, hacks, and high-profile fraud cases in recent years.
This focus on transparency aligns with a broader shift in the crypto industry. As regulation increases and users become more sophisticated, platforms are under growing pressure to offer clear, fair, and user-friendly services, similar to what investors expect in traditional finance.
Strong growth in a short time
Despite being a relatively young platform, Finst has grown rapidly. The company now counts more than 100,000 verified users and facilitates several billion euros in crypto trading volume on an annual basis. These numbers suggest strong demand for a regulated, European-based alternative to global crypto exchanges.
Finst’s growth has been supported by its regulatory compliance. The platform holds a MiCAR license issued by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). MiCAR, the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, is the new European regulatory framework designed to bring clarity, consumer protection, and legal certainty to the crypto sector across the EU.
With this license, Finst is legally authorized to offer its services across Europe and is well positioned to expand into other EU countries. At a time when many crypto companies struggle with regulatory uncertainty, MiCAR compliance is increasingly seen as a competitive advantage rather than a burden.
How the new funding will be used
According to Finst, the newly raised capital will be used primarily to further develop the platform and expand its range of services. One key area of focus is functionality. As users become more experienced, they demand advanced tools, better performance, and a broader selection of assets. Continuous product improvement is therefore essential to stay competitive.
Another important growth pillar is staking. Finst plans to expand its staking offerings, allowing users to earn rewards by participating in blockchain networks that use proof-of-stake mechanisms. Staking has become increasingly popular among crypto investors as a way to generate passive income, especially in periods of lower market volatility.
In addition, Finst aims to strengthen its services for institutional clients. Institutional adoption of crypto, by asset managers, family offices, and professional investors, has been one of the defining trends of recent years. These clients typically require higher security standards, deeper liquidity, and tailored solutions. By investing in this segment, Finst is signaling that it wants to play a role not only in retail crypto adoption but also in the professionalization of the market.
A changing crypto landscape
Finst’s rise comes at a time when the crypto industry is undergoing a major transformation. The speculative excesses of previous bull markets have given way to a stronger focus on regulation, risk management, and long-term value creation. Platforms that prioritize security, compliance, and user education are increasingly favored by both regulators and investors.
The involvement of Endeit Capital also sends an important signal. Venture capital firms have become more selective in the crypto space, favoring companies with solid business models, regulatory clarity, and realistic growth strategies. Finst’s background, leadership team, and early traction appear to fit that profile.
Looking ahead
With fresh capital, a growing user base, and a clear strategic vision, Finst is entering a new phase of its development. While competition in the crypto exchange space remains intense, the company’s focus on transparency, low fees, and regulation could prove to be a strong differentiator in the long run.
If crypto continues its gradual integration into the broader financial system, platforms like Finst may play a key role in bridging the gap between traditional finance and digital assets. For everyday investors, that could mean easier access, lower costs, and a safer environment to participate in the crypto economy.
