HelloTrade Ex The worlds of traditional finance and digital assets are colliding faster than ever, and one of the clearest examples is HelloTrade, a new blockchain-powered trading platform founded by former BlackRock crypto leaders Kevin Tang and Wyatt Raich. Backed by a fresh $4.6 million seed round led by Dragonfly Capital, HelloTrade aims to make global access to U.S. stocks, commodities, ETFs, and crypto as simple as opening a mobile app. The funding news has attracted attention not just because of the amount raised but because of who is behind the project and the speed at which the round closed. The raise reportedly came together in under a week, a rare signal of investor conviction in a highly competitive crypto trading landscape.
At its core, HelloTrade Ex wants to solve a problem that many international investors know well: even in 2025, gaining leveraged exposure to U.S. equities and other assets can be slow, fragmented, and heavily restricted by local intermediaries. By using blockchain rails under the hood and a smooth, mobile-first interface on top, HelloTrade Ex is positioning itself as a bridge between TradFi and DeFi, combining institutional-grade discipline with the openness of Web3. In this in-depth guide, we explore who is behind HelloTrade, how the platform works, why investors rushed into this funding round, and what it could mean for the future of blockchain trading platforms worldwide.
The Story Behind HelloTrade From BlackRock to Blockchain
HelloTrade Ex founding story starts inside BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager and a key player in both traditional markets and the rising world of digital assets. Co-founders Kevin Tang and Wyatt Raich previously worked in BlackRock’s digital assets division, helping drive the firm’s shift from crypto skepticism to launching major spot Bitcoin ETF products.
Ex-BlackRock crypto leaders with ETF experience
At BlackRock, Tang and Raich were involved in the rollout of spot Bitcoin ETFs that quickly attracted massive inflows and set records for reaching tens of billions in assets under management. One flagship ETF became the fastest in history to reach $100 billion in assets, underscoring how powerful well-designed, regulated crypto products can be when they tap into global demand.
This experience matters because building a blockchain trading platform is not just a HelloTrade Ex technical challenge; it’s a regulatory, liquidity, and user-experience challenge as well. The founders’ ETF background suggests a deep understanding of:How institutional investors think about risk and complianceWhat regulators expect in terms of transparency and investor protectionHow to package complex instruments into simple products for everyday usersWhile HelloTrade is not an ETF provider, that ETF mindset—clear rules, robust infrastructure, and strong governance—appears to be influencing how the team is designing its on-chain trading experience.
Identifying a global access gap
During their time at BlackRock, Tang and Raich reportedly came to a simple but powerful realization: it is still too hard for people outside the U.S. to participate in common investment opportunities such as buying U.S. stocks or gaining leveraged exposure to global markets. Many potential investors face:Geographic barriers and local brokerage restrictionsLengthy onboarding processes and capital constraintsLimited HelloTrade Ex access to derivatives or leveraged products
HelloTrade is their answer to that pain point. The founders envision a world where a trader in Asia, Africa, or Latin America can open a mobile-first trading app,HelloTrade Ex deposit funds, and gain structured exposure to U.S. equities, ETFs, commodities, and crypto derivatives—all powered by blockchain infrastructure but presented in a familiar, user-friendly interface.
What Is HelloTrade and How Does It Work?
At a high level, HelloTrade Ex is described as a mobile-first, blockchain-powered trading platform that gives users levered exposure to a range of traditional and digital assets.
A mobile-first blockchain trading experience
HelloTrade Ex is designed as a mobile-first trading app, with plans to launch on iOS and Android. Users are expected to interact with the platform the way they would with any modern fintech application—through a clean interface rather than an on-chain dashboard filled with wallet addressesUnder the hood, however, the app runs on blockchain rails. This means Trades are ultimately settled on-chain Positions are represented as tokenized assets or derivatives Users benefit from the transparency and composability of DeFi infrastructureThe key difference from many existing protocols is that HelloTrade abstracts away typical pain points such as:Setting up a self-custodial walletManaging private keysPaying on-chain gas fees for every transactionInstead.
The startup aims to offer a gasless, custodial-like experience where blockchain acts as the settlement engine but the user journey feels closer to a modern neobroker. Built on MegaETH for speed and scaleA standout technical choice is HelloTrade’s reliance on MegaETH, a high-throughput blockchain infrastructure claimed to handle over 100,000 transactions per second. By building on MegaETH, HelloTrade is targeting:Low-latency trade executionHigh scalability during peak trading periodsA smooth user experience similar to centralized exchangesIn a trading environment where milliseconds and execution reliability matter, using a high-performance chain is critical. For leveraged equity trading and perpetual futures, where funding rates and position management are constant, any congestion or fee spike can quickly destabilize the user experience.
Access to stocks, ETFs, commodities, and crypto
Unlike many crypto trading platforms that focus almost exclusively on digital assets, HelloTrade Ex explicitly targets a broader universe of underlying markets. The platform aims to offer leveraged exposure to:U.S. stocksExchange-traded funds (ETFs)CommoditiesCryptocurrenciesRather than directly holding these instruments in a traditional
brokerage account, users gain exposure through on-chain structures—likely in the form of synthetic positions, perpetual contracts, or other derivatives that track the performance of the underlying asset. For the end customer, the goal is simple: tap into a diversified world of assets from one blockchain trading platform without having to juggle multiple brokers, complex cross-border transfers, or exotic account setups.
Inside the $4.6 Million HelloTrade Funding Round
One of the headline-grabbing aspects of HelloTrade is its fast and well-known funding round. The company announced a $4.6 million seed round led by Dragonfly Capital, with participation from Mirana Ventures and a group of angel investors.
Why Dragonfly Capital led the round
Dragonfly Capital is a prominent venture firm focused on crypto, DeFi, and next-generation financial infrastructure. Its backing signals confidence that HelloTrade sits at the intersection of two large themes:
The tokenization of traditional assetsThe rise of hybrid platforms that blend familiar trading experiences with on-chain settlementBy leading the round, Dragonfly is effectively betting that HelloTrade Ex can become a flagship example of a blockchain trading app that appeals not just to crypto natives but to a wider audience of global investors.
Mirana Ventures and strategic angel investors
Alongside Dragonfly, Mirana Ventures and several angel investors joined the round. Mirana is known for backing infrastructure-focused and exchange-adjacent projects, which aligns well with HelloTrade’s ambition to become a high-volume venue for tokenized stocks and other real-world assets.
Strategic angels likely bring additional strengths in areas such as Market making and liquidity provisionRegulatory strategy across different regions Distribution partnerships and user acquisitionThat mix of venture, institutional crypto experience, and domain-specific angels helps explain why the round closed so quickly.
A fundraise completed in under a week
Multiple reports emphasize that HelloTrade’s seed round came together in under a weekIn a funding environment where many startups spend months on the road, a sub-seven-day close suggestsStrong pre-existing relationships between the founders and investorsClear alignment on product vision and regulatory strategyA belief that leveraged exposure to global markets via blockchain is a theme that will define the next cycle
The timing is also important. As tokenization of real-world assets, on-chain derivatives, and regulated crypto trading platforms move from concept to reality, early movers with credible teams can secure an advantage in market share and regulatory relationships.
Solving the Global Access Problem in Capital Markets
HelloTrade Ex mission can be boiled down to one phrase: democratizing access to leveraged equity trading and other asset classes for global investors.
Barriers non-U.S. investors face today
For many international users, gaining exposure to U.S. stocks and derivatives involves:Navigating complex KYC processes for foreign brokeragesDealing with limited local product offerings Facing currency conversion fees and long settlement timesThese friction points are especially severe for users in emerging markets, where local capital controls or outdated brokerage infrastructure can make investing in global assets feel unreachable.
Using blockchain to bypass local limitations
HelloTrade plans to use crypto infrastructure to sidestep some of these bottlenecks. Instead of requiring users to open a traditional U.S. brokerage account, the platform can represent exposure to assets as on-chain positions and offer them within a unified interface.
The approach has several potential advantages Faster onboarding and broader geographical reachAround-the-clock markets that mirror 24/7 crypto tradingThe ability to compose HelloTrade’s positions with other DeFi protocols, in the long termHelloTrade is reportedly interested in products such as perpetual futures, which allow traders to maintain long or short exposure without fixed expiry dates.
Compliance, custody, and risk management
Of course, offering leveraged trading on tokenized exposure to stocks and commodities is not a trivial compliance problem. While public details on HelloTrade’s regulatory and custodial setup remain limited, the founders’ background at BlackRock and their ETF experience suggest a deep sensitivity to these issues.
Key challenges HelloTrade must navigate include:Ensuring that products are offered only where legal and compliantManaging custody of user funds in a secure, transparent mannerProviding responsible leverage limits and risk controlsThe platform’s waitlist and phased rollout approach indicate that the team is likely calibrating regional availability to align with local laws and licensing requirements.
What HelloTrade Means for the Future of Blockchain Trading
HelloTrade Ex is entering an increasingly crowded ecosystem of crypto exchanges, on-chain derivatives protocols, and tokenization platforms. Yet its specific focus on mobile usability, traditional assets, and high-throughput infrastructure gives it a distinct angle.
Bridging TradFi and DeFi in a single app
For years, analysts have predicted a wave of platforms that blend TradFi predictability with DeFi innovation. HelloTrade is one of the clearest attempts to deliver that vision in a single smartphone app.
If the project succeeds, a user could Deposit capital through a familiar funding method Instantly allocate to tokenized equities, ETFs, or commodity exposureHedge or speculate using perpetual futures and crypto derivativesDo all of this without touching a self-custodial wallet or manually paying gas fees In this sense, HelloTrade could act as a gateway for mainstream users into on-chain markets, even if they never think of themselves as “DeFi users.”
Competing in a crowded crypto trading landscape
HelloTrade Ex is not building in a vacuum. It will compete with:Centralized exchanges offering synthetic stocks and leveraged tokensOn-chain derivatives platforms specializing in perps and structured productsNeobrokers experimenting with tokenized assets behind the scenes .To stand out, HelloTrade will need to differentiate on/User experience and simplicityProduct depth across stocks, ETFs, commodities, and cryptoCapital efficiency and competitive funding/fee structuresThe blockchain-powered trading platform model only works if users feel they are getting something clearly better—more open, more accessible, or more powerful—than what legacy brokers offer today.
Roadmap: Waitlist, launch, and expansion
Public information indicates that HelloTrade has opened a waitlist for early users while it prepares for broader rollout.In the coming phases, observers will be watching for Which jurisdictions the app initially supports How it communicates risk and regulatory protectionsThe breadth of its initial leveraged trading productsOver time, the project could expand into more complex real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, new asset classes, or integrations with other protocols—assuming it builds sufficient trust and liquidity.
Should Traders and Investors Care About HelloTrade?
For many retail traders and sophisticated users alike, the key question is whether HelloTrade is just another hype-driven crypto project or a genuinely useful new venue for trading.
Potential benefits for global investors
If HelloTrade delivers on its vision, global users could gain:Simplified access to U.S. equity markets and major ETFs Exposure to commodities and crypto within a single unified interfaceThe ability to use leverage and perpetual futures without dealing directly with complex derivatives platforms
In emerging markets, where local brokers may not offer advanced products or access to foreign stocks, a platform like HelloTrade could represent a meaningful upgrade in financial inclusion, especially for tech-savvy users comfortable with digital assets.
Risks and challenges to watch
At the same time, any leveraged blockchain trading platform comes with risks, including:Market volatility, particularly in crypto and derivatives marketsCounterparty and smart contract risk in on-chain system Regulatory uncertainty around tokenized securities and synthetic exposure
Users must remember that leverage amplifies both gains and losses. Even if HelloTrade wraps its products in a smooth mobile interface, underlying risks remain very real.Anyone considering using HelloTrade or similar platforms should approach them with the same caution they would apply to margin trading or derivatives on traditional exchanges: understanding position sizing, funding costs, and liquidation thresholds.
Preparing for the next wave of tokenized markets
Whether or not an individual trader ever opens an account with HelloTrade, the project is a sign of where the industry is heading. The convergence of:Tokenized stocks and RWAsHigh-speed blockchain infrastructure like MegaETHInstitutional-grade teams leaving major firms to build startupssuggests that the line between “stock broker” and “crypto platform” will continue to blur. HelloTrade is simply one of the more visible examples of that broader shift.
Conclusion
When former BlackRock employees raise $4.6 million for HelloTrade, a blockchain-powered trading platform, it sends a strong signal about how seriously traditional finance is now taking on-chain markets. Backed by Dragonfly Capital, Mirana Ventures, and strategic angels, HelloTrade is stepping into the arena with a clear mission: make leveraged, global market access as simple as tapping a mobile screen.
By combining a mobile-first trading app, high-throughput infrastructure like MegaETH, and the founders’ experience in launching major Bitcoin ETFs, HelloTrade is positioned as a potential bridge between TradFi and DeFi. Its focus on user-friendly design, tokenized exposure to multiple asset classes, and gasless, wallet-free onboarding speaks directly to the biggest frictions that have kept many global investors on the sidelines.Of course, the platform’s long-term success will depend on execution: securing regulatory clarity, maintaining robust risk controls, delivering reliable liquidity, and earning user trust in a competitive market. But whether you are a trader, a builder, or simply curious about the future of finance, HelloTrade is a name worth watching as tokenized markets move from niche to mainstream.
FAQs
Q: What is HelloTrade in simple terms?
HelloTrade is a blockchain-powered trading platform that lets users gain leveraged exposure to assets like U.S. stocks, ETFs, commodities, and cryptocurrencies through a mobile app. Instead of opening multiple brokerage accounts in different countries, users can access tokenized or derivative-based exposure from one mobile-first trading app that uses blockchain as the settlement layer
Q: Who founded HelloTrade and what is their background?
HelloTrade was founded by Kevin Tang and Wyatt Raich, both former leaders in BlackRock’s digital assets division. They previously helped drive BlackRock’s entry into crypto, including work on spot Bitcoin ETF products that attracted massive inflows. Their background gives HelloTrade a strong mix of traditional finance experience and deep understanding of crypto markets. How much funding has HelloTrade raised and who are the main investors?
HelloTrade has raised $4.6 million in a seed round led by Dragonfly Capital, with participation from Mirana Ventures and several angel investors. The raise reportedly closed in under a week, highlighting strong investor conviction in HelloTrade’s vision and in the broader trend of tokenized assets and blockchain trading platforms.
Q: What makes HelloTrade different from regular crypto exchanges?
Traditional crypto exchanges mainly focus on digital assets like BTC, ETH, and altcoins. HelloTrade, by contrast, aims to provide leveraged exposure not only to crypto but also to U.S. equities, ETFs, and commodities—all through a single on-chain-powered interface. It also emphasizes a gasless, wallet-abstracted experience so users do not need to manage private keys or pay network fees for every trade, while still benefiting from blockchain transparency under the hood.
Q: How can users get access to HelloTrade?
HelloTrade is working toward launching as a mobile trading app on iOS and Android. For now, interested users can join the platform’s waitlist, which will likely determine early regional availability based on local regulations and licensing requirements. As the rollout progresses, the team is expected to share more details about supported countries, onboarding requirements, and the full range of leveraged trading products available at launch.
