Nous Systems launches a seven-figure seed round raise based on a €30m valuation

By Joy Dumasia

Nous Systems has launched a seven-figure seed fundraise based on a €30 million valuation as it develops the world’s first decentralised investment platform, which will be launched later this year and allows investors access to automated asset management services. Despite the proliferation in products and services offering retail investors “access to markets,” little has been done to democratise access to the systems and services provided to more sophisticated HNW clients of hedge and quantitative funds.  

Since 1995, the top 1% have captured nearly 20 times more global wealth than the bottom 50% of humanity. Democratising access to the systems and services used to manage the funds of the top 1% could make a solid contribution to ending the endemic wealth divide. 

Access to Nous’ platform and services requires a minimum investment of only $100, in contrast to traditional funds aimed at HNW investors, which typically have a minimum investment amount of between $200,000 -$1,000,000. This reflects Nous’ belief that automated asset management should be available regardless of societal or financial status, opening up this sector to millions of investors worldwide.  

By using non-fungible smart contracts based on blockchain, Nous removes the reliance on paper contracts and the reliance on multiple third parties to enforce the terms of contracts. This allows traditional financial services and products to be offered at a much lower cost benefiting the end-user and the service provider. Also, by building decentralised infrastructure to govern the creation and management of contracts and funds, Nous can ensure greater security, transparency and efficiency for its users whilst mitigating counterparty risk. It also allows investors to invest and manage their holdings at any time. 

Nous Systems’ co-founders bring a wealth of experience that has shaped their vision for the future of asset management. Tom Stuart, CEO of Nous Systems, previously founded an open-banking start-up which was acquired in April 2021 for an undisclosed amount. His interest in the application of smart contracts to replace conventional legal agreements motivated him to co-found Nous in 2021.  

Muhamed Selmani, COO of Nous Systems, has previously worked as an investment manager for a leading family office in the EMEA region. Working in the wealth management industry, he noted operational flaws within traditional finance, which he thought would be solvable through blockchain solutions. 

Kristijan Zivcec, CTO at Nous Systems, brings over 20 years of experience from his career in software development. His background ranges from working for big tech companies, including Siemens, to free, open-source projects where he contributes his expertise pro bono.  

Tom Stuart, CEO of Nous Systems, commented: “We are delighted to announce this seven-figure seed fundraise, which will help give us the funds to drive forward with our vision of democratising asset management and breaking down barriers that have facilitated inequality within the sector. With the wealth divide representing one of the most challenging problems facing humanity, we believe that one way to address this is to rethink traditional routes to accessing wealth management services and financial markets.” 

Kristijan Zivcec, CTO of Nous Systems, added:“Major technological advances in the blockchain arena in recent years have allowed us to develop a decentralised investment platform, and by using non-fungible smart contracts based on blockchain, we have removed the need for paper contracts and third-party verification. This means we can offer financial products at a much lower cost, as well as provide greater levels of security and transparency for the investors. We believe this will be transformational for the asset management sector and for investors, bringing greater equality and fairness that will help narrow the global wealth divide that is such a blight on society.”