NAO, a Berlin-based wealthtech startup, has successfully secured €3.4 million in seed funding to enhance its private and alternative investment platform. Founded by Robin Binder, Philipp Nowakowski, and Amel Hasanovic in 2022, NAO aims to democratize access to investment opportunities typically reserved for high-net-worth individuals. The startup’s digital-first approach seeks to simplify the investment process, enabling users to invest in asset classes such as private equity and infrastructure. With participation from prominent investors, NAO is poised to expand its reach across Europe and further develop its innovative platform.
Since its inception, NAO has consistently sought to redefine the private investment landscape in Europe. Earlier ventures into the market were marked by robust partnerships with financial institutions like Baader Bank, UniCredit, and UBS. These collaborations laid the groundwork for NAO’s current platform, offering curated investment opportunities with a minimum threshold of €1,000. The wealthtech industry, particularly in Europe, has seen various approaches to democratizing investment access, yet NAO’s focus on alternative asset classes and user experience sets it apart from predecessors. As NAO progresses, its evolution continues to be shaped by both market demands and technological advancements.
What Drives NAO’s Investment Platform?
NAO’s investment platform is driven by its ambition to make alternative investments more accessible and user-friendly. According to Jakob Schreyer of VC ZEITGEIST X Ventures, NAO’s approach combines private market investments with the functionality of neo-brokers, offering a streamlined experience for investors. The platform’s mission is to promote sustainable, diversified wealth building through a fully digital process. Partnering with reputable institutions, NAO ensures that users have access to carefully selected investment opportunities, reflecting its commitment to quality and transparency.
Can NAO Expand Across Europe?
NAO is actively working to expand its presence beyond Germany and Austria. As of now, the platform has attracted thousands of users, each with an average investment of €10,000. The company has also ventured into B2B solutions for venture capital investments in collaboration with Chartered Investment. With plans to broaden its product range and establish a foothold in additional European markets, NAO is leveraging its recent funding to enhance its platform’s capabilities and attract top asset managers. The startup is focused on international growth, aiming to bring liquidity to traditionally illiquid markets.
NAO founder and CEO, Robin Binder, has expressed his vision for making alternative investments as easy as investing in stocks or ETFs.
“Everyone should be able to invest in alternative asset classes like private equity as easily as they do in stocks or ETFs. That’s why we’ve created the first broker for private and alternative investments. The trust of our investors is helping us realize our vision.”
This statement underscores the company’s commitment to expanding investment options for a wider audience.
With fresh capital in hand, NAO plans to expand its customer base and enhance its technological offerings, furthering its mission to democratize private market investments. The company’s innovative approach reflects a growing trend in the wealthtech sector, where digital solutions are increasingly seen as critical to broadening financial access. As NAO continues to evolve, it remains focused on delivering value to its users through cutting-edge investment solutions. This development not only signifies progress in the fintech space but also emphasizes the importance of accessible financial opportunities in building a more inclusive investment landscape.
