STOKR Wants to Stablish the Next Step on Digital Investment Marketplaces

STOKR is the EU’s pioneering digital investment marketplace for alternative assets, where smart investors connect with and fund innovative businesses.

Tell us about yourself?

I am Tobias Seidl, the co-founder of STOKR. At STOKR, I focus on improving the experiences for SMEs that seek funding in Europe and providing retail investors who invest beyond established financial products. After my initial career as industrial designer and UX expert, I worked for more than 10 years in investment structuring for global asset managers and international law firms. Now, I bring my passion for minimalistic and functional design to the construct of STOKR’s spirit, branding, and platforms.

What problem are you trying to solve and for whom?

Small and medium sized businesses have limited access to capital markets, and retail investors have no access to invest in pre-IPO series funding rounds. Security tokens make the connection between any size business, and any size investor. A security token offering allows the company to directly connect with its investors which reduces risks on the investor side and increases transparency and control on the company side. The security token market is regulated and investor protections are in place. STOKR is leading the way for security token offerings in Europe as a security token launchpad for businesses, and marketplace for investors. 

What is your magic sauce?

There is so much rapid growth within the blockchain industry that we do not directly compete with any other security token platform. Many of our potential clients may choose security tokens over a crowdfunding platform because there are inherent challenges of crowdfunding for businesses (supply chain and scalability) and for consumers (handing over money with no ownership and unpredictable outcomes). Security tokens are a superior alternative. So, our “magic sauce” right now is bringing regulators into the conversation, raising awareness, and educating the public.

Where do you see your company going in 5 years?

We expect the blockchain industry to continue its exponential growth for the next 10 years, and we expect security tokens to explode in popularity over the next 20 years. There will be a popularity explosion in security tokens, similar to that of NFTs in 2021. This is because real-world assets can be validated and exchanged instantly, for free, with total security on the blockchain. In five to ten years STOKR will be Europe’s largest alternative investment marketplace, connecting businesses with investors.

What has been your biggest setback so far?

Our first offering last year was heavily hit by covid as the business seeking funding had to close down due to the lockdown. Our revenue forecasts were very impacted and we had to scale down our operations over a few months. 

What is the next big challenge for your business?

Global expansion! Security tokens are regulated securities and as such, require regulators to set reliable and clear guidance for the industry. This will be the biggest challenge as politicians will need to put the right incentives into place so regulators will work efficiently.

How do people get involved?

We are always looking for businesses who meet the regulatory requirements and are looking to raise funds, regardless of size. Established businesses, new ventures, or innovative startups; I encourage you to learn about the amazing programmable capabilities of security tokens and reach out to us with any questions or to consider fundraising. 

And if you would like to become an investor in any of the projects listed on STOKR today or in the future, join our email list to get notified when we list new projects!