Start-up Keza launches iOS app for Bitcoin investment

US Bitcoin investment firm start-up Keza is launching a new iOS-compatible app in a bid to ensure long-term and increased accessibility for users in emerging markets. Unlike other platforms, the app will require no minimal deposit in areas currently restricted to investments over $1 million and users will have an option of three portfolios of varying risk levels.

New York-based Bitcoin investment startup Keza announced the launch of its iOS app today. The app will allow users to invest Bitcoin in a portfolio of stocks and fixed incomes.

Users will have the option to choose between three portfolios: Moderate, Conservative and Aggressive. The riskier the portfolio, the more exposure it has to volatile assets such as foreign stocks. Once a user picks a portfolio, he or she can deposit Bitcoin and track investments over time.

Founded by Simon Burns and Stefan Britton, Keza aims to expand financial services access to every corner of the globe. Keza has raised $357,000 in pre-seed funding and is backed by Jason Calacanis of HOF Capital and Digital Currency Group.

Speaking to Bitcoin Magazine , Burns said that the duo came up with the idea of setting up Keza after looking for options to invest Bitcoin.

"My co-founder and I had been reviewing all of the options to invest our Bitcoin and kept looking for a product that just didn't seem to exist. We started coding and putting together an MVP, that MVP got us into Boost.vc and developed our vision for the company," Burns said.

The company decided to launch the app after beta testing and talking to mobile phone users in emerging markets who currently do not have access to modern financial services and investment options.

The app will not have deposit minimums and will allow investment in emerging markets currently restricted to investors who can reach a $1 million minimum. Replying to questions and answers on ProductHunt , Burns said that a majority of the users will likely be from emerging markets where there is a lack of good investment options.

"Our core user base is likely going to be users in emerging markets who don't have access to high caliber investments and have moved into Bitcoin for either usage of banking services (remittances, cross-border payments), or who see it as a store of value," Burns told ProductHunt.

Detailing its investment strategy , the company states on its website that the Keza portfolios are invested across global markets and different assets in order to ensure long-term returns across all market conditions. According to Burns, all the investments are currently made in Bitcoin-denominated indices.

"So on a day the SP500 goes up 2 percent, your allocation to the SP500 goes up 2 percent in Bitcoin terms (i.e. 1BTC becomes 1.02BTC). We're aiming to launch fiat products in the medium term," Burns told ProductHunt.

The Keza iOS beta app is currently available for users outside the United States only. Users who want an early access can sign up for updates on U.S. and Android launch here.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.