Q1: Can you introduce yourself and your journey into fintech?
I’m Kristjan Kangro, an Estonian entrepreneur who started my first company at 17 and later founded Change in 2016—a multi‑asset investment and cryptocurrency platform aimed at simplifying finance for everyone
Q2: What inspired you to create Change?
I saw an opportunity to help users invest across stocks, crypto, derivatives, and yield products from one app—making complex financial markets accessible to the everyday user .
Q3: What are Change’s main services?
We offer multi‑asset brokerage: stocks, crypto, derivatives, yield products, insights, portfolio tools, and fiat on‑ramps. It’s a unified, user‑friendly platform
Q4: How did you fund and scale Change?
In 2018 we raised $17.5M via crowdfunding and another €22M in later rounds. By 2021 we were valued at €175M. In 2023, private equity bought out a stake to accelerate growth
Q5: What markets does Change serve?
We started in Estonia then expanded across Europe via localized app versions, EU‑focused licensing, and multi‑language support.
Q6: What differentiates Change from traditional brokers?
It’s our all‑in‑one platform, seamless UX, crypto inclusion, and community‑driven features—all built by a team of young engineers .
Q7: How do you manage regulatory compliance?
We maintain strong EU compliance, adhere to AML/KYC, secure our platform, and work with regulated custodians and partners under Estonian and EU laws.
Q8: What challenges have you faced?
Navigating crypto regulations, building trust in a competitive space, scaling infrastructure, and maintaining a simple UX with a complex backend.
Q9: Tell us about recent ownership changes.
In August 2023, Andromeda Capital acquired a majority stake, taking control from early investors and cofounders to accelerate product expansion
Q10: Who are your main competitors?
We compete with fintechs like eToro, Revolut, Robinhood (US), and EU-based crypto platforms, but we stand apart by offering deeper investment tools beyond simple trading.
Q11: How do you monetize?
Via trading commissions, crypto spreads, yield product fees, and optional account upgrades. We keep core features accessible to promote mass adoption.
Q12: How big is your team now?
We’ve grown from a small Estonian startup to a cross-functional team covering product, engineering, compliance, and marketing—now exceeding 100 employees.
Q13: What tech platform powers Change?
Cloud-native microservices with secure APIs, real‑time market feeds, modular backend, and user-facing mobile apps with strong UX design.
Q14: What future features excite you?
Advanced AI-based portfolio advice, expanded derivative and yield products, fiat-to-crypto payments, and localized launches across Europe.
Q15: How do you see crypto and investing evolving?
Crypto will integrate with traditional finance. We plan to bridge yield, staking, derivatives—all compliant and user-focused.
Q16: What’s your vision for user acquisition?
By combining community feel, events, referral programs, tools for new investors, and embedding finance via APIs, we can scale to millions.
Q17: How are you delivering financial education?
Through built-in guides, tutorials, market insights, webinars, and community support—empowering informed investing.
Q18: What’s your biggest challenge today?
Balancing rapid feature growth with compliance and security, especially around crypto regulation and cross-border servicing.
Q19: What long-term milestone are you aiming for?
To become Europe’s go-to investment platform for beginners and pros alike—trusted, regulated, and leading innovation.
Q20: Advice for startup founders?
Start small, obsess over user needs, build with regulatory clarity from day one, and leverage community to grow organically.
Change Overview
Core offerings
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Multi‑asset trading: stocks, crypto, derivatives, yield
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User-centric mobile app & tools
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Fiat on‑ramp and payment integration
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Investment education and community features
Competitors
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eToro, Robinhood, Revolut: broader fintech
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Binance, Coinbase: crypto-focused
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Interactive Brokers, DEGIRO: traditional brokers
Positioning
Change bridges the gap between classic brokerage and crypto platforms with a seamless, compliant, mobile-first experience, all built under a visionary Eastern European founder.
Related Searches
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Kristjan Kangro Change interview
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Change app multi-asset investing EU
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Estonia fintech success stories
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Andromeda Capital Change stake
FAQ
Does Change have regulatory oversight?
Yes—all EU-compliant, with custody protection and clear AML/KYC processes via Estonian regulators.
Can I invest in crypto and stocks together?
Absolutely—you can trade stocks, crypto, derivatives, and yield products all in one app.
What’s the minimum deposit?
We aim for inclusivity: small minimums, modular fees, and free educational content to onboard new investors.
