Singapore-based trade finance platform Olea Global has successfully secured $30 million in a Series A funding round to enhance its technological capabilities. The investment was led by Spanish banking giant BBVA and included participation from XDC Network, theDOCK, and existing shareholder SC Ventures. This capital injection is earmarked for advancing Olea's AI-driven analytics and Web3 readiness to simplify global trade.
Strategic Investment for Technological Advancement
The newly acquired funds will be strategically deployed to accelerate innovation within Olea's platform, focusing on AI-powered analytics and Web3 integration. This investment aims to deliver high-growth solutions, such as embedded finance, tailored to evolving client demands. Olea also plans to scale its origination activities in key high-growth markets by leveraging its extensive global partnership ecosystem.
Since its inception in 2022, Olea has established a significant presence in the trade finance sector, facilitating over US$3 billion in financing. The company operates an institutional-grade platform backed by a Capital Market Services license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Its network connects more than 1,000 clients with 30 institutional funders across more than 70 trade corridors.
Key Partnerships Driving Expansion
As the lead investor, BBVA's involvement is set to accelerate Olea’s expansion into new trade corridors across Europe, the US, and Latin America. The partnership will leverage the strengths of both organizations to co-innovate on digital supply chain solutions. This collaboration also aims to enhance risk analytics, creating a more transparent and efficient trade finance model.
The funding round also saw continued commitment from SC Ventures, which incubated Olea and supports its vision for a scalable global trade ecosystem. The participation of XDC Network, a layer-1 blockchain platform, reinforces Olea’s ambition to support tokenized trade flows. Additionally, venture capital firm theDOCK will open new commercial pathways within the maritime logistics sector.
Navigating the Future of Digital Trade
This investment positions Olea at the forefront of the industry's shift towards digitalization, with a stated focus on AI and Web3 technologies. While the company has previously engaged in tokenizing receivables, specific details on its future AI and Web3 deployments are anticipated. The industry will be watching closely to see how these advanced technologies are integrated to enhance trade finance operations.
The success of digital trade platforms like Olea is increasingly linked to the global regulatory environment for electronic documents. The adoption of frameworks such as the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) by major economies is crucial. This legal backing for digital trade documents creates a more favorable landscape for innovation and widespread adoption.
Ultimately, this US$30 million funding round is a strong vote of confidence in Olea’s mission to transform the trade finance landscape. The capital not only validates the company's robust, technology-driven model but also equips it to scale its operations and innovate further. Olea is now well-positioned to build a more efficient, accessible, and interconnected global trade ecosystem for the future.