Aplo
Category: AI in Fintech
Aplo is a digital assets prime brokerage for institutional investors, providing unified access to crypto trading, custody, and financing Aplo was founded in 2019. The company is led by Oliver Yates. Based in Paris, France. Team size: 51-200. Total funding raised: $11.1M. Latest round: Series A. Key investors include Atomico, Semantic Ventures, Cherry Ventures, Draper Dragon, Acequia Capital, Kima Ventures.
- Founded
- 2019
- Headquarters
- Paris, France
- Team size
- 51-200
- Total funding
- $11.1M
Value proposition
Provides institutional investors with a single point of access to the digital asset market through a unified platform for trading, custody, and financing with EU regulatory compliance
Products and solutions
Digital asset prime brokerage, Crypto trading platform, Institutional custody solutions, Financing services, RFQ system for large orders
Unique value
EU-regulated crypto prime broker with institutional-grade security, no proprietary trading, and transparent execution reporting
Target customer
Institutional investors, hedge funds, family offices, and professional crypto traders
Industries served
Financial Services, Cryptocurrency, Digital Assets
Technology advantage
French DASP registered with AMF for brokerage and custody, multi-sig security with sMPC and HSMs, automated workflows for complex trading processes
How they differentiate
Only institutional-focused digital asset trading platform regulated in the EU, with no proprietary trading and transparent execution
Main competitors
SCRYPT, Other crypto prime brokers
Key partnerships
Coincheck Group (acquired September 2025), Olkypay (banking partner), Various institutional clients across Europe
Notable customers
Satori Digital, Wave Financial, Nineyards Equity, Various European institutional investors
Major milestones
Rebranding from SheeldMarket to Aplo, Raised $10M Series A led by Atomico (October 2021), Named 'Prime Broker of the Year (EMEA)' at 2025 Hedgeweek Global Digital Asset Awards, Acquired by Coincheck Group (September 2025)
Growth metrics
Serves 60+ institutional clients, $1bn largest order processed, 350+ assets supported, 17bps average VWAP improvement
Market positioning
Leading European crypto prime brokerage for institutional investors
Geographic focus
Europe, with expansion plans through Coincheck acquisition
Patents and IP
Information on patents is not publicly available
About Oliver Yates
Co-Founder & CEO at Aplo (formerly SheeldMarket). Previously worked as a blockchain engineer at Stratumn. He holds a Master's degree in Engineering from ISAE-SUPAERO and studied at the University of California, Berkeley.
Official website: https://www.aplo.io