Gomoon is a Berlin-based cryptocurrency brokerage, emphasizing user education and transparent investment in digital currencies
Please introduce yourself and the Startup Gomoon to our readers!
I’m Ingo Hillenbrand, the founder of Gomoon.io, a regulated cryptocurrency brokerage platform based in Berlin, Germany. Since 2013, I’ve been immersed in Bitcoin, coupled with a business education in the U.S. and a real estate background. Alongside my Co-Founder & CTO Ahmad Syed, we are shaping Gomoon as a regulated brokerage for first-time digital currency investors. Our primary focus is on educating users. If they decide to invest, we provide a fully transparent and reliable platform, irrespective of their experience level, aiming to restore trust in the crypto space.
Why did you decide to start a business?
Discovering Bitcoin in 2013 while working in real estate ignited my interest. Although I observed from a distance, in mid 2021, I took the leap to build a platform from scratch. Recognizing a market gap for a user-friendly yet trusted platform for newcomers, especially with the impending rollout of Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), was pivotal.
As CBDCs will transform the financial system in the next 3-5 years, the need for a secure and educational platform becomes crucial. Very soon, cash will cease to exist and will be replaced by a digital Dollar/Euro/Pound, etc. This will have every single person who is participating in the online financial system inevitably look into the Bitcoin ecosystem. Users with no previous knowledge will learn and also invest in this mainstream asset class. Gomoon aspires to be the guiding light in this evolving landscape for all new users entering the market.
What is the vision behind Gomoon?
Gomoon aims to revolutionize the digital asset investment landscape, positioning itself as the trusted platform for peace of mind. In a market where many bad actors have been dominating the industry, our vision is to stand out through integrity, trust, and safety.
As we enter 2024, the rise in malicious activities targeting uninformed investors underscores the importance of regulatory measures. Beyond functionality, we want to be the platform you confidently recommend to your loved ones. Gomoon is dedicated to providing a secure and informed space for education in the world of digital asset investment.
Our vision extends globally as we plan to explore overseas markets, exporting the values that define us. Gomoon is not just a platform; it’s a movement toward a future where trust, integrity, and safety are the foundation of a seamless and secure investment experience.
From the idea to the start what have been the biggest challenges so far and how did you finance yourself?
We prioritized regulatory compliance from the start, making finding a banking partner aligned with our vision challenging. After 1.5 years of collaboration with a renowned bank, an unexpected termination due to a strategy change seemed like a significant setback. However, this setback became a testament to our resilience as we embraced the startup ethos, rebuilt our product from scratch, and moved forward. We are primarily self-funded with support from family & friends and the Berliner Startup Stipendium Thanks to BHT startup hub Berlin and all those who believed in us.
Who is the target group of Gomoon?
Gomoon aspires to revolutionize the digital asset investment landscape, positioning itself as the trusted platform for peace of mind, guidance, and reassurance. Gomoon is dedicated to providing a secure and informed space for education in the world of digital asset investment. We are particularly focused on individuals aged 25-75 who have never invested in digital currencies but are likely to do so with the rollout of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). As long as you can use a computer or a mobile phone, Gomoon is accessible.
How does Gomoon work? What are the advantages? What makes you different from other providers?
Gomoon operates as a traditional brokerage platform, providing users with exposure to the cryptocurrency market through the regulated German financial market. We offer buying, selling or storing of digital assets through education, simplicity and trust. With the support of German banking partners, we ensure that user funds are backed 1:1 at all times. Our commitment is to eliminate any doubts our users may have regarding their funds. This is why our BaFin-regulated financial partners handle all transactions and custody of digital assets and currencies.
The focus on education through our learning academy differentiates us, ensuring users comprehend their investments. Through videos, blogs, webinars, and more, we provide the content necessary for informed investment. Our conversational flow approach guides users, cutting through the noise.
Gomoon, where does the road go? Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, we envision being a leading force in Germany, expanding into the EU, and venturing into the international market. Currently in the final stages of MVP private beta testing with over 500 users in the waitlist, we’re building our learning academy and fundraising. As we expand our team and welcome contributors who share our vision of rebuilding trust in the crypto space, especially beyond the “crypto winter”, we’re committed to being more than just a brokerage platform.
Gomoon aims to go beyond transactional services, aspiring to be recognized as a trustworthy source of educational content. We want to deliver facts engagingly and free from hype, positioning ourselves as a valuable resource in the evolving landscape of digital asset investment. Stay tuned as we introduce a wide range of exciting products along the way.
At the end: Which 3 tips would you give to future founders?
Taking a leap of faith demands courage. 5 years from now you’ll have regrets. Minimize those regrets!
Opportunities often arise through authentic conversations. Just start a conversation when there’s an opportunity.
You heard it many times but I will say it again. Do not give up! There will be countless setbacks. Tackle them and continue!
Thank you Ingo Hillenbrand for the Interview
Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.
