JAN3, a digital infrastructure company based in El Salvador, has successfully completed a $5 million seed round for AQUA Wallet development. This funding round was spearheaded by Fulgur Ventures and saw participation from notable investors such as Grupo Salinas, Tether, Lightning Ventures, East Ventures, Plan B Fund, Bitcoin Opportunity Fund, and NYDIG.
The announcement was made on January 5, 2025, marking a significant milestone in JAN3’s mission to enhance bitcoin accessibility and usability globally.
Investment Highlights of the $5M Seed Round for AQUA Wallet
The seed financing will primarily support the development and marketing of the AQUA Wallet, which is designed to facilitate seamless transactions between bitcoin and tether (USDt). The wallet leverages advanced Layer 2 technologies like the Lightning and Liquid Networks to provide users with efficient and secure financial management tools. 
This funding follows an oversubscribed pre-seed round that raised $620,000 earlier in 2023, illustrating strong investor confidence in JAN3’s vision and potential.
Oleg Mikhalsky, Partner at Fulgur Ventures, expressed enthusiasm about the investment, stating, “At Fulgur Ventures, we are dedicated to supporting visionary entrepreneurs who are building the financial infrastructure of the future.” He emphasized that their backing reflects confidence in JAN3’s mission to accelerate bitcoin adoption on a global scale.
Strategic Allocation of Funds
Of the total funds raised, $1 million will be allocated to establish a Bitcoin Treasury for JAN3, consisting of 12 BTC purchased at an average cost of $83,333.33 per BTC. This treasury is part of a broader strategy to enhance financial stability and operational capacity within the company.
Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, remarked on the significance of this initiative: “Tether is excited to support the work JAN3 is doing to advance financial freedom around the world.”
AQUA Wallet’s Growth and Future Plans
The AQUA Wallet has demonstrated impressive growth metrics, with swap volumes exceeding $11 million in November 2024 alone. Samson Mow, CEO of JAN3, highlighted that the wallet has achieved an excellent product-market fit by balancing savings in bitcoin with spending capabilities in USDt.
He stated, “By leveraging advanced technologies like the Lightning and Liquid Networks, we’ve managed to create a bitcoin Superapp that’s able to deliver real utility and is being used in daily life around the world.”
With this new funding, JAN3 plans to enhance its offerings further by integrating additional financial services into the AQUA Wallet. Future features may include credit card payments, loans, and local on/off ramps for buying and selling bitcoin. The company’s focus will shift towards growth strategies that aim to onboard more users and expand its market presence.
Commitment to Financial Inclusion
JAN3’s overarching goal is not only to develop a robust wallet but also to address broader financial inclusion challenges faced by underserved populations. The AQUA Wallet aims to provide solutions for families in Latin America seeking stability amid economic uncertainty and small businesses in Southeast Asia looking for growth opportunities.
By making bitcoin accessible to individuals who have been historically excluded from traditional banking systems, JAN3 hopes to empower users to take control of their finances.
The successful completion of this $5 million seed round for Aqua Wallet marks a pivotal moment for JAN3 as it embarks on an ambitious journey to revolutionize how people interact with bitcoin. With strong backing from prominent investors and a clear focus on enhancing user experience through innovative technology, JAN3 is poised to play a critical role in advancing bitcoin adoption globally.
As it moves forward with the development of the AQUA Wallet, the company remains committed to fostering financial freedom and inclusion for users around the world.
