M1, founded in 2015 by Brian Barnes, is a Chicago-based (United States) financial technology company. It delivers a unified digital platform for investing, borrowing, and spending, combining automated portfolio management, customized investment strategies, checking accounts, and personal lending lines of credit. M1 integrates wealth management, cash flow automation, and advisory services, helping individuals and financial advisors manage finances efficiently. The platform’s versatile fintech solutions cater to seamless investment and lending experiences while supporting growth and scalability for its users.
What Is M1 and What Does It Do?
M1, founded in 2015 by Brian Barnes, is a Chicago-based financial technology company specializing in investment and lending platforms for securities.
With a team of 201-500 employees (as of July 2024), M1 enables users to invest, borrow, and spend seamlessly through a unified digital platform.
The company’s core features include customized investment strategies, automated portfolio management, checking accounts, and personal lending lines of credit. M1 integrates wealth management, cash flow automation, and advisory support for individuals and financial advisors, making it one of the most versatile fintech platforms in the U.S.
How Much Funding Has M1 Raised?
1. Series A
- Amount Raised: $9 million
- Date: September 2016
- Motivation: To develop and launch its investment management platform.\
2. Series B (1st Round)
- Amount Raised: $16.2 million
- Date: July 2018
- Motivation: To strengthen product features and enhance platform usability.
3. Series B (2nd Round)
- Amount Raised: $33 million
- Date: June 2020
- Lead Investors: Left Lane, Clocktower Technology Ventures, Jump Capital
- Motivation: To expand customer acquisition and integrate lending products.
4. Series C
- Amount Raised: $49.8 million
- Date: October 2020
- Lead Investors: Left Lane, Jump Capital, Clocktower Technology Ventures, Chicago Ventures
- Motivation: To accelerate platform scalability and technology development.
5. Series D
- Amount Raised: $75 million
- Date: March 2021
- Lead Investors: Left Lane, Clocktower Technology Ventures, Coatue
- Motivation: To expand marketing and enhance customer acquisition.
6. Series E
- Amount Raised: $150 million
- Date: July 2021
- Lead Investors: SoftBank Vision Fund
- Motivation: To strengthen automation, scale operations, and expand wealth-management services.
Total Funding Raised: $333 Million
Current Valuation: $1.45 Billion (as of July 2021)
Latest Funding Date: July 2021
Key Investors
1. SoftBank Vision Fund
- Details: A global technology investment arm of SoftBank Group, focusing on transformative companies in fintech, AI, and digital platforms.
- Investment Focus Areas: Fintech, artificial intelligence, consumer platforms.
- Notable Investments: M1, Revolut, SoFi, WeWork.
2. Coatue Management
- Details: A technology-focused investment firm known for its late-stage funding in digital and financial sectors.
- Investment Focus Areas: Fintech, SaaS, consumer internet, data-driven businesses.
- Notable Investments: M1, DoorDash, Robinhood, Stripe.
3. Left Lane Capital
- Details: Growth-stage VC specializing in consumer internet and fintech companies.
- Investment Focus Areas: Financial technology, consumer platforms, SaaS.
- Notable Investments: M1, Masterworks, Blank Street.
4. Clocktower Technology Ventures
- Details: A venture arm of Clocktower Group focusing on early-stage fintech and digital asset startups.
- Investment Focus Areas: Financial innovation, trading infrastructure, wealth tech.
- Notable Investments: M1, Robinhood, Betterment.
5. Jump Capital
- Details: A Chicago-based venture capital firm investing in scalable, data-driven technology businesses.
- Investment Focus Areas: Fintech, data analytics, and blockchain.
- Notable Investments: M1, Nayms, BitGo.
Where Is M1’s Headquarters?
M1 is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, one of the U.S.’s most dynamic fintech and trading hubs. The city’s robust financial ecosystem, access to institutional investors, and deep technology talent pool make it an ideal location for M1 to operate and scale its wealth management and investment technology offerings.
What’s Next for M1?
M1 plans to enhance its automated wealth management ecosystem by expanding into new lending products, improving its mobile experience, and integrating AI-based advisory tools. The firm is also expected to pursue international expansion and partnerships with financial institutions to grow its user base. With increasing investor confidence and a firm $1.45 billion valuation, M1 aims to solidify its position as a leading all-in-one platform for investing, borrowing, and spending.
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