Pillow’s Mission to Democratize Access to Global Assets Hits Regulatory Roadblocks
In a surprising turn of events, cryptocurrency investment startup Pillow, headquartered in Singapore, has announced its decision to shut down operations due to mounting regulatory uncertainty. With prominent backers such as Accel, Elevation Partners, and Quona Capital, Pillow had set out to become the leading platform for accessing global assets across emerging and frontier markets. However, the company’s aspirations have now come to a halt, as it grapples with the challenges posed by stringent regulatory frameworks.
Founded in 2021 by Arindam Roy, Rajath KM, and Kartik Mishra, Pillow had quickly gained traction in the market, boasting 75,000 users as of 2022. Through the Pillow app, users were able to invest and save in US Dollar-backed stablecoins and a range of blue-chip cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
In an official communication addressed to its user base, Pillow expressed its regret over the situation, stating, “We regret to inform you that the Pillow team has made the decision to no longer provide our current services through the Pillow app due to regulatory uncertainty and will be closing operations on July 31.” The company urged its users to redeem their investments and withdraw funds promptly, utilizing the available withdrawal methods. It has been reported that services will be discontinued in India and Nigeria.
Pillow had garnered significant attention in the investment landscape, raising $18 million in Series A funding in October 2022. The funding round was co-led by Accel, Quona Capital, Elevation Capital, and Jump Capital. Elevation Capital, having been the first seed investor in Pillow, had spearheaded the initial funding round in 2021.
To provide reassurance to its user base, Pillow assured that all user funds would remain secure and accessible in full, with the ability to withdraw crypto assets available until July 31. Bank withdrawals, on the other hand, will be operational until July 7, 2023. Additionally, the company pledged to provide users with a consolidated statement encompassing all transactions conducted on the Pillow app.
The closure of Pillow’s operations highlights the pervasive challenges faced by cryptocurrency companies worldwide, grappling with regulatory hurdles. Notably, Pillow had made significant strides in the development of cryptocurrency, Web3, and blockchain education in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, where the company had established a strong foothold.
As the cryptocurrency industry continues to evolve, regulatory frameworks and their impact on startups’ operations remain critical factors to consider. The case of Pillow underscores the need for greater clarity and cooperation between regulators and innovative companies, ensuring a conducive environment for the growth and advancement of the digital asset landscape.
While the closure of Pillow is undoubtedly a setback, the cryptocurrency market remains dynamic and resilient, with new opportunities likely to emerge as the industry adapts and matures. As investors and entrepreneurs navigate these uncertain waters, lessons learned from the experiences of startups like Pillow will undoubtedly shape the future of the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Share your thoughts in the comment section below about Pillow’s recent decision to shut down operations. If you have any cryptocurrency, web3, or blockchain projects in Africa that you would like us to publish, kindly share them with us via sales@cryptoafricanow.com.
Francis Chinedu is a Nigerian-born digital marketing specialist, a bitcoin and blockchain enthusiast, and a YouTuber who enjoys covering events that empower young Africans, especially in technology.
