Company Overview - Lightyear is a London-based startup aiming to provide commission-free trading, similar to Robinhood, and was founded in 2021 by former Wise employees Martin Sokk and Mihkel Aamer [1][2] - The company offers an app that allows users to invest in over 5,000 stocks, exchange-traded funds, and money market funds [1] Funding and Valuation - Lightyear has raised $23 million in a new funding round led by NordicNinja, a Japanese-backed venture capital fund [2] - The latest funding round values Lightyear between $200 million and $300 million, a significant increase from its previous valuation in 2022 when it raised $25 million [6] Market Expansion - Currently, Lightyear operates in 25 countries and plans to expand into five additional markets with the help of angel investors [3] - The company is supported by notable investors from Estonia's tech scene, including Markus Villig, co-founder of ride-hailing unicorn Bolt, and other prominent figures from the Estonian tech industry [4] Industry Context - Estonia is recognized as a leading tech hub in Europe, boasting the highest number of unicorns per capita [5] - The retail investing market in Europe is considered less developed, presenting opportunities for disruption in the sector [4]