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Firefish Secures $1.8M Seed Funding to Grow Its Bitcoin-Backed Lending Platform and Continue Global Expansion

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Firefish, a bitcoin-collateralized lending marketplace, raised $1.8M in seed funding to expand its global reach. Backed by Braiins and Miton C, it offers instant USDC loans and supports EUR and CHF. With over $100M in volume and 10,000+ users, Firefish uses multi-sig escrow to eliminate counterparty risk and is scaling its institutional lending program.

PRAGUE, Czech Republic, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Firefish, the open marketplace for bitcoin-collateralized loans, today announced the successful close of a $1.8 million seed funding round, marking a major milestone in its mission to make secure, trust-minimized Bitcoin-backed loans accessible worldwide. The company now offers instant USDC loans to users in the U.S. and across global markets, expanding access to stablecoin-based liquidity for Bitcoin holders.

“We’re not reinventing TradFi with Bitcoin on the surface—we’re rebuilding lending from the ground up using Bitcoin‘s core principles.” Martin Matejka, Firefish CEO and Co-Founder

The round was backed by a select group of investors, including Braiins, the world’s oldest Bitcoin mining pool and creators of the open-source mining software Braiins OS, and Miton C, a Prague-based venture capital firm focused on startups across Europe. With EUR already supported, Firefish now also offers the option of CHF loans and USDC instant loans to users in the U.S., Switzerland, and the rest of the world, where borrowers can secure liquidity in as little as 15 minutes.

“We’re not reinventing TradFi with Bitcoin on the surface—we’re rebuilding lending from the ground up using Bitcoin‘s core principles,” said Martin Matejka, Firefish CEO and Co-Founder. “This investment validates our vision and demonstrates that Bitcoin-native lending can be done at scale—without taking shortcuts. Firefish is where serious capital meets Bitcoin-native infrastructure, with open price discovery and zero rehypothecation.”

With over $100 million in transaction volume, 10,000+ users, and nearly 1,000 BTC in escrowed collateral, Firefish is rapidly establishing itself as a major force in Bitcoin-native finance. In March 2025, Firefish recorded triple-digit month-over-month growth, driven by thousands of Bitcoiners looking for loans and yield-seeking lenders attracted to its market-driven rates, compelling risk-reward profile, and a borrower-driven model that lets lenders pick the best deal.

Unlike the centralized crypto lenders that have historically operated in the industry, Firefish does not hold user assets, which are never rehypothecated. Bitcoin collateral is locked in on-chain escrow using multi-signature contracts, and fiat loans are settled directly between borrowers and lenders via standard bank transfers or stablecoins. Firefish’s advanced recovery feature allows for the Bitcoin collateral to still be recoverable in case of disastrous scenarios by using a pre-signed recovery transaction.

With Firefish, institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals can deploy capital in bulk using fiat or stablecoins and be matched with qualified borrowers. These investments will soon be able to take place through traditional fund structures, which could enable even broader participation.

Braiins recently used Firefish to secure a $400,000 loan, leveraging their Bitcoin to expand the company’s operations without having to sell. “It took less than 24 hours to collateralize 8.75 BTC and borrow euros,” said Eli Nagar, CEO of Braiins. “This investment reflects our belief that Bitcoin holders don’t want counterparty risk. With Firefish, the rules are enforced by code, not third-party trust.” Braiins is also offering Bitcoin miners the option of purchasing their hardware using Bitcoin-backed loans powered by Firefish and is integrating it into its product suite.

Last year, Braiins and Firefish co-published “Bitcoin: The Ultimate Collateral“, a book that analyzes how lending is the natural next step for Bitcoin and how Bitcoiners can use it to their advantage. As outlined in the book, traditional finance companies can now earn yield in the Bitcoin credit market—all without having to touch Bitcoin or manage any infrastructure.

Besides accelerating its global expansion, the funding will be used to further scale Firefish Prime institutional lending program. Firefish joins Prague’s long-standing Bitcoin tradition alongside pioneering companies like SatoshiLabs, Braiins, General Bytes, Confirmo and Coinmate—cementing the city and the country’s status as a global hub of Bitcoin innovation.

ABOUT FIREFISH

Firefish is the open marketplace for bitcoin-collateralized loans. Drawing on decades of experience in banking and capital markets, Martin Matejka and Igor Neumann founded Firefish to offer Bitcoin holders a simple and secure way to borrow cash against their Bitcoin without relying on a custodian. Using on-chain escrow and peer-to-peer matching, Firefish allows users to use their Bitcoin without having to sell and trigger capital gains taxes. Learn more at firefish.io

ABOUT BRAIINS

Braiins is a pioneer in bitcoin mining software and hardware, including the widely renowned Braiins OS. Headquartered in Prague, Braiins is committed to making bitcoin mining more accessible, efficient, and profitable for miners worldwide. For additional information, visit braiins.com.

Media Contact

Jesse, Firefish, 1 3127769278, jesse@bitcoincomms.com, firefish.io

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/firefish-secures-1-8m-seed-funding-to-grow-its-bitcoin-backed-lending-platform-and-continue-global-expansion-302423469.html

SOURCE Firefish

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TCL and MediaMarktSaturn Expand Strategic Retail Partnership to Germany

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PARIS, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TCL, the global No.1 ultra-large TV brand[1] and No.1 Mini LED TV brand[2], today announces the expansion of its strategic retail partnership with MediaMarktSaturn Retail Group, Europe’s number one consumer electronics retailer, with the rollout now extending to Germany.

Already available in selected MediaMarkt countries, TCL’s latest lineup is now being rolled out across all MediaMarkt and Saturn stores in Germany, both in-store and online, starting May 2025.

To mark the launch of this partnership in Germany, a special cashback program of up to €400 will allow end customers to directly benefit from the collaboration. More information is available here.

MediaMarktSaturn customers in Germany can now experience TCL’s latest QD-Mini LED innovations such as the C7K and extended QLED Series of P7K. All products are engineered to deliver cutting-edge technology and premium user experiences.

Apart from technologies, TCL and its partners will also be inspired by the passion of sports and benefit from the activations of TCL’s extensive sponsoring titles, such as the Worldwide Olympic Partner and the Official Partner of Germany National Football Team.

“With MediaMarktSaturn as a strong partner, we are opening a new chapter for TCL in Germany. Together we are creating more visibility and bringing innovative, premium technology to more people across the country,” said Alex Ma, Country Manager DACH at TCL.

Bas Eijsink, Managing Director Commercial at MediaMarktSaturn Germany, added: “TCL is a strong and forward-thinking partner that aligns perfectly with our ambition to lead the market in both product innovation and customer experience. Together, we are enhancing our assortment and giving customers even more reasons to choose MediaMarktSaturn”.

This agreement reinforces TCL’s retail presence in Germany and across Europe, supporting long-term regional growth. As one of the world’s leading TV brands, TCL is strengthening its commitment to making advanced entertainment and smart home technologies accessible to more consumers. By partnering with a trusted retail leader with broad market reach and deep local expertise, TCL is helping more households enjoy high-performance, innovation-driven solutions designed for everyday life.

Discover more products at  https://www.tcl.com/eu/en 

[1] Data: Shipment market share of 85″+ TV from OMDIA, 2024

[2] Data: Shipment market share of Mini LED TV from OMDIA, 2024

About TCL
TCL specializes in the research, development and manufacturing of consumer electronics including TVs, mobile phones, audio devices, smart home products and appliances. Combining thoughtful design and innovative technology to inspire greatness, our lineup delivers must-have features and meaningful experiences. As one of the world’s largest consumer electronics brands, our vertically integrated supply chain, and state-of-the-art display panel factory help TCL deliver innovation for all. For more information, please visit: https://www.tcl.com 

TCL is a registered trademark of TCL Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2689040/Image_20250514132601.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tcl-and-mediamarktsaturn-expand-strategic-retail-partnership-to-germany-302457419.html

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Trinasolar Debuts Advanced Energy Storage Solution at Solar & Storage Live Philippines

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MANILA, Philippines, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Trina Storage, the energy storage division of global solar leader Trinasolar, will introduce its next-generation Elementa 2 Pro 5MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to Philippines at Solar & Storage Live Philippines 2025, on 19–20 May at the SMX Convention Center in Manila.

As Philippines targets 35% renewable energy by 2030, it faces growing challenges in maintaining grid stability, energy security, and cost efficiency. With increasing integration of solar and wind, the need for advanced, reliable energy storage becomes critical to balance supply fluctuations and deliver consistent, clean power. The Elementa 2 Pro builds on the success of Elementa 2, is purpose-built to address these evolving demands, offering even greater efficiency, flexibility, and safety.

Elementa 2 Pro features:

Improved Lifespan: In-house developed and manufactured 314Ah Trina Cell supports up to 15,000 cycles, up from 12,000 in Elementa 2, offering lower lifecycle costs and longer-term value.Enhanced Durability: C5 corrosion resistance and IP67 protection, ensuring even greater reliability in harsh environments.Smarter Cooling: An upgraded hybrid air-liquid cooling system reduces auxiliary power consumption by 30%. It operates efficiently in ambient temperatures up to 55°C, significantly enhancing energy utilization.Advanced Safety: Fire mitigation systems and sandwich cabin structure, providing up to two hours of fire protection.

Trinasolar will also showcase its latest innovations: the Shield Extreme Climate Module (NED19RC.20) and the high-power Vertex N i-TOPCon Ultra 740W Module (NEG21C.20). The 630W n-type i-TOPCon Ultra Shield module is built with ultra-durable glass that is 25% thicker than standard designs, delivering 2.5 times greater impact resistance. Engineered to endure harsh conditions, it withstands up to 8000 Pa downforce and 6000 Pa uplift when installed with a three-beam system, making it one of the strongest solutions available for typhoon-prone regions like the Philippines. The module is also rated to resist hail impact up to 55 mm in diameter and carries a Class A fire rating, ensuring dependable performance across a wide range of extreme environments.

The i-TOPCon Ultra Vertex N modules boost cell efficiency by up to 1%, with enhanced power output of up to 40W. The bifacial Vertex N 740W offers an efficiency of 23.8%.

As a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, Trinasolar is committed to enhancing the Philippines’ energy landscape. Trinasolar supplied its high-performance modules to PetroGreen Energy Corporation’s 27MW Dagohoy Solar Power Project in Bohol which powers around 18,000 homes and key tourist areas. The 40MW Limbauan Solar Power Project in Isabela, also powered by Trinasolar modules, produces approximately 59 GWh per year, powering nearly 33,000 households. These projects highlight Trinasolar’s dedication to delivering advanced solar solutions to support Philippines’ clean energy transition.

Visit Trinasolar’s booth at 1-Q03.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/trinasolar-debuts-advanced-energy-storage-solution-at-solar–storage-live-philippines-302455063.html

SOURCE Trina Solar Energy Development Pte. Ltd.

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Singapore EXPO is pioneer awardee of Platinum Certification for MICE Sustainability, setting a new industry benchmark

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SINGAPORE, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore EXPO, managed by Constellar, has become a pioneer awardee of the prestigious Platinum Certification under the MICE Sustainability Certification (MSC) framework developed by the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS). This certification at the Platinum level has attained Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Recognised status, aligning with the GSTC MICE Criteria Version 1.0 supported by Singapore Tourism Board (STB) with Singapore EXPO being part of the Early Adopter Program of the GSTC MICE Criteria.

The MSC rewards excellence in event sustainability across environmental, social, and governance pillars. The Platinum certification, introduced in November 2024, represents the highest tier of sustainability recognition through a rigorous evaluation of the sustainability practices of venues and event organisers against global standards. This recognition underscores Singapore EXPO’s commitment to being a leading venue in spearheading sustainability in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry and its leadership in sustainable operations.

Raising the Bar in Sustainability Excellence

From clean energy and smart buildings to zero-waste solutions and responsible food practices, Singapore EXPO’s sustainability journey across 26 years reflects its core values of innovation, collaboration, and community engagement. Key achievements and best practices include transitioning to renewable energy sources, the implementation of advanced waste management systems, and adopting energy-efficient technologies.

Solar-powered Sustainability: Home to Singapore’s current largest single-site solar rooftop installation, at an estimated size of eight football fields, the solar panels generate clean renewable energy that power 100% of the MICE activities that take place at Singapore EXPO.Comprehensive Waste Management: Singapore EXPO has a comprehensive waste management program, supported by an on-site sorting facility, food digester and partnerships with recycling vendors to maximise landfill diversion rates.Energy Efficiency: The implementation of energy-efficient lighting systems, including the use of LED lighting throughout the venue and advanced HVAC systems, have reduced energy consumption by 25%.Water Conservation: Water-saving fixtures and the completion of a rainwater harvesting system by 2025 will reduce Singapore EXPO’s water efficiency index by 10% by 2026.Community Engagement: Ongoing collaborations with local organisations such as BlueAcres and NTUC LearningHub, and Institutes of Higher Learning such as Singapore University of Technology and Design and Nanyang Polytechnic, to drive skills training, social sustainability programs and community outreach initiatives.Sustainable Event Solutions: Rooftop urban farm to augment event catering with up to one ton of produce per month, as well as eco-friendly options to event organisers such as biodegradable materials, digital ticketing, and carbon offset programs.

“Exhibitions bring global communities together, fostering new connections, ideas, businesses, and partnerships that can shape the future. Constellar has a unique opportunity and responsibility to be a force for good, driving collaboration and galvanising collective action for sustainable growth and positive impact.” said Chua Wee Phong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Constellar. In the past 25 years, Singapore EXPO has hosted over 100 million visitors and approximately 12,000 events. It hosted about 400 events last year.

He added: “Being a sustainable venue is a key differentiator for events and can significantly scale impact across the industry. Singapore EXPO is proud to continue pioneering continuous innovation in sustainable venue operations and fostering active collaboration with partners across the MICE industry, as Asia’s Most Sustainable MICE Venue powered by renewable energy.”

Pioneering a Green Future for Events

With this certification, Singapore EXPO reaffirms its commitment to being a hub for sustainable innovation. As the global MICE industry continues to evolve, the venue remains steadfast in its mission to provide world-class facilities while prioritising environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

“Congratulations to Constellar on achieving the Platinum tier under the Singapore MICE Sustainability Certification (MSC),” said Richard Ireland, President, SACEOS. “This is the highest accolade that sets a new benchmark for the industry—paving the way for deeper sustainability integration and elevating best practices across the MICE landscape. We commend Constellar’s continued commitment to raising the bar and shaping a more responsible, future-ready industry. I hope this milestone encourages more organisations to embark on their own sustainability journey and collectively uplift the standards of excellence in our industry.”

Looking ahead, Singapore EXPO continues to contribute to Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 by expanding renewable energy sources, enhancing green infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism. In particular, the installation of additional solar panels before the end of the year will enable power 75% of Singapore EXPO’s overall consumption to be powered by renewable energy, as well as a corresponding 75% reduction of Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2025, when compared to pre-COVID baselines.

Learn more about Singapore EXPO’s sustainability initiatives and how it’s Going Green here

About Singapore EXPO

Home to some of the greatest leading events in the world, Singapore EXPO is the country’s largest purpose-built meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) venue. We are your playground of possibilities, where ideas collide, business leaders unite and connections flow. With interconnected event spaces spanning 10 halls and 32 meeting rooms across 123,000 sqm, indoors to outdoors, our versatile venue is ready for events of any proportions. 

As a trusted venue partner with over twenty years of exhibition and event experience, Singapore EXPO challenges the norm and pioneers ground-breaking solutions that elevate your event experience to greater heights. Visit singaporeexpo.com.sg for more information.

About Constellar

Constellar is Asia’s preferred partner for convening businesses, curating ideas and creating opportunities for sustainable business growth and global impact. Based in Singapore with a regional footprint in China and Malaysia, we curate and develop influential trade and consumer events for key industries, connecting global marketplaces in sectors such as fintech, industrial transformation and ESG. We also manage the Singapore EXPO, Singapore’s largest purpose-built venue for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE). Our vision is to be a global leader made in Asia, activating impactful networks to enable cross-industry collaboration and innovation through our holistic portfolio of intellectual properties in the MICE industry. Visit constellar.co for more information.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/singapore-expo-is-pioneer-awardee-of-platinum-certification-for-mice-sustainability-setting-a-new-industry-benchmark-302457385.html

SOURCE Constellar

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