Bitcoin boost for emerging nations as Philippines startup acquires US-based Keza

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Filipino fintech company Satoshi Citadel Industries has added another bitcoin-related startup to its fleet. According to a recent announcement, it has acquired Keza, a bitcoin investment app thats made in the US. The details of the deal are undisclosed.

Keza launched with a mission to allow anyone to invest in US and international markets using the infamous cryptocurrency. The app was supposed to be accessible to any Bitcoin investor regardless of their experience, offering ease of use and three different levels of risk from “conservative” to “aggressive.”

The focus on financial inclusion and emerging markets is common ground for the two companies.

Things didn’t turn out too well for Keza, however. In April, while still in beta, the startup discontinued its service. Online speculation made it seem like Keza was running afoul of US regulations, but this was not confirmed.

Regardless, the startup now seems to have gotten a second lease on life courtesy of SCI, which will add Keza to its range of bitcoin products. This includes remittance service Rebit, payment processor Bitmarket, and bitcoin card provider Prepaid Bitcoin.

See: Making Satoshi proud: This Bitcoin umbrella firm has released six companies in three months

Under SCI’s wing, it looks like it’s back to business for Keza, especially since the focus on financial inclusion and emerging markets is common ground for the two companies. We’ve reached out to SCI to learn more about the acquisition and we will update this story when we hear back.

What’s certain is that SCI continues to build itself up as a Bitcoin force in the Philippines, a market that’s particularly enthusiastic about the cryptocurrency. Last year, SCI acquired BuyBitcoin for an undisclosed amount.

More recently, SCI scored seed funding (also undisclosed) from KVG, the investment arm of social media app KakaoTalk.