Freetrade

Freetrade is a UK-based fintech company founded in 2016 by Adam Dodds and Davide Fioranelli. It provides a mobile trading platform targeting retail investors in the UK, allowing users to trade equities and ETFs through iOS and Android applications. Initially relying on crowdfunding, Freetrade grew during the COVID-19 pandemic and raised venture capital funding including a $69 million Series B round in 2021. Despite growth, it faced persistent financial losses and declining valuations from 2022 onwards. By the end of 2024, Freetrade onboarded 720k active customers with assets under management of £2.5 billion. Freetrade experienced regulatory scrutiny related to its advertising practices and criticism regarding hidden fees in its pricing model. In January 2025, Freetrade was acquired by IG Group for £160 million, prompting criticism from retail investors due to the significantly reduced valuation.