Nuance Connected Capital announces the acquisition of Easy Crypto, New Zealand’s leading cryptocurrency exchange, by Swyftx, one of Australia's top-rated crypto platforms.
Nuance first invested in Easy Crypto in late 2021, just before the industry was hit by a perfect storm of macroeconomic challenges including a prolonged crypto winter, surging interest rates, high inflation, and global economic instability.
Under the leadership of CEO/Founder Janine Grainger, the company demonstrated exceptional resilience and innovation, cementing Easy Crypto’s position as a key player in the New Zealand and APAC cryptocurrency markets.
Ngaio Merrick, Nuance Partner, expands on that. “Janine’s exceptional leadership and visionary approach have not only transformed Easy Crypto into a trusted platform but also redefined what it means to lead with integrity and innovation in the crypto space. Her unwavering commitment to making digital currencies accessible to everyone has set a powerful example for aspiring entrepreneurs, and her impact continues to inspire the next generation of leaders in the tech and finance industries."
While many competitors struggled or exited the industry, Easy Crypto invested heavily in innovation, launching a beginner-friendly wallet and introducing a New Zealand dollar-backed stablecoin, setting new standards in the sector.
These strategic moves reinforced Easy Crypto’s market leadership and made the company an attractive acquisition target.
Nuance was active in supporting Janine and Easy Crypto’s journey. Easy Crypto’s board’s expertise helped the company navigate a highly volatile market and make critical strategic decisions that paved the way for acquisition.
Janine Grainger, CEO and Co-Founder of Easy Crypto, credits Nuance as instrumental in the company’s success: "The support from Nuance was invaluable— their investment wasn’t just financial; they provided deep strategic guidance, governance, introductions and mentorship at every stage.”
For Nuance, the deal delivers immediate liquidity for investors with continued exposure to the fast-growing crypto market via Swyftx shares for potential upside. This is the second exit for the fund and occurs in less than 4 years of the fund’s 10-year lifetime.
Merrick says “In a market where timing is everything, Nuance believes this transaction strikes the right balance, securing strong returns in the short term while keeping a stake in the future growth of crypto as mainstream adoption accelerates.”
With the acquisition complete, Easy Crypto’s legacy continues within Swyftx, a company poised to unlock new markets and drive the next wave of crypto innovation.
Nuance Connected Capital remains committed to backing bold founders, investing and scaling high-growth ventures.
About Nuance
Nuance Connected Capital is a deep-tech fund Empowering Kiwi Solutions to Global Problems.
Media Contact: Ngaio Merrick, ngaio@nuance.vc 021 741 742
About Easy Crypto
Easy Crypto is New Zealand's leading cryptocurrency retail platform offering customers a safe, secure and simple way to buy, sell and trade more than 160 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tron and many more.Launched in 2018 by siblings Janine and Alan Grainger, Easy Crypto has since transacted over NZD$3.5 billion in total sales to date. Easy Crypto’s mission is to make crypto assets accessible and understandable for all, so everyone can get involved in the cryptocurrency market. Easy Crypto is headquartered in New Zealand with a growing international footprint that so far includes Australia and South Africa.