Bolt Raises $450M Amid Controversy, Potential $250M Marketing Boost from London Fund

Bolt, a financial technology company, is raising $450 million at a $14 billion valuation, an increase from its previous $11 billion valuation during the Series E1 round. Led by controversial founder Ryan Breslow, who reassumed his CEO position despite past financial controversies, Bolt aims to reshape its financial strategy. Ashesh Shah from The London Fund plans to invest $250 million in marketing capital, potentially altering Bolt’s investor structure and diminishing existing stakeholders’ shares like BlackRock unless they contribute more. This investment also includes marketing credits via Shah’s network, raising doubts about the actual monetary value. The investment deadline for shareholder approval is August 29. Bolt has faced significant financial setbacks and investor lawsuits, complicating investor confidence and market strategy.