Mochatrade, a trading platform designed for Indian users seeking exposure to US financial markets, has raised $5.5 million in a seed funding round led by CoinFund. Other investors include Coinbase Ventures and Zero Knowledge Ventures, while earlier backers include Y Combinator and Pioneer Fund.
The fresh capital will support the development of the company’s trading technology and risk management infrastructure. Mochatrade also plans to expand its reach among Indian traders as it prepares to grow its platform, according to the company’s press release.
Founded in 2026 by Utkarsh Sinha, Parth Maheshwari and Chetan Manda, Mochatrade combines rupee-based account balances and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) deposits with access to contracts linked to US stocks, market indices and commodities.
Mochatrade Brings US Market Exposure to Indian Traders
Mochatrade aims to make trading contracts linked to US financial markets more accessible to Indian users through an interface built around familiar domestic payment methods and rupee-denominated balances.
Users can fund their accounts through UPI and view their trading margins, profits and losses in rupees. The platform allows users to take long or short positions through perpetual futures contracts linked to US company share prices without opening a US brokerage account.
Perpetual futures are derivative contracts that do not have a fixed expiry date. They allow traders to take positions based on an asset’s price movements without owning the underlying shares.
However, these products carry significant risks. While leverage allows traders to take larger positions with less upfront capital, it can also magnify losses. Users trading these contracts do not acquire ownership of the underlying stocks.
The platform’s approach reflects a broader trend among trading services targeting Indian users, with companies combining UPI-based deposits, rupee balances and access to contracts linked to international stocks, indices and commodities.
Waitlist Crosses 25,000 Sign-ups
Mochatrade said its waitlist has crossed 25,000 sign-ups, indicating interest in its proposed offering among traders looking for exposure to global markets.
The company has not announced an official public launch date. Interested users can join the waitlist through its website to receive updates about early access.
The startup also plans to expand its product offering. Future additions could include contracts linked to select pre-IPO companies, US stock options and social trading features, subject to applicable laws and regulatory approvals.
Mochatrade said its markets are designed to provide continuous access and real-time settlement. Actual access and execution, however, remain subject to liquidity, asset availability and the platform’s risk controls.
Mochatrade’s Regulatory Registration in India
Mochatrade operates in India through an entity registered with the Financial Intelligence Unit India (FIU-IND) as a Virtual Digital Asset Service Provider and a reporting entity for anti-money laundering purposes.
The registration forms part of the company’s regulatory framework for its operations in India.
As the platform offers derivative contracts linked to international asset prices, its product structure and operations will remain important considerations as it expands its services to Indian traders. Users should also understand the risks associated with perpetual futures, particularly the potential for leveraged positions to result in substantial losses.
Funding to Support Trading Technology and Expansion
The $5.5 million seed round will help Mochatrade strengthen the technology behind its trading platform and improve its risk infrastructure. The company also intends to expand its presence among active Indian traders.
With CoinFund leading the round and Coinbase Ventures and Zero Knowledge Ventures participating, the funding brings support from investors focused on financial technology and digital asset markets. Earlier backing from Y Combinator and Pioneer Fund has also supported the startup’s development.
Mochatrade’s next phase will involve developing its core trading infrastructure, attracting users and exploring additional products for traders seeking access to international markets.
As the platform works towards a wider launch, its ability to combine a straightforward funding experience with reliable trading infrastructure, effective risk controls and compliance with applicable regulations will be central to its growth.
-By Shivani Solanki
