Arkham Intelligence Inc., a blockchain data company supported by notable investors, including OpenAI founder Sam Altman, is gearing up to launch a crypto derivatives exchange in November. This strategic move aims to capture a share of the evolving cryptocurrency market landscape, particularly following recent regulatory shifts impacting major platforms like Binance and FTX.

Relocation to Punta Cana

In a significant operational shift, Arkham is relocating its headquarters from London and New York to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The new exchange will operate under a free-trade zone license, which is currently in the process of being secured. The Dominican Republic’s FTZs offer advantageous tax exemptions and fiscal benefits, providing a conducive environment for the startup’s operations.

Targeting Retail Investors

The forthcoming exchange aims to attract retail investors and will position itself as a competitor to established platforms such as Binance, Bybit, and OKX. With Binance experiencing its lowest market share in four years, Arkham seeks to leverage this moment to attract users looking for alternatives in the crypto derivatives space.

Growth Strategy and Market Position

Arkham has been developing the technology for its exchange internally over the past year and is in discussions to raise up to $100 million from investors in the Middle East to support its expansion. With approximately 880,000 monthly active users on its existing data platform, the company aims to convert these users into customers for its new exchange. Additionally, Arkham is actively promoting its brand through a two-season sponsorship deal with Turkish football team Galatasaray, investing €1.8 million ($2 million) per season to boost visibility.