bitFlyer is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges by trading volume, originally founded in January 2014 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company was among the first exchanges to obtain a license under Japan's Payment Services Act, establishing itself as a regulated and compliant trading platform in one of the world's most crypto-forward jurisdictions.
Beyond Japan, bitFlyer expanded internationally with licensed operations in the United States (via bitFlyer USA, registered as a money transmitter with FinCEN and holding state licenses) and in Europe through bitFlyer EUROPE, regulated under Luxembourg financial law. This multi-jurisdiction licensing makes bitFlyer one of the few exchanges operating with full regulatory approval across three major markets.
The platform supports spot trading of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major cryptocurrencies, along with professional trading tools and API access. bitFlyer has processed trillions of yen in cumulative trading volume since launch and has consistently ranked among the top exchanges in Japan by market share.
Key Facts
- Founded: January 2014
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Regulated in: Japan, United States, and Europe (Luxembourg)
- CEO: Yuzo Kano (co-founder)
Venture Capital Rounds
bitFlyer: $27.0 million - Series C
| Exchange
Description: BitFlyer allows you to easily trade virtual currency bit coins at a transparent price. Market checking is also possible on the chart. BitFlyer supports every transaction on your bit coin and contributes to the spread of bit coins.
Investors: Venture Labo Investment, SBI Investment
Headquartered: Tokyo
Country: Japan
bitFlyer: $4 million - First
| Exchange
Description: BitFlyer allows you to easily trade virtual currency bit coins at a transparent price. Market checking is also possible on the chart. BitFlyer supports every transaction on your bit coin and contributes to the spread of bit coins.
Investors: Mitsubishi UFJ Capital Co, Venture Labo Investment Co, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Venture Capital Co, Dentsu Digital Holdings Inc, Quick Corp
Headquartered: Tokyo
Country: Japan
bitFlyer: $1.1 million - Seed
| Exchange
Description: BitFlyer allows you to easily trade virtual currency bit coins at a transparent price. Market checking is also possible on the chart. BitFlyer supports every transaction on your bit coin and contributes to the spread of bit coins.
Investors: Bitcoin Opportunity Corp, RSP Fund No. 5, GMO Venture Partners
Headquartered: Tokyo
Country: Japan
bitFlyer: $0.24 million - Seed
| Exchange
Description: BitFlyer allows you to easily trade virtual currency bit coins at a transparent price. Market checking is also possible on the chart. BitFlyer supports every transaction on your bit coin and contributes to the spread of bit coins.
Investors: Bitcoin Opportunity Corp.
Headquartered: Tokyo
Country: Japan
bitFlyer: $1.6 million - Seed
| Exchange
Description: BitFlyer allows you to easily trade virtual currency bit coins at a transparent price. Market checking is also possible on the chart. BitFlyer supports every transaction on your bit coin and contributes to the spread of bit coins.
Investors: Unnamed Japan-based venture capital firm
Headquartered: Tokyo
Country: Japan