Singapore’s 129Knots Secures $10M for Real-World Asset Financing

Singapore-based fintech startup 129Knots has officially launched with $10 million in funding, led by Sing Fuels, a global energy trading company. The platform specializes in real-world asset origination-to-distribution (OTD) technology, designed to transform supply chains into high-value, investment-grade assets. Backed by a $500 million deal pipeline, 129Knots provides scalable liquidity solutions through secure chain technologies.

129Knots leverages its proprietary credit engine, Tribal Knots, to enhance trade finance solutions. Utilizing advanced machine learning, Tribal Knots analyzes global structured and unstructured data to uncover transaction patterns, industry benchmarks, and buyer behavior in real-time.

129Knots, a market player in the trade finance industry, aims to bridge the $2.5 trillion gap between trade finance requests and approvals. Incubated under the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) Corporate Venture Launchpad program, the company has garnered support from key industry players such as McKinsey & Company, Enterprise Singapore, and IBM Consulting. 

The company’s proprietary credit engine, Tribal Knots, drives the platform’s capabilities. Using machine learning, Tribal Knots processes both structured and unstructured data from global networks to generate real-time insights into buyer behavior, transaction trends, and industry benchmarks. 

129Knots delivers financial solutions, incorporating blockchain-based technologies, asset tokenization, programmable money, and trade credit. By leveraging stablecoin-powered transactions and advanced trade audit trails, the platform enhances transparency and streamlines trade operations.

129Knots initially focused on the marine energy transition sector but plans to extend its offerings to other high-growth industries. The company plans to offer scalable liquidity solutions by transforming supply chains into high-value assets that meet investment-grade standards. 

Through these innovations, 129Knots aims to empower businesses in emerging markets by providing them with instant credit disbursement and unlocking capital that was previously inaccessible through traditional lending channels.

Vikash Dhanuka, Founder and Group CEO of 129Knots, stated, “The homogeneous approach of balance-sheet-led lending is obsolete. A one-size-fits-all model fails in dynamic sectors like global trade.” By leveraging tailored solutions that integrate OTD technology, business risk management, and finance, 129Knots aims to unlock value for both businesses and financiers.

129Knots plans to offer scalable liquidity solutions through its next-generation OTD technology. This platform enhances asset visibility across the entire supply chain, from origination to distribution, making it adaptable for deep-tier industries. Leveraging its proprietary credit engine, Tribal Knots, the company aims to elevate supply chains into high-value assets, meeting investment-grade standards. 

The platform’s advanced capabilities in asset tokenization, programmable money, stablecoin-powered transactions, and blockchain-based governance tools are designed to increase transparency and mitigate risks.