Despite there being a broad choice of investment models, traders have not traditionally been able to invest in the outcomes of future events. Kalshi, as the first federally regulated exchange where users can invest, trade and essentially "bet" on future outcomes, sets out to change this.
The company has launched a unique asset class called "event contracts", where investors can buy simple yes or no contracts based on whether an event will happen or not. Since gaining federal regulation, Kalshi has begun adding expertise in key areas, hiring Google’s Phil Bogle as Director of Engineering and former Nadex CEO Timothy McDermott to the Board of Directors.
The key to the company's future will be maintaining trust with users through transparency, particularly on how more complex or ongoing ‘wagers’ are settled. The team has been backed with funding from Sequoia Capital, who have most likely gauged how valuable the opinion data collected on the site could be to market and political researchers - although the CFTC's reluctance to approve betting on US elections has presented a block in the road for Kalshi's plans to add "the outcome of congressional elections" to its asset options.
Kirsty
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
