Harold Cunningham/ Getty Images.

Australian digital currency exchange Bit Trade is raising $3 million via equity crowdfunding.

The exchange launched the raising via the Equitise platform.

The cash will be used for strategic growth and international expansion.

Bit Trade​ today become the first digital currency exchange in Australia to launch an equity crowdfunding campaign​.

The crypto exchange, operating since 2013, is raising $3 million via platform Equitise to be used for strategic growth and international expansion.

“At Bit Trade, we’re excited by the opportunity to help launch Australia’s premier gateway for the future of investment through the new asset class of smart securities,” says Bit Trade managing director and co-founder Jonathon Miller said.

Bit Trade’s long term strategy will be to diversify its revenue base, scale its platform and gain customer insights into the daily trading habits of its users.

“We’re passionate about building the next generation of wealth and we see that future being in cryptocurrencies,” he says.

Miller says $5.9 billion​ ​in digital currencies was traded by Australians in 2017.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re crypto curious or crypto serious, our platform’s accessible to both individuals and institutions and we’re really excited to be able to throw down the gauntlet and be the first Aussie digital exchange to open up our doors to everyday investors,” he says.

Equitise co-founder Jonny Wilkinson says interest in bitcoin hasn’t died down.

“Equitise is giving investors the chance to gain a foothold in exciting or emerging industries like the world of cryptocurrencies,” Wilkinson says.

“This equity crowdfunding campaign is the first time in Australia that everyday investors can help shape the future of wealth by backing an innovative company like Bit Trade who are at the forefront of the smart securities market.”

Bit Trade also has an inhouse innovation lab and blockchain consultancy which advises and develops software for businesses using blockchain and distributed ledgers.

Business Insider Emails & Alerts Site highlights each day to your inbox. Email Address Join

Follow Business Insider Australia on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.