Volodymyr Nosov on W Group valuation, US entry and the future
In a major interview with Forbes Ukraine, WhiteBIT founder and CEO Volodymyr Nosov discussed W Group's current valuation, ambitious plans to enter the American market, and how a crypto exchange from Kharkiv became Europe's largest by traffic.
Speaking about the real valuation of W Group (the new name of the group of companies after the fall rebranding, formerly known as WhiteBIT Group), industry analysts estimates its value between $20 and $40 billion, depending on the market.
"The final word is always with the market," Nosov said, noting that the company's true value will only be determined by a possible IPO or major investment rounds.
According to CoinMarketCap, WhiteBIT is Europe's largest cryptocurrency exchange by traffic. Trading volume on the exchange exceeds $2.7 trillion per year, placing it among the region’s leaders. The WhiteBIT ecosystem's native cryptocurrency – WBT – already ranks 17th in the world by market capitalization ($11 billion).
WhiteBIT prepares for US operations
Nosov confirmed plans to enter the US – one of the world’s most lucrative crypto markets.”
The US is a strategic priority. We understand the complexity of the regulatory environment, but we're ready for this challenge,Nosov stated.
This move continues WhiteBIT’s global expansion. Over the past year, the company has obtained licenses and permits in Australia, Croatia, Italy, Kazakhstan, and recently secured VASP registration in Argentina while preparing to launch in Brazil.
Starting in a "Bear Market" is an advantage
Nosov says launching WhiteBIT in 2018 during a "bear market" was a key factor in the company's success.
We started our business in a bear market, meaning when it was in decline. This tempered us and helped us do everything right. When you build a product in crisis conditions, you focus on real value for clients, not on hype,explains the WhiteBIT founder.
This approach allowed the company to create a stable business model and products that have withstood all subsequent market cycles.
WhiteBIT's mission: education and mass adoption
Nosov defines the company’s mission as going beyond trading.
WhiteBIT's mission is for people to approach investing and crypto assets knowledgeably. So that crypto can integrate more easily into everyday life.says Volodymyr.
The company actively invests in educational projects, collaborates with leading universities including Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, and conducts large-scale educational campaigns about blockchain opportunities.
Ukraine as Europe's crypto hub
Nosov believes in Ukraine's potential to become one of Europe's key digital hubs. According to Chainalysis, Ukraine ranks among the global leaders in crypto adoption, with over 6 million Ukrainians owning cryptocurrency.
Ukraine has every opportunity to become an attractive market for crypto companies. This requires a clear regulatory framework that would protect both users and businesses,notes Nosov.
Nosov said WhiteBIT is ready to work with regulators on forward-looking digital asset laws.
From building materials to crypto exchange
36-year-old Kharkiv native Volodymyr Nosov took an atypical path for a tech company founder. He started with building materials distribution, founding his own company in 2011.
"I felt that the future lies with blockchain and crypto," Nosov recalls about the moment when he first encountered cryptocurrencies in 2017 after selling his previous business.
This experience in trade and his business background became the foundation for one of Europe’s most successful crypto exchanges.
More than business: charity and sports
Besides managing WhiteBIT, Nosov actively supports charitable causes and Ukrainian sports. He became an investor and president of the Metalist 1925 football club, saving the team from closure in 2023.
Over 2.5 years of full-scale war, Nosov and WhiteBIT have donated over 445 million hryvnias to support the Ukrainian army and assist civilians. Among landmark charitable acts include purchasing Kalush Orchestra's crystal microphone for $900 thousand and Boombox band's drums for $400 thousand.
Global strategy: from Europe to the world
Today W Group serves over 35 million clients worldwide. WhiteBIT offers over 800 trading pairs, 340+ assets, and support for 9 fiat currencies. The company partners with Visa, FACEIT, FC Juventus, FC Barcelona, and the Ukrainian national football team, underscoring its global presence.
WhiteBIT continues expanding globally while keeping its Ukrainian roots.
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