Lithuania-based startup Debitum Network launched a global finance platform aimed at tackling the worldwide shortage of funding for small businesses.

The platform, known as Abra 1.0, allows investors from around the world to fund short-term loans to small businesses – all delivered via a self-contained ecosystem that includes service providers such as risk assessors and insurers.

The system launched with an investment portfolio of €500,000 and is scheduled to roll out in 15 countries by 2019.

Debitum’s solution is based on a unique hybrid model, combining features of cryptocurrency transactions and traditional lending. The system’s internal processes are powered by blockchain technology (using the platform’s Ethereum-based DEB token), while loans are delivered using traditional fiat currency.

Blockchain technology also offers Debitum Network speed. With loan agreements executed via smart contracts, Abra 1.0 can deliver loans of between €10,000 and €1 million in as little as 24 hours.

The new platform offers fast and flexible opportunities to investors of all sizes. Individual investments start from as little as €10 up to a maximum of €10 million with returns of 10% to 15%.

Investors can keep track of their investments via a central dashboard. The simple interface allows them to see at a glance how much money they’ve made and view potential investment opportunities, ranked according to risk.