Green Key Technologies, winner of the 2015 most promising sell-side start up award and maker of patented voice software designed specifically for traders and brokers, today announced that Chicago-based trading firms DRW and Eagle Seven have become equity owners.

“Green Key is building the next generation in trader voice capabilities,” said Donald R. Wilson, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of DRW. “Their voice software removes barriers for traders, lowers costs for brokers and increases compliance within the financial markets.”

“Green Key has changed the way our traders interact with the marketplace,” said Chris Lorenzen, Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Seven. “With advanced technology, mobility, greater functionality and much lower costs, the Green Key system has proven to be a huge winner within our organization.”

The patented Green Key cloud-based “software turret” completely replicates the functionality of legacy hardware turrets and lines, but at a fraction of the cost. Traders and brokers simply download the voice software onto their PCs, establish connections to counterparties and “push-to-talk” in real time with an unlimited number of users. Communication is encrypted and recorded and can be transcribed for real-time compliance capabilities.

“Don and Chris run outstanding organizations heavily involved in voice trading,” said Anthony Tassone, Chief Executive Officer of Green Key Technologies. “Both firms have been instrumental in the design and use of our software turret. We are extremely fortunate to have them as equity partners, committed to our continued success.”

Green Key also announced that Don Wilson has agreed to serve on the company’s advisory board. Wilson will join former CFTC commissioner Jill Sommers, former CEO of ICAP Electronic Broking David Rutter, and former General Counsel of ICE Exchange Jim Falvey.

As part of the advisory board, Wilson will provide guidance to company management, assist in forming strategic partnerships, and spearhead ongoing investment discussions with top banks, brokerages, trading firms, and exchanges across the globe.

“Don has consistently been on the right side of financial market innovation,” said Anthony Tassone. “We see his involvement as a strong endorsement of our long-term goals.”

Green Key’s VoIP network has grown steadily since its launch in 2014, and now includes over 225 of the world’s largest banks, brokerages and trading firms.