*UPDATED*

The prop trading industry just got a major shake-up. A team of former Citigroup managing directors has launched Upside Funding, a proprietary trading firm that offers traders access to up to $350,000 in capital with a twist. Unlike traditional prop firms, Upside Funding provides direct mentorship from institutional-level traders, aiming to bridge the gap between retail and professional trading.

Who’s Behind Upside Funding?

The firm was founded by a group of ex-Citigroup MDs who have spent years navigating institutional markets. Their goal? To bring Wall Street expertise to the prop trading space and offer serious traders the chance to scale their careers with real professional guidance. This launch comes as the prop trading model evolves, with more firms incorporating elements of education, mentorship, and long-term career development.

How Does Upside Funding Stand Out?

Unlike many prop firms that rely on standard funded challenges, Upside Funding differentiates itself with:

• Direct mentorship from seasoned institutional traders.
• Higher capital allocation—traders can access up to $350K.
• Performance-based scaling, allowing traders to increase their funding as they grow.
• Unlike instant funding models, Upside Funding follows a structured evaluation process while focusing on real-time risk management and execution skills

While Upside Funding incorporates an evaluation process, it differentiates itself by emphasizing mentorship and career development alongside funding
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What Does This Mean for the Prop Trading Industry?

The rise of firms like Upside Funding signals a shift in the prop firm model:

• Institutional traders entering the space—bringing Wall Street structure to prop trading.
• Higher funding and career-oriented development, rather than short-term funded challenges.
• Stronger competition among prop firms to provide better trader support and capital access.

This could push traditional prop firms to rethink their models, incorporating more mentorship, professional-grade strategies, and funding flexibility.

Is This a Game-Changer for Funded Traders?

For traders looking for institutional backing and serious career development, Upside Funding presents a new alternative to the traditional prop firm route. With a structured evaluation process, direct mentorship from top Wall Street traders, and career-oriented scaling, it challenges the status quo of retail prop trading

Will more firms follow this model? Time will tell—but one thing is clear: prop trading is evolving, and traders now have more options than ever.

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