Coinbase

Coinbase Ventures serves as the strategic investment arm of Coinbase, the leading cryptocurrency exchange. Launched in 2018, its primary mission is to accelerate the growth and adoption of the broader crypto and Web3 ecosystem by investing in promising early-stage companies globally. Unlike traditional venture capital firms, Coinbase Ventures often takes a non-controlling, minority stake, aiming to provide capital and strategic support rather than direct operational influence. This approach aligns with Coinbase's long-term vision of fostering a decentralized and innovative digital economy.

The firm is highly active, focusing on a wide array of sectors within the crypto space. Its portfolio spans decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), Web3 infrastructure, gaming, developer tools, and layer-one and layer-two blockchain solutions. By early 2023, Coinbase Ventures had made over 400 investments, making it one of the most prolific corporate venture capital firms in the blockchain industry. For instance, in 2021 alone, it reportedly participated in 158 deals, demonstrating its rapid deployment of capital into emerging crypto projects.

Coinbase Ventures primarily targets seed and Series A funding rounds, though it maintains a flexible, "stage-agnostic" stance for highly strategic opportunities. Typical first check sizes for Coinbase Ventures generally range from approximately $250,000 for very early-stage or pre-seed rounds, up to $5,000,000 for more developed Series A companies. These investments are often part of larger syndicates, where Coinbase Ventures contributes its industry expertise and network alongside other venture funds. The firm's strategic investments are crucial for nurturing the next generation of crypto innovation, solidifying its role as a key enabler in the evolving digital asset landscape.