CoinFund

CoinFund is a cryptoasset-focused investment firm, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York. The firm’s primary mission is to advance the blockchain ecosystem by strategically investing in decentralised technologies and key financial infrastructures. It adopts a forward-thinking approach, leveraging extensive blockchain expertise to support early-stage blockchain projects. CoinFund has a multidisciplinary team with backgrounds in technology, law, finance, and economics, among other fields, helping it make informed investment decisions.
 

The firm’s strategy involves investing in the decentralised stack, actively participating as validators in decentralised networks, and assisting entrepreneurs with the technical architecture of their projects, as well as cryptoeconomic design. CoinFund’s investment focus is built on three pillars: insight, active building, and investment excellence. It has been consistently early in identifying impactful technology trends and supporting projects that define the future of the blockchain space.

CoinFund has a broad portfolio that includes investments in blockchain scalability, interoperability, DeFi (Decentralised Finance), NFT (Non-Fungible Tokens) infrastructure, and AI (Artificial Intelligence). Some notable portfolio companies include Polygon, Matter Labs, and Gensyn. CoinFund invests across various stages, from seed rounds to Series A, and has made over 100 investments in blockchain companies since its inception.
 

The firm is led by experienced professionals, including Jake Brukhman, the CEO and founder, Alex Felix, the CIO, David Pakman, a Managing Partner, and Chris Perkins, Managing Partner and President. Chris Perkins is instrumental in bridging cryptocurrency native investing with traditional finance and has significantly contributed to shaping CoinFund’s strategy. These individuals, along with others at CoinFund, bring deep technical and financial expertise to their investment decisions. CoinFund’s approach is to build long-term, strategic relationships with entrepreneurs and to help them navigate the complexities of the blockchain ecosystem. The firm is considered one of the first "cryptonative" investment firms, having contributed significantly to the growth and development of the Web3 space.

CoinFund is a cryptoasset-focused investment firm that was founded in 2015 by Jake Brukhman, based in Brooklyn, New York. The company was established with the goal of advancing the blockchain ecosystem by strategically investing in the emerging technologies related to decentralisation and key financial infrastructures. From its inception, CoinFund has focused on using its deep understanding of blockchain technology to identify and support projects in their early stages.
 

In the beginning, CoinFund’s primary approach was to focus on the decentralised stack, making strategic investments in projects that were at the forefront of the blockchain and cryptocurrency spaces. The firm was one of the first to recognise the potential of blockchain technology beyond just cryptocurrencies, which allowed it to take a lead in identifying important trends early on. 

CoinFund’s team is made up of professionals with diverse backgrounds in fields like technology, law, finance, economics, and computer science, which has helped it approach investments with a well-rounded perspective.

As the firm grew, it became an active participant in the decentralised networks it invested in. This involvement included acting as validators, resource providers, and actively contributing to the development of the projects in which it invested. 

CoinFund’s investment strategy also included providing advisory services to entrepreneurs in areas like technology architecture specification and cryptoeconomic design. This hands-on approach distinguished CoinFund from many other investment firms, as it was not only providing capital but also offering strategic guidance to help projects thrive.

Over the years, CoinFund’s portfolio grew significantly, with investments in a wide range of blockchain-related projects. Some notable companies in its portfolio include Polygon, Matter Labs, and Gensyn. The firm’s investments spanned across various sectors, including blockchain scalability, interoperability, DeFi (Decentralised Finance), NFT infrastructure, and AI (Artificial Intelligence). CoinFund made investments in companies at different stages, from seed rounds to Series A, and has backed over 100 blockchain-focused companies since its inception.
 

In addition to its investment activities, CoinFund became known for its leadership in the cryptoasset space. The firm’s team, including its founder and CEO, Jake Brukhman, and other key figures like Alex Felix, the Chief Investment Officer, and Chris Perkins, the President, became thought leaders in the industry. Their work extended beyond investments, with team members being actively involved in industry discussions, such as speaking at conferences, contributing to thought leadership, and helping to shape the development of blockchain technologies.
 

CoinFund’s impact on the blockchain and Web3 ecosystems has been significant. The firm has consistently been an early adopter of emerging trends, investing in projects before they became widely known. This foresight helped CoinFund build a strong reputation within the blockchain and cryptocurrency communities. 

Today, the firm is considered one of the first “cryptonative” investment firms, having established itself as a major player in the space. CoinFund continues to focus on supporting innovative projects that are shaping the future of the internet, with a strong emphasis on decentralisation and blockchain technologies.
 

Presently, CoinFund’s work includes managing multiple investment vehicles, supporting its portfolio companies through ongoing strategic guidance, and continuing to make investments in projects that align with its mission to help advance the blockchain ecosystem. The firm remains a leading investor in Web3 and continues to play a significant role in the development of blockchain technologies, both through its investments and its active participation in the industry. CoinFund’s portfolio and its reputation as an active, hands-on investor in decentralised technologies position it as a prominent entity within the blockchain and cryptocurrency investment space.

CoinFund’s investment strategy is focused on identifying and supporting early-stage blockchain projects that have the potential to shape the future of the decentralised ecosystem. The firm looks for projects that align with its core interest in decentralisation, blockchain infrastructure, and key financial technologies. CoinFund typically invests in projects that are in the early stages, from seed rounds to Series A, and favours those with strong technical foundations. 

Additionally, CoinFund seeks projects with visionary leadership, clear value propositions, and a strong use case in the decentralised world. It also looks for projects that aim to solve real-world problems using blockchain technology and provide opportunities for long-term growth. Beyond financial backing, CoinFund offers strategic guidance, including assistance with technology architecture, cryptoeconomic design, and building network participation. CoinFund's investments cover sectors like DeFi, AI, NFTs, and blockchain scalability.

CoinFund operates with a set of core values that guide its investment decisions and overall approach to the blockchain space. The firm values innovation and is always looking for projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible with blockchain technology. It also prioritises long-term relationships, fostering close partnerships with entrepreneurs and project teams to help them grow and succeed. CoinFund values transparency and believes in working closely with its portfolio companies to provide strategic guidance and support. The firm is committed to building a decentralised future and seeks projects that align with its mission to make blockchain technology more accessible, scalable, and impactful. Furthermore, CoinFund believes in fostering an inclusive and diverse ecosystem that benefits everyone involved, from developers to users.

CoinFund’s mission is to advance the blockchain ecosystem by strategically investing in decentralised technologies and key financial infrastructure. The firm aims to be a valuable strategic partner to early-stage projects, providing both financial support and hands-on guidance. CoinFund works with visionary entrepreneurs to help them navigate the complexities of blockchain development, focusing on building a decentralised future. Through its investments, CoinFund seeks to drive innovation, promote transparency, and accelerate the growth of blockchain technologies that can solve real-world problems. By leveraging its deep expertise, CoinFund is dedicated to shaping the future of the internet and supporting the growth of Web3.

Here is a list of companies in CoinFund’s portfolio, along with a brief description of each:
 

• Polygon - A platform providing Ethereum scalability through Layer 2 solutions, improving transaction speeds and reducing costs.
• Matter Labs - Developers of zkSync, a layer 2 solution for Ethereum that uses Zero-Knowledge proofs for scalability and security.
• Gensyn - A network protocol designed to coordinate machine learning workloads across various hardware, making AI training more efficient.
• Worldcoin - A project focused on creating a global identity and financial network to address digital identity and financial inclusion challenges.
• Neutron - A blockchain network integrating smart contracts into the Cosmos ecosystem to enhance blockchain interoperability.
• Giza - A project decentralising machine learning inference, making AI-powered computing more accessible and efficient.
• Upshot - A blockchain-based platform for decentralised NFT appraisals and creating reliable valuations for NFTs.
• Veda - A vault infrastructure platform that enables DeFi applications and services to be more accessible and secure for users.
• ZOOT - An onchain real-money gaming platform using stablecoins for transactions in the gaming industry.
• Sindri - A platform simplifying access to Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) generation, advancing privacy and scalability in blockchain.
• Icebreaker - Building a global professional network that focuses on decentralised identity and professional relationships.
• Perle - A platform enhancing AI application development through human-in-the-loop services, integrating AI with blockchain for better efficiency.
• Raad Labs - A distributed network of meteorological sensors aimed at providing reliable environmental data.
• Tableland - A decentralised database platform offering SQL APIs to facilitate data management in Web3 applications.
• LiFi - A multi-chain bridge and decentralised exchange aggregator for seamless cross-chain transactions.
• Drop - A liquid staking protocol for interchain assets backed by Lido to make staking more accessible and efficient.
• STON.fi - A decentralised exchange (DEX) for the TON blockchain, enabling liquidity and seamless trading.
• Prime Intellect - A platform aiming to democratise AI development and provide open-source AI tools at scale.
• Superstate - Builds tokenised investment products that leverage blockchain’s programmability and compliance advantages.
• Manta Network - A privacy-focused protocol built on Polkadot, designed to enhance privacy in DeFi applications.
• Syndicate - A crypto-investing protocol and social network, allowing users to invest and share information within Web3 communities.
• Radicle - A decentralised collaboration platform for developers to build open-source software in a trustless manner.
• Magic Labs - A digital identity and attribute sharing network that simplifies web authentication and social logins.
• Livepeer - A decentralised video transcoding network aimed at supporting live video streaming.
• Genies - A platform offering virtual identities and digital avatars, enabling users to interact in the virtual world.
• Fold - A platform that enables users to earn Bitcoin-denominated rewards through a Visa card and mobile app.
• Flare Network - A Layer 1 blockchain focused on integrating secure and decentralised data access across various networks.
• Certora - A platform providing security analysis tools for smart contracts to ensure blockchain safety.
• Acala Network - A Polkadot-based blockchain project focusing on decentralised finance (DeFi) solutions.
• Zapper - A dashboard for managing and interacting with DeFi portfolios, allowing users to track their investments.
• Tibles - An NFT marketplace and gallery platform for buying, selling, and displaying digital collectibles.
• The Graph - A decentralised indexing protocol that enables developers to query blockchain data efficiently.
• Space - A platform merging social commerce and virtual worlds to create immersive digital shopping experiences.
• Socket Supply - An open-source toolset for building peer-to-peer applications on any operating system, without relying on cloud services.
• Seda - A scalable open data protocol enabling prediction markets for any asset or event, built on blockchain technology.
• Republic - A blockchain-based crowdfunding platform that enables users to invest in private companies and tokens.
• ParaSwap - A decentralised exchange (DEX) aggregator offering smart order routing for optimised crypto trades.
• Ondo Finance - A platform creating fully-compliant tokenised money market funds, integrating traditional finance with blockchain technology.
• Levana Finance - A platform offering fully collateralised perpetual trading in the decentralised finance space.
• Leap Wallet - A web3 wallet enabling users to access decentralised applications (dApps), stake assets, and interact with DeFi and NFTs.
• Intu - A Web3 account protocol that enables shared ownership and account recovery without external dependencies.
• Hyperlane - A platform enabling developers to build interoperable applications that work across multiple blockchains.
• Ghost - A secure communication platform for voice, video, and instant messaging with end-to-end encryption.
• Fuel Labs - A permissionless Layer 2 protocol for Ethereum, offering scalable, fast, and low-cost transactions.
• Finblox - A fast, secure platform for users to grow their investments and earn rewards through blockchain technology.
• DIMO - An open-source transport data platform and protocol that allows users to control and share their mobility data.
• Delta Exchange - A digital asset exchange focused on providing a seamless trading experience, particularly for the Indian market.
• dClimate - A network providing environmental data to create a transparent and accessible marketplace for climate data.
• Datawisp - A no-code platform for business intelligence, enabling both Web2 and Web3 applications to use and analyse data efficiently.
• Dapper Labs - The creator of blockchain-based experiences and digital collectibles, best known for the NBA Top Shot project.
• Crystals Of Naramunz - A free-to-play action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic steampunk world, leveraging blockchain technology.
• Community Gaming - A blockchain-based platform for gaming tournaments and community interactions, supporting players and developers.
• Comm Tech - A crypto-native chat tool designed to enable better communication within Web3 communities.
• CoinList - A platform for crowdfunding, community engagement, and trading of digital assets.
• Chingari - A short-form video platform and social networking app offering users the ability to create and share content.
• Ceramic - A decentralised data network powering an ecosystem of interoperable Web3 applications and services.
• Catena - An incubator focused on building decentralised identity solutions and products.
• Boardroom Labs - A governance solution that standardises the governance process for Web3 ecosystems.
• Blockdaemon - A platform providing blockchain infrastructure to deploy, auto-scale, and monitor nodes across various cloud platforms.
• Balancer Labs - A decentralised automated market maker (AMM) for providing liquidity in the DeFi ecosystem.
• Archway - A Cosmos-native Layer 1 blockchain incentivising decentralised application development.
• Archax - A UK-based financial infrastructure company offering services for digital securities, including issuance, custody, and trading.
• API3 - A decentralised API network that connects smart contract applications to external data feeds for enhanced functionality.
• Alliance DAO - A Web3 accelerator and founder community focused on supporting blockchain startups and projects.
• Urbit - A next-generation operating system and decentralised network designed to replace traditional cloud computing.
• Union Finance - A decentralised lending protocol that enables undercollateralised lending in the DeFi space.
• Rarible - A leading NFT marketplace where users can mint, buy, and sell digital collectibles.
• Rainmaker Games - A cryptocurrency and stock fantasy gaming platform that combines finance and gaming elements.
• Path Crypto - A platform that automates portfolio management in the cryptocurrency space.
• Messari - A data, market intelligence, and research provider for crypto-focused investors and professionals.
• NFTfi - A peer-to-peer marketplace for collateralised loans backed by NFTs.
• Moonbeam Network - An Ethereum-compatible smart contracting base layer built on Polkadot.
• Moon Mortgage - A platform innovating in secured lending for real-world assets, leveraging blockchain technology for efficiency.
• GoGoPool - A liquid staking protocol built for Avalanche Subnets, reducing the cost of running validator nodes.
• Tableland - A decentralised database offering SQL APIs for Web3 applications, simplifying data management in the blockchain space.
• LiFi - A multi-chain bridge and DEX aggregator designed for cross-chain asset transfers.
• Giza - Decentralising AI computation and making machine learning inference more accessible and open-source.
• Neutron - A blockchain network enabling smart contracts within the Cosmos ecosystem, expanding the reach of decentralised applications.
• Dfinity - The Internet Computer Protocol, which seeks to replace the legacy IT stack by decentralising the internet.
• Shyft - A decentralised protocol for data and identity attestation, focusing on security and privacy.
• Primex Finance - A non-custodial prime brokerage protocol connecting lenders, traders, and market makers in the DeFi space.
• Polywrap - A standard for integrating Web3 protocols into applications, simplifying the development of decentralised apps.
• NFTX - A platform for creating liquid markets for illiquid NFTs, enabling better liquidity in the NFT space.
• Metaversal - A venture studio and investment firm focused on NFTs, enabling digital ownership in the virtual world.
• Gunzilla - A third-person shooter game with concurrent player integration and narrative design, leveraging blockchain for gaming experiences.
• CompassMining - A platform connecting participants in the hardware and facilities ecosystem for cryptocurrency mining.
• Loopscale - A modular lending protocol on Solana for creating scalable credit markets using an order-book architecture.
• Biconomy - A middleware and payments infrastructure solution for enhancing transaction efficiency in Web3 applications.