crypto wallet and exchange company blockchain.com raises $120 million
Blockchain.com Secures $120 Million in Funding
Blockchain.com has recently announced the completion of a $120 million funding round. The company is a prominent developer within the cryptocurrency space, offering a widely-used cryptocurrency wallet alongside an exchange platform and blockchain explorer.
Investment Details
This funding round saw participation from a diverse group of investors. These include Moore Strategic Ventures, Kyle Bass, Access Industries, Rovida Advisors, Lightspeed Venture Partners, GV, Lakestar, Eldridge, and several other unnamed entities. To date, the company has successfully raised over $190 million in funding since its inception.
From Explorer to Comprehensive Platform
Initially founded as Blockchain.info, the company began its journey as a blockchain explorer. This tool allows users to input a transaction hash from the Bitcoin blockchain to retrieve detailed information. This includes the transaction amount, associated fees, confirmation status, and the wallet addresses of both the sender and receiver.
Over time, blockchain explorers have expanded their capabilities to support multiple blockchains and a wider range of data types.
Wallet Solutions: Custodial vs. Non-Custodial
Blockchain.com subsequently developed an open-source Bitcoin wallet, which now accommodates a broader spectrum of cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. Notably, the company’s wallet is noncustodial, granting users complete control over their private keys.
Other examples of noncustodial wallets include Coinbase Wallet, Argent, and ZenGo.
Conversely, many cryptocurrency users opt to purchase Bitcoin through exchanges and maintain their holdings within the exchange's account. This represents a custodial wallet arrangement, where the exchange assumes responsibility for the security of the user’s crypto assets.
Examples of custodial wallets are Coinbase.com, Binance, and Kraken.
Advantages and Risks of Each Approach
Each wallet solution presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages. A custodial wallet is vulnerable to hacks targeting the exchange or phishing attacks compromising user login credentials.
Losing the private key associated with a noncustodial wallet results in permanent loss of access to the funds. However, Blockchain.com and similar providers have implemented methods to mitigate this risk through data backups.
Expanding Services
More recently, Blockchain.com launched its own exchange to facilitate easier asset trading for wallet users. The company also now provides services tailored to institutional investors seeking entry into the cryptocurrency market.
These services encompass order execution, secure custody solutions, lending options, and over-the-counter (OTC) transactions.
Key Metrics
Blockchain.com has also revealed significant usage statistics. A total of 65 million wallets have been created through the company’s website and mobile applications.
Furthermore, since 2012, 28% of all Bitcoin transactions have been either sent from or received by a wallet managed by Blockchain.com.
Romain Dillet
Romain Dillet: A Profile of a Leading Tech Journalist
Romain Dillet served as a Senior Reporter for TechCrunch until April 2025. Throughout his tenure, he became a recognized authority within the technology sector.
Extensive Experience and Expertise
Having authored more than 3,500 articles, Dillet has cultivated a strong reputation as a key voice concerning European technology. His areas of expertise are broad, encompassing startups, AI, fintech, privacy, security, blockchain, mobile technology, social media, and the broader media landscape.
Dillet’s thirteen years with TechCrunch have made him a well-known figure in tech journalism. He began his career at the publication at the age of 21, consistently providing coverage of Silicon Valley and the tech industry.
Recognized Authority in the European Tech Scene
Currently based in Paris, Romain Dillet is widely regarded by many within the tech community as the most informed tech journalist in the city. His insights are highly valued.
Early Identification of Key Startups
A notable skill of Dillet’s is his ability to identify promising startups before they gain widespread attention. He was the first journalist to report on Revolut, Alan, and N26.
Furthermore, he has broken exclusive stories regarding significant acquisitions made by major companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Snap.
Technical Depth and Historical Perspective
Beyond his journalistic work, Romain Dillet is also a skilled developer. This technical understanding allows him to analyze the underlying mechanisms of new technologies effectively.
He also possesses a comprehensive understanding of the computer industry’s evolution over the last 50 years. This historical context enables him to connect innovations to their broader societal impacts.
Educational Background and Philanthropic Work
Romain Dillet is a graduate of Emlyon Business School, a prominent French institution specializing in entrepreneurship.
He actively supports several non-profit organizations, including StartHer, which focuses on the education and empowerment of women in technology, and Techfugees, an organization dedicated to assisting displaced individuals through technology.