Coinbase stands as one of the most influential cryptocurrency exchanges globally. Founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, this San Francisco-based company has grown from a simple Bitcoin trading platform to a comprehensive ecosystem for digital assets.
Key Company Highlights
- Founded: 2012
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California
- Employees: 3,416 (as of December 2023)
- Annual Revenue: $271 million (2024)
- Total Funding: $547 million across 13 rounds
Core Business Offerings
Coinbase provides a robust platform for cryptocurrency management, offering:
Consumer Solutions:
- Secure cryptocurrency trading platform
- Digital wallets for asset storage
- USD-backed stablecoin (USDC)
- Mobile app for on-the-go trading
Institutional Solutions:
- Custodian services for large investors
- Crypto payment processing
- Advanced trading APIs
Competitive Landscape
Coinbase operates in a crowded market with 2,350 active competitors. Its top competitors include:
- Bitso - Latin American exchange ($331M funding)
- KuCoin - Global trading platform ($180M funding)
- Kraken - US-based veteran exchange ($32.5M funding)
👉 Discover how Coinbase compares to other top exchanges
Financial Performance and Growth
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 2024 Revenue | $271M |
| Employee Count (2023) | 3,416 |
| Total Funding Raised | $547M |
The company has shown consistent growth since its Series E funding round in 2019, with its latest Post-IPO round occurring in August 2021.
Global Presence
Coinbase operates through six legal entities worldwide:
| Legal Entity | Country | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Coinbase Global, Inc. | United States | Active |
| Coinbase UK, Ltd | United Kingdom | Active |
| Coinbase India Private Limited | India | Active |
Investment Activity
Coinbase maintains an active investment portfolio with:
- 329 company investments
- 29 acquisitions
- Strategic investments in blockchain infrastructure
👉 Learn about Coinbase's investment strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was Coinbase founded?
A: 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam.
Q: What makes Coinbase different from other exchanges?
A: Its combination of retail services and institutional-grade solutions sets it apart.
Q: How many users does Coinbase have?
A: While exact numbers aren't public, estimates suggest tens of millions globally.
Q: Is Coinbase available worldwide?
A: Availability varies by country due to regulatory considerations.
Q: What was Coinbase's latest funding round?
A: A Post-IPO round in August 2021.
Future Outlook
As the cryptocurrency market continues evolving, Coinbase remains well-positioned to:
- Expand institutional offerings
- Grow its international presence
- Develop new blockchain-based financial products
The company's strong funding history, experienced leadership team, and comprehensive service offerings suggest continued leadership in the digital asset space.