Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Champions an Onchain Future for Startups
In a move that could redefine how businesses are built and funded, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has revealed his vision to bring every phase of a startup’s journey—from incorporation to public listing—entirely onchain.
Speaking on the The Best Business Podcast Network (TBPN), Armstrong explained how blockchain technology could streamline the process of starting and scaling a business. Entrepreneurs, he said, could one day register their companies, raise seed capital in USD Coin (USDC), and even go public using tokenized equity—all without intermediaries like banks or law firms.
“You can imagine this whole lifecycle coming onchain,” Armstrong noted, emphasizing how such innovation could “increase the number of startups raising capital and launching worldwide.”
How Onchain Fundraising Could Transform Capital Markets
Armstrong highlighted that the current fundraising process is cumbersome and outdated, often limited to accredited investors. By moving fundraising onchain, the process could become “more efficient, transparent, and fair.”
To achieve this, Coinbase recently acquired Echo, a blockchain-based fundraising platform that has already helped over 200 projects raise more than $200 million. While Echo will continue to operate independently for now, it will eventually integrate with Coinbase’s ecosystem—granting startups access to Coinbase Custody’s $500 billion in managed assets and a vast global investor network.
“If we can connect innovative builders with investors who are ready to fund them,” Armstrong said, “Coinbase can become the ultimate launchpad for the next generation of global startups.”
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Coinbase Pushes for Regulatory Inclusion in Onchain Fundraising
Beyond innovation, Armstrong is also tackling regulatory barriers. He criticized the accredited investor rules that prevent ordinary individuals from participating in early-stage investment opportunities.
“In many ways, these rules are unfair,” he said. “We’re hoping to strike the right balance between consumer protection and open access.”
This push aligns with Coinbase’s ongoing discussions with U.S. regulators to expand retail access to onchain fundraising—paving the way for a more inclusive financial ecosystem.
JPMorgan Chase Backs Coinbase’s Growth on Base Network
Meanwhile, JPMorgan analysts recently upgraded Coinbase to “Overweight”, citing enormous growth potential from its Base layer-2 blockchain and revamped USDC rewards program.
The firm estimates that Base could unlock a $12 billion to $34 billion market opportunity, with Coinbase potentially capturing $4 billion to $12 billion of that value—especially if a Base token launch occurs.
Coinbase shares reflected investor optimism, closing Friday up 10%, signaling renewed confidence in the company’s long-term blockchain vision.
