Coinbase’s CEO, Brian Armstrong, envisions a future where the complete lifecycle of a startup—from incorporation to fundraising and public trading—takes place on the blockchain. In his recent appearance on the TBPN podcast, he articulated his perspective on how onchain funding could enhance efficiency, fairness, and transparency in capital formation.

Armstrong elaborated that founders could establish their companies, secure initial funding, and eventually go public via tokenized shares, all while receiving immediate capital in USDC (USD Coin). He stated, “You can imagine this whole life cycle coming onchain,” emphasizing that this transformation could broaden access for companies seeking capital.

He noted that the current methods, involving banks and lawyers for global transfers, are cumbersome. By adopting smart contracts, startups could gain financial backing instantly, allowing them to begin generating revenue more effectively.

Revamping Fundraising

The CEO acknowledged the complexities of traditional fundraising, suggesting that moving it to the blockchain could streamline it significantly. This innovative approach builds upon Coinbase’s recent acquisition of the fundraising platform Echo, which has already facilitated the raising of over $200 million for more than 200 projects.

Armstrong mentioned that Echo will begin operating as a separate entity but will integrate into the larger Coinbase ecosystem over time, providing founders access to the vast resources Coinbase has available.

“By connecting aspiring builders with potential investors, we are poised to accelerate the fundraising process,” he indicated.

In addition to these developments, Coinbase is collaborating with US regulatory bodies to broaden access to onchain funding. Armstrong criticized existing accredited investor rules, describing them as “kind of unfair,” and expressed hope for a better balance between consumer protection and retail opportunity.