Placeholder is a venture capital firm founded in 2017 and based in New York City. The firm focuses on investing in decentralized information networks and the web3 services sector. Placeholder employs a thesis-driven approach to identify and support innovative projects within these domains. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Placeholder is dedicated to fostering the growth of technologies that enhance decentralization and network efficiency.
Tally is a frontend for DAOs running on Ethereum and other EVM blockchains. Tally gives users real power in their decentralized organizations. On Tally, users can delegate voting power, create or pass proposals to spend DAO funds, manage a protocol, and upgrade smart contracts—all onchain.
Squads
Series A in 2024
Squads is a developer of a decentralized program that enables the establishment of better and easier decentralized autonomous groups. The company's application combines all of the key components of a decentralized autonomous organization, such as deployment, treasury, vault management, on-chain voting, and chat, into a single portal with an easy-to-use interface, allowing users to streamline daily operations using a decentralized autonomous organization structure.
Botanix Labs
Seed Round in 2024
Botanix Labs is a fully Ethereum-equivalent second-layer virtual machine built on top of Bitcoin. It unites Bitcoin's market cap with Ethereum's dApp ecosystem to meet its diverse applications, igniting a new frontier.
Movement Labs
Series A in 2024
Movement Labs is a modular framework platform that builds and deploys move-based blockchains and applications in distributed settings. Its platform offers a composable and horizontally scalable network that provides unparalleled smart contract security and asset portability to help users solve the cold start problem with unprecedented interoperability.
NFTFi
Series A in 2024
NFTfi is an NFT collateralized lending marketplace that can use NFT assets as collateral for a loan or lend to other users. It enables NFT holders to borrow cryptocurrency from lenders by using their NFTs as collateral. When they accept a loan offer, the NFT goes into a secure escrow smart contract and receives the wETH, DAI, or USDC from the lender directly to their wallet. To determine whether an NFT is worth a loan, users employ a common practice in the traditional art world in which banks, large galleries, or auction houses offer loans to artists.
Eclipse
Series A in 2024
Eclipse is building Ethereum's first Solana Virtual Machine Layer 2. While other L2 networks on Ethereum focus on providing Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility, Eclipse leans into performance improvements developed by the Solana Layer 1 and adds additional verification features to deploy the blockchain as a rollup. The Eclipse team includes veterans from dYdX, Uniswap, Citadel, and Airbnb. Eclipse Labs is backed by top investors including Polychain, Placeholder, and DBA.
Polymer Labs
Series A in 2024
Polymer Labs is building the fabric of web3. We're working on an IBC based multi-cluster routing/roll-up protocol providing E2E IBC connectivity across ecosystems.
Saga.xyz
Seed Round in 2023
Saga.xyz gives visionaries the high-end tools and support they need to turn their blockchain dreams into reality.
Rated
Series A in 2023
Rated Labs is a Web3 infrastructure project that focuses on providing detailed data on validators and node operators. By offering an API-based platform, it delivers independent ratings and comprehensive datasets, particularly for Ethereum. This service allows users to easily compare the performance of various node operators, enhancing transparency and understanding of Web3 infrastructure data. Through its robust data pipelines, Rated Labs aims to empower developers to effectively navigate and utilize Ethereum's base layer, making the complex landscape of blockchain infrastructure more accessible and informative.
Drip Labs
Seed Round in 2023
Drip Labs creates a creator-centric Web3 content distribution network and offers free digital gifts from well-known producers. Drip Labs aims to empower creators by providing a platform that simplifies the process of minting, selling, and managing digital assets while offering fans unique ways to support and engage with their favorite artists.
Nori
Venture Round in 2023
Nori Inc. is a Seattle-based company that operates a blockchain-based marketplace focused on carbon dioxide removal. Founded in 2017, Nori's platform enables farmers to remove excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by facilitating third-party payments and contracts. It integrates the processes of measurement, verification, and the sale of carbon removal certificates, allowing suppliers to connect directly with buyers. This approach aims to improve efficiency and reduce costs within the voluntary carbon removal market. Additionally, Nori's blockchain application offers cryptocurrency tokens for exchanging carbon removal certificates, enhancing the transparency and security of transactions on its platform.
Gyroscope
Seed Round in 2023
Gyroscope develops an asset-backed stablecoin built on resilient Defi infrastructure. It leverages a diversified reserve and autonomous monetary policy.
Monad
Seed Round in 2023
MONAD is a proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain and decentralized computation platform that combines the best of performance and portability.
VAULT
Series A in 2023
Created by the co-founders of sports betting market leader FanDuel, VAULT is the creator of the mobile-friendly Digital Music Collectible (DMC) music format and the VAULT protocol, an open and fully decentralized network for purchasing, playing, and sharing music on third-party apps and websites. DMCs are designed to be the digital version of a box set giving music fans exclusive rich-media experiences that can be purchased, unlocked, and played right on your phone. Like physical box sets fans may buy, lend or resell their DMCs at any time. To learn more, please visit: https://vault.fan.
Obol Labs
Series A in 2023
Obol Labs promotes the adoption of distributed validator technology by creating the Obol Network and its ecosystem. Its research and software development team focused on proof-of-stake infrastructure for public blockchain networks.
Across Protocol
Venture Round in 2022
Across is a cross-chain bridge secured by UMA's optimistic oracle for L2s and rollups. It also optimized for capital efficiency with a single liquidity pool, a competitive relayer landscape, and a no-slippage fee model.
Zerion
Series B in 2022
Zerion Inc. is a blockchain software company that provides a platform for accessing decentralized finance (DeFi) to invest, earn interest, and borrow crypto assets. Founded in 2015 and based in San Francisco, Zerion offers an application that allows users to manage their DeFi portfolios across multiple accounts from a single interface, with features such as real-time asset tracking and instant notifications. The platform aggregates data from major decentralized exchanges, enabling users to manage their digital assets easily and securely. As a non-custodial service, Zerion ensures that users retain control of their funds, reducing risks associated with centralization. Additionally, the company provides tools for tracking the crypto market through charts and alerts, supporting users in navigating the evolving landscape of digital finance.
Rated
Seed Round in 2022
Rated Labs is a Web3 infrastructure project that focuses on providing detailed data on validators and node operators. By offering an API-based platform, it delivers independent ratings and comprehensive datasets, particularly for Ethereum. This service allows users to easily compare the performance of various node operators, enhancing transparency and understanding of Web3 infrastructure data. Through its robust data pipelines, Rated Labs aims to empower developers to effectively navigate and utilize Ethereum's base layer, making the complex landscape of blockchain infrastructure more accessible and informative.
Gearbox Protocol
Venture Round in 2022
Gearbox is a generalized leverage protocol. It has two sides to it: passive lenders who earn low-risk APY by lending single-assets; and active farmers, firms, or even other protocols who borrow those assets to trade or farm with even x10 leverage. Gearbox Protocol brings you composable leverage, allowing anyone to margin trade on Uniswap, leverage farm on Curve, leverage stake on Lido, and use 10X more capital on many other DeFi protocols you already love. Making decentralized leverage a reality thanks to Credit Account abstraction! Gearbox Protocol uses Credit Account abstraction to bring together lending and prime brokerage in the same protocol. Lenders deposit assets to earn passive yield, while the composable leverage side users borrow these assets to create spot leverage positions, which can be used across DeFi. That could be margin trading on Uniswap, farming on Curve and Balancer, leverage staking on Lido and Rocketpool, and a lot more. All of that is made possible with Gearbox’s innovative Credit Account abstraction, creating the base layer of DeFi leverage.
Monaverse
Series A in 2022
Mona’s mission is to empower people around the world to create, collect, and share high quality immersive experiences on the blockchain, growing the Open Metaverse. Mona is the medium of the metaverse.
Matter Labs
Series B in 2021
Matter Labs is a company that focuses on developing blockchain solutions to enhance the scalability and privacy of decentralized applications. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany, the firm utilizes zero-knowledge technologies to facilitate interactions between untrusted parties on its network. By implementing zero-knowledge proofs, Matter Labs aims to accelerate public blockchain adoption and provide a more efficient alternative to existing financial systems. Their innovations are rooted in a commitment to improving access to financial services through open and transparent technology.
Futureswap
Venture Round in 2021
Futureswap is a decentralized futures exchange platform that leverages blockchain technology to facilitate non-custodial trading. Based in San Francisco, California, the company specializes in automated market making (AMM) algorithms, enabling users to buy and sell cryptocurrency futures contracts efficiently. By providing a decentralized environment, Futureswap aims to enhance trading flexibility and security for its users.
Futureswap
Funding Round in 2021
Futureswap is a decentralized futures exchange platform that leverages blockchain technology to facilitate non-custodial trading. Based in San Francisco, California, the company specializes in automated market making (AMM) algorithms, enabling users to buy and sell cryptocurrency futures contracts efficiently. By providing a decentralized environment, Futureswap aims to enhance trading flexibility and security for its users.
Orca
Series A in 2021
Orca is a decentralized crypto exchange based on the Solana blockchain.
Zerion
Series A in 2021
Zerion Inc. is a blockchain software company that provides a platform for accessing decentralized finance (DeFi) to invest, earn interest, and borrow crypto assets. Founded in 2015 and based in San Francisco, Zerion offers an application that allows users to manage their DeFi portfolios across multiple accounts from a single interface, with features such as real-time asset tracking and instant notifications. The platform aggregates data from major decentralized exchanges, enabling users to manage their digital assets easily and securely. As a non-custodial service, Zerion ensures that users retain control of their funds, reducing risks associated with centralization. Additionally, the company provides tools for tracking the crypto market through charts and alerts, supporting users in navigating the evolving landscape of digital finance.
Aleo
Venture Round in 2021
Aleo provides a platform for building fully private applications using zero-knowledge technology. It offers a comprehensive toolkit that includes an application runtime environment, allowing software to compile, execute, and finalize its state autonomously. Aleo also supports a statically-typed programming language called Leo, designed specifically for private application development on the Aleo blockchain. The company engages its community through blogs and incentive programs to test the bounds of its decentralized technology.
DELV
Seed Round in 2021
DELV is focused on advancing the safe adoption of decentralized financial systems through the development of a crypto-asset trading platform. This platform offers liquidity for yield and principal tokens, allowing users to buy and sell these assets without any minimum investment requirements. By integrating various protocols, DELV aims to facilitate the creation of a new financial system that enhances capital efficiency, enabling users to grow their savings at a fixed rate. The company's commitment to open-source infrastructure and research-backed solutions underscores its mission to support the evolving landscape of decentralized finance.
Async Art
Seed Round in 2021
Async Art operates an innovative online platform that connects artists and collectors, enabling them to buy, sell, and trade programmable art on the Ethereum blockchain. Founded in 2019 and based in Fort Bragg, California, Async Art allows users to create and engage with multi-layer artworks. Each artwork consists of a Master piece and various Layers, which can be independently owned and controlled by different individuals. This unique structure empowers users to actively participate in the evolution of the art, as they can modify their respective Layers within parameters set by the original artist. For example, one user may control the sky in a landscape painting while another owns a character, allowing for dynamic collaboration and interaction in the creative process. This platform represents a new frontier in the art world, merging technology and creativity in the 21st century.
Nexus Mutual
Venture Round in 2021
Nexus Mutual Limited operates a decentralized insurance platform built on the Ethereum blockchain, enabling users to share insurance risk collaboratively without involving traditional insurance companies. Founded in 2017 and based in London, Nexus Mutual allows members to purchase coverage and participate in decision-making processes that are recorded and enforced through smart contracts. The platform aims to replicate the mutual insurance model on a large scale, providing an innovative solution for risk sharing. Initially, Nexus Mutual launched with a product offering earthquake cover, highlighting its focus on addressing specific insurance needs within the emerging blockchain landscape. Through its technology, the company facilitates the identification of security risks and potential bugs in smart contract code, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and member empowerment in the insurance sector.
Matter Labs
Series A in 2021
Matter Labs is a company that focuses on developing blockchain solutions to enhance the scalability and privacy of decentralized applications. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany, the firm utilizes zero-knowledge technologies to facilitate interactions between untrusted parties on its network. By implementing zero-knowledge proofs, Matter Labs aims to accelerate public blockchain adoption and provide a more efficient alternative to existing financial systems. Their innovations are rooted in a commitment to improving access to financial services through open and transparent technology.
API3
Seed Round in 2020
API3 is focused on developing a decentralized API infrastructure that connects blockchain applications with off-chain data providers. The company's platform addresses the API connectivity challenge by utilizing decentralized APIs, which are composed of first-party oracles. This approach allows data providers to operate as their own blockchain oracles, eliminating the need for third-party intermediaries. By aggregating data from reputable API providers through its innovative dAPI framework, API3 enables the creation of decentralized applications that utilize secure, quantifiable data feeds. This infrastructure empowers developers to effectively integrate real-world data into blockchain solutions, enhancing the functionality and reliability of decentralized applications.
Nori
Seed Round in 2020
Nori Inc. is a Seattle-based company that operates a blockchain-based marketplace focused on carbon dioxide removal. Founded in 2017, Nori's platform enables farmers to remove excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by facilitating third-party payments and contracts. It integrates the processes of measurement, verification, and the sale of carbon removal certificates, allowing suppliers to connect directly with buyers. This approach aims to improve efficiency and reduce costs within the voluntary carbon removal market. Additionally, Nori's blockchain application offers cryptocurrency tokens for exchanging carbon removal certificates, enhancing the transparency and security of transactions on its platform.
Magic
Seed Round in 2020
Magic is a wallet-as-a-service provider that helps businesses onboard users into web3 with instant non-custodial wallet creation. It uses email or social logins, while removing the need for seed phrases and browser extensions - making it indistinguishable from standard web2 experiences that everyday users are accustomed to. Magic offers features for end-to-end web3 onboarding including authentication, fiat onramps, NFT Minting and NFT Checkout. Its solutions are trusted by top brands in web2 and web3, including Mattel, Macy's, Xsolla, Immutable, and more. The company's solution makes use of a plug-and-play kit and blockchain infrastructure to enable individuals to build applications with quick, customized, password-less login with just a few lines of code, allowing developers to include password-less authentication in their applications.
Balancer
Seed Round in 2020
Balancer Labs operates as a decentralized digital asset management company, offering a flexible and trustless platform for programmable liquidity. The company functions as a non-custodial portfolio manager, liquidity provider, and price sensor, allowing users to exchange tokens without the need for deposits. This enables customers to create their own self-balancing index funds or invest in those created by others, facilitating efficient asset management and trading in the cryptocurrency space.
FOAM
Venture Round in 2020
FOAM is focused on developing geospatial protocols that enhance location verification and mapping services through a decentralized framework. The company aims to create a crowdsourced map and location services platform that operates on an open network of terrestrial radios, allowing users to contribute and utilize location data without relying on a central authority. This fault-tolerant system addresses the challenges associated with traditional location verification methods. FOAM's team, consisting of blockchain developers, designers, architects, and urban planners, collaborates from the New Lab at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, an innovative workspace dedicated to supporting urban entrepreneurs who leverage advanced technologies for the improvement of global infrastructures.
Zerion
Seed Round in 2019
Zerion Inc. is a blockchain software company that provides a platform for accessing decentralized finance (DeFi) to invest, earn interest, and borrow crypto assets. Founded in 2015 and based in San Francisco, Zerion offers an application that allows users to manage their DeFi portfolios across multiple accounts from a single interface, with features such as real-time asset tracking and instant notifications. The platform aggregates data from major decentralized exchanges, enabling users to manage their digital assets easily and securely. As a non-custodial service, Zerion ensures that users retain control of their funds, reducing risks associated with centralization. Additionally, the company provides tools for tracking the crypto market through charts and alerts, supporting users in navigating the evolving landscape of digital finance.
Matter Labs
Seed Round in 2019
Matter Labs is a company that focuses on developing blockchain solutions to enhance the scalability and privacy of decentralized applications. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany, the firm utilizes zero-knowledge technologies to facilitate interactions between untrusted parties on its network. By implementing zero-knowledge proofs, Matter Labs aims to accelerate public blockchain adoption and provide a more efficient alternative to existing financial systems. Their innovations are rooted in a commitment to improving access to financial services through open and transparent technology.
3Box
Seed Round in 2019
3Box Inc. is a New York-based company founded in 2018 that provides innovative solutions for decentralized identity and open data management. Its primary offerings include 3box.io, a social profiles application designed for Ethereum users and communities, and 3box.js, an API that facilitates user onboarding and data management for web3 developers. Additionally, the company provides 3box-dapp, which enables users to create and manage their social profiles, sign in to decentralized applications (dApps), interact with other users, build a reputation, and securely store data. The 3Box platform prioritizes simplicity, security, and privacy, allowing applications that utilize its services to be more trustworthy and reduce data management liabilities.
Polkadot
Venture Round in 2019
Polkadot is a protocol designed to facilitate communication between independent blockchains, enabling them to exchange information efficiently. This inter-chain blockchain technology not only allows for the transfer of messages but also ensures their order and validity, thereby enhancing interoperability. Additionally, Polkadot supports scalability by creating an environment that accommodates multiple state machines. The platform is geared towards simplifying cryptocurrency transactions, offering low trading fees and enabling merchants to accept and manage various forms of cryptocurrency payments from customers. Through its innovative approach, Polkadot aims to streamline the exchange of virtual assets, making it easier for users and businesses to engage with digital currencies.
UMA
Seed Round in 2019
UMA is a decentralized platform focused on financial contracts, aiming to provide global market access through innovative technology. It allows users to trade derivative products without reliance on a centralized authority, minimizing risk and eliminating single points of failure. By enabling customers to create customized financial products, UMA facilitates automatic enforcement and immediate settlement of agreements. The platform also features a unique oracle that records verifiable truths or data on a blockchain, enhancing the integrity of the financial contracts. This structure incentivizes participants to challenge and provide evidence against recorded claims, fostering a transparent and robust ecosystem for decentralized finance.
MakerDAO
Venture Round in 2019
Maker is a decentralized autonomous organization on the Ethereum blockchain seeking to minimize the price volatility of its own stable token — the Dai — against the IMF’s international currency basket SDR. Founded in 2014, the company is headquartered in Santa Cruz, California.
Risk Labs
Venture Round in 2018
Risk Labs is the foundation and core team behind the Across and UMA Protocols.
Decred
Venture Round in 2018
Decred is a cryptocurrency that emphasizes community involvement, open governance, and sustainable development. It employs a hybrid mining system combining proof-of-work and proof-of-stake to prevent centralization and ensure that no small group can control transaction processes or implement changes without community consensus. Each unit of currency is referred to as a decred (DCR). To maintain the integrity of the currency and prevent fraud, Decred utilizes blockchain technology, which securely records all transactions. This approach enables users to engage in transparent and equitable trading within the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Zcash
Venture Round in 2018
Zcash offers total payment confidentiality, while still maintaining a decentralized network using a public blockchain. Unlike Bitcoin, Zcash transactions automatically hide the sender, recipient, and value of all transactions on the blockchain. Only those with the correct view key can see the contents. Users have complete control and can opt-in to provide others with their view key at their discretion. Zcash transactions do not depend on the cooperation of other parties. Additionally, full nodes in the Zcash network only need to store a small persistent state.
OpenZeppelin
Venture Round in 2017
OpenZeppelin specializes in developing tools for creating and securing decentralized applications, crucial for the rapidly expanding blockchain ecosystem. It is renowned for its Open Source library, OpenZeppelin Contracts, which supports over 3,000 public projects and is backed by a vibrant community of more than 180 contributors. The company conducts comprehensive security audits for major organizations, including the Ethereum Foundation and Coinbase, establishing industry benchmarks for security in decentralized systems. In addition to its auditing services, OpenZeppelin offers consulting and development services to facilitate the creation of robust applications. By providing these resources, OpenZeppelin aims to lower the barriers to secure system development, empowering a growing number of developers to build applications that can achieve widespread adoption.
0x
Venture Round in 2017
0x is an open protocol that enables seamless peer-to-peer exchange of tokens on the Ethereum blockchain. It serves as a foundational standard for decentralized exchanges, promoting interoperability among various decentralized applications that feature exchange capabilities. By providing a common framework, 0x allows users to convert a wide range of assets into cryptographic tokens, facilitating efficient and decentralized trading.
Filecoin
Venture Round in 2017
Filecoin is a data storage network and electronic currency based on Bitcoin.
Ethereum Foundation
Venture Round in 2017
The Ethereum Foundation is dedicated to supporting the development and promotion of the Ethereum platform, which enables the creation and deployment of decentralized applications and smart contracts. Founded in 2014 and based in Baar, Switzerland, the foundation facilitates a decentralized ecosystem that allows users to securely manage digital assets and engage in a variety of activities such as crowdfunding, decentralized governance, and the creation of new cryptocurrencies. By providing tools and resources for developers, the Ethereum Foundation aims to foster innovation in areas like voting, intellectual property, and financial services. Its commitment to a decentralized infrastructure promotes resilience and security, making it easier for developers to build on the platform.
Agoric
Agoric is a developer of a framework designed to enhance the programming of smart contracts for the blockchain ecosystem. The platform facilitates the creation and deployment of smart contracts using JavaScript, making it accessible to millions of programmers. By emphasizing composability, Agoric enables rapid development and offers a competitive advantage in creating decentralized applications. Its framework allows for secure execution of transactions, the establishment of new markets, and the creation of innovative exchange patterns without centralized control. The Agoric team comprises experienced technologists, economists, and business leaders who have collaborated on smart contracts technology for over three decades. They aim to revolutionize how smart contracts are developed and utilized, fostering unprecedented global cooperation and enabling entrepreneurs to explore new business opportunities with digital assets. Agoric has partnered with notable projects within the blockchain space and received support from various investors, further solidifying its mission to advance smart contract technology.
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