What Is Coinbase?
Coinbase is a digital currency exchange headquartered in San Francisco, California. They broker exchanges of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and many other cryptocurrencies, with fiat currencies in approximately 32 countries and bitcoin transactions and storage in 190 countries worldwide.
Background
Founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, Coinbase sits at the intersection of traditional finance and the crypto industry. The journey for Coinbase has been long and arduous, filled with many hurdles and obstacles. Since inception, Coinbase has achieved significant industry milestones, both from a business and regulatory standpoint.
What They Do
Coinbase offers a platform for users to trade various cryptocurrencies and provides a digital wallet for cryptocurrency storage. Coinbase has also launched several other services, such as Coinbase Pro for professional cryptocurrency trading, Coinbase Prime for institutional customers, and Coinbase Commerce for online retailers. and Base chain for web3 power users and natives (and hopefully the broader public). On top of this, Coinbase has gone global with the launch of an international futures and derivatives exchange.
Key Takeaways
- Coinbase is a digital currency exchange based in San Francisco, offering exchanges of various cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana in numerous countries worldwide.
- The company was founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, and stands at the unique intersection of traditional finance and the crypto industry.
- Coinbase had its IPO on the Nasdaq exchange via a direct listing in April 2021, marking a significant milestone in its history.
- Above all, Coinbase provides a platform for trading cryptocurrencies. This line of business is a significant driver of overall business revenue.
- Additionally, Coinbase has launched several other services tailored to different user needs, including Coinbase Pro, Coinbase Prime, Coinbase Commerce, Coinbase International, and Base chain.
