Follow Web3 news and funding trends with our daily updated dashboard on startups and investment in the Web3, crypto and blockchain sectors, based on Crunchbase’s comprehensive data.
Last updated: 05/24/2025
Eleven companies joined The Crunchbase Unicorn Board in April 2024 — a big jump up from the six companies that joined in April 2023 but still a fraction of the 40 added to the board in April 2022.
The Web3 Tracker is a one-stop shop for following Web3 trends, news and data about venture funding and leading investors in the sector.
Web3 refers to the next evolution of the internet primarily built on blockchain technology. While the concept has been around for just under a decade and didn’t enter mainstream usage until a few years ago, the Web3 sector has attracted more than $100 billion in investment, Crunchbase data shows.
Web3: A brief history
Whereas Web 1.0 represents the early days of the internet and its static, heavy content-related nature, Web 2.0 was the maturation of that into a more user-generated network that brought about more utility, sharing and interactivity.
Web3 could be the most significant step yet. The term was coined by Ethereum co-founder Gavin Wood in 2014 and refers to moving the internet toward decentralized technologies with the promise of increased transparency and accessibility. Proponents say the shift toward Web3 will make the internet open to more innovative technologies and shift power away from large tech companies.
Web3 is an umbrella term used to describe a new iteration of the Internet that’s primarily built on blockchain technology.
While the Internet of today—or Web2—primarily focuses on user generated content, social networking and cloud computing, Web3’s core focus is on decentralization, transparency and accessibility. The technology ushering in this new era was created in response to the centralized nature of the Internet and the perception that a handful of large corporations control what is and isn’t allowed on the web. Web3 proponents say it puts the power back into the hands of users and creates a more open, transparent and accessible Internet ecosystem.
A few examples of Web3 companies in the U.S. include Alchemy, a developer platform that helps companies build reliable decentralized applications; Polygon, a platform for Ethereum scaling and infrastructure development; and Chainlink, a startup that’s focused on making it easier for traditional data sources, such as APIs, to connect with blockchain technology.
The top three Web3 startups by total funding are Block.one, with $4.1 billion raised; Bitstocks Trading Limited, with £1.5 billion ($1.8 billion) raised; and FTX Exchange, with $1.7 billion raised.
The top three startups in the Web3 ecosystem with the highest valuations are FTX Exchange, valued at $32 billion; Blockchain.com, valued at $14 billion; and OpenSea, valued at $13.3 billion.
While Web3 isn’t a technology, there have been innovations created based on what the concept represents: a decentralized internet. An NFT, or non-fungible token, is an example of one such innovation. NFTs allow individuals to claim ownership over digital art and other assets. For example, if you’re an artist, you can turn an art piece into an NFT and sell it on a marketplace like OpenSea. To purchase the NFT, an individual might pay you 5 Ether for ownership rights. Your newly acquired Ether coins could then increase (or decrease) in value based on demand and market conditions.
A cryptocurrency is a digital currency that’s tradeable and uses cryptography to secure transactions. To create more transparency, these transactions are primarily stored on the blockchain, making them completely traceable.
There are a wide variety of cryptocurrencies, each with its own use case. For example, Bitcoin is considered a store of value. Stellar Lumens (also known as XLM), the token created by the Stellar Development Foundation, was created to help individuals transfer money quickly. These cryptocurrencies, and many like them, can be used for things like investing and making purchases.
Note: please do your research before investing in any cryptocurrency or digital asset.
No. Web3 is the name used to describe the innovations that blockchain technology has given rise to. Cryptocurrency is the digital currency used within the blockchain ecosystem.
To understand how Web3 works, first you need to know the basics of blockchain technology. The blockchain is a distributed database, or ledger, that’s not owned by any one entity (decentralization). It stores information, such as cryptocurrency transactions, in a digital format that can’t be edited or deleted (transparency). This information is stored in a “block” that connects to other blocks when it reaches storage capacity limits, creating a chain. Hence the name blockchain.
With the transparent and decentralized nature of the blockchain, developers are now building a new wave of innovative applications that leverage this technology; what is now known as Web3.
Yes. Our Web3 Tracker is a public resource. We do ask that you please cite Crunchbase as the data source and include a link to the Web3 Tracker when possible. For additional press inquiries, email press@crunchbase.com.
Please reach out to support@crunchbase.com if your company’s data needs to be updated or if something is missing.
All of our Web3 news and trends coverage is here.
Figure
$1B
Figure provides consumer financial solutions intended for home improvement, debt consolidation, and retirement planning. Its financial services include provide home equity release services such as home equity lines of credit, home improvement loans, and home buy-lease back offerings for retirement leveraging through blockchain, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics, enabling customers to access capital in as few as five days.
San Francisco, United States, North America
Number of Acquisitions 0
Total Funding Amount $347M
World
$3B
World connects users through a privacy-focused network with secure digital asset management. The company is a privacy-focused human network incorporating a financial system to enhance global connectivity and trust. The World App allows users to securely store a World ID, manage digital assets, and easily access various Mini Apps.
Berlin, Germany, Europe
Number of Acquisitions 0
Total Funding Amount $379M
Kraken
$4B
Kraken is a cryptocurrency exchange that provides spot and futures trading between Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 40+ other digital assets. Its mission is to accelerate the adoption of cryptocurrency so that you and the rest of the world can achieve financial freedom and inclusion. Founded in 2011 and with over 7 million clients, Kraken is one of the world's largest, most successful bitcoin exchanges and we're growing faster than ever. Kraken's range of successful products is playing an important role in the mainstream adoption of crypto assets. Kraken is a marketplace for digital assets where buyers, sellers, traders, and speculators come together to exchange cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple against national currencies like USD, EUR, CAD, and JPY. Clients trading larger sizes benefit from its principal Over-the-Counter (OTC) desk and white glove service. Advanced traders and technical analysis wizards can take advantage of the company's professional charting tools. Software engineers, botters, and hobbyist automators have available both REST and Websocket APIs with which trades can be made and market information obtained. Kraken provides 24/7 live chat support for any questions you have about getting started.
San Francisco, United States, North America
Number of Acquisitions 15
Total Funding Amount $421M
MoonPay
$3B
MoonPay is a financial technology company that specializes in providing payment infrastructure that facilitates the seamless conversion between fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies. MoonPay's platform enables users to purchase cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) using various payment methods, including credit and debit cards, local bank transfers, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. The company operates on a non-custodial model, meaning it does not hold customer funds, thereby granting users greater control over their digital assets.
Dover, United States, North America
Number of Acquisitions 4
Total Funding Amount $660M
LayerZero Labs
$3B
LayerZero Labs is a blockchain messaging protocol developer that allows decentralized applications build across multiple blockchains. The company is a User Application (UA) configurable on-chain endpoint that runs a ULN.
Vancouver, Canada, North America
Number of Acquisitions 0
Total Funding Amount $351M
Discord
$15B
Discord operates as a voice, video, and text communication service to talk and hang out with friends and communities. It was originally created for people who loved to play games, but these passionate people realized it could be enjoyed for more purposes. Discord is now used by everyone from local hiking clubs, to art communities, to study groups.
San Francisco, United States, North America
Number of Acquisitions 3
Total Funding Amount $979M
OpenSea
$13B
OpenSea is a peer-to-peer marketplace for crypto collectibles and non-fungible tokens. It includes collectibles, gaming items, and other virtual goods backed by a blockchain. On OpenSea, anyone can buy or sell these items through a smart contract.
New York, United States, North America
Number of Acquisitions 3
Total Funding Amount $427M
Dunamu
$12B
Dunamu owns and operates a digital asset exchange (UPbit), two investment exchange platforms (Stockplus and U-Stockplus), and an equity management platform (Onboard). UPbit is a cryptocurrency exchange platform with presence in Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore. Stockplus is a securities information/trading platform with an active partnership with 11 broker-dealers. U-Stockplus is an OTC platform providing a trading service for private companies. Onboard helps private companies manage equity electronically for their shareholders.
Seoul, South Korea, Asia
Number of Acquisitions 1
Total Funding Amount $741M
Alchemy
$10B
Alchemy is a web3 developer platform that helps companies to build reliable decentralized applications. Its mission is to provide developers with the fundamental building blocks they need to create the future of technology without the hassle of managing blockchain infrastructure in-house.
San Francisco, United States, North America
Number of Acquisitions 4
Total Funding Amount $564M
Black Banx
$10B
Black Banx is a digital Bank offering real-time account opening and cross-border payments for private and business clients in 28 currencies. The company’s proprietary software, GlobalKYC and IRTP, allows instant account opening and payments. Individuals can also make Bitcoin and ETH deposits to fund checking accounts. The Group is headquartered in Toronto, with offices in London, Hong Kong, Dubai, Sao Paulo et.al.
Toronto, Canada, North America
Number of Acquisitions 0
Total Funding Amount $382M
Figure
$1B
Figure provides consumer financial solutions intended for home improvement, debt consolidation, and retirement planning. Its financial services include provide home equity release services such as home equity lines of credit, home improvement loans, and home buy-lease back offerings for retirement leveraging through blockchain, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics, enabling customers to access capital in as few as five days.
San Francisco, United States, North America
Number of Acquisitions 0
Total Funding Amount $347M
World
$3B
World connects users through a privacy-focused network with secure digital asset management. The company is a privacy-focused human network incorporating a financial system to enhance global connectivity and trust. The World App allows users to securely store a World ID, manage digital assets, and easily access various Mini Apps.
Berlin, Germany, Europe
Number of Acquisitions 0
Total Funding Amount $379M
The Nemesis
$21M
The Nemesis is the P2E playground accessible via desktop browser and mobile app. Designed for web2 and web3 communities, this casual gaming platform emphasizes simplicity and usability, featuring engaging, fast-paced games with daily leaderboards and rewards. A comprehensive ecosystem of in-game and crypto assets drives player engagement. To ensure a high-quality experience—both in seamless exploration and gameplay, as well as from a technical standpoint—our top-tier in-house team integrates technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. Leading companies in their respective sectors, including ConsenSys, Volkswagen and Luxottica groups, have already chosen us for their gamification projects.
Lugano, Switzerland, Europe
Number of Acquisitions 1
Total Funding Amount $1M
Kraken
$4B
Kraken is a cryptocurrency exchange that provides spot and futures trading between Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 40+ other digital assets. Its mission is to accelerate the adoption of cryptocurrency so that you and the rest of the world can achieve financial freedom and inclusion. Founded in 2011 and with over 7 million clients, Kraken is one of the world's largest, most successful bitcoin exchanges and we're growing faster than ever. Kraken's range of successful products is playing an important role in the mainstream adoption of crypto assets. Kraken is a marketplace for digital assets where buyers, sellers, traders, and speculators come together to exchange cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple against national currencies like USD, EUR, CAD, and JPY. Clients trading larger sizes benefit from its principal Over-the-Counter (OTC) desk and white glove service. Advanced traders and technical analysis wizards can take advantage of the company's professional charting tools. Software engineers, botters, and hobbyist automators have available both REST and Websocket APIs with which trades can be made and market information obtained. Kraken provides 24/7 live chat support for any questions you have about getting started.
San Francisco, United States, North America
Number of Acquisitions 15
Total Funding Amount $421M
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