Who is Brian Armstrong

Brian Armstrong co-founded and led Coinbase, one of the foremost cryptocurrency exchanges in the world.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1983 in San Jose, California, Armstrong was drawn to technology and programming from an early age. He pursued his interests at Rice University in Houston, Texas, where he earned computer science and economics degrees.

Early Career

Following his graduation from Rice University, Armstrong embarked on a career in technology. He worked as a software engineer at IBM and later joined Airbnb as a software engineer and team lead. His time at Airbnb exposed Armstrong to the challenges of global payment systems and the potential for cryptocurrencies to revolutionize the financial landscape.

Entry into Cryptocurrency

In 2010, Armstrong came across the Bitcoin whitepaper by Satoshi Nakamoto, which sparked his interest in the potential of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. Recognizing the transformative possibilities of this emerging technology, Armstrong decided to dedicate his career to advancing the adoption of cryptocurrencies.

Founding and Leading Coinbase

In 2012, Armstrong co-founded Coinbase with Fred Ehrsam. They aimed to create a user-friendly platform for people to buy, sell, and store cryptocurrencies. Coinbase started as a simple Bitcoin brokerage service and has since evolved into a comprehensive platform offering various cryptocurrency-related services.

Under Armstrong's leadership, Coinbase focused on regulatory compliance and security, setting itself apart from other exchanges at the time. This approach allowed Coinbase to gain the trust of users and regulators, accelerating its growth.

As CEO, Armstrong has guided Coinbase through multiple phases of expansion. The company has added support for various cryptocurrencies, introduced new features like staking and lending, and even launched a platform for institutional investors called Coinbase Prime. Coinbase has also invested in and acquired numerous blockchain and cryptocurrency startups, further solidifying its presence in the industry. You can find Coinbase Ventures' portfolio here.

In 2021, Armstrong led Coinbase to become the first major cryptocurrency exchange to go public in the United States, listing its shares on the NASDAQ stock exchange. This landmark event marked a significant milestone for both Coinbase and the broader cryptocurrency industry.