Coinbase Chief Executive Encourages All Startups to Initiate, Finance, and Go Public Onchain

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong shared his vision for transitioning the entire startup lifecycle onto the blockchain during an interview on TBPN this week, encompassing incorporation, fundraising, and going public.

Armstrong highlighted that utilizing blockchain technology for capital formation could democratize access to early-stage investments, while also streamlining the fundraising process to be quicker, more cost-effective, and more transparent for entrepreneurs globally.

Coinbase Acquires Echo to Revolutionize Startup Fundraising

The exchange revealed its $375 million acquisition of Echo, an onchain capital-raising platform established by crypto expert Jordan “Cobie” Fish.

Since its inception in 2024, Echo has assisted over 300 projects in raising more than $200 million.

Armstrong noted that linking Coinbase’s half-trillion dollars in customer assets with high-quality projects seeking funding creates a significant network effect for the crypto ecosystem.

This acquisition enhances Coinbase’s infrastructure throughout the entire lifecycle of crypto ventures, from token creation and cap table management to fundraising and secondary market trading.

Armstrong informed interviewers that Echo would initially function as an independent platform, while its Sonar product would be integrated into Coinbase’s larger ecosystem.

The CEO disclosed that he had been pursuing Cobie for some time after consistently receiving insightful critical feedback about Coinbase’s offerings on social media.

“Every time I’d call him, you know, I DM’d him on X a while back and was like, ‘Man, you keep lighting us up on X, but you’re right every time,’” Armstrong stated.

Coinbase acquired UpOnly NFT from renowned crypto trader Cobie for $25 million, reviving the podcast show “UpOnly” after a three-year hiatus.#Coinbase #UpOnlyNFT #Cobiehttps://t.co/vrIurEXZR3

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) October 21, 2025

The agreement also encompassed Coinbase’s $25 million acquisition of the UpOnly NFT, bringing back the well-known crypto podcast that had been on hold during the FTX collapse.

Vision for Comprehensive Onchain Company Development

Armstrong elaborated on how startups could soon manage every business milestone through blockchain technology.

“You can go in there and open a Coinbase account for your startup,” he explained, indicating that the company might even assist entrepreneurs in incorporating onchain through decentralized autonomous organizations.

Founders could then “press the raise money button” to send pitch materials to interested investors, with funds arriving instantly via USDC smart contracts instead of waiting weeks for wire transfers and legal documentation.

The CEO underscored the burdensome traditional fundraising process that entrepreneurs currently face.

“Every entrepreneur who I know finds the fundraising process to be pretty onerous,” Armstrong remarked.

“It usually takes like two to three months where everything else that you’re focused on has to stop. You go do tons of pitch meetings. You get told no 19 out of 20 times.”

The vision encompasses not only initial fundraising but also daily operations and future public listings.

Armstrong pointed out that crypto payment integration and financing tools would be readily accessible as companies generate revenue.

“Eventually someday you’re going to want to go public,” he said, explaining how companies could list their shares onchain for retail trading.

Armstrong stressed that this comprehensive approach would “increase economic freedom” and enable more entrepreneurs worldwide to establish businesses.

“This will just increase economic freedom. It’ll increase the number of companies who go raise capital and get started out there in the world,” he added.

Source: YouTube

Regulatory Framework for Onchain IPOs Develops

Armstrong confirmed that Coinbase is collaborating closely with the SEC to create frameworks that allow retail investors to engage in onchain fundraising with appropriate safeguards.

The CEO recognized that accredited investor regulations offer essential consumer protections but also restrict non-wealthy individuals from accessing high-growth investment opportunities.

“In many ways the accredited investor rules are kind of unfair,” he said, expressing optimism about achieving the right balance between protection and access.

Armstrong revealed that he attempted to execute Coinbase’s own 2021 public listing partially onchain but found regulators unprepared at that time.

“Unfortunately, like the SEC at that time was not the kind of, it wasn’t ready, let’s put it that way,” Armstrong explained.

“Now we have an SEC that’s much more engaged and willing to innovate on this frontier,” he stated, anticipating that the first company will go public onchain within two to three years.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong is “eager” to finalize crypto market structure legislation as Senate Democrats meet with crypto executives.#Coinbase #BrianArmstronghttps://t.co/AD96Q2DSAV

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) October 22, 2025

He envisions a future where major corporations are entirely listed on the blockchain as crypto continues to reshape financial services.

Armstrong also emphasized that most companies would likely raise capital using stablecoins to ensure pricing stability while still holding Bitcoin or other crypto assets as treasury management tools.

“It’s almost becoming like a best practice if you want to hedge against inflation,” he remarked regarding Bitcoin treasury holdings.

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