Blockchain Capital

Office address: 440 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Website: www.blockchaincapital.com
Year established: 2013
Company type: venture capital and private equity principals
Employees: 35+
Expertise: distributed applications, blockchain technologies, bitcoin, virtual currencies, DeFi, digital assets, tokenized investment models, regulatory tech, blockchain infrastructure, smart contracts, NFTs, crypto asset management, decentralized exchanges
Parent company: N/A
Key people: Bart Stephens and Brad Stephens (managing partners); Aleks Larsen (general partner); Jason Di Piazza (department head); JoAnne Lauer (director); Tony Schmidt (COO); Zalia Aliriza (CFO); Joshua Rivera (general counsel)
Financing status: N/A

Blockchain Capital, headquartered in San Francisco, is a venture capital firm specializing in blockchain and cryptocurrency investments. The firm manages approximately $2 billion  in assets, supporting over 170 entrepreneurs across more than 100 blockchain companies. With a team of over 35 employees, the organization supports founders by providing strategic industry insight and investing across multiple stages.
 

History of Blockchain Capital

Blockchain Capital was established in 2013 by brothers Bart and Brad Stephens alongside Brock Pierce, an entrepreneur and former child actor from The Mighty Ducks. Originally named Crypto Currency Partners, the firm initially focused on digital goods and virtual currency markets, addressing emerging opportunities in blockchain. Early investments included industry leaders like Coinbase, Kraken, and Ripple, setting a strong foundation in the blockchain ecosystem.

In 2017, the company launched Fund III, pioneering the first SEC-compliant security token offering, enhancing investment accessibility. By 2018, the firm raised $150 million for Fund IV, targeting regulatory technology investments such as Securitize and Radar Relay. In 2023, they expanded further with a $580 million fund, emphasizing blockchain infrastructure, gaming, and decentralized finance.
 

Products and Services of Blockchain Capital

Blockchain Capital offers a range of products and services to blockchain and cryptocurrency startups, including the following:

• venture capital investments: early-stage and growth capital investments targeting infrastructure, DeFi, gaming, and consumer-focused applications within the blockchain sector
• BCAP Build program: three-part support for startups in talent recruitment, go-to-market strategy, and partnership networks
• tokenized investment vehicles: BCAP token enables regulated investor access, representing one of the industry’s initial security tokens
• research and thought leadership: published insights on emerging industry trends, such as DAOs, NFTs, and social wallets

Blockchain Capital sees blockchain technology as a vehicle for transformative change across industries, with the firm investing in both equity and crypto assets.
 

Culture at Blockchain Capital

Blockchain Capital fosters an inclusive and supportive work culture focused on growth and development. Employees report satisfaction with the fair treatment, career advancement opportunities, and accessible leadership. A flexible work environment and strong work-life balance define the company’s approach:

• health and wellness benefits: medical, dental, and vision insurance, with options for life and disability coverage
• paid time off (PTO): includes unlimited PTO, generous holidays, and paid family leave
• crypto-related benefits: salaries and bonuses paid in cryptocurrency, with equity benefits for all employees
• remote work options: flexibility for remote and hybrid work arrangements, supplemented by company offsites
• financial and commuter benefits: 401(k) retirement plan, commuter assistance, and company-paid lunches

Clients consistently recognize Blockchain Capital for its expertise and proactive client support. Known for its strategic guidance, the firm assists clients in navigating complex challenges and scaling growth. Positive client feedback include:

• strategic insight: noted by clients like Anchorage for in-depth industry knowledge and strategic guidance
• team support: praised by Matter Labs for aiding in team-building and securing top talent
• industry connections: commended by TRM’s CEO for introductions to valuable potential customers
• long-term commitment: acknowledged by EigenLayer for its dedication to shared vision
• impactful partnerships: supported by Tools for Humanity in facilitating scalable projects such as Worldcoin

Blockchain Capital also structures its operations around three pillars to support founders: talent, go-to-market, and a partner network. The firm helps founders cultivate leadership, establish strategies to recruit talent, develop go-to-market plans, and leverage partnerships for impactful growth.
 

About Blockchain Capital Managing Partners Bart and Brad Stephens and Key People

Bart Stephens serves as a co-founder and managing partner of the organization, with a background in tech and finance advisory roles. He previously led Stephens Investment Management and contributed to tech projects with Ivanhoe Capital Corporation. He is a Princeton graduate with expertise in information warfare and national security.

Brad Stephens, also a co-founder and managing partner, oversees venture investments and sits on finance and technology advisory boards. His background includes experience at Fidelity Ventures and CSFB’s Technology Group. He holds a BA in economics from Duke University and has a keen interest in travel and live music.

Blockchain Capital’s team is led by key professionals with expertise in blockchain, finance, and operations across various roles:

• Aleks Larsen acts as a general partner, overseeing strategic investments in early and growth-stage blockchain startups
• Jason Di Piazza, serving as head of capital formation, manages relationships with investors and guides capital-raising initiatives
• JoAnne Lauer, as Blockchain Capital’s director of investor relations, leads communications with investors, providing updates and insights into the firm’s portfolio
• Tony Schmidt is an operating partner and COO, directing operational strategies and supporting the firm’s internal growth and infrastructure
• Zalia Aliriza serves as CFO, chief compliance officer, and operating partner, ensuring regulatory compliance and managing financial planning
• Joshua Rivera, an operating partner and general counsel, advises on legal matters, overseeing portfolio companies’ compliance and risk management
   

The Future at Blockchain Capital

Recently, Blockchain Capital led a $33 million Series C round for Yellow Card, a stablecoin provider in Africa, to promote stablecoin technology across the continent. Through this funding, the firm aims to support accessible, cost-effective financial solutions that facilitate cross-border payments. This investment reflects their broader vision to expand innovative, blockchain-based financial services to global markets.

In another investment, Blockchain Capital contributed $15 million in Series A funding for Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform focused on user-controlled identity and data. By supporting this initiative, the company seeks to create an open network where users control their identities and data, diverging from traditional social media platforms. This investment aligns with Blockchain Capital’s mission and will help build an open, decentralized network where users control their identities and data across scalable applications.