# Coinbase

> American company that operates a cryptocurrency exchange platform

**Wikidata**: [Q16972754](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16972754)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coinbase)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/coinbase

## Summary
Coinbase is an American company that operates a cryptocurrency exchange platform, allowing users to buy, sell, or trade digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other tokens. Founded in 2012, it has become one of the largest and most well-known platforms for cryptocurrency trading, facilitating transactions between cryptocurrencies and traditional (fiat) money.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: June 20, 2012
- **Founders**: Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam
- **Headquarters**: San Francisco, California, United States
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Industry**: Cryptocurrency exchange, fintech, cryptocurrency industry
- **Stock Exchange**: Listed on Nasdaq (ticker: COIN)
- **Revenue**: $1.277 billion (2023), $533.7 million (2022), $7.839 billion (2021), $3.194 billion (2020)
- **Net Profit**: $322.3 million (2023), -$30.4 million (2022), $3.624 billion (2021), -$2.625 billion (2020)
- **Total Assets**: $5.855 billion (2023), $2.392 billion (2022)
- **Employees**: 1,123 (2023), 1,249 (2022)
- **Website**: [www.coinbase.com](https://www.coinbase.com)
- **Owned by**: Brian Armstrong, Union Square Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz
- **Affiliated with**: Charlie Lee (creator of Litecoin)
- **Instance of**: Public company, business, payment system, cryptocurrency exchange
- **Named after**: Coinbase (a term for a digital currency exchange)

## FAQs
**What is Coinbase?**
Coinbase is an American company that operates a cryptocurrency exchange platform, enabling users to buy, sell, or trade digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. It was founded in 2012 and has grown into one of the largest and most well-known platforms for cryptocurrency trading.

**Who founded Coinbase?**
Coinbase was founded by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam in June 2012. Armstrong is the current CEO, while Ehrsam served as the company's first CTO.

**Where is Coinbase headquartered?**
Coinbase is headquartered in San Francisco, California, United States. The company was originally founded in the Bay Area and has maintained its operations there.

**What services does Coinbase offer?**
Coinbase offers a platform for buying, selling, and trading cryptocurrencies, as well as storing digital assets securely. It also provides educational resources and tools for users to manage their cryptocurrency portfolios.

**Is Coinbase a public company?**
Yes, Coinbase is a public company. It went public through an initial public offering (IPO) on Nasdaq in 2021, raising significant capital to support its growth and expansion.

**What cryptocurrencies can be traded on Coinbase?**
Coinbase supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and many others. The platform allows users to trade these digital currencies against traditional fiat money or other cryptocurrencies.

**How does Coinbase ensure security for its users?**
Coinbase employs advanced security measures, including two-factor authentication, cold storage for cryptocurrencies, and insurance coverage for user funds. The platform also undergoes regular security audits to maintain high standards of safety.

**What is the revenue of Coinbase?**
Coinbase's revenue has varied over the years, with figures including $1.277 billion in 2023, $533.7 million in 2022, $7.839 billion in 2021, and $3.194 billion in 2020. These figures reflect the company's growth and market position in the cryptocurrency industry.

**Who owns Coinbase?**
Coinbase is owned by Brian Armstrong, Union Square Ventures, and Andreessen Horowitz. Armstrong is the CEO and a significant shareholder, while the venture capital firms have invested in the company's growth and development.

## Why It Matters
Coinbase plays a pivotal role in the cryptocurrency industry by providing a user-friendly platform for buying, selling, and trading digital currencies. As one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges, it facilitates millions of transactions daily, making cryptocurrencies more accessible to the general public. The company's IPO in 2021 marked a significant milestone in the cryptocurrency market, demonstrating its growth and stability. Coinbase's services also extend to educational resources and tools, helping users understand and manage their cryptocurrency investments. By offering a secure and reliable platform, Coinbase has contributed to the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies, shaping the future of digital finance.

## Notable For
- Being one of the largest and most well-known cryptocurrency exchange platforms globally.
- Facilitating millions of cryptocurrency transactions daily, making digital currencies more accessible.
- Going public through an IPO in 2021, a significant milestone in the cryptocurrency market.
- Offering educational resources and tools to help users understand and manage their cryptocurrency investments.
- Employing advanced security measures, including two-factor authentication and cold storage, to ensure user funds are secure.
- Supporting a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, allowing users to trade these digital currencies against traditional fiat money or other cryptocurrencies.
- Providing insurance coverage for user funds, adding an extra layer of security for investors.
- Maintaining a strong presence in the United States, with headquarters in San Francisco and a significant impact on the local and national cryptocurrency landscape.

## Body
### Overview
Coinbase is an American company that operates a cryptocurrency exchange platform, enabling users to buy, sell, or trade digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other tokens. Founded in June 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, Coinbase has grown into one of the largest and most well-known platforms for cryptocurrency trading. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and is a public company listed on Nasdaq.

### History
- **Founding**: Coinbase was founded in June 20, 2012, by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam. Armstrong is the current CEO, while Ehrsam served as the company's first CTO.
- **Early Development**: The company initially focused on providing a platform for buying and selling Bitcoin, which was still a relatively new and niche market.
- **Expansion**: Over the years, Coinbase expanded its offerings to include a wider range of cryptocurrencies and additional services, such as storage and educational resources.
- **Public Listing**: In 2021, Coinbase went public through an initial public offering (IPO) on Nasdaq, raising significant capital to support its growth and expansion.

### Services
- **Trading Platform**: Coinbase offers a platform for buying, selling, and trading cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and many others.
- **Storage Solutions**: The company provides secure storage solutions for digital assets, ensuring that users' funds are protected.
- **Educational Resources**: Coinbase offers educational resources and tools to help users understand and manage their cryptocurrency investments.
- **Security Measures**: The platform employs advanced security measures, including two-factor authentication, cold storage for cryptocurrencies, and insurance coverage for user funds.

### Financial Performance
- **Revenue**: Coinbase's revenue has varied over the years, with figures including $1.277 billion in 2023, $533.7 million in 2022, $7.839 billion in 2021, and $3.194 billion in 2020.
- **Net Profit**: The company's net profit has also fluctuated, with figures including $322.3 million in 2023, -$30.4 million in 2022, $3.624 billion in 2021, and -$2.625 billion in 2020.
- **Total Assets**: Coinbase's total assets have grown significantly, with figures including $5.855 billion in 2023 and $2.392 billion in 2022.

### Employees and Ownership
- **Employees**: Coinbase has a team of 1,123 employees as of 2023, reflecting its growth and expansion.
- **Ownership**: The company is owned by Brian Armstrong, Union Square Ventures, and Andreessen Horowitz. Armstrong is the CEO and a significant shareholder, while the venture capital firms have invested in the company's growth and development.

### Industry and Classification
- **Industry**: Coinbase operates in the cryptocurrency exchange, fintech, and cryptocurrency industry sectors.
- **Classification**: The company is classified as a public company, business, payment system, and cryptocurrency exchange.

### Affiliations and Partnerships
- **Affiliated with**: Charlie Lee, the creator of Litecoin, has been affiliated with Coinbase, contributing to the company's development and growth.
- **Partnerships**: Coinbase has formed partnerships with various organizations and entities in the cryptocurrency and fintech industries, further expanding its reach and influence.

### Security and Compliance
- **Security Measures**: Coinbase employs advanced security measures, including two-factor authentication, cold storage for cryptocurrencies, and insurance coverage for user funds.
- **Compliance**: The company adheres to regulatory standards and undergoes regular security audits to maintain high standards of safety and compliance.

### Educational Resources
- **Learning Platform**: Coinbase offers educational resources and tools to help users understand and manage their cryptocurrency investments, making digital currencies more accessible to a broader audience.

### Global Impact
- **Market Position**: As one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges, Coinbase has a significant impact on the global cryptocurrency market, facilitating millions of transactions daily.
- **Innovation**: The company continues to innovate and expand its services, contributing to the growth and development of the cryptocurrency industry.

### Future Outlook
- **Expansion Plans**: Coinbase has plans to expand its services and reach, further solidifying its position as a leader in the cryptocurrency exchange industry.
- **Technological Advancements**: The company is committed to technological advancements and security improvements, ensuring that users' funds and data are protected.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.lobbyfacts.eu/datacard/coinbase?rid=608584041803-93)
2. [prospectus](https://d18rn0p25nwr6d.cloudfront.net/CIK-0001679788/50ece2a0-8e87-4471-8df0-ff6fb8d1b19c.pdf)
3. [Source](https://www.ycombinator.com/companies/coinbase)
4. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20190904113146/https://craft.co/coinbase)
5. [Alexa Internet](https://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/coinbase.com)
6. Google Knowledge Graph
7. [Form 10-K. 2022](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001679788/000167978822000031/coin-20211231.htm)
8. [Form 10-K. 2023](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001679788/000167978823000031/coin-20221231.htm)
9. EU Transparency Register
10. Quora
11. [Source](https://thenextweb.com/vocabulary/coinbase/)
12. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Coinbase-5KR)
13. [Working at Coinbase | Glassdoor](https://www.glassdoor.sg/Overview/Working-at-Coinbase-EI_IE779622.11,19.htm?countryRedirect=true)
14. YouTube API
15. [Internet Domains Wikibase](https://domains.wikibase.cloud/entity/Q216782)