Bessemer Commits $250M to Web 3, Launches DAO

The noted venture capital firm is interested in consumer DeFi, infrastructure and other enabling technologies.

AccessTimeIconMar 10, 2022 at 10:14 p.m. UTC
Updated May 11, 2023 at 4:03 p.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

Venerable venture capital firm Bessemer Venture Partners has committed $250 million in capital from existing funds to invest in Web 3 projects across three core areas: consumer decentralized finance (DeFi), infrastructure and other “enabling technologies.”

Founded over 100 years ago as a family office, Bessemer has grown into a leading investor in the consumer, enterprise and health care industries. The firm's long list of tech investments includes Shopify (SHOP), LinkedIn (LNKD) and Pinterest (PINS).

  • Inside Saga's 'Power-Level Over 9000' Campaign
    00:43
    Inside Saga's 'Power-Level Over 9000' Campaign
  • Saga CEO on Chainlets Feature
    19:20
    Saga CEO on Chainlets Feature
  • DOJ Wants CZ to Serve 3 Years in Prison; Tether to Freeze Wallets Evading Venezuelan Sanctions
    02:26
    DOJ Wants CZ to Serve 3 Years in Prison; Tether to Freeze Wallets Evading Venezuelan Sanctions
  • What's Driving HBAR's Roller-Coaster Ride?
    01:12
    What's Driving HBAR's Roller-Coaster Ride?
  • The Bessemer commitment comes as an increasing number of well-established venture capital firms have been entering the crypto space, such as Sequoia Capital and Bain Capital.

    “It’s clear that we’re now at the onset of the next seismic shift: a new iteration of the web built on blockchain technology. Web 3 is an ecosystem that we believe has several decades of transformation ahead of it, and one we’re passionate about partnering with the most talented founders forging this new future,” wrote the Bessemer team in the announcement blog post.

    The firm has also launched BessemerDAO, a Web 3 community for founders, creators and operators. BessemerDAO is meant to connect members of the crypto community for idea sharing, business development and tokenomics. The effort won’t be decentralized at first with Bessemer partners making decisions for the DAO, but the firm plans for the effort to become decentralized over time.

    Bessemer isn’t new to crypto investing, having backed NYDIG back in 2017 when the firm was offering institutional custody services for bitcoin. Other notable crypto company investments have included digital art marketplace MakersPlace, fantasy football game Sorare and blockchain intelligence company TRM Labs.

    Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.

    Brandy Betz

    Brandy covered crypto-related venture capital deals for CoinDesk.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.