Nasdaq Wants to Invest in More Blockchain Startups

Exchange operator Nasdaq is looking to invest in blockchain startups as part of a new venture initiative.

AccessTimeIconApr 19, 2017 at 6:25 p.m. UTC
Updated Sep 11, 2021 at 1:15 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

Exchange operator Nasdaq is looking to invest in blockchain startups as part of a new venture initiative.

Nasdaq Ventures, announced today, has set its sight on investing in companies that work with blockchain, as well as firms focused on artificial intelligence, next-generation data analysis and machine learning. The firm will invest as much as $10m in relevant startups, focusing on both seed-stage and late-stage placements.

The effort is perhaps a natural extension of the exchange operator's work in the blockchain space. In mid-2015, Nasdaq partnered with blockchain startup Chain in an effort that saw the two jointly develop a distributed ledger market focused on pre-IPO offerings.

Adena Friedman, president and CEO of Nasdaq, said in a statement:

"With the launch of our new venture investment program, we are reinforcing our focus on driving growth and innovation by evaluating, distributing, licensing and integrating disruptive technologies for the long-term benefit of our global clients."

The operator has been testing blockchain elsewhere as well.

In February 2016, Nasdaq revealed it was testing a blockchain e-voting prototype with Estonia's sole securities exchange. Further, in January, Nasdaq released a report outlining that, in its view, the trial "successfully demonstrated" why it believes blockchain use cases will extend beyond transaction settlement.

Image Credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

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.


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.