The cryptocurrency market is projected to grow from $1.03 billion in 2019 to $1.4 billion by 2024, fueled by blockchain transparency, cross-border remittances, and increasing venture capital. Below, we highlight 10 groundbreaking startups that emerged in 2017–2018, revolutionizing crypto trading, security, and decentralized finance (DeFi).
Why These Startups Stand Out
These innovators address critical challenges like:
- Leveraged token trading
- Custom token creation
- Blockchain reference hosting
- Secure digital asset platforms
Four are US-based, three operate in the Americas, and three span Europe/Asia.
1. BitMart
Founder: Sheldon Xia
Location: Cayman Islands
Funding: $10M (Series A)
👉 Discover BitMart’s global trading platform
BitMart launched a unified digital asset exchange in 2018, featuring spot trading, futures, and OTC services. Its "Community Listing Market" allowed early-stage ICO projects to list on major exchanges, boosting liquidity and innovation.
2. Cobo
CEO: Discus Fish
Funding: $13M (Series A)
Cobo offers:
- Cobo Wallet: A multi-asset staking wallet with PoS rewards.
- Cobo Vault: Tamper-proof hardware storage with self-destruct mechanisms against breaches.
3. dYdX
Founder: Antonio Juliano
Location: San Francisco
Funding: $10M (Series A)
dYdX pioneered margin trading protocols, enabling short/leveraged tokens via its expo app. Backed by a16z, it aims to expand derivatives in DeFi.
4. Finhaven
CEO: DH Kim
Location: Vancouver
Funding: $1M (Seed), $5.13M (Series A)
This Ethereum-based platform tokenizes securities, issuing unique equity/bond tokens. Partnered with White Wallet for B2B growth.
5. Harbor
CEO: Joshua Stein
Location: San Francisco
Funding: $28M
Harbor’s compliance protocol ensures regulated tokenized securities (e.g., real estate, equity) meet investor rules. Total raised: $40M+.
6. Mars Finance
Founder: Fred Wang
Location: Beijing
Funding: $51.3M (Series A)
A blockchain info hub hosting free references and events. Expanded to the U.S. in 2018.
7. NovaDAX
Key Figure: James Chan
Funding: $20M
Launched in Brazil, NovaDAX offers crypto trading, credit lines, and plans for a privacy-focused public chain.
8. Radar Relay
CEO: Alan Curtis
Location: Denver
Funding: $10M (Series A)
A decentralized exchange (DEX) with tokenized shorting options for portfolio hedging.
9. Saga Foundation
Founder: Ido Sadeh Man
Location: Zug, Switzerland
Funding: $30M (Seed)
Develops non-anonymous blockchain currency with controlled volatility, targeting regulatory compliance.
10. Terra
Co-Founder: Daniel Shin
Location: Singapore
Funding: $32M (Seed)
Terra’s price-stable cryptocurrency integrates with e-commerce platforms, offering low-fee transactions.
FAQ Section
Q1: Which startup focuses on compliant tokenized securities?
A1: Harbor—its protocol checks transactions against regulatory rules.
Q2: What’s unique about Cobo’s hardware?
A2: The Cobo Vault self-destructs if tampered with, erasing all keys.
Q3: How does BitMart support new projects?
A3: Via its Community Listing Market for early-stage ICO listings.
Q4: Which startup targets volatility in crypto?
A4: Saga Foundation—its currency uses controlled fluctuation mechanisms.
Q5: What’s Terra’s market strategy?
A5: Leveraging e-commerce platforms’ transaction volume for adoption.
Final Thoughts
These startups exemplify crypto’s rapid evolution, blending innovation with regulatory savvy. For deeper insights, check our guide to blockchain trends.
Keywords: cryptocurrency startups, blockchain innovation, DeFi, tokenized securities, crypto trading platforms
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