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In this article, BeInCrypto looks at 9 leading blockchain infrastructure companies and highlights the products and services they offer to enable the adoption and use of blockchain technology.
Blockchain infrastructure providers play a crucial role in the spread of mass adoption of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. Players in this space build the necessary infrastructure and tools that enable individuals and organizations to use and interact with blockchain platforms and cryptocurrencies. Thus providing real-world utility and driving adoption.
1. Fireblocks
Fireblocks was founded in 2018 in New York. It is an interesting project, aiming to bring the benefits of blockchain security to myriad institutions. It specializes in providing custodial services for cryptocurrencies, the management of digital assets, decentralized finance, and the management of treasury operations.
2. Blockdaemon
Blockdaemon is a blockchain infrastructure company that provides a cloud-based platform for deploying and managing blockchain nodes. Its platform allows users to easily set up and maintain nodes for various blockchain networks, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Blockdaemon aims to simplify the process of operating blockchain nodes and make it more accessible to a wider audience. The company’s platform is designed to be user-friendly and offers features such as automated node updates, monitoring, and alerts to help users manage their nodes efficiently. They also provide consulting and support services to help users get the most out of their blockchain nodes.
3. Chainalysis
Chainalysis is a blockchain analytics company founded in 2014. They provide compliance and investigation software to government agencies, exchanges, and financial institutions. The company’s products are used to track and investigate cryptocurrency transactions and help organizations comply with regulations.
Exciting, right? Catching criminals on the blockchain is no easy task, and Chainalysis is at the forefront.
4. Blockstream
Blockstream supports the Bitcoin blockchain. The company’s mission is to enable the global Bitcoin community to build on the foundation of the Bitcoin network and to drive the development of new applications and technologies.
Blockstream also conducts research and development on a range of topics related to Bitcoin and blockchain technology. It also works with a range of partners and clients to advance the adoption and development of these technologies.
It has released a number of products and services, including the Liquid Network (a sidechain for Bitcoin), the Blockstream Satellite (a network of satellites that broadcasts the Bitcoin blockchain), and the Blockstream Green wallet (a cryptocurrency wallet for mobile and desktop devices).
Founded in 2014. It is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, and has offices in London, Hong Kong, and San Francisco.
It has released a number of products and services, including the Liquid Network (a sidechain for Bitcoin), the Blockstream Satellite, and the Blockstream Green wallet (a cryptocurrency wallet for mobile and desktop devices).
5. Axoni
A New York-based fintech company, Axoni streamlines post-trade processes in the capital markets industry.
Their services include blockchain-based data synchronization, reconciliation, and smart contract platforms. Axoni also focuses on consulting and implementation options to help clients design and deploy blockchain-based solutions. Axoni also collaborates with a range of partners and clients across a variety of industries to advance the adoption and development of blockchain technology.
Established in 2013, they’ve raised over $100 million in funding from investors such as JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs.
6. Everledger
Everledger is a London-based company that creates digital records of the ownership and provenance of physical assets on the blockchain. The company’s platform is used by a range of industries. These include precious gems, wine, and fine art, to authenticate and track the movement of assets. Everledger has raised over $20 million in funding from investors such as Santander InnoVentures and Accenture Ventures.
7. Provenance
Provenance is a UK-based outfit that uses blockchain technology to create a transparent record of the history and provenance (origin) of products. The company’s platform is used by retailers and manufacturers to track the movement of goods through the supply chain and to provide customers with information about the origin and sustainability of the products they purchase.
8. Aeternity
Aeternity is a blockchain startup based in Liechtenstein that is focused on building decentralized applications (DApps) for a range of use cases, including supply chain management, voting systems, and peer-to-peer marketplaces.
The company’s platform uses a unique consensus mechanism called “proof-of-knowledge” that is designed to be more efficient and secure than other blockchain protocols. Aeternity has raised over $70 million in funding from investors such as Fenbushi Capital and Polychain Capital.
9. Elliptic
Founded in the UK in 2013 Elliptic provides solutions for banks, cryptocurrency exchanges, and other financial institutions. The company offers diverse products and bespoke services designed to help its clients mitigate risk, comply with regulations, and prevent financial crime.
These include blockchain analytics tools that allow clients to track and monitor cryptocurrency transactions, as well as consulting and implementation services to help clients design and deploy blockchain-based solutions.
Picks and Shovels
A pick-and-shovel approach to investing refers to the strategy of investing in companies that provide the necessary tools and resources for a particular industry. Rather than directly investing in the industry itself.
With blockchain infrastructure companies, this approach can be particularly effective because the blockchain industry is still nascent and is subject to significant uncertainty and volatility.
By investing in companies that provide the necessary infrastructure and tools for the industry, rather than directly investing in blockchain-based applications or cryptocurrencies, investors can potentially benefit from the growth of the industry without taking on as much risk.
Blockchain infrastructure companies tend to be more stable and have a more diverse revenue stream than single-product companies. Investors looking to diversify and reduce risk may find them more appealing. Overall, investing in blockchain infrastructure companies can be a smart move because it minimizes risk and maximizes stability.
Cryptocurrencies come and go but the underpinning technology (blockchain) is here to stay.