Blockchain Builders Successfully Closes $28 Million Fund I, Primarily Investing in Stanford Ecosystem
The Stanford blockchain ecosystem’s venture fund, Blockchain Builders, has announced the successful closure of its oversubscribed $28 million Fund I. This pre-seed and seed-stage fund focuses on investing in innovative blockchain founders from Stanford University and other prestigious institutions.
Founded by Stanford graduate students Gil Rosen, Kun Peng, and Steven Willinger, Blockchain Builders has already invested over $16 million in 40 blockchain projects spanning various sectors such as AI, Infrastructure, Defi, DePIN, Payments, and RWAs.
With a number of projects gearing up for Token Generation Events (TGEs), Fund I is set to deploy the remaining funds by the end of the year. The fund’s portfolio includes notable companies like 0G, Hyperbolic, Pod, and Nexus Labs, among others.
Founders’ Vision
Co-founder Kun Peng shared, “Blockchain Builders was born out of our experience within the Stanford blockchain ecosystem. Our initiatives like the Stanford Blockchain Accelerator, MS&E 447 Blockchain Entrepreneurship course, and the Blockchain Application Stanford Summit (BASS) have nurtured and supported numerous founders, students, and attendees, creating a strong network for success.”
Professor David Tse, founder of Babylon, highlighted Stanford’s rich history in blockchain research and innovation, attributing the success of Blockchain Builders to the university’s supportive ecosystem.
Management Expertise
The fund’s management team brings a wealth of experience in both traditional finance and cryptocurrency. With backgrounds in leading companies like Blockstream, Google, Coinbase Ventures, and more, they offer hands-on support to founders in areas such as strategy, Go-To-Market (GTM) planning, and fundraising.
Co-founder Gil Rosen emphasized, “Our deep ties to Stanford grant us early access to promising founders who appreciate our hands-on approach. We work closely with them to position for successful follow-on funding rounds led by top-tier investors.”
Future Plans
Blockchain Builders is collaborating with industry giants like Ethereum Foundation, Solana, and BASE (Coinbase) to support founders nationwide as they prepare for Fund II. Additionally, the team is extending its reach to the new IC3-Cornell accelerator, encompassing universities like Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, Princeton, Yale, and UCL.
The fund’s focus remains on investing in pre-seed and seed-stage blockchain founders within the Stanford ecosystem, providing both financial backing and practical guidance for their success. Through initiatives like the Stanford Blockchain Accelerator and strategic partnerships with top universities, Blockchain Builders aims to cultivate the next generation of blockchain innovators.