Blockchain.com Has Raised $14 Billion In Funding By Partnering With LightSpeed Ventures

Blockchain.com, a startup that provides software to help users track their bitcoin holdings, has raised $40 million in new funding, valuing the company at $14 billion. Blockchain.com was founded in 2011 and has raised over $70 million in total funding. There are nearly 82 million users worldwide who are using this company's blockchain wallet, including 37 million verified users.

The investment is a sign that interest in Bitcoin and other digital currencies is growing. Blockchain.com's $14 billion valuations are more than twice that of online payments company Stripe, which raised $250 million in January at a $9.2 billion valuation. It also puts the company in the same league as ride-sharing company Uber, valued at $68 billion.

The investment was led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and included participation from Lakestar, GV (formerly Google Ventures), and billionaire investor Richard Branson. The new funding will expand the company's team and product offerings. Blockchain.com plans to use the technology to create a "new global economy" in which users can trade goods and services without intermediaries.

Peter Smith, CEO and co-founder of Blockchain.com said he believes in a future where people can exchange value without borders, intermediaries, or fees. Also added is that Lightspeed Venture Partners shares its vision and believes in its ability to execute on it. They were excited to partner with Lightspeed Venture Partners as they continue to build the future of finance.

Bitcoin has had a wild year, with its value soaring to over $19,000 in December before dropping below $6,000 in February. Interest in digital currencies and blockchain technology continues to grow despite the volatility. Facebook is reportedly working on a digital currency project of its own, and last week Goldman Sachs announced that it would be opening a Bitcoin trading desk.

Blockchain.com's new funding round comes as the company prepares to move its U.S. headquarters from New York to Miami. The company is leasing a 22,000-square-foot (2,044-square-meter) office in Miami and plans to hire 100 employees in the coming year.