May 29, 2025 – California, United States
Blockchain Builders, a venture fund embedded in the Stanford blockchain ecosystem, has announced the successful closure of its oversubscribed $28 million Fund I.
The rise of blockchain technology has created fertile ground for innovation and investment. Recently, Blockchain Builders, a venture fund closely tied to Stanford University, has secured a remarkable $28 million for its first fund. This now-oversubscribed Fund I aims to not only bolster the Stanford blockchain community but also to support exceptional founders from other leading institutions. It signifies a pivotal moment in the blockchain landscape, showcasing the potential for university-driven ventures to make a substantial impact.
Founded by a trio of enthusiastic Stanford graduate students—Gil Rosen, Kun Peng, and Steven Willinger—Blockchain Builders is committed to dreaming big. The fund has already allocated over $16 million into 40 innovative blockchain ventures that span diverse domains including artificial intelligence (AI), decentralized finance (DeFi), infrastructure, payments, and real-world assets (RWAs). This early-stage investment strategy reflects a strong belief in the long-term potential of blockchain technology to disrupt traditional industries.
The fund is structured over an eight-year timeline, and it looks set to utilize the remainder of its capital by the end of the year. Several of its associated projects are gearing up for token generation events (TGEs), which could be significant milestones for their development and community engagement.
Spotlight on Notable Portfolio Companies
Among its diverse portfolio, Blockchain Builders is home to several trailblazing companies. One standout is 0G, a modular AI blockchain backed by notable investors like Hack VC and Delphi Digital. Another is Nexus Labs, a supercomputer venture that boasts support from Lightspeed and Pantera. Hyperbolic, an open-access AI cloud provider, and Pod, a blockless layer-one solution funded by firms like a16z and 1kx, further illustrate the fund’s commitment to supporting pioneering innovations across the blockchain spectrum.
Insights from Co-Founders
Kun Peng, one of the co-founders of Blockchain Builders, shared insights into the fund’s genesis. He noted, “Blockchain Builders was born from our firsthand experience scaling the Stanford blockchain ecosystem.” This strong connection to Stanford isn’t just incidental; it underscores a robust framework of support that has nurtured a vibrant community around blockchain innovation. From initiating the Stanford Blockchain Accelerator to producing the Blockchain Application Stanford Summit (BASS) series, the fund has endeavored to uplift over 200 founders and engage nearly 5,000 attendees through its educational and networking initiatives.
Professor David Tse, a notable figure in Stanford’s blockchain research circuit, highlighted the university’s extensive history in the space. With various academic initiatives—including the Tse Lab and coursework on blockchain infrastructure—Stanford serves as a relentless supporter for emerging technology. “The innovations stemming from Stanford are not merely academic exercises; they represent the foundation for a thriving startup ecosystem,” he remarked.
Experience That Counts
The leadership of Blockchain Builders embodies a wealth of experience across both traditional finance and the burgeoning cryptocurrency market. Willinger, who previously led Coinbase Ventures, has a strong resume that includes roles at Capital One Ventures and partnerships at Google. Rosen, a serial angel investor, has notable accomplishments including building distributed compute infrastructure for major financial institutions like JPMorgan and the IRS, before exiting to AI platform NGData. Meanwhile, Peng’s journey in Web 3.0 incorporates extensive experience with crypto analytics and decentralized infrastructure.
Gil Rosen remarked on their approach to supporting founders: “Our deep Stanford ties give us early access to high-potential founders who value our hands-on approach. We roll up our sleeves and dive into the details of strategy, go-to-market plans, and fundraising.” This collaborative philosophy positions Blockchain Builders as not just a source of capital but a committed partner in growth.
Future Aspirations
As the fund sets its sights on Fund II, there is a clear strategy to expand its network and collaborations. The team aims to support the new IC3-Cornell accelerator, which includes prestigious institutions like Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, Princeton, and Yale. Future partnerships will be cultivated with notable entities, including the Ethereum Foundation and Solana, as well as participation in thought leadership events that align with its mission to uplift pioneers in the blockchain space nationwide.
About Blockchain Builders Fund
Blockchain Builders isn’t just another venture fund; it’s a concerted effort to nurture early-stage blockchain entrepreneurs primarily emerging from the Stanford ecosystem. Brought together by experienced builders and operators with a shared passion for innovation, the team provides not just capital but a comprehensive suite of hands-on support to ensure success. Their initiatives—including the Stanford Blockchain Accelerator and the BASS conference series—demonstrate a broader commitment to cultivating the future landscape of blockchain innovation.
Contact
Gil Rosen, co-founder of Blockchain Builders
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