Jeffrey Epstein invested $3 million in crypto exchange Coinbase in 2014, with newly released US Justice Department emails indicating senior company figures were aware of his involvement.
The emails show the investment was made during Coinbase’s Series C round at a $400 million valuation and arranged through Blockchain Capital, following discussions initiated by Brock Pierce.
Coinbase co-founder Fred Ehrsam appeared personally aware of the deal, asking in a December 2014 email whether it was “important” to meet Epstein in New York to discuss the investment.
“In 2014, Brock Pierce was in contact with Mr. Epstein in relation to fundraising,”
A Blockchain Capital representative said, adding that Epstein ultimately invested independently through his own entity.
A DOJ-released asset document lists a $3,001,000 “purchase of Coinbase” linked to Epstein’s IGO Company LLC, corroborating the email correspondence.
Epstein later sold half of his Coinbase stake back to Blockchain Capital in 2018 for nearly $15 million, as the company’s valuation climbed into the billions.
The revelations follow separate disclosures that Epstein also invested in Blockstream in 2014, further highlighting his early involvement in major crypto companies.