Coinbase Received $3M Investment from Jeffrey Epstein in 2014

The cryptocurrency startup accepted funding from the disgraced financier as it sought to expand its business.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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In 2014, the cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase received a $3 million investment from Jeffrey Epstein as the startup was looking to grow its business offering bitcoin trading services. This connection between Epstein's money and a prominent Silicon Valley tech company has raised new questions about the financier's ties to the tech industry.

Why it matters

Epstein's involvement with Coinbase, a major cryptocurrency exchange, highlights how the disgraced financier was able to insert himself into the tech ecosystem, raising concerns about the vetting processes of startups and the influence of controversial figures in the industry.

The details

According to the report, Coinbase founder Fred Ehrsam reached out to associates in December 2014 about meeting with Epstein, who was preparing to make a $3 million investment in the company. The investment went through, providing funding for Coinbase's early growth and expansion.

  • In December 2014, Coinbase founder Fred Ehrsam contacted associates about meeting with Jeffrey Epstein to discuss a potential $3 million investment.
  • In 2014, Coinbase was a two-year-old startup offering bitcoin trading services.

The players

Coinbase

A cryptocurrency exchange startup that allows users to buy and sell bitcoin.

Fred Ehrsam

One of the co-founders of Coinbase who reached out to associates about meeting with Jeffrey Epstein to discuss a $3 million investment in the company.

Jeffrey Epstein

A disgraced financier who provided a $3 million investment to the cryptocurrency startup Coinbase in 2014.

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What they’re saying

“'Would be nice to meet him if convenient,'”

— Fred Ehrsam, Coinbase Co-founder (myheraldreview.com)

The takeaway

This case highlights how Jeffrey Epstein was able to leverage his wealth to gain influence in the tech industry, even with prominent startups like Coinbase, raising concerns about the vetting processes of companies when accepting investments from controversial figures.