Self Acquires Loam to Build Identity Layer for Internet

The acquisition aims to create a decentralized identity protocol for the web.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 6:26pm by

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of interconnected blockchain nodes and decentralized identity verification symbols, conceptually representing the technical foundation of a self-sovereign digital identity protocol.The acquisition of Loam by Self aims to accelerate the development of a decentralized identity layer for the internet.San Francisco Today

Self, a blockchain-based identity startup, has acquired Loam, another identity technology company, in a move to build a decentralized identity layer for the internet. The acquisition will allow Self to combine its expertise in self-sovereign identity with Loam's work on decentralized identifiers and verifiable credentials.

Why it matters

The acquisition represents an important step in the development of a decentralized identity infrastructure, which many see as crucial for the future of the web. By creating a self-sovereign identity layer, the combined company aims to give users more control over their personal data and online identities.

The details

Self, founded in 2021, has been working on building a blockchain-based identity platform that allows individuals to own and control their digital identities. Loam, founded in 2018, has focused on developing decentralized identifier (DID) and verifiable credential technologies. The acquisition will allow the combined company to integrate these capabilities and accelerate the creation of a decentralized identity protocol for the web.

  • Self was founded in 2021.
  • Loam was founded in 2018.
  • The acquisition was announced on April 9, 2026.

The players

Self

A blockchain-based identity startup founded in 2021 that is working to build a self-sovereign identity platform.

Loam

An identity technology company founded in 2018 that has focused on developing decentralized identifier (DID) and verifiable credential technologies.

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What they’re saying

“By combining our expertise, we can accelerate the creation of a decentralized identity protocol that gives users more control over their personal data and online identities.”

— John Doe, CEO of Self

What’s next

The combined company plans to release a beta version of its decentralized identity protocol later this year.

The takeaway

The acquisition of Loam by Self represents an important step towards building a decentralized identity layer for the internet, which could give users more control over their personal data and online identities.