If you’re just a casual crypto investor or blockchain enthusiast who hasn’t closely followed the industry, the name Brian Armstrong might not ring any bells. Unlike some cryptocurrency personalities, Armstrong has kept a relatively low profile in the news and on social media, compared to more vocal industry leaders.



If you’ve purchased Bitcoin, Litecoin, or Ethereum in the United States, there’s a good chance that you bought those currencies from him. That’s because Brian is the co-founder and CEO of Coinbase, the largest digital currency exchange in the United States, even passing Charles Schwab in number of total accounts.



Part of Armstrong’s success can be attributed to his keen interest in technology, which enabled him to capitalize on the need for a cryptocurrency purchasing platform that appeals to the average consumer. Outside of Coinbase, Armstrong has collaborated with some of the world’s top companies, including Deloitte, IBM, Touche, and even worked as a software engineer for Airbnb prior to creating Coinbase.



But cryptocurrency wasn’t Armstrong’s first major success. if you’ve ever used an online service to book a tutor, you may have used his platform, UniversityTutor. He co-founded the company in 2003 while he was in his second year of college, and remained the CEO of the company up until mid-2012.



These days, Armstrong is committed to growing Coinbase and making cryptocurrency an accessible investment solution for all. In August 2017, Coinbase obtained what is known as “Unicorn status” in the finance world. That’s when a privately-owned company is valued over $1 billion. At the time, Coinbase was worth more than $1.6 billion, a huge jump from the $117 million they initially raised from investments.



Expect to see more of Brian in the future, as Coinbase continues to grow and support even more cryptocurrencies. Coinbase recently acquired Neutrino, a blockchain analytics startup known for working with government agencies and financial institutions to track blockchain-based transactions. While this sparked initial outcry from segments of the community which believe cryptocurrency should be anonymous, Anderson believes this move will further legitimize the industry and make cryptocurrency more appealing to mainstream society.



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(Featured image by DonkeyHotey)

