Icebreaker, an open professional network co-founded by Coinbase and Google veterans, has raised $5 million in a seed round to build a blockchain version of LinkedIn.
Icebreaker co-founders Dan Stone and Jack Dilley announced that they have secured funding in a round led by cryptocurrency-based investment firm CoinFund.
Icebreaker will use the funds to build a world-class team as it continues its mission to launch a platform that enables professional connections on the blockchain.
Blockchain-based professional networking platform
According to the announcement, Icebreaker aims to be a network of experts who can enable users to benefit from a “cryptographically verifiable identity” in a market increasingly affected by AI-related noise and “fake personas.”
Icebreaker helps recruiters find the best, highest-quality talent, and allows users to capitalize on the best opportunities, as existing platforms are often filled with engagement-focused profiles.
“The world runs on trust,” said Icebreaker co-founder Dan Stone. press release. “Until now, our traditional networks have optimized for engagement rather than signal, so they’ve been invisible. But every leader knows that the loudest voice or the most followed person isn’t the best. Icebreaker lets you see who your inner network trusts, so you can cut through the noise and surface quiet but brilliant talent and opportunities.”
Stone and Dille both worked at Google before joining cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, leaving in 2023 to co-found Icebreaker.
Icebreaker’s pilot included participation from Coinbase, Opensea, and Polygon Labs. Users will be able to create profiles on the platform from one or more existing identities, including LinkedIn, X, GitHub, and Farcaster.
The platform’s seed round also attracted investment from venture capital firms Accomplice, Anagram, and Legion Capital. Over 30 founder angels also supported Icebreaker’s funding round.