Blockchain Ecosystem Explained In One Chart

Harry Alford
Sep 4, 2018 · 2 min read

Blockchain technology is developing at a rapid pace. Trying to keep up, understand and explain the inner workings of the ecosystem can be difficult. To address the evolution of this nascent technology, PitchBook has updated a blockchain market map consisting of “135 blockchain startups that have received the greatest amount of funding from angel investors and VC funds, per the PitchBook platform.”

There’s been an increase of blockchain technologies and use cases in enterprise solutions, compliance, identity systems and tokenization of assets. Below are brief descriptions of leading market segments, sub-categories and a few startups that are impacting blockchain and crypto according to PitchBook:

Transactions & Payment Services

This category contains startups whose primary use cases involve buying, selling or storing cryptocurrencies.

Exchanges & Trading

Crypto-exchanges are platforms for exchanging cryptocurrencies into other cryptocurrencies, fiat currencies or vice versa.

Identity, Authentication & Security

An inherent characteristic of a blockchain is the immutability of transaction records. Startups here use digital ledger software to verify the authenticity of data, as well as assets or documents, and use blockchain identifiers to represent and/or authenticate tangible assets.

Enterprise blockchain solutions

Startups in this category provide enterprise-level blockchain solutions to entities operating in sectors such as financial services, healthcare, insurance, compliance, supply chain, and advertising.

Social, networks & games

In this category, startups leverage decentralized networks to enable social and networking platforms used for recruiting, classifieds, dating and loyalty programs, among other use cases.

Ecosystem

This category includes startups furthering blockchain technology via underlying infrastructure improvements and software development tools.

For more information, view the blockchain market map with detailed descriptions of the market segments, sub-categories of those uses and the entire list of startups on PitchBook.

humble words by humble ventures

Stories and lessons about venture capital, innovation, entrepreneurship, diverse founders and those building solutions for diverse audiences.

Harry Alford

Written by

Harry Alford is Co-Founder of humble ventures, a venture development firm accelerating tech startups in partnership with large organizations and investors.

humble words by humble ventures

Stories and lessons about venture capital, innovation, entrepreneurship, diverse founders and those building solutions for diverse audiences.

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