Icebreaker Raises $5 Million in Seed Round to Build Blockchain LinkedIn
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 Dillé announced that they have secured funding in a round of funding from crypto-native investment firm CoinFund.
Icebreaker will use the funding to build a world-class team to continue its mission of launching a platform that allows professional connections on the blockchain.
Building Trust in the Professional World
According to the announcement, Icebreaker targets a professional network where users can benefit from “cryptographically verifiable identities” in a market increasingly affected by artificial intelligence-related noise and “fake personas.”
Icebreaker will help recruiters find the best high-quality talent, while users can take advantage of the best opportunities, as existing platforms are often filled with engagement-driven profiles.
The Power of Trust and Connection
“The world runs on trust,” Icebreaker co-founder Dan Stone said in a statement. “Until now, we haven’t been able to see this because our existing networks are optimized for signal engagement. However, every leader knows that the loudest or most followed people are rarely the ones who The best. Icebreaker lets you know who your close network trusts so you can cut through the noise and discover quiet but extraordinary talent and opportunity.
Stone and Dillé both worked at Google before joining cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, leaving in 2023 to co-found Icebreaker.
Expanding Opportunities with Icebreaker
Icebreaker’s pilot program includes partnerships with Coinbase, Opensea and Polygon Labs. Users can create a profile on the platform through one or more of their 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. More than 30 angel founders also supported Icebreaker’s funding round.
