In September 2019, LinkedIn—the world’s largest professional networking platform—released its annual LinkedIn Top Startups 2019 list, spotlighting high-potential emerging companies across 12 countries: the United States, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, the UK, and the Netherlands.
Among the standout trends in this year’s rankings was the growing influence of blockchain and cryptocurrency ventures. Several crypto-native companies and fintech platforms with strong crypto integrations secured prominent positions on national lists. These startups are not only attracting top talent but also securing major funding and regulatory milestones.
Below is a detailed look at the blockchain and crypto-related companies that made the cut—and what their inclusion signals about the future of decentralized finance.
United States: Crypto Goes Mainstream
The U.S. list featured four notable players with deep ties to the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Robinhood – #7
Though primarily a fintech app known for commission-free stock trading, Robinhood has become a gateway for mainstream users to access cryptocurrencies. Ranked #7 on the U.S. list, the platform supports trading in BTC, ETH, LTC, DOGE, and others.
In August 2019, Robinhood secured the highly coveted New York State BitLicense, allowing it to offer crypto trading services to New York residents. This regulatory approval marked a significant milestone in legitimizing crypto offerings within traditional finance frameworks.
With around 500 U.S. employees and a valuation of $7.6 billion after a $323 million funding round led by Sequoia Capital and DST Global, Robinhood continues to expand its footprint in digital assets.
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Ripple – #28
Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, Ripple is best known for developing RippleNet and the XRP ledger. With approximately 270 U.S. employees, Ripple ranked #28 on the list.
Ripple has made significant strides in partnering with traditional financial institutions. Notably, PNC Bank became the first U.S. bank to use RippleNet for cross-border payments—a major endorsement for blockchain-based remittance solutions.
Despite progress, Ripple faces ongoing scrutiny over XRP distribution practices. Community concerns about token centralization have sparked debates, including discussions around potential XRP forks.
Still, Ripple remains committed to innovation through its Xpring initiative, which funds startups building on its technology stack.
Coinbase – #29
As the only dedicated cryptocurrency exchange on the U.S. list (ranked #29), Coinbase continues to solidify its position as a leader in secure digital asset infrastructure.
With 600 U.S.-based employees, Coinbase has tripled in size over three years and raised $525 million in funding. The company emphasizes hiring based on skills and values, not just academic credentials.
A major strategic move occurred in mid-2019 when Coinbase acquired Xapo’s institutional custody business. This deal gave Coinbase control over more than 5% of all circulating Bitcoin, managing over $7 billion in crypto assets. If all former Xapo clients migrate, that number could rise to over 860,000 BTC.
This acquisition underscores Coinbase’s ambition to dominate the institutional crypto custody space.
Plaid – #49
While not a blockchain company per se, Plaid powers many fintech apps—including Coinbase—by enabling secure bank account linking. With 380 U.S. employees, Plaid ranked #49.
Its integration with crypto platforms like Abra allows users to fund digital asset purchases directly from thousands of U.S. banks. Plaid’s rapid growth—adding 200 employees in one year—reflects rising demand for seamless financial connectivity.
China: Bitmain Stands Alone
Bitmain – #3
On China’s list, Bitmain stands out as the sole blockchain representative, ranking an impressive #3 nationally.
Known as the “mining giant,” Bitmain specializes in designing ASIC chips for Bitcoin mining and manufacturing mining hardware. It also operates mining pools and previously ran a cryptocurrency exchange.
With around 2,500 employees across Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, Bitmain raised $1.42 billion in a B+ round in 2018. The company has since expanded into AI-powered surveillance systems, signaling a diversification strategy beyond crypto.
Despite market volatility and internal leadership changes, Bitmain remains a dominant force in mining infrastructure.
United Kingdom: Fintech Meets Crypto
Revolut – #2
Ranked #2 in the UK, Revolut is a prime example of a fintech disruptor embracing crypto. With 500 UK-based employees, the London-based neobank supports cryptocurrency trading and even launched a crypto cashback debit card.
Revolut has over 6 million customers in Europe, adding nearly 18,000 new accounts daily. It positions itself as more than a payment app—aiming to become a full-service digital bank.
When Google banned crypto ads in 2018, Revolut publicly criticized the move, arguing it unfairly impacted legitimate crypto businesses providing real value.
ClearBank – #11
Another UK innovator, ClearBank, ranked #11 with 195 employees. As a “challenger bank,” it provides real-time payment infrastructure and is seen as crypto-friendly.
After Barclays ended its relationship with Coinbase, ClearBank stepped in to restore Faster Payments Service (FPS) access—expected by Q3 2019. This shift highlights ClearBank’s role in bridging traditional banking and digital asset platforms.
Japan: Crypto Adoption Accelerates
bitFlyer – #2
Japan’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, bitFlyer, ranked #2 nationally with 150 employees. Founded in 2014 with the mission to “simplify the world through blockchain,” bitFlyer holds licenses in Japan, the U.S., and EU markets.
A creative marketing move saw bitFlyer sponsor Spanish football star Fernando Torres’ farewell match, placing its logo on his jersey back—a rare instance of a crypto brand gaining visibility through sports sponsorship.
QUOINE (Liquid) – #9
Another Japanese crypto exchange on the list is QUOINE, operating under the brand Liquid, which achieved unicorn status with a valuation exceeding $1 billion.
In April 2019, Liquid Group raised nearly ¥1 billion from investors including IDG Capital and Bitmain. In July, it announced an exclusive public sale of Telegram’s Gram tokens—though later revealed to be sourced from Gram Asia, not directly from Telegram.
Mexico: Bitso Leads Latin America
Bitso – #8
Mexico’s top crypto player, Bitso, ranked #8 nationally. As the country’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, it employs 68 people in Mexico City and plans to add 60–70 more roles by 2020.
In July 2019, Bitso obtained a DLT license from Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC) while continuing dialogue with Mexican regulators to shape local fintech policy.
This dual approach reflects a growing trend among Latin American crypto firms: complying with international standards while advocating for progressive domestic regulation.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why are fintech companies like Robinhood and Revolut included in a crypto-focused list?
A: These platforms integrate cryptocurrency trading directly into mainstream financial apps, making them key gateways for retail adoption. Their inclusion reflects crypto’s growing integration into everyday finance.
Q: Is Ripple still influential despite regulatory scrutiny?
A: Yes. Ripple’s partnerships with banks like PNC demonstrate real-world utility for blockchain in cross-border payments. While debates over XRP persist, RippleNet continues gaining institutional traction.
Q: How did Coinbase strengthen its market position in 2019?
A: Through the acquisition of Xapo’s custody business, Coinbase significantly expanded its Bitcoin holdings and institutional client base—positioning itself as a leader in secure digital asset management.
Q: What makes Bitmain unique compared to other crypto companies?
A: Unlike exchanges or wallets, Bitmain operates at the infrastructure level—designing chips and manufacturing hardware essential for Bitcoin mining. This gives it deep roots in the network’s underlying mechanics.
Q: Are crypto startups still attracting talent?
A: Absolutely. Companies like Ripple and Plaid report dozens of open roles, particularly in engineering and product development—indicating strong confidence in long-term growth.
Q: Why does Japan have two crypto exchanges on its list?
A: Japan has one of the most mature and regulated crypto markets globally. Exchanges like bitFlyer and Liquid operate under strict compliance frameworks, earning trust from both users and regulators.
Final Thoughts: The Rise of Blockchain Talent Hubs
LinkedIn’s 2019 rankings reveal a clear trend: blockchain and crypto are no longer niche sectors. From Silicon Valley to Tokyo and Mexico City, startups blending finance with decentralized technology are attracting investment, talent, and regulatory recognition.
Core keywords shaping this evolution include:
- cryptocurrency startups
- blockchain innovation
- digital asset platforms
- fintech disruption
- crypto regulation
- institutional crypto adoption
As these companies grow, they’re redefining what it means to be a modern financial institution—one built on transparency, speed, and global accessibility.
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