Coinbase: From Bitcoin Startup to Leading Crypto Exchange
Coinbase (COIN) was founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam in San Francisco. At first, the company started as a simple bitcoin wallet. It was made to help store and transfer the first cryptocurrency. From the start, Coinbase has had a clear mission. It aims to make digital currencies easy to access and use for everyone, including individuals and businesses. Over the years, it has become one of the top cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. It has also successfully become a publicly traded company, which is a big step in its growth.
In 2024, Coinbase achieved remarkable financial success, more than doubling its revenue to an impressive $6.6 billion. During this time, the company reported a net income of $2.6 billion. This shows its strong business model and market demand. Looking to the future, Coinbase has ambitious plans to continue expanding its range of services. The company is dedicated to promoting economic freedom. It wants to create a financial system that is easier for everyone. This system will empower people around the world. It will ensure that all can take part in the digital economy.
In May 2025, Coinbase acquired Deribit, the world’s largest crypto options exchange for $2.9 billion. Adding this sector helps COIN strengthen its position in the crypto derivatives market. Deribit controls about 85 percent of the global crypto options market. This move will help COIN reach more people and diversify its income. Before this move, Coinbase revenue has historically been reliant on spot trading.
Financial analysis and Outlook
In 2025, Coinbase, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, reported a total revenue of an impressive $2.0 billion. This figure shows a 25 percent increase from last year. However, it was a bit below market expectations, which expected revenue of $2.1 billion. A closer look at the revenue shows that transaction revenue fell by 19 percent from last quarter. This decline amounts to $1.3 billion. The subscription and services segment showed a positive trend. It increased by 9 percent to reach $698 million.
COIN also faces regulatory hurdles but they have been less cloudy as of late. The SEC has dropped its lawsuit against Coinbase. Support from President Trump, who is pro-crypto is also good sign for the business.
When we look at the stock’s performance and market feelings, we see that 22 analysts have rated Coinbase. Out of these, 11 analysts say “Buy.” This shows a strong belief in the company’s growth potential. At the same time, 10 analysts have labeled it as a “Hold.” This means they suggest being cautious. Only one analyst has given it a “Sell” rating. The average price target for Coinbase over the next 12 months is $256.60. This shows a general agreement among analysts. Estimates for the stock’s future performance vary widely, with projections ranging from a low of $169.00 to a high of $400.00, showcasing the diverse opinions on the company’s trajectory in the ever-evolving cryptocurrency market.
Written by Sigmanomics Team
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