Insights

In March 2025, stablecoin-powered card issuer Rain announced a $24.5 million Series A funding round led by Norwest Venture Partners, with participation from strategic investors including Lightspeed Faction, Firebolt Ventures, and the Arrowsic Fund. Just as notably, Rain revealed a global card-issuing partnership with Visa, aiming to extend its reach …

On April 4, 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a new policy statement clarifying its position on stablecoins. While not a formal rulemaking, the SEC’s guidance reflects an evolving enforcement and interpretive posture—one that has far-reaching implications for stablecoin issuers, venture-backed fintechs, and institutional users operating in …

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently issued a staff statement clarifying that meme coins do not qualify as securities under federal law. This decision carries major implications for investors, cryptocurrency exchanges, and the broader digital asset market. While this classification removes some regulatory hurdles, it also raises new …

In August of 2022, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned cryptocurrency mixer Tornado Cash, accusing it of helping to launder billions of dollars for North Korean hackers, among other malicious cyber actors. In a decision handed down on November 26, 2024, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that these …

Digital assets have remained popular for many different reasons, one of which is their potential to decentralize money and trade. Many digital asset supporters believe that this can reduce the control of big institutions like the SEC, central banks, and governments, which could make for a more democratic financial system …

For early-stage founders, surrounding yourself with experienced advisors can be a catalyst for growth. But compensating advisors—especially when your startup is still pre-revenue or operating lean—typically comes in the form of equity, not cash. The challenge? Structuring that equity in a way that’s fair, defensible, and scalable. This article breaks …

Stock options are a powerful tool for compensation and wealth-building, particularly for employees of high-growth startups and private companies. They offer the right—but not the obligation—to purchase shares at a fixed price, known as the exercise price or strike price. Because stock options have an expiration date, employees and shareholders …

The recent bankruptcy and subsequent asset acquisition of 23andMe by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals have sent significant ripples through the biotech and venture capital communities. This pivotal event not only marks a dramatic conclusion for one of the most recognizable consumer genetics startups but also provides critical strategic lessons for founders and …

Raising venture capital is a significant milestone for a startup, but navigating the different funding rounds can be complex. From Seed funding to Series C and beyond, each stage comes with different investor expectations, valuation considerations, and strategic implications. Understanding these differences can help founders secure the right funding at …

Securing venture capital (VC) funding can be a transformative milestone for startups, providing the capital necessary to scale operations, refine products, and expand market reach. However, not every startup is suited for venture capital, and investors are highly selective in where they place their capital. Before committing funds, they conduct …