InvestorEmpowering the future of cryptocurrency through strategic investments.
Placeholder
Placeholder is a New York-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage companies and decentralized networks, primarily within the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors.
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Overview
Placeholder is a venture capital firm founded in 2017 by Joel Monegro and Chris Burniske, with Brad Burnham serving as a venture partner. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in decentralized networks, blockchain protocols, and Web3 infrastructure. With a diverse portfolio of over 75 companies, Placeholder aims to support innovative technologies that enhance scalability, security, and user experience in the blockchain ecosystem. The firm is backed by notable investors including Andreessen Horowitz, ARK Invest, and Union Square Ventures.
Focus
Placeholder invests primarily in early-stage companies that are innovating within the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors. The firm has built a diverse portfolio that includes over 75 companies, emphasizing the development of cutting-edge technologies and networks.
Support
Placeholder adds value to its portfolio companies by providing strategic guidance, industry insights, and access to a network of resources within the blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystems.
Questions
What are Placeholder's investment criteria?
Placeholder invests in early-stage companies primarily within the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors. The firm looks for projects that enhance scalability, security, and user experience, with a strong technical foundation and visionary teams.
How can founders pitch to Placeholder?
Founders can submit their pitches through the Placeholder website at placeholder.vc. It is recommended to include a detailed overview of the project, the team, and the market opportunity in the pitch deck.
What makes Placeholder different from other venture capital firms?
Placeholder blends traditional venture capital structures with public market practices, allowing for a unique investment approach in decentralized networks and protocols. The firm emphasizes long-term support for its portfolio companies.
What is Placeholder's geographic focus?
Placeholder focuses exclusively on investments within the United States, targeting early-stage blockchain and cryptocurrency companies.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Placeholder participates in Pre-seed, Seed, Seed+, and Series A rounds, indicating a flexible approach to funding based on the needs of the startup.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Placeholder have?
Placeholder provides strategic guidance and support to its portfolio companies, leveraging its extensive network in the blockchain and venture capital space to enhance scalability and user experience improvements.
Check your startup’s fit
Check your startup’s fit with PlaceholderFrom public sources
What the sources say about Placeholder
PitchBook's public Placeholder preview lists Stable Foundation with deal date 2025-07-31.
Source: Placeholder Venture Capital investment portfolio | PitchBookPitchBook's public Placeholder preview lists ARX Research (Hardware) with deal date 2025-11-06.
Source: Placeholder Venture Capital investment portfolio | PitchBookPitchBook's public Placeholder preview lists Finrob with deal date 2026-02-25.
Source: Placeholder Venture Capital investment portfolio | PitchBookPitchBook's public Placeholder preview lists HumanAPI with deal date 2026-04-01.
Source: Placeholder Venture Capital investment portfolio | PitchBookPitchBook's public Placeholder preview lists Squads with deal date 2026-04-29.
Source: Placeholder Venture Capital investment portfolio | PitchBookIn its January 9, 2019 investing essay, Placeholder distinguished funding teams from funding cryptonetworks and expressed a pre-launch preference for equity with token rights.
Source: Placeholder official profile evidence
Similar investors
Organizations that do similar work to Placeholder.
Investor
InvestorAndreessen Horowitz, also known as a16z, is a prominent venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley, founded in 2009. The firm invests across various sectors, supporting companies from early-stage startups to growth-stage firms.
InvestorBessemer Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Redwood City, California, with additional offices in major cities across the U.S. and internationally. The firm invests in a wide range of sectors, supporting entrepreneurs from early-stage startups to growth-oriented businesses.
InvestorF-Prime Capital is a venture capital firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with additional offices in London and San Francisco. It focuses on investments in life sciences, technology, healthtech, and crypto, managing approximately $4.8 billion in assets.
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