Ex-Coinbase Team Raises $11M for Solana DeFi App

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May 21, 2025

Ex-Coinbase leaders raised $11M for a game-changing DeFi app on Solana. True Markets promises fast, secure trading. What’s next for crypto?

Financial market analysis from 21/05/2025. Market conditions may have changed since publication.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to shake up the world of decentralized finance? Picture this: a team of seasoned crypto experts, fresh from one of the industry’s biggest players, pooling their expertise to build something bold and new. That’s exactly what’s happening with a new venture that’s turning heads in the crypto space. A group of former Coinbase executives has just secured a hefty $11 million to launch a groundbreaking stablecoin-native DeFi app on the Solana blockchain, and it’s poised to redefine how we trade digital assets.

A New Era for DeFi on Solana

The crypto world never sleeps, and neither does innovation. The team behind True Markets, a mobile-first decentralized finance platform, is betting big on Solana’s lightning-fast blockchain to deliver a trading experience that’s as smooth as your favorite smartphone app. With $11 million in fresh funding, this startup is ready to make waves by offering real-time trading, self-custody, and a focus on stablecoins—those digital assets pegged to stable values like the U.S. dollar. But what makes this project stand out in a crowded market?

Why Stablecoins Are the Future of Trading

Stablecoins have become the backbone of modern crypto trading. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, stablecoins offer price stability, making them ideal for everyday transactions and DeFi applications. True Markets is leaning into this trend, building a platform where stablecoin settlement is the default. This means traders can move funds quickly without worrying about wild price swings.

Stablecoins bridge the gap between crypto’s potential and real-world usability.

– Crypto market analyst

The app’s focus on stablecoins isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a strategic move to attract both retail traders and institutional players. By settling trades in stablecoins, True Markets ensures liquidity and reduces the friction that often plagues crypto exchanges. I’ve always thought stablecoins are like the reliable friend who shows up on time, while other cryptos are the wild cards who keep you guessing.

Solana: The Perfect Blockchain Partner

Solana’s rise as a blockchain powerhouse is no accident. Known for its high throughput and low transaction costs, it’s the ideal foundation for a DeFi app aiming to compete with traditional finance apps. True Markets is tapping into Solana’s ability to process thousands of transactions per second, ensuring trades happen in real time. No more waiting for sluggish blockchain confirmations—Solana makes it feel like you’re trading stocks on a Wall Street app.

  • Speed: Solana processes up to 65,000 transactions per second.
  • Cost: Transaction fees are often less than a penny.
  • Scalability: Built to handle massive user growth without slowdowns.

This choice of blockchain gives True Markets a competitive edge. Imagine trying to stream a 4K movie on dial-up internet—that’s what trading on slower blockchains can feel like. Solana, on the other hand, is like fiber-optic broadband for your crypto trades.

Who’s Behind True Markets?

The brains behind True Markets aren’t new to the crypto game. The founders, both ex-Coinbase heavyweights, bring years of experience in building secure, user-friendly platforms. One led Coinbase’s exchange operations, while the other spearheaded engineering projects that scaled the platform to millions of users. Their track record gives True Markets instant credibility in a space where trust is everything.

Our mission is to make crypto trading as intuitive as scrolling through your phone.

– True Markets founder

Their vision is clear: create a platform that feels familiar to anyone who’s ever used a mobile banking app, but with the power of decentralized finance. It’s a tall order, but their Coinbase pedigree suggests they’ve got the chops to pull it off.

What Sets True Markets Apart?

In a sea of DeFi apps, True Markets is carving out a niche with a few key features. First, it’s non-custodial, meaning users retain full control of their funds—no handing over your keys to a third party. Second, it’s mobile-first, designed to fit seamlessly into your daily routine. And third, it integrates smart tools like real-time market sparklines and optimized order routing to make trading both fast and informed.

FeatureBenefit
Non-Custodial WalletsFull control over your assets
Mobile-First DesignTrade anytime, anywhere
Real-Time SparklinesInstant market insights

These features aren’t just bells and whistles—they address real pain points for crypto traders. Ever tried navigating a clunky exchange interface on your phone? It’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube in the dark. True Markets aims to make that a thing of the past.

The $11M Funding Boost

Raising $11 million is no small feat, especially in a volatile crypto market. The funding round, led by prominent venture capital firms, signals strong investor confidence in True Markets’ vision. The cash injection brings their total funding to $20 million, giving them the runway to scale operations and integrate their own centralized exchange for deeper liquidity.

What’s exciting is how this funding will fuel innovation. True Markets plans to expand its asset offerings beyond Solana-native tokens, potentially bridging the gap between DeFi and traditional finance. Could this be the app that finally makes crypto trading mainstream? I’m cautiously optimistic.


The Bigger Picture: DeFi’s Evolution

DeFi has come a long way since its early days of clunky protocols and niche audiences. Today, it’s a multi-billion-dollar industry that’s challenging traditional finance head-on. True Markets is part of this broader evolution, pushing for a future where decentralized platforms are as user-friendly as their centralized counterparts.

  1. Accessibility: DeFi apps like True Markets lower the barrier to entry for new users.
  2. Transparency: Blockchain ensures every transaction is verifiable.
  3. Innovation: New tools and features keep pushing the industry forward.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. Regulatory hurdles, market volatility, and user education remain challenges. True Markets will need to navigate these waters carefully to succeed. Still, their focus on user experience and stablecoin integration gives them a fighting chance.

What’s Next for True Markets?

With funding secured and a clear roadmap, True Markets is gearing up for a big launch. The app is already available on iPhones, with plans to expand to other platforms. Their long-term vision includes integrating centralized finance markets, which could make True Markets a one-stop shop for all things trading.

The future of finance is mobile, decentralized, and user-driven.

– DeFi industry expert

Personally, I’m excited to see how True Markets shakes up the DeFi space. If they can deliver on their promise of a seamless, secure trading experience, they might just set a new standard for what a crypto app can be. But only time will tell if they can live up to the hype.

Why This Matters to You

Whether you’re a crypto newbie or a seasoned trader, True Markets’ launch is worth watching. It’s not just about another app—it’s about the broader shift toward decentralized, user-controlled finance. The fact that it’s built on Solana, with a focus on stablecoins and mobile accessibility, makes it a potential game-changer.

So, what’s the takeaway? Keep an eye on True Markets. If their app delivers as promised, it could make crypto trading as easy as ordering takeout. And in a world where time is money, that’s a pretty big deal.


The crypto landscape is evolving fast, and True Markets is proof that the best is yet to come. With their $11 million war chest and a team of Coinbase veterans, they’re well-positioned to make a dent in the DeFi world. Will they succeed? I’d wager they’ve got a solid shot, but the crypto market is nothing if not unpredictable.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
Author

Steven Soarez passionately shares his financial expertise to help everyone better understand and master investing. Contact us for collaboration opportunities or sponsored article inquiries.

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