Let’s explore the largest crypto companies that have a strong influence on the world of blockchain technologies. Let’s start by noting that blockchain is not just a buzzword that you often hear in the context of cryptocurrencies or NFTs. This technology is revolutionising the ways we work with finance, data, and network security. In this article, we’ll look at the biggest crypto companies and the future of this field to understand just how important this technology is.
Table of Contents
- What is Blockchain?
- Top Blockchain Companies Leading the Industry.
- Blockchain Startups.
- The Future of Blockchain Technology.
- FAQs.
What is Blockchain?
Perhaps it’s better to start with the essentials. What actually is blockchain? You can imagine it as a digital ledger that is duplicated across many computers to prevent possible changes or information loss. No single person owns it, but every participant in the network can see what’s recorded in it. Whenever something happens in the network — for example, a transaction — it’s recorded in a “block”. These blocks are connected in a chain (hence the name “blockchain”). Each event is recorded in this virtual notebook, after which the data cannot be changed or deleted.
We owe the emergence of this technology to Satoshi Nakamoto — the developer or group that created Bitcoin in 2009. This blockchain network is not just the foundation for the cryptocurrency of the same name. It’s used in supply chains, healthcare, and voting systems — anywhere where 100% trust and the absence of intermediaries are required. That’s why blockchain companies are so important — they create tools to support and operate various blockchains. It might surprise you, but according to data from Watcher.Guru, as of 2023, the number of blockchain networks exceeded 1,000, most of which were private. The majority of developers prefer Ethereum and Solana, as shown by data from the Developer Report by Electric Capital.
The foundation of blockchain operation is smart contracts. These are automatic agreements that execute themselves. They automate transactions, guarantee transparency and security. If you want to deepen your knowledge, we recommend reading a detailed article about what a smart contract is.
What Types of Blockchains Exist
1. Public blockchain
The public blockchain is the type responsible for the birth of cryptocurrencies and the popularisation of distributed ledger technology (DLT). The elimination of intermediaries guarantees greater security and transparency. And DLT doesn’t store information in one place, but instead distributes it through a peer-to-peer (P2P) network.
The decentralised nature of such networks requires a certain method to verify data integrity. This method is the consensus algorithm through which blockchain participants reach an agreement on the current state of the ledger. Proof-of-Work and Proof-of-Stake are the two most common consensus methods.
Anyone with internet access can join a public blockchain platform to launch their node. Such a user can gain access to current and past records and help conduct mining activities, i.e. complex calculations used to verify transactions and add them to the ledger. And they receive a reward for these manipulations. Usually, in tokens of this network.
No valid record or transaction can be changed without the knowledge of all its participants. Anyone can verify transactions or suggest changes, as the source code is usually open.
Most often, public blockchains are used for mining and exchanging cryptocurrencies, NFTs. Independence and transparency are the main advantages of such blockchains. However, the disadvantages include poor scalability and low speed, which depend on the number of working nodes. In addition, this type of blockchain is vulnerable to the so-called 51% attack. This is when someone controls more than 50% of the blockchain’s computing power, which allows them to manipulate the network: cancel transactions, spend the same coins twice (double-spending), or block others’ operations.
2. Private blockchain
A private blockchain usually operates under the control of a single entity. Although it functions similarly to a public blockchain network, this one is much smaller and more flexible. That is, the system can be configured to work in a single company.
Instead of anyone being able to join and provide computing power, private blockchains typically operate in a small network within a single organisation.
Private blockchains are extremely fast and well-suited for cases where data must be cryptographically secured and where information should not be publicly accessible. This type is best suited for use, for example, in exchanging confidential patient information in medical systems. Or for supply chain management (SCM). But the lack of anonymity for participants in a private blockchain and its centralised nature draw criticism.
3. Hybrid blockchain
A hybrid blockchain combines features of both private and public blockchains. This allows organisations to set up a private, permissioned system alongside a parallel permissionless system. This gives control over who can access specific data in the blockchain. Confidential information is stored within the network but can still be verified. At the same time, transactions cannot be changed, even by the network owner.
This type of blockchain is best suited for financial firms and real estate companies. Because it works faster than a private network, has better scalability, and allows working with third parties. However, updating such a network can be complicated.
4. Consortium blockchain
Also known as a federated blockchain, it has similar features to a hybrid blockchain: division into private and public parts. But it differs in that several member organisations collaborate in a decentralised network.
Essentially, a consortium blockchain is a private blockchain with limited access for a specific group. This prevents one entity from controlling the network, as happens in a private blockchain. In a consortium blockchain, consensus procedures are controlled by predetermined nodes. Validator nodes initiate, receive, and verify transactions. Participant nodes can only receive or initiate transactions.
This type of blockchain network is best suited for banking structures or research organisations. It is secure, scales well, and grants controlling access. On the other hand, setting up a consortium blockchain is not simple. It is not as transparent as a public blockchain. In case of a participant node breach, a data leak may occur.
Top Blockchain Companies Leading the Industry
So, we’ve covered the basics. Now, let’s look at the top crypto companies that actively promote innovation, make blockchain accessible, and solve real problems. Here are the top 5 biggest crypto companies. The ranking is based on their impact on the industry and market capitalisation.
1. Ripple
This company stands out significantly from others on our list. Founded in 2012 and fully focused on improving cross-border payments, it aims to make money transfers abroad faster and cheaper than traditional banking methods.
Ripple is based in San Francisco and has a secret superpower called RippleNet. This is a special network that connects banks, payment providers, and exchanges. It uses the XRP token to provide liquidity and reduce costs. Traditional international transfers can take days and cost a lot, but with Ripple, it’s done in seconds and costs cents. Thanks to this revolutionary approach and the XRP token, the company’s market capitalisation has exceeded $119 billion.
Ripple, even though anyone can buy XRP, only collaborates with corporate clients. Among the big names are Santander and Standard Chartered. The company not only has its public blockchain called XRP Ledger (XRPL) but has also proven that this technology can work perfectly with traditional finance.
2. Binance
This is the undisputed champion among the biggest crypto companies. The cryptocurrency exchange was launched in 2017 by Changpeng Zhao (better known as CZ). Binance transformed into a giant quite quickly. Today, the company’s market capitalisation reaches $84 billion. It is trusted by as many as 250 million users!
Such popularity didn’t just appear out of nowhere. Binance is like a Swiss Army knife in the cryptocurrency world. The platform offers literally everything for traders and investors of any experience level. Spot trading, futures, options, NFTs, staking — virtually any trading method is available. Binance’s native coin, Binance Coin (BNB), was initially a way to reduce trading commissions, but now supports an entire ecosystem. Binance has its public blockchain called Binance Smart Chain (BSC), which is popular among many dApps and DeFi projects. It’s fast, cheap, and developer-friendly, so there’s a lot of activity there.
Binance’s enormous size and reach make it a titan among blockchain companies. And its own Launchpad helps blockchain startups to be born.
3. Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy)
A true veteran. Imagine 1989: a few smart guys founded MicroStrategy as a business intelligence company. Then the new boss, Michael Saylor, suddenly decided to buy bitcoins constantly in 2020. The market capitalisation of this American company has reached $74.08 billion. That’s probably why MicroStrategy became Strategy in 2025. Strategy shares are traded on NASDAQ under the ticker MSTR. The company proudly carries the title of one of the largest corporate owners of Bitcoin. Since 2020, Strategy has purchased 528,185 BTC, spending about $44 billion (as of March 2025). How does it work? The company sells shares, takes zero-interest loans, and uses these funds to buy bitcoins. They plan to raise the price of BTC, profit from the shares, and buy even more BTC. Risky, but it’s working so far. And the analytics software still brings in some money.
Strategy has shown all the big players that Bitcoin is indeed digital gold worth adding to your portfolio.
4. Nu Holdings Ltd (Nubank)
Former venture investor David Velez noticed a huge gap in the Latin American banking sector back in 2013, which, at that time, was outdated, expensive, and inconvenient. Velez decided to team up with Cristina Junqueira and Edward Wible to found Nu Holdings Ltd, or Nubank. This company was born in São Paulo and became a fintech titan. Since 2021, shares have been publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker NU. Nu Holdings Ltd provides digital banking services that are simple, fast, and cheap. And its market capitalisation has reached $48.95 billion. The company now has over 100 million customers in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. Nu Holdings uses the Paxos blockchain infrastructure so users can trade bitcoins and Ethereum in the app, and has also launched its token, Nucoin, on the Polygon blockchain to reward loyal customers.
Nu Holdings brings blockchain to the masses through fintech technologies. It’s among crypto brands that talk less about technical jargon and more about real-world use.
5. Coinbase
Founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, the company set out to make buying and selling cryptocurrencies as simple as ordering food delivery. Coinbase is based in the US and, over the years, has transformed into one of the most reliable crypto brands, serving millions of users worldwide. Its market capitalisation is $43.35 billion. The number of registered users has reached over 100 million in more than 100 countries around the world.
The Coinbase platform is extremely easy to use, even for newbies. You can buy and sell dozens of tokens in just a few clicks. This company was the first to launch the trend of learning with rewards. Using Coinbase Earn, you learn the nuances of working with cryptocurrencies, and you even get perks for it!
For professionals, Coinbase Pro is offered with advanced trading tools and lower commissions.
The company has also tried its hand at decentralised finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) with its own marketplace. It has developed its own wallet for the secure storage of digital crypto assets. Additionally, Coinbase Ventures funds promising blockchain startups.
This American company has made cryptocurrency more understandable and less scary for the average person. In 2021, Coinbase became the first cryptocurrency exchange on NASDAQ.
Blockchain Startups
Emerging blockchain startups also deserve to be mentioned, as they are breaking the limits with fresh ideas and concepts.
1. Chainlink
Innovative Solutions
Picture smart contracts as your car stuck without petrol — they need real-world data to keep going. That’s where Chainlink comes in. Started in 2017 by Sergey Nazarov, this crypto brand runs a decentralised oracle network, delivering real-time data like price feeds or weather updates to blockchains like Ethereum, all secured by their LINK native token. Developers teamed up with big shots like Google, making them a lifeline for smart contracts in DeFi and more.
Market Potential
With DeFi locking up over $95 billion in 2025, smart contracts are everywhere, and they all need oracles. That’s why Chainlink is the top pick for cryptocurrency companies, and with the oracle market tipped to hit $13 billion by 2030, they’re set to grab a big chunk. This blockchain startup could soon rank among top crypto companies as blockchain takes off.
2. Aptos
Innovative Solutions
The project was launched in 2022 by ex-Meta whizzes like Mo Shaikh. It’s a next-gen Layer-1 public blockchain built with the Move language (a nod to Meta’s old Libra project). Aptos is all about speed and security — processing thousands of transactions per second while keeping smart contracts rock-solid. Aptos is about to outrun older chains like Ethereum, giving devs a smoother experience creating dApps without the headaches.
Market Potential
Aptos is chasing a big piece of the blockchain technology companies' pie. They’ve already received $350 million in funding from the likes of a16z, and their market cap hit almost $3 billion in 2025. They’re a crypto brand with a real deal — as blockchain companies scramble for scalable options, Aptos could fuel the next wave of DeFi or NFT projects.
3. Sui
Innovative Solutions
Then there’s Sui, kicked off in 2022 by Mysten Labs — another ex-Meta talent, led by Evan Cheng. Layer-1 public solution using Move, Sui’s able to perform parallel transactions, making it blazing fast. So, this solution is perfect for gaming or social applications where speed is crucial. What do they offer? A blockchain that will be as fast as your favourite app.
Market Potential
Sui raised a total of $336 million, and their market cap is sitting at around $7 billion in 2025. They’re targeting blockchain startups and top crypto companies needing instant, scalable tech — like real-time DeFi trades. Sui has all the ingredients to climb into the top blockchain companies' territory, especially as the world demands faster solutions.
The Future of Blockchain Technology
So, there are many companies and they are quite different. Where does this lead us? Firstly, blockchain technology is quite young. But it is actively developing. And it shows everyone the power and potential it brings. But here’s what is already visible on the horizon:
- Scalability. We need blockchains that can serve millions of users without malfunctions. Layer-2 solutions (such as rollups), the emergence of new and improvement of existing blockchains (for example, Solana) will help with this.
- Interoperability. Imagine blockchains communicating seamlessly with each other. Projects like Polkadot are helping to make this a reality.
- Growth in DeFi popularity. Decentralised finance is changing banking — lending, borrowing, all without a centralised bank. And this is just the beginning. Here we're explaining in detail what DeFi is.
- NFTs are not just cringeworthy pixel pictures. They are also digital artworks, digital IDs, real estate documents, or concert tickets.
- Regulation. Many countries are paying more and more attention to cryptocurrency. The US is leading, of course. Clear rules can contribute to the wider adoption of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies.
But one of the biggest challenges remains security: various blockchain-related projects make headlines amid hacking attacks. Developing blockchain solutions can be quite expensive due to complex smart contract programming languages. The user experience also needs improvement; it’s still too complicated for most people. And, of course, energy efficiency remains suboptimal due to the need for huge computing power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you still have questions, here are quick answers to the most common ones.
What is a blockchain company?
Any company that uses blockchain in its operations. This could be a crypto exchange, dApp developers, or firms that track goods using a distributed ledger.
How do blockchain top crypto companies generate revenue?
In many ways:
- Transaction fees.
- Selling subscriptions to premium features.
- Launching and selling their tokens, for example, through Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).
- Consulting other businesses.
Which industries benefit from blockchain technology?
Quite a lot. In finance (DeFi, payments), supply chain (tracking goods), healthcare (secured records), real estate (faster deals that cannot be forged), gaming (tradable in-game items), and art (NFTs).
Are blockchain companies regulated?
It depends on where they are located. In the UK, there are some rules through the FCA, but globally, it’s inconsistent — some places are strict, and others are still catching up.
