The Investor Group Leading the Acquisition
In what could be a monumental shift in the crypto media landscape, renowned outlet CoinDesk may soon be acquired for a staggering $125 million, as the Wall Street Journal reported. The trailblazing deal is said to be spearheaded by a consortium of investors, including Matthew Roszak, founder and CEO of Tally Capital, a firm with a keen eye on crypto and web3 investments, and Peter Vessenes of Capital6, a family office.
CoinDesk’s Growth Amidst DCG’s Challenges
Since Digital Currency Group (DCG) acquired CoinDesk for a modest sum of $500,000 in 2016, the crypto media platform has grown in leaps and bounds, becoming a staple source of information for crypto enthusiasts and industry insiders. However, amidst challenges currently faced by DCG, which include a pending lawsuit from Gemini over alleged fraudulent activities, CoinDesk revealed having received offers from potential buyers.
Potential Buyers and Their Intentions
The journey towards this potential acquisition commenced in January 2023, when rumors of talks began circulating. Among the high-profile individuals said to have expressed interest was Charles Hoskinson, the founder of Cardano, who voiced a desire to uphold journalistic integrity by acquiring the platform.
In contrast, Changpeng Zhao, CEO of Binance, dismissed reports alleging interest from Binance Capital Management (BCM) in CoinDesk. He cited that the popular crypto media outlet would not align well with Binance’s geographic coverage.
Valuation and Retention of Stake by DCG
Rumors of a partial sale of CoinDesk with a valuation of $125 million became more solid on July 20th. Insiders hint that the Digital Currency Group (DCG), CoinDesk’s parent company, plans to maintain a stake in the platform’s media, event, data, and index businesses. They also suggest that CoinDesk’s current management structure would likely stay intact.
DCG’s Struggles and CoinDesk’s Resilience
CoinDesk’s potential sale is progressing even as DCG faces many challenges. Its subsidiary, Genesis Global Capital’s lending arm, filed for bankruptcy in January. Furthermore, the long-standing conflict between Gemini and Genesis over allegations of concealing insolvency has made customer funds inaccessible. DCG has also shuttered its institutional trading platform, TradeBlock, and its wealth management unit, HQ Digital, in recent months.
Despite the obstacles, CoinDesk has been financially resilient, reportedly generating $50 million in revenue in 2022 through its online advertising, index services, and event business Consensus.
A New Era in Crypto Journalism
With CoinDesk’s potentially imminent acquisition, the industry waits in anticipation to witness how this landmark deal might redefine the future of crypto journalism.
DCG – Digital Currency Group
Susan Oh
Susan Oh is a leading figure in the integration of AI and blockchain for social good, serving as the CMO for BeOmni by Beyond Imagination and a civic technologist dedicated to creating scalable solutions. She is a board member of the Blockchain Commission For Sustainable Development supported by the UN GA Office of Partnerships, and a member of the Global Sustainability Network, a joint initiative by the Vatican and the Church of England to combat human trafficking. Recognized with the...
