Loading organizations...
§ Private Profile · 381 Bush St Ste 600, San Francisco, California, 94104, United States
Investment firm (auto-created from funding round data)
o1Labs specializes in developing blockchain technologies focused on zero-knowledge cryptography. The company incubates the Mina Protocol, a lightweight blockchain, and creates foundational tooling like o1js and Kimchi. These technologies enable scalable, secure decentralized applications, leveraging advanced cryptographic proofs to ensure privacy and efficiency within blockchain environments.
Founded in 2017 by Evan Shapiro and Izaac Meckler, o1Labs emerged from an insight into zero-knowledge cryptography's potential for decentralized internet infrastructure. Both founders brought technical depth to address blockchain scalability and privacy, aiming to build efficient, user-centric protocols rooted in fundamental cryptographic research.
o1Labs targets developers, providing tools and protocols for building zero-knowledge applications. The company envisions a future where digital interactions are inherently private, trustworthy, and under user control. Its mission is to enable a more equitable, decentralized internet, fostering an ecosystem where individuals engage with digital services without compromising data or autonomy, shaping web3's evolution.
o1Labs has raised $29.9M across 3 funding rounds.
Key people at o1Labs.
o1Labs has raised $29.9M in total across 3 funding rounds.
# o1Labs: Blockchain Innovation Through Zero Knowledge Cryptography
o1Labs is not an investment firm, but rather a blockchain technology company that develops zero knowledge cryptography tools and protocols.[1][6] The company's mission is to build computing systems that put people back in control of their digital lives by creating cryptocurrency protocols capable of supporting real-world applications at scale.[1] Rather than managing external capital for investment purposes, o1Labs focuses on developing foundational blockchain infrastructure—specifically the Mina Protocol, o1js framework, and related zero knowledge systems—that enable developers to build privacy-preserving, efficient applications without requiring deep cryptographic expertise.[4][6]
The company serves developers and organizations seeking to leverage zero knowledge technology for identity management, voting systems, data privacy, and decentralized applications.[6] o1Labs addresses a critical limitation in existing cryptocurrencies: the inability to scale to real-world use while maintaining decentralization and client-side validation.[1]
o1Labs was founded as a San Francisco-based startup with backing from prominent cryptocurrency investors including Polychain, Metastable, Max Levchin, and Naval Ravikant.[1] The company has raised $29.4M in total funding across multiple rounds, with a Series B of $10.9M closed in October 2020.[2][5] The team incubated the Mina Protocol, which launched its mainnet in 2021 and is positioned as the world's lightest blockchain.[6]
The company emerged from a recognition that existing blockchain infrastructure couldn't simultaneously achieve scalability, decentralization, and accessibility. By applying cutting-edge cryptography—specifically zk-SNARKs (zero-knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge)—o1Labs created a technical foundation to overcome these constraints.[1]
o1Labs is positioned at the intersection of two major trends: the growing demand for privacy-preserving computation and the maturation of zero knowledge proof technology. As regulatory scrutiny on data privacy intensifies and organizations seek compliant ways to leverage blockchain, zero knowledge cryptography has transitioned from theoretical research to practical infrastructure.
The company's work influences the broader ecosystem by democratizing access to zero knowledge technology. Rather than requiring specialized cryptographic expertise, o1Labs' tools enable mainstream developers to build privacy-first applications, potentially accelerating adoption of zero knowledge solutions across voting systems, identity verification, financial services, and decentralized applications.[6]
Mina Protocol's lightweight design also addresses a critical sustainability concern in blockchain: the environmental and computational costs of full node participation. By enabling smartphones to validate the network, o1Labs contributes to making blockchain infrastructure more accessible and environmentally conscious.
o1Labs is building essential infrastructure for a privacy-centric internet. As regulatory frameworks around data protection tighten globally and enterprises seek cryptographically verifiable privacy guarantees, the demand for zero knowledge tools will likely accelerate. The company's focus on developer experience—making complex cryptography accessible through frameworks like o1js—positions it well to capture mindshare among builders.
The trajectory suggests o1Labs will continue expanding use cases beyond its initial focus, with particular momentum in identity systems, voting infrastructure, and enterprise privacy applications. The broader adoption of Mina Protocol and the o1js ecosystem will be key indicators of whether the company can translate technical innovation into widespread developer adoption—the ultimate measure of infrastructure success.
Key people at o1Labs.
o1Labs has raised $29.9M in total across 3 funding rounds.
o1Labs's investors include Bixin Ventures, Three Arrows Capital, Fenbushi Capital, HashKey Capital, IOSG Ventures, NGC Ventures, Signum Capital, SNZ, Kevin Hartz, Addition, Andreessen Horowitz, Archetype.
o1Labs has raised $29.9M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $10.9M Other Equity in October 2020.
