Coinbase, founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, has played a significant role in the development and popularization of cryptocurrencies. Here's a brief history:

**2012: Foundation and Early Years**

Coinbase was launched as a platform to simplify the purchase, sale, and storage of Bitcoin. Its user-friendly interface made it accessible to newcomers in the crypto space. The company received early investments from notable figures like Alexis Ohanian and Garry Tan.

**2013: Merchant Services and Series A Funding**

Coinbase expanded its services to merchants, allowing them to accept Bitcoin payments. The company also secured a $5 million Series A investment led by Union Square Ventures, further establishing its position in the industry.

**2014: US Regulatory Compliance**

In an effort to comply with U.S. regulations, Coinbase obtained the first New York BitLicense, a regulatory framework for virtual currency businesses. This move demonstrated Coinbase's commitment to operating within legal boundaries.

**2015: Ethereum Integration and Series C Funding**

Coinbase added Ethereum to its platform, broadening its offerings beyond Bitcoin. The company raised $75 million in a Series C funding round, attracting investment from financial institutions such as the New York Stock Exchange.

**2017: User Surge and GDAX Rebranding**

Coinbase experienced a massive influx of users as cryptocurrencies gained mainstream attention. To accommodate professional traders, Coinbase rebranded its exchange platform to GDAX (Global Digital Asset Exchange).

**2018: Coinbase Custody and Series E Funding**

Coinbase launched Coinbase Custody to cater to institutional investors, offering secure storage solutions for digital assets. The company secured a $300 million investment in a Series E funding round, valuing Coinbase at over $8 billion.

**2020: Public Listing Plans**

Coinbase announced its intention to go public through a direct listing, a significant milestone for the cryptocurrency industry. The company's decision to pursue a direct listing instead of a traditional IPO reflected the unique nature of the crypto market.

**2021: Public Listing on Nasdaq**

Coinbase Global, Inc. went public on the Nasdaq stock exchange on April 14, 2021, under the ticker symbol COIN. The listing marked a historic moment for the cryptocurrency industry, as Coinbase became one of the first major crypto exchanges to be publicly traded.

Today, Coinbase continues to be a leading cryptocurrency exchange, providing a platform for millions of users to buy, sell, and store various digital assets. Its journey reflects the maturation and growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies in the broader financial landscape.