Brian Armstrong (born January 25, 1983) is an American technology entrepreneur and businessman, best known as the co-founder and CEO of the cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase. As a central figure in the mainstream adoption of digital assets, Armstrong has transitioned from a software engineer to the leader of one of the most prominent financial technology companies in the world, playing a pivotal role in bridging the gap between traditional finance and the decentralized crypto economy. Born in San Jose, California, Armstrong grew up in a household centered on engineering and technology; both of his parents were engineers. He attended Bellarmine College Preparatory, a private Jesuit secondary school, before enrolling at Rice University in Houston, Texas. At Rice, he pursued a rigorous academic path, earning a dual bachelor's degree in economics and computer science in 2005, followed by a master's degree in computer science in 2006. During his time as a student, Armstrong demonstrated early entrepreneurial initiative, including founding a business that matched tutors to students. Armstrong’s professional career began with significant experience in corporate and startup environments. He gained early experience as a software developer intern at IBM and later served as a consultant for the enterprise risk management division at Deloitte & Touche. In 2011, he joined Airbnb as a software engineer, a position that exposed him to the complexities of international payments and the inefficiencies of traditional banking infrastructure. While at Airbnb, he encountered the Bitcoin white paper, which fundamentally altered his outlook on finance. Inspired by the potential for a decentralized, borderless, and efficient financial system, he began coding what would become his life’s work during his nights and weekends. In 2012, Armstrong applied to the Y Combinator startup accelerator with his prototype for a cryptocurrency service. Accepted into the program, he received $150,000 in seed funding. Through a connection on a Reddit subgroup, he met Fred Ehrsam, a former Goldman Sachs trader, who became his co-founder. Together, they launched Coinbase with the goal of making it simple for the general public to buy, sell, and store Bitcoin. Under Armstrong’s leadership, the company rapidly expanded its offerings, emphasizing regulatory compliance and user experience, which distinguished it from many earlier, more fringe crypto operations. This strategy facilitated mainstream trust, enabling Coinbase to grow into the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the United States. A defining milestone in Armstrong’s career occurred on April 14, 2021, when Coinbase became a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ exchange via a direct listing. The event was a watershed moment for the cryptocurrency industry, validating the legitimacy of digital assets in the eyes of institutional investors and the broader financial sector. Beyond Coinbase, Armstrong has diversified his entrepreneurial pursuits. He co-founded NewLimit, a biotechnology company focused on epigenetic reprogramming to extend human health span, and launched ResearchHub, an open-access platform aimed at accelerating scientific collaboration and discovery. Throughout his career, Armstrong has been a prominent advocate for regulatory clarity and the long-term potential of blockchain technology. He is known for his "mission-focused" leadership style, which prioritizes the company's core objectives and discourages internal political activism. This stance has often garnered significant public and media attention. In addition to his business ventures, Armstrong signed the Giving Pledge in 2018, committing to donate the majority of his wealth to charitable causes over his lifetime. His work continues to influence the global development of digital financial infrastructure and the ongoing dialogue between the technology sector and regulatory bodies.