Transform Ventures is a venture capital firm, advisory company, and venture studio founded by Michael Terpin that provides capital and resources to projects primarily within the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors. The firm focuses on investing in and advising companies with high-growth potential, from early-stage startups to more established projects. ^{[1] [2]}

Overview

Founded in 2013 by early cryptocurrency investor Michael Terpin, Transform Ventures has established itself as a key player in the blockchain investment landscape. The firm provides both capital and strategic advisory services, leveraging its network and the experience of its founder to support the growth of its portfolio companies. Its investment thesis centers on identifying and nurturing innovation in decentralized technologies, including Web3, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and decentralized finance (DeFi). ^{[2] [1]}

The firm operates alongside its sister companies, Transform Group and Transform Studios. Transform Group is a public relations, advisory, and marketing firm that has represented a significant portion of the cryptocurrency market capitalization, excluding Bitcoin. Transform Studios, based in Bermuda, functions as a blockchain incubator, further extending the ecosystem's reach in fostering new projects. This structure allows Transform Ventures to offer a comprehensive suite of services to its portfolio companies, ranging from initial funding and strategic guidance to marketing and public relations support. ^{[3] [4]}

Founder

Michael Terpin is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Transform Ventures. He is a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, often referred to as the "Godfather of Crypto" by media outlets like CNBC for his early and influential involvement in the space. Terpin has been an active investor and advisor since the early days of blockchain technology, supporting the launch of foundational projects such as Ethereum, Tether, and others. ^{[2] [5]}

In addition to his role at Transform Ventures, Terpin founded and serves as chairman of Transform Group. He is also the author of the book Bitcoin Supercycle: How the Crypto Calendar Can Make You Rich (2024), in which he outlines his "Four Seasons of Bitcoin" model, a theory that posits that Bitcoin's price moves in predictable cycles tied to its halving events. Terpin is a frequent speaker at technology and blockchain conferences, including CES. ^{[6] [3]}

Advisory Roles and Influence

Through its founder, Transform Ventures extends its influence by taking on strategic advisory roles in various blockchain projects. These appointments often highlight the firm's recognized expertise in areas such as public relations, regulatory navigation, and market strategy.

In March 2025, Terpin joined the advisory board of Lendr.fi, a platform focused on the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA). Nathaji Metivier, CEO of Lendr.fi, stated, "Michael’s visionary insights and proven track record in the crypto space make him an invaluable asset to our advisory board." ^[4]

In July 2025, Terpin was announced as a Strategic Advisor for GOAT Network, a project developing Bitcoin-native yield generation products. Kevin Liu, Co-Founder and CEO of GOAT Network, commented on the appointment, stating, "Michael’s expertise in crypto public relations and regulation will be extremely valuable, given his proven track record in the crypto space." ^[5]

Earlier, in January 2025, Terpin was appointed to the advisory board of CPAI, an AI-powered platform for crypto tax reconciliation and filing. The company noted that Terpin's involvement was a significant endorsement, citing his history of backing disruptive and viable projects in the industry. ^[3]

Portfolio

Transform Ventures invests in a diverse range of companies across the blockchain ecosystem. The firm's portfolio includes projects in DeFi, NFTs, metaverse platforms, and blockchain infrastructure. The official website categorizes its investments into "Featured Companies" and "Portfolio Companies to Watch." ^[1]

Featured Companies

• OpenCarbon: A platform that develops SEC-compliant carbon offset financial products. It aims to help manage large-scale carbon asset portfolios.
• IceCap: A marketplace for diamond NFTs built on the Ethereum blockchain. The platform allows users to trade tokens representing ownership of physical diamonds, which are stored in insured vaults.
• Hot Drops: An NFT marketplace designed for adult content creators. It incorporates features such as age verification and manual content approval to ensure compliance and safety.
• RAIR: A digital rights management platform that uses NFTs to control access to streaming content. It enables creators to securely distribute and monetize their media.
• Upland: A metaverse platform mapped to the real world, where users can buy, sell, and trade virtual properties tied to actual addresses. It operates on an open market economy model using NFTs for asset ownership.
• Starter Capital: An incubator, launchpad, and investor network that supports projects on various blockchains, including Polygon, Ethereum, and Avalanche.

Other Portfolio Companies

• Ojamu: A platform that assists brands in entering the Web3 economy, with a focus on NFTs and blockchain gaming.
• Tradery Capital: An asset manager that utilizes artificial intelligence for customers on the Coinbase platform.
• FlyAir (formerly Airthereum): A blockchain-based application for the aviation industry.
• Mint Gold Dust: An NFT platform that features curated digital art auctions and content from selected artists.
• NFTY: A blockchain studio and incubator focused on developing next-generation NFT technology.
• Echo Labs: A platform designed to help artists promote their work and mission.
• Fearless Girl: An NFT project associated with the iconic Wall Street statue, created to support a legal case regarding the statue's copyrights.
• Token Relations: A growth marketing platform designed to help crypto projects engage with investors, funds, and communities.

The information above is based on the company's publicly listed portfolio. ^[1]