Greenfield One

# Greenfield One: Europe's Leading Crypto-Focused Venture Capital Firm

High-Level Overview

Greenfield One is a Berlin-based venture capital firm that has established itself as one of Europe's most prominent investors in the cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem[1]. The firm's mission centers on identifying and backing exceptional early-stage cryptocurrency startups and protocols that are building the infrastructure for decentralized finance and Web3 technologies. Their investment philosophy emphasizes long-term commitment to developer teams creating open, decentralized systems, positioning them as patient capital in a volatile sector[5].

The firm's primary focus is cryptocurrency and blockchain investments across North America and Europe[4], with a particular emphasis on early-stage development projects. Greenfield One has made a significant impact on the European startup ecosystem by raising what was, at the time, Europe's largest cryptocurrency fund at €135 million in late 2021[1][3]. This capital deployment has enabled the firm to support numerous projects building the next generation of decentralized infrastructure.

Origin Story

Greenfield One was founded in 2018 by partners Jascha Samadi and Sebastian Blum[1]. Samadi brought substantial cryptocurrency and technology experience to the venture, having previously founded or co-founded multiple companies including Flux, My Poker Shop, Jupidi, Apprupt, Buying Labs, and 040 Capital, establishing himself as both a founder and active investor in the crypto space[1]. Blum similarly came with a track record as an experienced investor prior to launching Greenfield One[1].

The timing of the firm's founding proved strategic. Established in 2018, just as the cryptocurrency market was recovering from the 2017-2018 bear market, Greenfield One positioned itself to identify promising projects during a period when many were being overlooked. By 2021, the firm had grown substantially enough to raise a €135 million fund, demonstrating strong institutional confidence in their investment thesis and track record[1][3].

Core Differentiators

Specialized Crypto Expertise: Unlike generalist venture capital firms, Greenfield One has built deep domain expertise specifically in cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. The founders' backgrounds as both operators and investors in crypto give them credibility and insight that many traditional VCs lack[1].

European Market Leadership: The firm's €135 million fund represented Europe's largest cryptocurrency fund at the time of its raise, positioning Greenfield One as a leading institutional player in European crypto investment[1][3]. This scale provides portfolio companies with meaningful capital and access to a robust network of European tech and crypto stakeholders.

Long-Term Backing Philosophy: Rather than pursuing short-term returns, Greenfield One positions itself as a "long-term backer of early developer teams," suggesting a patient capital approach that aligns with the multi-year timelines required to build foundational blockchain infrastructure[5].

Geographic Diversification: The firm's focus spans both North America and Europe, allowing it to identify opportunities across the two largest developed crypto markets while maintaining a European base[4].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Greenfield One operates at the intersection of several powerful technological and financial trends. The firm is riding the wave of institutional adoption of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, a shift that accelerated significantly between 2018 and 2021. As traditional finance and technology companies increasingly recognized blockchain's potential for creating decentralized systems, early-stage infrastructure projects—precisely Greenfield One's focus—became increasingly valuable.

The timing of the firm's €135 million fund raise in 2021 captured a moment when cryptocurrency had transitioned from a speculative asset class to an emerging infrastructure layer. This positioning allowed Greenfield One to influence which protocols and projects would receive institutional backing, effectively shaping the development trajectory of European and North American blockchain ecosystems.

The firm's emphasis on developer teams and open, decentralized systems reflects a broader shift in how the crypto industry views value creation. Rather than betting on individual tokens or speculative assets, Greenfield One's model focuses on backing the builders—the teams creating the tools, protocols, and infrastructure that enable the broader ecosystem. This approach has ripple effects throughout the startup ecosystem, as successful portfolio companies attract talent, inspire competitors, and establish best practices for blockchain development.

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Greenfield One stands as a testament to the maturation of cryptocurrency investment. The firm has moved beyond the "get rich quick" mentality that characterized early crypto investing, instead positioning itself as a serious institutional player backing fundamental infrastructure development. As blockchain technology continues its transition from experimental to essential infrastructure, firms like Greenfield One that backed projects during the building phase will likely see substantial returns while simultaneously having shaped the technological landscape.

Looking ahead, Greenfield One's influence will likely grow as cryptocurrency adoption accelerates and regulatory frameworks mature. The firm's European base and focus on developer teams position it well to benefit from the EU's emerging regulatory clarity around crypto assets and digital finance. The next chapter for Greenfield One will likely involve scaling successful portfolio companies into market leaders while continuing to identify the next generation of foundational blockchain infrastructure projects. In an ecosystem where timing and conviction matter enormously, Greenfield One's early institutional commitment to crypto development may prove to be one of the most consequential venture bets of the 2020s.