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§ Private Profile · Palo Alto, CA, USA
Protocol Labs makes internet protocols: IPFS, Filecoin, and more.
Protocol Labs is an open-source research, development, and deployment laboratory. Our projects include IPFS, Filecoin, libp2p, and many more. We aim to make human existence orders of magnitude better through technology.
Some of our projects.
IPFS makes the web work peer-to-peer. IPFS is a protocol for storing, addressing, and transferring data, designed to replace HTTP in many contexts. IPFS uses content-addressing to uniquely identify and link to information. IPFS is one of the leading protocols of Web3, crypto, and the decentralized web movements. IPFS serves millions of end users and tens of thousands of developers. It powers the websites and applications of small startups, large enterprises, and even blockchains.
Filecoin is a decentralized storage network, designed to store humanity's most important information. Filecoin is a cryptocurrency incentivized decentralized market, where storage providers earn filecoin tokens for renting out storage space. (Think airbnb for cloud storage). Filecoin is one of the leading projects in the cryptocurrency/blockchain space.
Protocol Labs has raised $3.0M across 1 funding round.
Key people at Protocol Labs.
Protocol Labs was founded in 2014 by Juan Benet (Founder/CEO, Engineer).
Protocol Labs has raised $3.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Protocol Labs has raised $3.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $3.0M Series U in March 2016.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 1, 2016 | $3M Series U | — | 10100, 2048 Ventures, 7percent Ventures, 8 BIT Capital, 8VC, Andreessen Horowitz, Anorak Ventures, BAM Ventures, Better Tomorrow Ventures, Bling Capital, BoxGroup, Bullpen Capital, Dhvc (digital Horizon Capital), DST Global, First Round Capital, FJ Labs, Foundation Capital, Founders Fund, FPV Fund, Jude Gomila Rolling Fund, Locus Ventures, Long Journey Ventures, NKM Capital, Offline Ventures, Paradigm, Pear VC, Primitive Ventures, Quiet Capital, Saga, Seven Seven SIX, Sherpalo Ventures, Sound Ventures, Henry Fertik, Susa Ventures, The House Fund, Y Combinator, Aaron Levie, Gianni Martire, Jeremy Stoppelman, Joshua Reeves, MAX Mullen, Mikhail Seregine, Oliver Fross, Rashaun Williams, Russell Cook, Scott Banister, Scott Belsky, Shane Neman | Announced |
Key people at Protocol Labs.
Protocol Labs is an innovation network and research lab focused on developing breakthrough internet and computing protocols, including IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) and Filecoin. It builds open-source technologies that enable decentralized data storage and sharing, serving developers, startups, and organizations seeking to improve internet infrastructure and digital freedom. The company aims to solve problems related to centralized data control, censorship resistance, and inefficiencies in data distribution. Protocol Labs fosters a broad ecosystem of over 600 startups, funds, accelerators, and open-source projects, accelerating progress in web3, AI, AR/VR, neurotechnology, and hardware, thereby significantly impacting the startup ecosystem by enabling new decentralized applications and infrastructure[1][3][6].
Founded in 2014 by Juan Benet, Protocol Labs originated from the Y Combinator Summer 2014 program. Benet, the inventor of IPFS and Filecoin, started the company with the mission to improve the internet and computing infrastructure. The idea emerged from the need to create a more resilient, decentralized internet where data is not reliant on centralized servers. Early traction came with the release of IPFS in 2015, which quickly gained adoption across industries for decentralized file storage and sharing. Over time, Protocol Labs evolved from a single project into a broad innovation network supporting multiple teams and spinoff companies focused on advancing decentralized technologies[1][4][5][6].
Protocol Labs rides the wave of decentralization, web3, and open internet movements, addressing critical market needs for censorship resistance, data sovereignty, and distributed computing. The timing is crucial as centralized platforms face increasing scrutiny and demand grows for privacy-preserving, resilient infrastructure. Market forces such as blockchain adoption, AI integration, and the rise of metaverse technologies align with Protocol Labs’ multi-domain approach. By enabling decentralized storage and data verification, Protocol Labs influences the broader ecosystem by providing foundational infrastructure that supports new economic models, governance systems, and digital human rights[2][3][6][7].
Looking ahead, Protocol Labs is poised to expand its innovation network and deepen its impact on decentralized internet infrastructure. Trends shaping its journey include the maturation of web3, AI advancements, and the integration of augmented and virtual reality with decentralized protocols. The company’s vision includes reshaping global economies and governance systems while ensuring safe and equitable technology outcomes. Its influence is likely to grow as decentralized applications become mainstream and as it continues to foster a collaborative ecosystem of startups and research initiatives pushing the boundaries of computing[7][8]. This ongoing evolution ties back to its founding mission of improving the internet and computing to push humanity forward.
Protocol Labs was founded in 2014 by Juan Benet (Founder/CEO, Engineer).
Protocol Labs has raised $3.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Protocol Labs's investors include 10100, 2048 Ventures, 7percent Ventures, 8-Bit Capital, 8VC, Andreessen Horowitz, Anorak Ventures, Bam Ventures, Better Tomorrow Ventures, Bling Capital, BoxGroup, Bullpen Capital.