Blockstream invests an additional $40 million to support the ecosystem development behind Bitcoin payment startup ZBD financing

The financing heat for Bitcoin payment applications is heating up again. ZBD (formerly Zebedee) has completed a $40 million Series C funding round, with Blockstream Capital investing $36 million, accounting for over 90%. This is not just a funding event but also reflects strategic investments in the payment infrastructure of the Bitcoin ecosystem.

Core Information of ZBD Financing

Why ZBD’s Business Model Attracts Large Investments

Headquartered in New Jersey, ZBD focuses on Bitcoin payment solutions for the gaming industry. Its core value propositions include:

• Providing game developers with Bitcoin payment and reward integration tools to lower entry barriers
• Allowing players to transfer directly or earn loyalty rewards through continuous online engagement
• Connecting the gaming economy with the Bitcoin network, creating new application scenarios

The innovation of this model lies in that it is not just a simple payment tool but integrates Bitcoin’s incentive mechanisms into the gaming ecosystem, forming a new economic cycle.

Why Blockstream is Making Heavy Investments

Blockstream’s investment ratio exceeds 90%, a figure worth noting. As a key player in Bitcoin infrastructure, Blockstream’s strategic intentions may include:

• Improving the last mile of Bitcoin payment ecosystems and supporting application layer innovation
• Expanding Bitcoin’s application scope through high-frequency scenarios like gaming
• Forward-looking layout in the payment infrastructure field

Such a large proportion of investment usually indicates a high level of recognition from investors regarding the project’s direction and also hints at Blockstream’s long-term plans in the Bitcoin payment ecosystem.

Market Background

Currently, Bitcoin’s price fluctuates around $89,933.77, with a 24-hour increase of 1.64%. In this market environment, institutional investors’ enthusiasm for Bitcoin’s application layer has not cooled down; instead, they continue to increase their investments in payment infrastructure.

Follow-up Focus

This round of financing aims to launch a more comprehensive suite of payment products within the next year, which means ZBD’s product iteration will accelerate. Key points to watch include:

• Specific functions and application scenarios of the new product suite
• Adoption by game developers
• Actual usage data of Bitcoin payments in gaming

Summary

ZBD’s funding round reflects the gradual improvement of the Bitcoin ecosystem from infrastructure to application layer. Blockstream’s substantial investment not only supports the development of an innovative company but also indicates industry recognition of the prospects for Bitcoin payment applications. Gaming payments, as a high-frequency application scenario, are expected to become an important entry point for Bitcoin’s mainstream adoption. Based on the scale of financing and the strategic intentions of investors, competition and innovation in this track are accelerating, warranting ongoing attention.