YC and Coinbase Unleash Blockchain Revolution: "Build Onchain" Initiative Launched

YC x Coinbase RFS: Build Onchain Initiative Seeks to Revolutionize Financial Technology In a groundbreaking move, Y Combinator (YC) and Coinbase have launched the "Build Onchain" initiative, aiming to transform the financial technology landscape with blockchain-based solutions. The program, announced in 2025, seeks to harness the power of on-chain infrastructure to create a new era in fintech. According to Harj Taggar, YC's co-founder, "We believe it's time to build onchain. The tools have been maturing over the last decade, but with low-cost chains, globally adopted stablecoins, easy-to-use wallets, and growing consumer adoption, the infrastructure is finally ready." Taggar emphasized that this new era, dubbed Fintech 3.0, will focus on building a new financial system with code. Fintech 3.0 marks a significant departure from its predecessors. Fintech 1.0, which emerged in the 1990s, digitized finance through companies like PayPal, making online payments possible. Fintech 2.0, driven by startups such as Stripe and Plaid, built APIs on top of the existing financial system using banking-as-a-service (BaaS) providers. YC's initiative is not an isolated effort; it builds upon a decade-long maturation of blockchain technology. The introduction of low-cost chains, stablecoins, and user-friendly wallets has created a fertile ground for innovation. As Jesse Pollak, Coinbase's co-founder, noted, "We're already seeing large trends emerge that have huge opportunity for builders around the world." The implications of this shift are far-reaching, with potential to democratize access to financial services, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. However, experts caution that regulatory frameworks must adapt to accommodate these new developments. Industry insiders predict that Fintech 3.0 will give rise to a new generation of startups focused on building decentralized financial systems. This could lead to increased competition in the fintech space, driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible with blockchain technology. As the "Build Onchain" initiative gains momentum, it remains to be seen how this new era in fintech will unfold. With YC's backing and Coinbase's expertise, one thing is clear: the future of finance is being rewritten with code. Background Y Combinator (YC) is a renowned startup accelerator that has backed numerous successful companies, including Airbnb, Dropbox, and Reddit. Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, has been at the forefront of blockchain innovation since its inception in 2012. Additional Perspectives Experts predict that Fintech 3.0 will have significant implications for traditional financial institutions, which may need to adapt to remain competitive. As one industry insider noted, "The lines between fintech and traditional finance are blurring, and it's unclear how this new era will play out." Current Status and Next Developments The "Build Onchain" initiative is currently in its early stages, with YC and Coinbase working closely with startups to develop on-chain solutions. As the program progresses, it will be interesting to see which companies emerge as leaders in this new era of fintech. In conclusion, the launch of the "Build Onchain" initiative marks a significant milestone in the evolution of financial technology. With its focus on building a new financial system with code, Fintech 3.0 promises to revolutionize the way we think about money and finance. *Reporting by Ycombinator.*