- Main event, leadership changes, market impact, financial shifts, or expert insights.
- Blockstream Capital invested $36 million in the funding round.
- Funding aims to expand ZBDโs payment products over the next year.
ZBD secured $40 million in Series C funding, primarily through Blockstream Capitalโs $36 million investment. This funding will support expansion of ZBDโs payment products incorporating the Bitcoin Lightning Network, aiming to enhance video game transactions and player rewards.
ZBD, a Bitcoin payments startup based in New Jersey, secured a $40 million Series C funding round on January 22, 2026, significantly backed by Blockstream Capital. The funding will help enhance ZBDโs integration with the Bitcoin Lightning Network.
Expanded Financial Backing and Ambitions
ZBDโs Series C funding round marks an ambitious step forward, with Blockstream Capital contributing a significant $36 million. ZBD aims to broaden its payment solutions, leveraging Lightning Network to enhance micropayments and rewards integration.
The involvement of Blockstream Capital underscores the strategic intention to advance Bitcoinโs role in the gaming payment industry. Simon Cowell, Cofounder & CEO of ZBD, emphasized, โWhere weโre moving to is expanding into a more fulsome payment suite.โ
The funding will propel ZBDโs expansion efforts throughout 2026, focusing on a more comprehensive payment suite.
The market impact is poised to influence Bitcoin transactions significantly, particularly within the gaming sector. ZBDโs approach reinforces Bitcoinโs utility, sidestepping other cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum or stablecoins.
Potential and Financial Implications
Financial implications include introducing innovative payment solutions for games, improving user retention and revenue. The role of Bitcoin in transactional efficiency and reward systems is expected to strengthen through these developments.
Potential outcomes of ZBDโs expansion involve increased use of Bitcoin for in-game transactions. Historical trends favor Bitcoinโs adoption in gaming, indicating promising growth potential. Regulatory influences remain limited without significant policy changes affecting this venture.