Code & State, a Dubai-based venture studio specializing in stablecoin innovation, has successfully raised $3 million

Dubai, UAE – February 27, 2025 – Code & State, a Dubai-based venture studio specializing in stablecoin innovation, has successfully raised $3 million

Dubai, UAE, 27 February 2025, Chainwire

Code & State, a venture studio focused on startups building the future of stablecoins, has announced the successful closure of its $3 million fund. The studio, which is supported by Warburg Serres and KR1, will use the new fund to incubate a select few startups.

Code & State is a venture studio focused on startups building the future of stablecoins. The studio, which is part of a broader venture studio movement emerging in Web3, provides startups with capital, mentorship, and infrastructure to help them solve key challenges in the stablecoin space. This could include startups focused on next-generation payment systems, cross-border remittances, or decentralized finance (DeFi) applications powered by stablecoins.

The startups will also benefit from the strategic advice and industry experience of Code & State’s founding partners. Cédric Waldburger, founding investor of Liquity (LUSD stablecoin) and serial entrepreneur, has over 15 years of experience investing in and advising startups in the blockchain space. He is also a recognized expert in macroeconomic analysis and the history of monetary systems. Artia Moghbel, former COO of Dfinity (Internet Computer Protocol) and an experienced operator in the Web3 space, will bring his expertise in scaling technology ventures to the new studio.

Together, they will leverage their experience to mentor and support the new generation of stablecoin startups. Their clear focus on stablecoin ventures will also create natural network effects for all the in-house ventures.

“We are excited to be launching Code & State with the support of Warburg Serres and KR1,” said Cédric Waldburger, founding partner of Code & State. “Their experience and industry knowledge will be invaluable as we set out to support the next wave of stablecoin startups.”

Stablecoins have emerged as a key area of innovation in recent years, as they combine the properties of cryptocurrencies with the stability of fiat currencies. This has led to a rapid increase in the adoption of stablecoins for a wide range of use cases, from cross-border payments to everyday transactions.

According to Chainalysis, global transaction volumes on blockchain networks exceeded $15 trillion in 2024, compared with $14.4 trillion in 2023. This level of activity is now comparable to the transaction volumes on leading payment networks, such as Visa.

Rising adoption of stablecoins is closely related to the growth of Web3 startups and the broader crypto ecosystem. As startups develop new solutions for key challenges in the stablecoin sector, they will be well-positioned to contribute to the next stage of Web3 adoption.

“We are always looking for talented entrepreneurs who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of financial technology,” said Artia Moghbel, founding partner of Code & State. “We are excited to be welcoming a small cohort of entrepreneur-in-residence at Code & State.”

As a founder himself, Cédric Waldburger is keen on ensuring fair equity incentives for the entrepreneurs joining Code & State.

“It’s important to me that our portfolio founders retain 80% of the upside in their venture - we believe it’s key to attracting top talent to build something truly meaningful.”

A small number of founders will be selected to join Code & State’s entrepreneur-in-residence program, where they will receive hands-on support from the studio’s team of experienced investors and operators. The program will provide founders with the capital, mentorship, and infrastructure they need to rapidly iterate on their projects and bring them to market.

Applicants are encouraged to apply via the Code & State website.