- Jeffrey Epstein reportedly invested in early crypto projects like Coinbase, Ripple, and Blockstream.
- Emails show connections with tech elites, including Gates, Musk, Thiel, Zuckerberg, and Hoffman.
- There is no evidence for Epstein’s direct connections with these crypto giants.
Jeffrey Epstein’s shadowy ties to the tech world are once again under scrutiny. His connections reportedly extend into the crypto space, raising fresh questions about the networks surrounding some of the industry’s big names.
Newly surfaced emails have revealed that Jeffrey Epstein had connections with prominent figures and platforms, directly and indirectly. These platforms include Ripple, Blockstream, Coinbase, and more.
Unveiling Jeffrey Epstein’s Investments in Early Crypto
According to millions of documents recently unveiled, Jeffrey Epstein had ties with major players in the crypto industry. He reportedly funded early Bitcoin development, invested $3 million in Coinbase in 2014, and also backed Blockstream, a BTC-focused tech firm. What is more interesting is that all these incidents happened after his 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor.
Notably, Epstein’s 2014 investment was facilitated by Brock Pierce, co-founder of Tether and a former child actor. Documents show that Coinbase co-founder Fred Ehrsam coordinated with Pierce about Epstein’s investment and considered meeting him. In 2018, he sold half of his Coinbase shares to Pierce’s firm, Blockchain Capital, for $15 million.
Another firm with an alleged Epstein connection is Blockstream, as he made a $500,000 early-stage investment in it. According to the leaked emails, founders Back and Austin Hill were even invited by Epstein to his private island in St. Thomas. Back stated that Epstein was only a limited partner in the fund, and Blockstream has no direct financial ties to him.
In addition, Jeffrey Epstein helped fund Bitcoin’s early development through his donations to MIT. Over 20 years, he gave the university more than $800,000 and helped raise over $7 million from other wealthy donors.
How is Jeffrey Epstein Linked to Ripple?
According to the leaked emails dating back to April 2013, there is no direct connection between Jeffrey Epstein and Ripple. The email hints at Epstein’s early investment in the Ripple token, XRP.
Reportedly, Microsoft executive Tren Griffin explained to Bill Gates and his inner circle about Ripple’s technology as a “math-based payment mechanism,” highlighting its potential as a global financial infrastructure. The email chain made its way to Epstein within two days, highlighting how quickly discussions about Ripple’s utility spread among elite networks.
This indicates that Epstein was observing or at least being informed about emerging cryptocurrency projects at the highest levels of tech and finance. Although there is no clear evidence for his investment in Ripple, the emails demonstrate how his network intersected with the earliest institutional discussions about XRP and its potential. A prominent crypto voice on X, called the Jungle In Crypto News, brought the details of how XRP caught the attention of Epstein into the spotlight.
When Epstein’s alleged connections with XRP and Stellar initially sparked discussions, Ripple’s David Schwartz denied the company’s links. As Times of Blockchain reported, Schwartz stated that he is unaware of any such connections.
Epstein’s Ties to Silicon Valley’s Elite
The US Department of Justice documents also shed light on Jeffrey Epstein’s connections with executives like Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Reid Hoffman, Peter Thiel, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos during the 2010s.
While none have been accused of involvement in Epstein’s crimes, the records reveal how he embedded himself in elite tech circles through introductions, group emails, meetings, and investments.
