The decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator 1inch Network has successfully closed a $175 million Series B funding round, marking a major milestone in its journey to bridge traditional finance with decentralized finance (DeFi). The round was led by Amber Group and saw participation from around 50 institutional investors, including notable names such as VanEck, Alameda Research, Celsius, and the Gemini Frontier Fund.
This funding significantly surpasses the project’s initial target of $70 million, reflecting strong market confidence and growing institutional interest in DeFi infrastructure. Investors acquired the network’s native token, **1INCH**, at a discounted rate of **$1.50 per token—a figure well below the market price of $3.44** at the time of announcement, according to CoinMarketCap.
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Scaling Ambitions and Strategic Growth
The newly raised capital will be strategically allocated to accelerate 1inch Network’s development across multiple fronts:
- Team expansion: Hiring top-tier talent in blockchain engineering, product development, and compliance.
- Protocol innovation: Building next-generation DeFi protocols that enhance efficiency, security, and cross-chain interoperability.
- Token utility enhancement: Expanding the use cases for the 1INCH token, including governance, staking rewards, fee discounts, and access to premium services like 1inch Pro.
- Regulatory navigation: Proactively engaging with regulators in the U.S. and Europe to ensure compliance while maintaining decentralization principles.
As DeFi continues to mature, regulatory scrutiny is intensifying. 1inch is positioning itself at the forefront by developing compliant products tailored for institutional adoption—most notably 1inch Pro, a professional-grade trading platform designed for hedge funds, asset managers, and other financial institutions.
Institutional Onboarding: The Next Frontier for DeFi
Sergej Kunz, co-founder of 1inch Network, emphasized the pivotal role institutions will play in the next wave of DeFi growth:
“1inch also aims to become a gateway for institutions that want to be part of the DeFi space. The next $1 trillion of assets entering DeFi will come from institutions rather than retail users, and 1inch would like to facilitate entry for them.”
To support this vision, 1inch has already begun onboarding key talent from traditional finance (TradFi), blending Wall Street expertise with blockchain innovation. This hybrid approach is expected to accelerate product development and increase trust among conservative investors wary of crypto’s volatility and regulatory uncertainty.
The project’s focus on institutional adoption aligns with broader industry trends. As more asset managers explore tokenized securities, yield-bearing instruments, and automated market makers (AMMs), platforms that offer reliable aggregation, low slippage, and deep liquidity—like 1inch—become increasingly critical.
Strengthening Decentralization Through DAO Governance
Beyond financial growth, 1inch is doubling down on its commitment to true decentralization. A significant portion of the funds will go toward enhancing the governance capabilities of the 1inch Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO).
A DAO operates as a community-driven entity where decisions are made collectively via token-based voting—without centralized control. By increasing the voting power of individual members and improving participation mechanisms, 1inch aims to create a more democratic and resilient ecosystem.
This move comes at a time when DAOs are gaining attention as innovative models for digital ownership and collective decision-making. While high-profile attempts like ConstitutionDAO captured public imagination—even if they didn’t achieve their primary goals—they underscored the potential of decentralized communities to mobilize capital and coordinate action globally.
For 1inch, strengthening its DAO isn’t just about ideology—it’s a strategic imperative. A robust governance framework ensures long-term sustainability, reduces reliance on core developers, and builds trust with users who value transparency.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is 1inch Network?
1inch Network is a decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator that sources liquidity from multiple DEXs to provide users with the best possible trading rates. It uses smart contract algorithms to split trades across various platforms, minimizing slippage and maximizing returns.
How much funding did 1inch raise?
1inch Network raised **$175 million** in its Series B funding round—an increase from its original $70 million target—driven by strong demand from institutional investors.
Who led the 1inch Series B round?
The round was led by Amber Group, with participation from over 50 investors including VanEck, Alameda Research, Celsius, and Gemini Frontier Fund.
What will the new funds be used for?
The capital will support team growth, protocol development, expansion of the 1INCH token’s utility, regulatory compliance efforts in key markets, and enhancement of the 1inch DAO’s decentralization.
Why is institutional adoption important for DeFi?
Institutional adoption brings large-scale capital, improved credibility, and long-term stability to DeFi ecosystems. Projects like 1inch are building compliant tools such as 1inch Pro to make it easier for banks, hedge funds, and asset managers to enter the space securely.
Is the 1INCH token available for public purchase?
Yes, the 1INCH token is publicly traded on major cryptocurrency exchanges. During the private sale round, institutional investors purchased it at $1.50; however, the public market price fluctuates based on supply and demand.
Looking Ahead: The Future of DeFi Aggregation
With this landmark funding round complete, 1inch Network is poised to expand its footprint in the global DeFi landscape. Its dual focus on institutional-grade solutions and community-driven governance sets it apart in a crowded field of DEX aggregators.
As blockchain technology evolves and cross-chain interoperability improves, platforms that can deliver seamless user experiences—while maintaining decentralization—will lead the next phase of Web3 adoption.
Whether you're an investor tracking top-performing DeFi projects or a developer exploring open-source protocols, 1inch represents a compelling case study in sustainable innovation.
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