On January 8, 2025, it was announced that Roam, a blockchain browser and search engine developer, has been acquired by Coinbase, as reported by Paragraph.xyz. This strategic move aims to accelerate Coinbase’s expansion into on-chain consumer business. Roam’s founding team, consisting of CEO Xen Baynham-Herd, CTO Ali Fathalian, and CPO John Granata, will transition to Coinbase to contribute to this growth.
Details:
Roam, known for its commitment to building a mobile browser tailored for the future of blockchain internet, has decided to close down its existing products to focus entirely on supporting Coinbase. The team has expressed their dedication to fostering an open, verifiable, and permissionless internet future. With their expertise, they aim to enhance Coinbase’s capabilities in providing innovative on-chain experiences to users.
Team Introductions:
Xen Baynham-Herd (CEO): A seasoned start-up founder with a background in finance and technology, Xen Baynham-Herd has been instrumental in guiding Roam’s vision. Before joining Coinbase, he was known for his strategic leadership at NewCo, contributing significantly to its growth and partnerships, as noted on his LinkedIn profile.
Ali Fathalian (CTO): Prior to his role at Roam, Ali Fathalian was an Assistant Professor at Razi University, specializing in Condensed Matter Physics, Optics, and Plasma Physics. His research into electronic properties of semiconductor nanotubes indicates his deep understanding of technology, which he will bring to Coinbase to innovate in the blockchain space.
John Granata (CPO): Although less detailed information is available about John Granata, as CPO of Roam, he played a crucial role in product development, focusing on creating user-centric solutions for blockchain interactions. His transition to Coinbase will likely involve enhancing product strategy to support open financial systems.
With these key members joining Coinbase, the company anticipates significant advancements in its blockchain offerings, reinforcing its position in the open finance ecosystem.
