In the current landscape of fintech, billions remain unutilized on platforms that could earn yields via decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. However, effectively linking these platforms to on-chain lending and staking products demands intricate blockchain engineering, a task that many fintech companies are reluctant to pursue.
Ground, a new startup that launched on June 24, addresses this challenge by offering an API designed for fintechs, neobanks, wealth managers, and asset managers. This API allows them to access on-chain yield products without the need to manage blockchain infrastructure directly. The startup raised $3.6 million in a pre-seed funding round, co-led by Bain Capital Crypto and ParaFi, garnering support from notable investors including Nascent, Robot Ventures, Chapter One, and Consonant Ventures.
#What Capabilities Does Ground Offer?
Ground currently integrates with several prominent DeFi protocols, including Aave, Morpho, Maple, and Kamino. These partnerships encompass various blockchain networks—Ethereum, Solana, and multiple Layer 2 solutions—offering clients diverse yield opportunities across different platforms.
The business model operates on a usage-based fee structure, meaning the company's revenue increases as clients direct more capital through its services.
#Who Are the Innovators Behind Ground?
Ground was co-founded by Reid Cuming, who previously established Superstate, a tokenization platform that successfully raised $82.5 million in its Series B funding round. Although Cuming has stepped back from daily operations at Superstate, he maintains a role as a board member and senior advisor. Currently, Ground operates with a small team of just three full-time employees but plans to expand its workforce to meet anticipated demand for its middleware services.
The recent funding round utilized a SAFE structure that included token warrants. Fundraising commenced in September 2025 and concluded the following month, allowing Ground's team eight months to develop their product prior to launching it publicly.
#Why Is This Development Important Now?
Existing crypto yield aggregators often target users familiar with DeFi, who already possess wallets and understand associated risks. Unfortunately, such platforms fall short for regulated financial institutions that demand proper audit trails, KYC compliance, and clear explanations for yield sources. Ground aims to fill this critical gap by making DeFi accessible to a broader range of financial entities.
With the global asset management sector overseeing approximately $147 trillion, even a small allocation of these assets towards on-chain yield products could substantially transform the relationship between traditional finance and decentralized protocols.
The shift promises not only evolution within fintech but also wider acceptance and integration of blockchain technology within mainstream financial systems.
Investors seeking to understand or capitalize on this emergence should take note: the time may be ripe for new investment paradigms that embrace the efficiencies and opportunities presented by decentralized finance.