Part 7/12:
Armstrong recognized that Coinbase was more than just a platform — it was creating a bridge between two worlds: the traditional economy and the burgeoning crypto frontier. Despite Bitcoin's volatility, its value was steadily increasing, leading to broader acceptance as a means of payment.
However, rapid growth brought internal tensions. By 2020, internal disagreements surfaced, particularly over Coinbase’s role in societal issues. Following the George Floyd protests, some employees demanded the company take a public stance on social justice, pressing for alignment with broader societal values. Armstrong faced a leadership dilemma: embrace activism or focus on Coinbase’s core mission.