Coinbase has taken a major step toward expanding its decentralized trading capabilities with the acquisition of Vector.fun, a fast-growing Solana-based decentralized exchange known for memecoin activity and social trading tools.
Key Highlights
- Coinbase buys Solana DEX Vector.fun to broaden its service offerings.
- The acquisition gives Coinbase deeper access to the Solana network.
- Crypto M&A activity hits record levels as leading exchanges accelerate expansion.
Vector.fun Integration Strengthens Coinbase’s DEX Expansion Strategy
According to a report from Fortune, Coinbase executive Max Branzburg confirmed the acquisition, though the purchase price has not been disclosed. The deal is expected to close before the end of the year.
This marks one of Coinbase’s most aggressive expansion moves of 2025. Vector.fun’s Solana-based platform enables ultra-fast token trading with an interface built for ease of use and real-time bet tracking. Coinbase plans to shut down the Vector.fun apps but will keep all 13 of the company’s employees. Its technology will be integrated directly into the main Coinbase app.
The move aligns with Coinbase’s long-term strategy of becoming an “everything exchange.” Coinbase already offers access to decentralized liquidity through Base, its own blockchain, but until now, those features were limited.
Coinbase Accelerates Deal-Making in 2025
By integrating Vector.fun, Coinbase gains the ability to provide Solana trading options without users leaving its platform. Branzburg said the goal is to give customers access to a wider range of assets while maintaining a seamless, familiar interface.
This deal adds to Coinbase’s growing list of 2025 acquisitions. It is the company’s ninth purchase this year, making 2025 one of its busiest years for corporate deals. Coinbase previously explored a $2 billion acquisition of stablecoin issuer BVNK, though those discussions ended.
Earlier in the year, Coinbase bought Deribit for $2.9 billion and the ICO platform Echo for $375 million. These moves have been supported by the company’s strong profitability throughout 2024 and 2025 after surviving prior market downturns.
Crypto Industry Consolidation Hits Record Levels
The broader crypto sector is also undergoing rapid consolidation. Ripple recently acquired GTreasury for $1 billion, while Kraken purchased NinjaTrader for $1.5 billion.
Architect Partners reported that Q3 2025 recorded over $10 billion in crypto-related M&A activity — the highest ever for a single quarter. Coinbase’s acquisition of Vector.fun signals its intention to lead the next phase of exchange evolution by merging centralized stability with decentralized reach.
