The news: Blockchain specialist ConsenSys scooped $450 million in a Series D round that values the US-based firm at over $7 billion, per a press release. Its valuation has more than doubled since its $200 million raise in November.

Here’s how it works: The Ethereum infrastructure builder aims to make it easier for users to access the emerging blockchain-based ecosystem, like DeFi services, NFT marketplaces, and the metaverse.

• ConsenSys’ crypto wallet MetaMask reaches over 30 million monthly active users, letting users mint and collect NFTs and take part in DeFi protocols.
• Funds raised will be converted to Ethereum and used to hire 600 new employees and expand MetaMask, with a major redesign scheduled for this year.

What this means: A second ConsenSys megaround in just five months highlights investors’ widespread interest in firms building the infrastructure to power cryptos and the metaverse.

• Crypto infrastructure funding is soaring: Blockchain developer Alchemy nabbed $200 million last month, and January saw crypto as a service platform Fireblocks raise $550 million, and Blockdaemon snag $207 million.
• Heavyweight investors are taking note: Microsoft participated in the funding round, joining stakeholders JPMorgan, Mastercard, and UBS. Financial institutions (FIs) and Big Tech firms clearly see the value in blockchain tech and many are seeking greater exposure to crypto trading.

What next for blockchain?

• Investor interest is partly driven by widely held views that the metaverse will be based on blockchain tech. This positions blockchain firms like ConsenSys as a crucial cog in the metaverse, predicted to be worth over $1 trillion by JPMorgan.
• NFTs already play an integral role in the metaverse, and since they are stored on a blockchain, firms like ConsenSys are key to their success and will benefit if their popularity continues.
• However consumers are still taking far less interest in the two areas: Almost half (49%) of US consumers don’t know what the metaverse is, while 58% of British consumers said the same, according to Klaviy surveys. It’s a similar story with NFTs: Half of Americans surveyed said they had no opinion on or were not even aware of them.

The big takeaway: ConsenSys’ raises show some investors are happy to wager on the Ethereum blockchain’s role in supporting the metaverse, crypto, and NFTs. The timeline for their payoff still depends on the rate of mainstream adoption. Currently, consumers are far from sold on the metaverse and NFTs while crypto is still dogged by volatility and image problems.