Decentralized prediction platform Polymarket is reportedly on the verge of closing a $200 million funding round, a move that would catapult the company’s valuation past the $1 billion mark, according to a report from The Information. The fresh capital injection is expected to power Polymarket’s ongoing expansion efforts and regulatory alignment strategies, especially in light of its growing influence in global prediction markets.
Polymarket Funding Rounds
Polymarket made headlines earlier in 2024 with two major funding rounds in May, totaling $70 million. The $25 million Series A round was led by General Catalyst and included high-profile investors such as Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia and crypto investment giant Polychain. The subsequent $45 million Series B was spearheaded by Founders Fund, with Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin also backing the platform.
These funding rounds followed Polymarket’s initial seed round in October 2020, which raised $4 million and laid the groundwork for its rapid growth.
| Round | Date | Amount | Lead Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seed | Oct 2020 | $4M | Polychain, others |
| Series A | May 2024 | $25M | General Catalyst, Gebbia |
| Series B | May 2024 | $45M | Founders Fund, Vitalik Buterin |
| Pending | June 2025 | $200M+ | Founders Fund (expected) |
Surge in Popularity During 2024 U.S. Elections
Polymarket gained massive traction during the 2024 U.S. presidential election cycle, with more than $3.3 billion wagered on key political outcomes. The platform’s prediction markets—ranging from candidate withdrawals to vice presidential picks—drew intense attention and were even cited in mainstream media reports.
Notably, Polymarket’s odds often diverged from traditional polling, raising discussions about the platform’s influence and the potential role of high-stakes bettors. This discrepancy sparked wider debates about the predictive power of decentralized markets versus conventional methodologies.
Regulatory Focus and U.S. Market Ambitions
In a strategic regulatory move, Polymarket appointed former CFTC Chairman J. Christopher Giancarlo to lead its advisory board in May 2022. This signaled a clear pivot toward compliance and long-term ambitions of operating more openly within U.S. jurisdictions.
However, due to regulatory limitations, the platform has continued to operate offshore for U.S.-specific prediction markets, particularly around elections. Polymarket previously settled with the CFTC and has remained under watchful eyes as discussions on prediction markets and gambling laws evolve in the U.S.
What’s Next for Polymarket?
With a $200 million round on the horizon and major backers in tow, Polymarket is positioning itself not only as a leader in blockchain-based prediction markets but also as a potential regulatory pioneer. If the deal closes as expected, Polymarket will join the elite group of crypto unicorns, cementing its role in shaping the future of decentralized forecasting.
