Curv
Curv was an Israeli digital asset security startup that developed a cloud-based institutional cryptocurrency custody platform using multi-party computation (MPC) cryptography to eliminate private key vulnerabilities in digital asset management.
Visit WebsiteCompany Overview
Curv developed a cloud-based digital asset custody and security platform built on multi-party computation (MPC) cryptography. Unlike traditional hardware security module (HSM) approaches that create single points of failure around private keys, Curv's MPC-based architecture mathematically distributed key material across multiple parties so that no single key ever existed in its entirety—eliminating the fundamental vulnerability of hardware-based custody.
Commercially, Curv competed in the institutional digital asset custody market alongside Fireblocks, BitGo, Ledger, and Unbound Security. Founded in 2018 in Tel Aviv by Itay Malinger (CEO) and Dan Yadlin (CTO), the company raised $30M from investors including Team8, Digital Currency Group, Coinbase Ventures, and Franklin Templeton. In March 2021, PayPal acquired Curv as part of its strategy to expand cryptocurrency capabilities, integrating Curv's MPC technology into PayPal's digital asset infrastructure.
From a defense and national security perspective, MPC cryptography is directly relevant to secure communications, key management, and data protection in military and intelligence environments. The ability to distribute cryptographic operations across multiple parties without any single point of compromise addresses critical requirements for military key management, secure multi-party protocols, and classified communications protection. Additionally, digital asset tracking and custody capabilities support counter-terrorism finance and sanctions enforcement operations.
Dual-Use Assessment
Multi-party computation cryptography directly applies to military secure communications, distributed key management, and classified data protection. Digital asset custody capabilities support counter-terrorism finance and sanctions enforcement.
Key Technologies
- Multi-party computation (MPC) for distributed key management
- Cloud-based institutional digital asset custody
- Keyless cryptography architecture (no single private key)
- Policy engine for multi-party transaction authorization
- Hardware security module (HSM)-free secure custody
- Blockchain-agnostic digital asset support
Use Cases & Applications
- Institutional cryptocurrency custody and management
- Secure multi-party transaction authorization
- Digital asset operations for exchanges and financial institutions
- MPC-based distributed key management for sensitive environments
- Military/intelligence secure communications and key management (dual-use)
- Counter-terrorism finance digital asset tracking and control (dual-use)
Strategic Value to U.S.-Israel Alliance
MPC cryptography is foundational for next-generation military secure communications and key management. Distributed key operations without single points of compromise address critical defense requirements for classified communications protection.
Interested in this startup?
Learn more about our investment approach or get in touch to discuss opportunities in dual-use technology.