GK8
GK8 was an Israeli digital asset security startup that developed a self-managed institutional-grade custody platform for cryptocurrencies and digital assets, featuring air-gapped cold vault technology and MPC-based hot wallet security.
Visit WebsiteCompany Overview
GK8 built an institutional digital asset custody platform combining a patented air-gapped cold vault (capable of creating blockchain transactions without any internet connectivity) with MPC-secured hot wallets for real-time operations. The platform enabled banks, exchanges, and institutional investors to securely store and manage digital assets with military-grade security while maintaining operational flexibility for trading and DeFi participation.
Commercially, GK8 competed in the institutional crypto custody market alongside Fireblocks, Curv (acquired by PayPal), and BitGo. Founded in 2018 in Tel Aviv by Lior Lamesh (CEO, former Israeli Intelligence Corps cybersecurity specialist) and Shahar Shamai (CTO), the company raised approximately $4M in seed funding from Blocktree Capital and other investors. In 2022, Galaxy Digital acquired GK8 for a reported $115M, integrating the custody technology into Galaxy's institutional digital asset services.
From a defense and national security perspective, air-gapped cryptographic vault technology and secure digital asset management are directly relevant to military communications security, classified key management, and government digital asset/CBDC infrastructure. The ability to execute cryptographic operations without internet connectivity is a core requirement for secure military communications and classified information systems.
Dual-Use Assessment
Air-gapped cryptographic vault technology directly applies to military key management and classified communications security. Secure digital asset custody supports government CBDC infrastructure and defense cryptographic operations without internet connectivity.
Key Technologies
- Patented air-gapped cold vault for offline transaction signing
- MPC-based hot wallet security for real-time operations
- Hardware security module (HSM) integration
- Multi-blockchain support for digital asset management
- DeFi-compatible institutional custody architecture
- Tokenization and digital asset lifecycle management
Use Cases & Applications
- Institutional digital asset custody and management
- Air-gapped cryptocurrency cold storage for exchanges and banks
- MPC-secured hot wallet operations for trading
- Digital asset tokenization and lifecycle management
- Military cryptographic key management in air-gapped environments (dual-use)
- Government CBDC infrastructure security (dual-use)
Strategic Value to U.S.-Israel Alliance
Air-gapped cryptographic operations are critical for military communications and classified systems. Secure digital asset management technology supports emerging government CBDC and defense blockchain initiatives.
Interested in this startup?
Learn more about our investment approach or get in touch to discuss opportunities in dual-use technology.