Binance-backed onchain analytics firm CertiK is planning an initial public offering, according to co-founder Ronghui Gu.
“We still do not have a very concrete IPO plan. But this is definitely the goal we are pursuing,” Gu, who is also an associate professor of computer science at Columbia University, told Acumen Media during an interview at Davos this week.
CertiK last raised capital at a $2 billion valuation in 2022, in an $88 million Series B3 round co-led by Insight Partners, Tiger Global, and Advent International. Gu noted that Binance was CertiK’s first and is currently its largest financial backer, and it has raised funds from firms like Coinbase and Softbank.
“People are still looking forward to IPOs from Web3 native companies, especially web3 infrastructure companies like Certik,” Gu said, noting the aim is to become the “first public web3 cybersecurity firm.”
Founded in 2018, New York-based CertiK audits blockchain smart contracts and works with crypto firms to secure their products. Gu said the firm has worked with over 5,000 clients and has audited code securing about $600 billion in assets.
Earlier this month, CertiK announced a strategic partnership with Binance founder Changpeng Zhao’s family office YZi Labs. Gu said Binance recently made an “eight-figure investment” in the firm.
CertiK has faced several controversies over nearly a decade in operation, perhaps most recently after it was criticized for auditing code for Huione Guarantee, a Cambodian marketplace linked to human trafficking.
© 2026 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
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