Founders and early development
Kraken was founded in 2011. Company materials identify Jesse Powell and Thanh Luu as founders. Kraken’s own account connects its early development to lessons drawn from the risks facing early Bitcoin exchanges.
The founding date is distinct from the exchange’s public launch: Kraken’s anniversary timeline places the launch in 2013.
Spot markets and trading tools
After launch, Kraken added trading markets and tools as crypto assets developed. Its timeline records the acquisition of charting and trading platform Cryptowatch in 2017.
These milestones reflect a broadening product range; historical availability does not mean a given product remains available in every jurisdiction.
Futures through Crypto Facilities
In 2019, Kraken announced the acquisition of Crypto Facilities, a derivatives platform and index provider. The acquisition added a futures business alongside Kraken’s existing spot-trading activities.
Futures can carry different risks and restrictions from spot products. Users should review the provider, contract terms, and eligibility before trading.
Sources
- Kraken: Company history and milestones (opens in a new tab)
- Kraken: Founders Jesse Powell and Thanh Luu (opens in a new tab)
- Kraken: Crypto Facilities acquisition (2019) (opens in a new tab)
