Proof Group

# Proof Group: A New Model for Tech Investing

High-Level Overview

Proof Group is a private investment firm based in Menlo Park, California, focused on acquiring and revitalizing distressed technology and infrastructure companies—sometimes even from bankruptcy. The firm’s mission is to partner deeply with founders and builders, not just as capital providers but as active operators and strategic advisors. Proof Group’s investment philosophy centers on conviction, long-term partnership, and hands-on involvement, often stepping in during complex or messy situations where most investors hesitate. Their key sectors include fintech, blockchain infrastructure, AI compute, and novel protocols, with a particular emphasis on companies building foundational technologies that move money and process data at scale.

Proof Group has a significant impact on the startup ecosystem by helping founders navigate difficult exits, restructure failing ventures, and launch new projects from the ashes of previous ones. They provide not only capital but also operational support, liquidity, and access to institutional networks, enabling founders to build and scale in challenging environments. Their approach is especially valuable in the current tech landscape, where market volatility and regulatory uncertainty have created a wave of distressed assets and founder burnout.

Origin Story

Proof Group was founded by Noah Jessop, a seasoned operator and investor with deep roots in both traditional finance and the crypto ecosystem. Jessop previously sold Honeyminer to Core Scientific and played a key role in Facebook’s digital currency project. He assembled a team with extensive experience running critical infrastructure at Goldman Sachs, the CME, and major early crypto institutions, as well as scaling AI compute at large tech firms. The firm’s evolution reflects Jessop’s belief that the most valuable opportunities often arise in the aftermath of failure or crisis, and that the best way to create value is to become a true partner—not just a passive investor.

Proof Group’s focus on distressed tech and infrastructure emerged from Jessop’s firsthand experience with the challenges of scaling and exiting startups in volatile markets. The firm’s ability to step in during complex situations—whether bankruptcy, founder disputes, or regulatory hurdles—has become a defining feature of its identity and a source of competitive advantage.

Core Differentiators

• Unique Investment Model: Proof Group doesn’t just write checks; they become active partners, often taking operational roles and helping founders rebuild or pivot. They specialize in distressed assets and complex capital structures, making them a go-to for founders in crisis.
• Network Strength: The firm leverages deep connections with major financial institutions, crypto networks, and institutional funds, providing founders with access to liquidity, validators, and enterprise customers.
• Track Record: Proof Group has backed and operated infrastructure for some of the largest networks in crypto and fintech, and has helped founders launch new ventures from the remnants of failed companies.
• Operating Support: Beyond capital, Proof Group provides hands-on operational support, including running validators, providing liquidity, and connecting founders to institutional users.
• Long-Term Horizon: With a 10-year fund structure and a “forever” time horizon, Proof Group is built for patience and conviction, not short-term exits.

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Proof Group is riding the wave of market volatility and regulatory uncertainty that has swept through the tech and crypto sectors in recent years. As more startups face financial distress, founder burnout, and regulatory challenges, the demand for firms that can help navigate complex exits and rebuild ventures has surged. Proof Group’s ability to step in during these moments of crisis positions them as a stabilizing force in the ecosystem, helping to preserve value and accelerate innovation.

Their focus on infrastructure—especially in fintech, blockchain, and AI—aligns with broader trends toward decentralization, institutional adoption, and the need for robust, scalable systems. By supporting founders through uncertainty and providing operational expertise, Proof Group is helping to shape the next generation of tech companies and protocols.

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Proof Group is poised to play an increasingly important role in the tech ecosystem as market volatility and regulatory complexity continue to create opportunities for distressed asset investing and founder support. Their unique blend of operational expertise, institutional network, and long-term horizon gives them a distinct advantage in a landscape where most investors are risk-averse or short-term focused.

Looking ahead, Proof Group is likely to expand its footprint in both traditional fintech and emerging crypto infrastructure, while continuing to help founders navigate the messy realities of startup life. As the tech industry grapples with the aftermath of the recent boom-and-bust cycle, firms like Proof Group will be essential in preserving value, accelerating innovation, and ensuring that the next wave of breakthroughs can emerge from the ashes of the last. Their story is a reminder that sometimes, the most valuable partnerships are forged in the fire of crisis.