Prediction Market Polymarket Secures Backing From Donald Trump Jr.’s 1789 Capital

Trump Jr.’s 1789 Capital Takes Stake in Polymarket, Joins Advisory Board

Donald Trump Jr.’s venture firm, 1789 Capital, has invested tens of millions of dollars in blockchain-based prediction platform Polymarket, according to a press release. As part of the deal, Trump Jr. will also serve on the company’s advisory board.

The move highlights 1789 Capital’s strategy to expand into crypto infrastructure and alternative finance tools. Axios reported that discussions between the two sides had been ongoing for more than 18 months.

Polymarket, which lets users bet on the outcomes of elections, geopolitical events, and court decisions, has emerged as one of the largest players in the space. The platform handled more than $8 billion in wagers during the last U.S. election cycle, surpassing traffic levels at sports betting giants like FanDuel, DraftKings, and Betfair.

The firm is also finalizing a $200 million funding round led by Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund, which will push its valuation to around $1 billion.

While U.S. residents are currently blocked from using Polymarket’s betting markets due to regulatory restrictions, its recent acquisition of derivatives exchange QCEX — licensed by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) — could allow it to eventually operate in the U.S. market.

Prediction markets have drawn renewed attention for their speed and accuracy in reflecting sentiment compared with traditional polling. They are increasingly seen as real-time barometers of political and economic expectations.

For Trump Jr., the investment aligns with 1789 Capital’s mission of promoting “American dynamism,” a term embraced in conservative venture circles to emphasize domestic innovation and self-reliance.