CME Ventures

CME Ventures is the strategic investment arm of CME Group, a leading global derivatives marketplace based in Chicago, United States. Established to identify, invest in, and partner with innovative companies, CME Ventures focuses on external minority equity investments. Its core mission is to foster innovation in technologies and solutions that are directly relevant to CME Group's global marketplaces, aiming to enhance its core business, expand its ecosystem, or create new market opportunities within the financial industry.

The firm primarily targets early-stage to growth-stage companies, aligning its investments with strategic areas critical to the future of financial markets. These focus areas include Financial Technology (FinTech), Data & Analytics, Blockchain & Distributed Ledger Technology, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and broader Market Infrastructure. By investing in these sectors, CME Ventures seeks to gain insights into emerging trends and technologies that could shape the derivatives and broader financial landscape.

CME Ventures has built a diverse portfolio, demonstrating its commitment to strategic innovation. As of late 2023, the firm has made approximately 24 investments, with one reported exit, according to public data. Notable companies in its portfolio include Axoni, Digital Asset, Zero Hash, and Blockdaemon, among others, often participating in significant funding rounds. For instance, CME Ventures participated in LedgerEdge's $17.5 million Series A round in late 2023, and Zero Hash's $105 million Series D round. While specific individual check sizes are not publicly disclosed, based on the types and sizes of the funding rounds they participate in, CME Ventures typically deploys first checks ranging from approximately $1 million for early-stage opportunities to up to $10 million for more mature, growth-stage companies.

This strategic investment approach allows CME Group to stay at the forefront of technological advancements and market evolution. By supporting promising startups, CME Ventures not only seeks financial returns but, more importantly, aims to cultivate partnerships and integrate innovations that can strengthen CME Group's position as a global leader in financial markets infrastructure.