Kraken Ventures

Kraken Ventures is the independent venture capital arm associated with the prominent cryptocurrency exchange, Kraken. Launched to capitalize on the burgeoning digital asset ecosystem, the firm primarily targets early-stage companies operating at the intersection of fintech, blockchain, and Web3 technologies. Their investment thesis centers on supporting innovative projects that are building foundational infrastructure, decentralized applications, and financial services within the evolving crypto economy.

The firm successfully closed its inaugural fund, Kraken Ventures Fund I, at $65 million in April 2022, exceeding its initial target of $50 million. This capital pool is dedicated to backing promising startups from seed to Series A rounds, indicating a commitment to nurturing companies from their formative stages. The fund's strategic positioning allows it to leverage Kraken's deep industry expertise and network, providing portfolio companies with not just capital but also strategic guidance and potential access to a vast user base.

Kraken Ventures typically deploys initial checks ranging from $250,000 to $3 million, aligning with its focus on early-stage investments. This flexible range allows them to participate in various deal sizes within their target stages. The firm aims to build a diversified portfolio of 20 to 30 companies, reflecting a strategy to spread risk while identifying high-potential ventures. Their investment approach often involves active participation, offering operational support and strategic insights to help founders navigate the complexities of the crypto and fintech landscapes.

Notable investments from their portfolio include infrastructure providers like Blockdaemon, digital asset custodians such as Anchorage Digital, and data analytics platforms like Messari, showcasing their broad interest across the crypto value chain. Kraken Ventures seeks to be a value-add investor, leveraging its affiliation with one of the industry's leading exchanges to provide unique advantages to its portfolio companies.