Archetype's $100M Fund Lays Rails for Blockchain Commerce Era

Archetype, a New York-based venture capital firm specializing in early-stage blockchain and decentralized technology, has closed its third fund, Archetype III, with over $100 million in commitments from institutional investors*Fortune*^[1]. The firm, founded in 2021, has previously raised $55 million and $155 million for its first two funds, capitalizing on the crypto industry’s cyclical bull marketsArchetype Media Release^[2]. This latest fund, the smallest in size compared to its predecessors, reflects a strategic shift toward securing high-conviction limited partners (LPs), with only one new LP joining the round*BusinessWire*^[3]. Institutional backers include funds of funds like Accolade Partners and TrueBridge Capital, as well as sovereign wealth funds and academic endowments*Cointelegraph*^[4].

Archetype’s investment thesis centers on blockchain’s potential to underpin global commerce, a vision articulated by founder and general partner Ash Egan. In an interview with Fortune, Egan compared the current state of blockchain to “post-AOL, pre-Uber” in the evolution of the internet, emphasizing its long-term transformative potential*Fortune*^[1]. The firm’s portfolio includes notable exits and strategic partnerships, such as Privy’s acquisition by Stripe and Hut 8’s collaboration with Eric Trump’s American Bitcoin. Archetype also holds direct investments in major blockchain networks, including over $10 million in Solana and $40 million in EthereumArchetype Media Release^[2].

The firm’s focus areas for Archetype III include onchain infrastructure, stablecoins, decentralized finance (DeFi), and consumer-facing crypto applications. Early investments in the fund span projects like Remix, a crypto- and AI-powered mobile gaming platform, and Relay, a decentralized social network*BusinessWire*^[3]. Egan highlighted the importance of building “killer products” to scale networks, a strategy that aligns with Archetype’s hands-on approach to supporting founders. The firm’s $350 million in total assets under management (AUM) underscores its role as a key player in the early-stage crypto ecosystem*Fortune*^[1].

The timing of Archetype III’s closure aligns with a broader industry upswing. Institutional interest in crypto has surged, with venture capital investment in the sector reaching $10.03 billion in Q2 2025, the highest level since Q1 2022*Cointelegraph*^[4]. Egan attributed this momentum to a “friendly regulatory atmosphere” and the maturation of blockchain applications, such as tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) and onchain social networks. The firm’s New York location further positions it as a hub for crypto innovation, with proximity to companies like Uniswap and Zora reinforcing its “Sand Hill Road of the next decade” visionArchetype Media Release^[2].

Archetype’s strategy contrasts with the speculative frenzies of past bull cycles. Egan emphasized a long-term approach, distributing around $10 million from its first fund to investors while retaining stakes in high-potential projects. This patience is critical in an industry marked by volatility, where early exits like Privy’s acquisition demonstrate the value of sustained support for startups*Fortune*^[1]. The firm’s track record and concentrated investment philosophy have attracted repeat LPs, including Accolade Partners and The Ether Machine, which praised Archetype’s ability to identify enduring trends*BusinessWire*^[3].

As crypto VC activity matures, Archetype’s third fund signals a shift toward projects with proven business models and scalable use cases. The firm’s focus on infrastructure and consumer applications aligns with broader industry trends, including the tokenization of traditional assets and the integration of AI-driven tools into blockchain ecosystems. With Archetype III’s capital deployed, the firm aims to accelerate the adoption of blockchain as the “commerce rails of the world,” a vision Egan described as the next phase of digital innovation*BusinessWire*^[3].