Anchorage Digital Ventures Aims to Shape Future of On-Chain Infrastructure

Anchorage Digital, the crypto custody platform once valued at $3 billion in its 2021 Series D funding round, has launched a new venture capital unit known as Anchorage Digital Ventures (ADV). The initiative aims to provide early-stage on-chain protocols with both financial and strategic support, with a focus on teams developing foundational infrastructure, novel primitives, and solutions addressing institutional challenges in the crypto space [1].

The new unit builds upon a broader trend in the crypto industry where major infrastructure firms are establishing venture arms to support early-stage development. For example, Coinbase Ventures and Circle Ventures have been active in funding startups within the crypto ecosystem [1]. Anchorage Digital’s venture program distinguishes itself by offering more than just capital—selected teams will receive one-on-one guidance from Anchorage’s product and engineering teams, as well as access to liquidity strategies and market-making resources. These tools are intended to help protocols become "institutional-ready from day one" [1].

According to Nathan McCauley, co-founder and CEO of Anchorage Digital, the protocols that emerge today will significantly shape how value is transferred in the global economy. The venture unit is particularly interested in projects focused on Bitcoin DeFi, real-world asset tokenization, and decentralized identity—areas that have the potential to form the core of future on-chain systems [1].

Applications for the venture program are currently open, and a select group of founders will be invited to participate in a demo day at Token2049 in Singapore in October 2025. Grant recipients will be announced on a rolling basis [1]. Anchorage Digital’s investment approach is described as "modest" in terms of financial commitment, but the strategic support and access to institutional networks could provide significant advantages to early-stage teams.

The launch of Anchorage Digital Ventures comes at a time when broader crypto venture capital activity remains subdued despite recent market rallies [1]. The decision to expand into venture funding aligns with the company's history of pioneering initiatives in the digital asset space, including becoming the first U.S. crypto platform to receive a federal bank charter. The company’s new venture unit is expected to play a key role in fostering innovation while ensuring that emerging protocols meet the high standards required for institutional adoption [1].

Source: [1] Anchorage Digital launches venture unit to back early-stage onchain protocols (https://www.theblock.co/post/368138/crypto-unicorn-anchorage-digital-launches-venture-unit-to-back-early-stage-onchain-protocols) [2] Anchorage Digital Enters VC Business (https://www.crowdfundinsider.com/2025/08/248224-anchorage-digital-enters-vc-business) [3] Anchorage Digital launches Anchorage Digital Ventures, a venture capital firm (https://www.odaily.news/en/newsflash/445010)