Anchorage Launches VC Unit to Back Early-Stage Blockchain Infrastructure

Anchorage Digital, a leading digital asset custodian, has launched a new venture capital unit, Anchorage Digital Ventures, to support early-stage blockchain infrastructure projects. The initiative is designed to help shape the next generation of protocols by providing funding, technical guidance, and institutional support to startups developing core blockchain technology [1]. The VC unit aims to make these protocols "institutional-ready from day one" by offering more than just capital—teams will also benefit from access to Anchorage’s client network, liquidity support, and mentorship from its engineering and go-to-market teams [2].

The venture arm is prioritizing projects in key areas such as Bitcoin DeFi, tokenized real-world assets, decentralized identity, and tools that facilitate institutional adoption of blockchain technology. CEO Nathan McCauley emphasized that the protocols being developed today will define how value moves through the global economy in the future [2]. The initiative reflects a strategic expansion for Anchorage, which has traditionally focused on secure storage and management of digital assets. Now, it is taking a more active role in the innovation layer of the blockchain stack [1].

Anchorage Digital Ventures is entering a market where institutional players are increasingly establishing in-house venture arms to support the development of foundational infrastructure. This trend includes major names such as Coinbase Ventures and Circle Ventures, both of which have made significant investments in blockchain projects aligned with their own ecosystems [1]. By aligning with early-stage protocol developers, Anchorage aims to build tighter integration between institutions and blockchain innovation, potentially shaping the future of finance.

Selected projects will receive seed support and direct mentorship from Anchorage’s engineering and business teams. A private demo day will be held at Token2049 in Singapore this October, where finalists will present to industry leaders before receiving grants [2]. This event represents a key milestone in Anchorage’s effort to connect institutional resources with the next wave of blockchain development.

The move underscores a broader shift in the crypto industry, where institutional custodians are no longer just passive storage providers but are actively engaging in the development and funding of new technologies. This evolution could lead to stronger, more secure infrastructure for digital asset markets over time [2].

By launching its venture capital unit, Anchorage Digital is reinforcing its position as a foundational player in the blockchain ecosystem and aligning itself with the long-term trajectory of decentralized finance [1].

Source:

[1] Coindoo (https://coindoo.com/crypto-bank-anchorage-launches-vc-unit-to-back-next-gen-protocols/)

[2] PANews (https://www.panewslab.com/en/articles/d45f757b-da44-4162-99a7-d00e5b46a35f)