ARK Bets Big on Crypto’s Future with Bullish and Robinhood Swoop

ARK Invest has made significant new investments in the cryptocurrency sector, with the ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) acquiring $21.2 million worth of Bullish (BLSH) shares and $16.2 million in Robinhood (HOOD) shares on August 19, 2025. These purchases reflect a broader strategy by the firm to increase its exposure to companies operating within the crypto ecosystem, particularly those with strong market performance and long-term growth potential [2]. The ARK Innovation ETF now holds 1,165,397 shares of Bullish, valued at approximately $73.85 million, marking a substantial increase in its stake in the exchange operator [2]. This follows an initial allocation of over 2.5 million shares across three ETFs at the time of Bullish’s debut, highlighting the firm’s confidence in the company’s trajectory [2].

Robinhood has also emerged as a consistent holding for Ark Invest, with the firm continuing its three-day consecutive buying spree on August 20. On Tuesday, Ark added 150,908 Robinhood shares at a closing price of $107.50, bringing the total value of the purchase to approximately $16.2 million. This follows $14 million in purchases on Monday and $9 million on Friday, reinforcing Ark’s growing commitment to the platform [2]. The increased investment aligns with the firm’s broader thesis on the convergence of financial services and digital innovation, with both Bullish and Robinhood positioned as key players in the evolving market landscape.

The ARK Innovation ETF, which focuses on long-term capital growth, is an actively-managed fund that invests primarily in companies linked to disruptive innovation, both domestically and internationally. It is designed to allocate at least 65% of its assets to equity securities in this space, with the potential to include foreign markets and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) or Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) as part of its portfolio [3]. The fund’s non-diversified nature allows it to maintain concentrated positions in companies with high growth potential, such as those in the cryptocurrency and fintech sectors.

The recent purchases of Bullish and Robinhood shares represent a strategic move by Ark Invest to capitalize on market volatility and long-term trends in the financial technology and crypto industries. The firm has demonstrated a willingness to take larger positions in companies that it views as pivotal to the future of digital finance, and these acquisitions suggest continued alignment with that approach. The investments also highlight the firm’s belief in the resilience and growth potential of these platforms, particularly in light of recent market conditions and investor behavior.

With Bullish and Robinhood continuing to attract attention in both retail and institutional markets, Ark’s purchases indicate a strong endorsement of their respective business models and market positions. The firm’s ongoing investment in these companies underscores its broader strategy to identify and support innovative firms poised for long-term success. As the crypto and fintech sectors continue to evolve, Ark’s actions may signal a broader shift in capital allocation toward companies that are redefining traditional financial services [2].

Source: [1] ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) stock price, news, quote and history (https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/quote/ARKK/) [2] Ark Invest Buys $21.2M of Bullish Shares and $16.2M ... (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/08/20/ark-invest-buys-usd21-2m-of-bullish-shares-and-usd16-2m-robinhood-shares) [3] ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) - US News Money (https://money.usnews.com/funds/etfs/mid-cap-growth/ark-innovation-etf/arkk)