Ark Invest Bets Big on Bullish, Robinhood as Crypto's Future Takes Shape

Ark Invest has continued its aggressive investment in crypto-related assets, purchasing $21.2 million in shares of Bullish and $16.2 million in shares of Robinhood Markets on August 19, 2025. The purchases were made through its ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) and represent part of a broader strategy to increase exposure to companies operating in the digital asset space. The move builds on a previous $172 million investment in Bullish shares following the crypto exchange’s debut on the New York Stock Exchange [1].

According to the firm’s latest disclosures, the ARK Innovation ETF now holds 1,165,397 shares of Bullish, valued at approximately $73.85 million. The latest addition of 356,346 shares to its holdings on August 19 reflects Ark Invest’s continued confidence in Bullish’s long-term potential [1]. The investment follows a pattern of substantial interest in the crypto sector, with Ark having previously acquired more than 2.5 million Bullish shares across three ETFs on the exchange’s first trading day, when the stock was valued at over $170 million [1].

Similarly, Ark Invest added 150,908 Robinhood shares on August 19, marking the third consecutive trading day of purchases in the stock. This purchase increased Ark’s holding of Robinhood shares to 4.09% of its ARK Innovation ETF portfolio. The firm previously acquired $14 million and $9 million in Robinhood shares on Monday and Friday of the same week, respectively [2]. These purchases suggest a sustained commitment to the platform, which remains one of Ark’s most consistent crypto-adjacent holdings.

Market reactions to the investments were mixed. On the day of the purchases, both Bullish and Robinhood shares declined. Bullish closed at $59.51, down 6.09% for the day, while Robinhood ended at $107.50, a 6.54% drop [3]. The broader crypto-related market also experienced a downturn, with Coinbase Global declining 5.82% and Galaxy Digital falling 10.06%. The Nasdaq Composite was also down 1.46% on the same day [3].

The strategic shift toward crypto-related assets by Ark Invest aligns with broader industry trends. Other crypto firms, such as Gemini and OKX, have also shown interest in going public, with some, like FalconX and Kraken, reportedly in early stages of planning IPOs [4]. Ark Invest has also maintained a significant position in other crypto-related assets, including more than 4.2 million shares of Circle, valued at over $626 million, and substantial holdings in Coinbase and eToro [4].

The latest transactions highlight Ark Invest’s continued focus on digital asset infrastructure and platforms. As the crypto sector continues to evolve, the firm’s investment decisions reflect a long-term strategy centered on innovation and market leadership in the space. The move to increase stakes in Bullish and Robinhood may also signal growing institutional interest in the crypto ecosystem, potentially encouraging further market activity and investment.

Source:

[1] Ark Invest Buys $21.2M of Bullish Shares and $16.2M Robinhood Shares (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/08/20/ark-invest-buys-usd21-2m-of-bullish-shares-and-usd16-2m-robinhood-shares)

[2] Ark Invest Buys $14M in Robinhood Shares (https://coinmarketcap.com/academy/article/ark-invest-buys-dollar14m-in-robinhood-shares)

[3] Ark Invest buys $21 million in Bullish and $16 ... (https://www.theblock.co/post/367564/ark-invest-buys-bullish-robinhood)

[4] Cathie Wood's Ark Invest Buys $177 Million in Bullish Shares ... (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cathie-woods-ark-invest-buys-191152419.html)