Metalayer Ventures Launches $25 Million Fund for Early-Stage Blockchain Projects

Metalayer Ventures, a venture capital firm established by former executives from Chainlink and Two Sigma, has successfully launched a $25 million fund. This fund is specifically designed to support early-stage blockchain projects, with a particular focus on infrastructure and applications that will drive the next evolution of the global economy onchain. The firm aims to back visionary founders who are creating innovative solutions in the blockchain space, with a special emphasis on stablecoins and tokenization.

The launch of this fund signifies a strategic move by Metalayer Ventures to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the burgeoning world of blockchain technology. By targeting early-stage investments, the firm seeks to identify and nurture promising projects that have the potential to revolutionize various industries. The $25 million fund will provide the necessary capital and resources for these projects to develop and scale, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the global economy.

The decision to focus on stablecoins and tokenization reflects the growing importance of these technologies in the blockchain ecosystem. Stablecoins offer a stable store of value and a medium of exchange, making them an attractive option for both investors and users. Tokenization, on the other hand, enables the representation of real-world assets on the blockchain, opening up new possibilities for investment and ownership. By investing in these areas, Metalayer Ventures aims to support the development of a more robust and versatile blockchain infrastructure.

Metalayer Ventures plans to invest between $500,000 to $1 million in around 30 early-stage startups. The firm’s current portfolio includes AnchorZero, Crossover Markets, ClearToken, Ethena, Station70, and Theo. Additionally, Metalayer has invested in an unnamed "stealth-mode stablecoin infrastructure play."

Metalayer Ventures uses a proprietary data platform called Moirai for assessing investment targets. The system, developed by co-founder David Winton, gives the firm an edge by accessing metrics such as developer activity, protocol engagement, and blockchain transaction patterns that aren't readily available through conventional sourcing methods. This allows Metalayer to identify promising teams early, before they hit the typical venture radar, and assess qualified opportunities by complementing qualitative assessments with benchmarking metrics around protocol usage, adoption, and growth.

Winton’s colleagues include Andy Kangpan, the former digital asset lead at Two Sigma Ventures, and Mickey Graham, the former head of growth at Chainlink Labs. Metalayer raised funds from the founder and executives of Two Sigma, highlighting the strong backing and expertise behind the venture capital firm.