Pantera Capital Appoints Marco Santori as General Partner to Expand Cryptocurrency Portfolio

Pantera Capital, a prominent venture capital firm focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, has announced the appointment of Marco Santori as a General Partner. Santori, who previously served as the Chief Legal Officer at Kraken from 2020 to January 2025, brings a wealth of experience in regulatory compliance and legal frameworks within the digital asset space. His role at Pantera will involve expanding the firm's cryptocurrency asset investment portfolio, leveraging his expertise to navigate the complex legal landscape of the industry.

Santori's career in the cryptocurrency sector has been marked by significant milestones. Prior to his tenure at Kraken, he held the position of Chief Legal Officer at Blockchain.com and was instrumental in designing the compliant token issuance framework known as SAFT. His involvement in congressional hearings as an industry representative and his advisory roles in multiple projects further underscore his deep understanding of the regulatory environment. This background positions him as a valuable asset for Pantera, which aims to capitalize on the growing institutional interest in blockchain technology and digital assets.

The appointment comes at a critical juncture for the cryptocurrency market. As the industry matures, the need for regulatory compliance and legal expertise has become increasingly important. Santori's experience in dealing with securities laws, token structures, and exchange compliance will be instrumental in helping Pantera identify projects with long-term viability. This strategic move aligns with the firm's goal of focusing on high-regulation projects involving tokenized assets, decentralized finance, and infrastructure services that require substantial regulatory support.

The trend of lawyers specializing in corporate compliance taking on investment opportunities in cryptocurrency markets highlights the evolving nature of the industry. Firms are increasingly seeking leaders who can blend expertise in innovative product development strategies with a deep understanding of regulatory requirements. Pantera's hiring of Santori demonstrates a strategic approach to accessing legally complex investment opportunities, positioning the firm as a leader in the upcoming investment waves.

Overall, the appointment of Marco Santori as General Partner at Pantera Capital is a strategic business move that reflects the contemporary realities within digital asset investments. By combining expertise in technology, finance, and law, Pantera is well-positioned to establish a benchmark for succeeding in crypto investments in the next generation. This move underscores the firm's commitment to navigating the complex legal landscape of the industry and capitalizing on the growing institutional interest in blockchain technology and digital assets.