Maelstrom Eyes $250M Private Equity Crypto Fund Raise

Background: Maelstrom Launches Crypto Investment Initiative

Maelstrom, a family office connected to BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes, is reportedly aiming to raise $250 million for a private equity fund dedicated to acquiring crypto companies. According to Cointelegraph, citing a Bloomberg report, the fund plans to purchase stakes in as many as six firms, with $40 million to $75 million earmarked for each acquisition.

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The initiative reflects growing interest among private equity players to re-enter the cryptocurrency sector after a period of declining investment, largely attributed to the 2022 FTX exchange collapse. Maelstrom’s focus reportedly centers on companies offering trading infrastructure and analytics platforms, which are considered pivotal in the ongoing evolution of digital asset markets.

Leadership and Strategy

The private equity fund will be co-led by Maelstrom co-founder and managing partner Akshat Vaidya, with Arthur Hayes and newly appointed partner Adam Schlegel also at the helm. Vaidya explained that investors are seeking “exposure to the high-cash flow, high-growth crypto sector but lack the capabilities in-house to do this themselves,” as quoted in Bloomberg and reported via Cointelegraph.

The fund is targeting completion of its $250 million capital raise by September 2026. While the selection criteria are yet to be publicly detailed, the strategy is tailored to capitalize on market opportunities created by the renewed appetite for institutional involvement in cryptocurrency markets.

Arthur Hayes, who co-founded BitMEX, stepped down as CEO in 2020 following charges linked to alleged violations of the US Bank Secrecy Act. He and three other BitMEX executives received pardons from US President Donald Trump in March 2024, clearing legal hurdles for further industry participation.

Market Reaction and Industry Context

Maelstrom’s move aligns with a broader resurgence of private equity interest in the crypto industry. Major sector acquisitions this year include Ripple Labs’ $1 billion takeover of GTreasury, Ripple’s $1.25 billion purchase of prime broker Hidden Road, and Coinbase’s $2.9 billion agreement to acquire Deribit, an options trading platform.

The rise of funds like Maelstrom’s shows renewed optimism in institutional cryptocurrency investment. Analysts note these deals signal confidence in the long-term viability of the digital assets sector, even after challenges such as the 2022 FTX collapse.

For further background on crypto sector trends and major investment moves, visit the Vizi cryptocurrency section.

What’s Next for Maelstrom and Crypto Investing?

As Maelstrom advances its fundraising efforts, the success of this $250 million private equity crypto fund will likely serve as a bellwether for similar vehicles seeking to enter or expand within the digital assets arena. With the fund’s completion targeted for September 2026, industry observers will be monitoring acquisition outcomes and the impact on crypto trading infrastructure and analytics platforms.

Given the recent history of major deals and high-profile investor participation, the performance of Maelstrom’s initiative may indicate whether the resurgence in private equity interest is sustainable over the long term.