Katie Haun, the former federal prosecutor turned crypto venture capitalist, is once again making headlines as she prepares to raise $1 billion for two new cryptocurrency-focused funds. According to individuals familiar with the matter, Haun Ventures is on track to close this latest round of fundraising by June, positioning itself as one of the largest capital-raising efforts in the digital asset space over the past two years.
Haun, who first launched her firm in 2022 at the height of the previous crypto bull run, initially made waves by securing $1.5 billion—a record-breaking debut for a first-time female VC. That capital was split between a $500 million fund dedicated to early-stage projects and a $1 billion fund aimed at later-stage ventures. Noteworthy investments from that round included the stablecoin startup Bridge, later acquired by Stripe, and the NFT marketplace Zora.
This time, Haun Ventures will maintain a similar structure, dividing the $1 billion evenly between early-stage and late-stage investments. Market insiders suggest that despite targeting a smaller overall raise compared to its 2022 haul, the firm is already seeing strong demand, with expectations that both funds will be oversubscribed.
Katie Haun’s entrance into the crypto world was anything but conventional. Before stepping into venture capital, she built a distinguished career as a prosecutor, working on prominent blockchain-related cases. One of her most notable roles was leading the investigation that brought down corrupt federal agents who had siphoned off crypto assets during the probe of Silk Road, the infamous dark web marketplace. Her experience in the Justice Department later paved the way to a board seat at Coinbase and a general partner role at Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto division, before launching Haun Ventures independently.
The timing of her first fundraise proved challenging. Shortly after closing her debut funds, the crypto market plummeted, exacerbated by the dramatic collapse of FTX in November 2022. However, Haun’s firm avoided exposure to FTX, unlike some of its peers, including Paradigm and Sequoia. Nevertheless, she faced the delicate task of managing a substantial war chest during one of the industry’s toughest periods.
Haun Ventures adopted a cautious approach, deploying only 30% of its initial capital by mid-2023. Many of its limited partners supported this strategy, appreciating the firm’s restraint amid uncertain conditions. Now, with much of the initial capital committed, Haun is ready to take advantage of renewed momentum in the sector.
Her latest fundraising effort comes at a pivotal time. The crypto industry has seen fresh regulatory support under President Trump’s administration, which has championed crypto-friendly policies and pushed forward favorable legislation. Yet, market volatility persists, with macroeconomic pressures—some stemming from Trump’s own economic agenda—keeping top cryptocurrency prices in flux.
Despite maintaining a relatively low profile at public crypto events, Haun has remained politically engaged. She publicly celebrated the SEC’s decision to drop its lawsuit against Coinbase and has actively participated in political fundraising, including hosting events for key congressional figures.
Haun Ventures continues to focus heavily on infrastructure projects, with investments in leading firms like Bridge, BVNK, Chainalysis, and Fireblocks. The firm experienced notable departures last year, losing key figures such as Chris Lehane and Sam Rosenblum, though it also added new leadership, including Anchorage cofounder Diogo Mónica.
As the digital asset landscape continues to evolve, Haun’s next chapter appears poised to shape the future trajectory of crypto venture capital.
By Alejandro Silva Ramírez, Crypto Analyst & Columnist