Crypto venture capital is going global, and A16z Crypto, the cryptocurrency arm of Andreessen Horowitz, has just made a major move into Asia. The firm has opened its first office in Seoul, signaling a strategic push into a region that accounts for nearly one-third of global crypto adoption.
Former Polygon Labs executive SungMo Park will lead the South Korean operations, bringing deep local expertise to the expansion.
Asia is too big to ignore.
The continent dominates on-chain activity, and South Korea stands out with nearly one-third of adults owning digital assets. Anthony Albanese, managing partner and COO at a16z Crypto, emphasized that the Seoul office will provide go-to-market support for portfolio companies, helping them secure partnerships, grow user bases, and build communities across Asia.
The data speaks for itself.
India leads global adoption, Japan saw 120% growth in on-chain activity over the past year, and Singapore ranks among the highest in crypto ownership worldwide. According to Chainalysis, eleven of the top twenty countries for crypto adoption are in Asia, making it a critical market for venture investors seeking scale and influence.
Park is positioned to make a difference.
Drawing on his experience at Polygon Labs, Park said his network and deep understanding of the regional market will help a16z founders navigate local opportunities and scale operations efficiently. The goal is to go beyond just deploying capital and provide on-the-ground expertise that accelerates growth for crypto companies.
Asian investors are ready.
A recent Sygnum survey found that six in ten high-net-worth Asians plan to increase crypto allocations, with 87% already holding digital assets and about half maintaining allocations above 10%. These numbers underscore the strong long-term optimism driving crypto adoption in the region.
Albanese made it clear this is only the beginning.
The Seoul office positions a16z Crypto at the heart of where users and builders are concentrated, enabling portfolio companies to tap into regional knowledge, networks, and communities. The firm plans to continue growing its Asian presence in the coming years, adding new capabilities to support companies navigating one of the world’s fastest-growing crypto ecosystems.
For A16z Crypto, Asia is not just a market. It’s the next frontier for blockchain innovation, adoption, and venture growth.
