BitMEX co-founder’s family office seeking $250M for private equity fund: Report
BitMEX Co-Founder’s Family Office Seeks $250M for Crypto-Focused Private Equity Fund
Maelstrom Aims to Raise $250M for Crypto Acquisitions
Maelstrom, the family office linked to BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes, is raising $250 million for a private equity fund targeting crypto companies. According to a Bloomberg report, the fund plans to invest between $40 million and $75 million in as many as six acquisitions, with a focus on trading infrastructure and analytics platforms. The fundraising is expected to conclude by September 2026.
This move signals renewed private equity interest in the crypto sector, particularly after a period of caution following the 2022 collapse of FTX. The fund will be managed by Maelstrom co-founder and managing partner Akshat Vaidya, alongside Hayes and new partner Adam Schlegel.
Key Details of the Fund
- Fundraising Goal: $250 million
- Target Investments: 4 to 6 crypto companies
- Investment Range: $40 million to $75 million per acquisition
- Focus Areas: Trading infrastructure and analytics platforms
- Expected Completion: September 2026
Vaidya explained that investors are seeking exposure to the crypto sector’s high-growth, high-cash-flow potential but lack the in-house expertise to execute such investments independently. This fund aims to bridge that gap.
Arthur Hayes’ Return to the Crypto Spotlight
Hayes, who co-founded BitMEX, stepped down as CEO in 2020 after facing U.S. charges related to violations of the Bank Secrecy Act. He and three other BitMEX executives received a pardon from former U.S. President Donald Trump in March 2025. Since then, Hayes has re-emerged as a prominent figure in crypto, offering market predictions and analysis.
His involvement in Maelstrom’s new fund underscores his continued influence in the industry, despite past legal challenges.
Private Equity’s Renewed Interest in Crypto
The crypto industry has seen a resurgence in private equity activity in 2025, following a period of retrenchment after FTX’s collapse. Notable recent acquisitions include:
- Ripple’s $1 billion purchase of GTreasury (2025)
- Ripple’s $1.25 billion acquisition of prime broker Hidden Road (April 2025)
- Coinbase’s $2.9 billion deal for options trading platform Deribit (May 2025)
These transactions suggest growing confidence in crypto infrastructure and institutional adoption.
Potential Impact on the Crypto and AI Sectors
Maelstrom’s fund could accelerate innovation in crypto trading infrastructure, particularly in areas like decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain analytics. As AI continues to play a larger role in financial markets, the integration of AI-driven analytics tools in crypto trading platforms could be a key area of investment.
Additionally, the fund’s focus on high-growth crypto companies may attract more institutional capital into the sector, further legitimizing digital assets as an asset class.
Expert Reactions
Industry analysts view Maelstrom’s fund as a positive sign for crypto’s long-term stability. “Private equity’s return to crypto indicates that investors are looking beyond short-term volatility and focusing on the sector’s fundamental growth potential,” said a senior analyst at a leading financial research firm.
However, some caution that regulatory uncertainties and market fluctuations remain risks. “While the fund’s focus on infrastructure is promising, investors should remain vigilant about compliance and market risks,” added another industry expert.
Conclusion
Maelstrom’s $250 million private equity fund represents a significant bet on the future of crypto infrastructure. With Arthur Hayes at the helm, the fund could play a crucial role in shaping the next wave of innovation in digital assets. As private equity continues to re-enter the space, the crypto industry may see further consolidation and growth in key sectors.
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This article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in crypto private equity, ensuring relevance for both financial professionals and tech enthusiasts.