TLDR
- Maelstrom aims to raise $250M to acquire up to six crypto companies.
- Each deal will range between $40M and $75M, closing by September 2026.
- The fund targets crypto firms in trading infrastructure and analytics.
- Arthur Hayes leads the fund after receiving a U.S. presidential pardon.
Maelstrom, the family office founded by BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes, is aiming to raise $250 million for a new private equity fund. The fund plans to acquire crypto companies focused on trading infrastructure and analytics as investor interest in digital assets revives. The move reflects renewed private equity attention toward the crypto sector following a period of caution after the FTX collapse.
Fundraising and Investment Focus
Maelstrom is seeking to secure $250 million to create a private equity fund focused on acquiring established crypto companies. According to a Bloomberg report, the firm intends to invest between $40 million and $75 million in each deal. The plan includes the acquisition of up to six companies by September 2026.
The fund will target firms providing trading infrastructure, data analytics, and related technology services. These areas continue to attract investors who want to gain exposure to the digital asset market without direct trading risks. Akshat Vaidya, Maelstrom’s co-founder and managing partner, said investors “want exposure to the high-cash flow, high-growth crypto sector but lack the capabilities in-house to do this themselves.”
Leadership and Strategy
The new fund will be managed by Akshat Vaidya alongside Arthur Hayes and Adam Schlegel, who recently joined Maelstrom as a partner. Hayes, known for co-founding the cryptocurrency derivatives exchange BitMEX, has been rebuilding his presence in the crypto space after facing legal challenges in the United States.
Hayes and his BitMEX colleagues Benjamin Delo, Gregory Dwyer, and Samuel Reed were charged under the U.S. Bank Secrecy Act in 2020. The charges led Hayes to step down as CEO. In March 2025, all four received a pardon from U.S. President Donald Trump. Since then, Hayes has returned to the public eye, frequently sharing his views on market trends and the broader digital asset ecosystem.
Private Equity Interest Returning to Crypto
Maelstrom’s fundraising effort marks a shift in private equity’s attitude toward the crypto sector. After the collapse of FTX in 2022, many investors reduced exposure to crypto-related ventures. However, recent acquisitions show renewed activity, suggesting the industry is regaining investor confidence.
This year, several large deals have taken place across the crypto landscape. Ripple Labs purchased GTreasury for $1 billion as part of its expansion strategy. Earlier in the year, Ripple also acquired prime broker Hidden Road in a $1.25 billion deal. Coinbase followed with an agreement to buy the options trading platform Deribit for $2.9 billion in May. These moves show that established firms are still willing to allocate large capital to digital asset infrastructure.
Maelstrom’s Broader Vision
Through its planned acquisitions, Maelstrom aims to build a portfolio of firms that can support the growing demand for advanced crypto trading and data systems. The family office views the private equity model as an effective way to invest in profitable businesses serving the digital asset industry.
The fund’s structure is designed to give institutional investors a way to participate in the growth of crypto markets without managing direct exposure. With the fundraising expected to be completed by late 2026, Maelstrom’s initiative could signal a new wave of structured investment in the digital asset sector.
Disclaimer: This is a Press Release provided by a third party who is responsible for the content. Please conduct your own research before taking any action based on the content.
Stay Ahead of the Market with Benzinga Pro!
Want to trade like a pro? Benzinga Pro gives you the edge you need in today's fast-paced markets. Get real-time news, exclusive insights, and powerful tools trusted by professional traders:
- Breaking market-moving stories before they hit mainstream media
- Live audio squawk for hands-free market updates
- Advanced stock scanner to spot promising trades
- Expert trade ideas and on-demand support
