Former a16z General Partner Katie Haun Believes It’s a Prime Time to Invest in Crypto
Former a16z general partner Katie Haun believes it is a prime time to invest in the crypto industry. Speaking at TechCrunch Disrupt, Haun shared her optimism about the future of crypto despite the recent market correction. She acknowledged that there is a perception that the crypto market is stagnant, but she emphasized that her firm, Haun Ventures, has been busy and intentionally waited to make deployments during this period. According to Haun, the market correction presented a good opportunity to invest.
Haun Ventures recently raised two crypto funds totaling $1.5 billion. While some may see this timing as opportune, Haun revealed that it wasn’t easy. The crypto market experienced a significant correction with a 40% drop from its peak. Nevertheless, Haun is content with the funds raised and she stressed that her firm has chosen its size and strategy deliberately, regardless of the market conditions.
Haun Ventures has invested in two rapidly growing iconic brands in crypto, although she did not disclose their names. The larger fund, which focuses on A, B, and C rounds, has deployed less than half of its capital, while the early-stage fund’s deployment is considerably less.
During the interview, Haun also discussed her concerns about regulatory issues and the role of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the crypto industry. She criticized the agency for its enforcement actions against crypto companies and claimed that the determination of laws and regulations should be left to the courts and Congress, rather than independent agencies like the SEC. Haun expressed concern about the current leadership of the SEC, accusing them of taking an overly expansive view of their jurisdiction in areas such as crypto, AI, and climate.
While Haun’s perspective lends support to investing in crypto, it is important to consider different perspectives and opinions on the matter. The crypto industry remains highly volatile, and investors should carefully evaluate the risks and benefits before making any investment decisions. Nevertheless, Haun’s continued optimism about the potential of crypto suggests that there may still be opportunities worth exploring in this space.
References:
– TechCrunch Disrupt Interview with Katie Haun
