Cathie Wood's Ark Invest has officially launched its $1.3 billion ARK Venture Fund on the Ethereum blockchain, partnering with Securitize to provide eligible investors with a tokenized representation of the fund. This innovative move marks a significant step in the evolution of capital markets, allowing investors to engage with the fund in a new, blockchain-based format.
Since its inception in September 2022, the ARK Venture Fund, or ARKVX, has seen a remarkable increase in its net asset value (NAV), rising from approximately $20 to around $60.50 as of September 23, 2026. The fund primarily invests in high-profile private companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Stripe, and Databricks, making it a compelling option for those looking to tap into cutting-edge technology.
While the tokenization process does not convert shares of these companies into blockchain-native assets, it provides a new way for investors to hold and manage their interests in the fund. Securitize will oversee the onchain issuance and investor infrastructure, enhancing the overall experience for those involved.
Cathie Wood emphasized the importance of this development, stating, "Tokenizing the ARK Venture Fund puts our conviction in the evolution of capital markets into practice." She believes that tokenization could fundamentally change how investors access and participate in both private and public markets, aligning with Ark Invest's mission to democratize access to disruptive innovation.
The ARK Venture Fund operates as an actively managed closed-end interval fund, with a target allocation of approximately 80% private and 20% public companies. Unlike traditional funds, ARKVX offers limited liquidity, allowing repurchase opportunities for about 5% of outstanding shares during quarterly windows.
As Ark Invest continues to innovate within the financial landscape, the launch of the ARK Venture Fund on Ethereum represents a pivotal moment in the intersection of technology and investment.
