In the fast-evolving world of blockchain and digital assets, few figures have risen as swiftly—or as strategically—as Katie Haun. Once a federal prosecutor investigating cryptocurrency crimes, she is now one of the most influential voices in Web3 investing, leading a seismic shift not only in who controls capital but how it’s deployed across decentralized ecosystems.
Her journey from courtroom to crypto boardroom wasn’t accidental—it was calculated, courageous, and deeply informed by firsthand experience with both the risks and revolutionary potential of blockchain technology.
From Prosecutor to Pioneer
When Katie Haun first entered the crypto space in 2013, she wasn’t there to invest. She was there to prosecute. As a federal attorney based in San Francisco, her job was to track down criminals exploiting early blockchain networks for illicit activities. But instead of walking away repulsed by the chaos, she saw something others didn’t: opportunity.
“I didn’t choose that assignment,” Haun recalls. “But I did choose to stay.”
That decision would alter the trajectory of her career—and the landscape of crypto venture capital.
Her deep regulatory expertise caught the attention of Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), one of Silicon Valley’s most powerful venture firms. At a time when many investors viewed crypto with skepticism, a16z co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz were already believers in Web3. What they needed was someone who understood not just the technology, but the legal minefields surrounding it.
Enter Haun.
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She became a16z’s first female investing partner dedicated to crypto and co-led the firm’s crypto fund alongside Chris Dixon. Over four years, she helped grow the team to around 50 people and raised a staggering $2.2 billion for their third crypto fund. Her portfolio included landmark investments in Coinbase, OpenSea, and Royal—companies that would come to define major sectors within Web3.
But in late 2021, Haun made a move that sent shockwaves through the industry: she left a16z to launch her own independent venture fund.
Breaking Away: A New Chapter in Crypto VC
Leaving a powerhouse like a16z meant giving up access to vast resources, brand prestige, and an army of support staff. Yet Haun wasn’t deterred. She believed that being closer to founders, operating with agility, and focusing exclusively on native crypto innovation would give her an edge.
While reports suggest she’s aiming to raise at least $1 billion—potentially making it the largest crypto fund ever led by a woman—Haun remains tight-lipped about exact figures due to regulatory constraints common in fundraising.
Still, the momentum is undeniable.
Her new firm has already completed seven investments, including a co-lead role in Autograph’s $170 million round—a platform helping athletes and celebrities launch NFT collections. Notably, her former firm, a16z, also participated. Despite the separation, collaboration continues.
“We often discuss promising projects and serve together on multiple boards,” said Chris Dixon in a statement. “Our partnership remains strong.”
The transition was reportedly smooth, with Haun taking six key team members—including Chief Marketing Officer Rachel Horwitz and Global Policy Lead Tomika Tilleman. Even more telling? a16z is investing in her new fund.
This rare alignment ensures that no matter which side wins a deal, both entities benefit—an elegant solution reflecting Haun’s diplomatic skill and strategic foresight.
Building a Different Kind of Fund
Haun’s new venture isn’t just another clone of existing models. It’s designed for speed, focus, and founder intimacy.
Rather than scaling into a massive organization, she’s opting for a lean team. Unlike generalist funds offering broad operational support, Haun’s firm defines clear boundaries: this is what we can do; this is what we won’t.
To deepen domain expertise, she’s brought in high-caliber advisors:
- Jared Cohen, CEO of Google’s Jigsaw, leads tech strategy.
- William Frenzen, a former prosecutor like Haun, advises on government policy.
- And in a surprising twist—comedian and actress Mindy Kaling serves as an entertainment advisor.
“She called me,” Kaling recalls. “I said yes before she even finished asking. She’s legendary in the crypto world—who wouldn’t want to be part of that?”
This blend of legal rigor, technical insight, and cultural fluency allows Haun to bridge gaps between Silicon Valley, Hollywood, and Washington D.C.—a trifecta essential for navigating Web3’s multidimensional challenges.
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Why Focus Matters in a Volatile Market
Crypto markets are notorious for their volatility. In early 2022 alone, over $1.4 trillion in market value evaporated—a moment some dubbed “The Great Crypto Bloodbath.”
Yet Haun remains unfazed.
“Operating a crypto fund means embracing risk,” she says. “It’s built into the DNA of this space.”
What separates speculation from sustainable investment? Discipline. And Haun brings prosecutorial discipline to every decision.
While traditional VCs exchange cash for equity, many crypto deals involve token-based investments—digital assets subject to wild price swings. Haun understands these instruments intimately, having once prosecuted those who abused them.
She also sees beyond short-term noise.
“When I started investing in 2018, most thought crypto was only useful for financial innovation,” she says. “Now? The use cases span art, music, identity, governance… far beyond what we imagined.”
Global Vision, Local Impact
Despite being rooted in Silicon Valley culture, Haun believes the next wave of innovation won’t come from Sand Hill Road—but from overlooked corners of the globe.
“I believe some of the best crypto founders are hidden outside traditional tech hubs,” she says. “We need a truly global lens.”
This mindset contrasts with firms like a16z, which primarily back U.S.-registered entities—even if their teams are distributed worldwide.
Haun aims to scout talent everywhere—from Berlin (where she backed Arweave, a blockchain data storage pioneer) to Lagos, Seoul, and São Paulo.
Measuring Success Beyond Exits
Quantifying Haun’s success isn’t straightforward. Venture capital is a long game—most startups take 10+ years to exit via IPO or acquisition.
Still, milestones matter.
Her early bet on Coinbase paid off when it went public in 2021 at nearly $100 billion valuation**—a rare win in crypto VC. Under her leadership at a16z, **OpenSea** grew from a $1.5 billion valuation to over $13 billion**, becoming the dominant NFT marketplace.
At Royal, a platform letting artists sell royalty shares via NFTs, she helped bring in major names like The Chainsmokers and Nas—proving Web3’s appeal beyond pure finance.
“Katie is a heat-seeking missile,” says Jesse Walden, former a16z investor turned founder. “She knows where things are headed—and who you need to know to get there.”
Navigating Criticism and Complexity
Web3 faces growing scrutiny—from environmental concerns over energy-intensive blockchains to fears of centralization despite promises of decentralization.
Even prominent founders like Brian Chesky (Airbnb) and Aaron Levie (Box) have expressed skepticism.
Meanwhile, regulators worldwide are tightening oversight. China banned crypto outright in 2021; U.S. lawmakers are pushing for stricter rules on emissions and investor protection.
But Haun welcomes the debate.
“I’m encouraged when critics like Moxie Marlinspike or Jack Dorsey engage deeply with Web3,” she says. “It means the technology matters.”
Rather than dismiss critics, she uses their concerns to refine strategy—balancing innovation with responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Katie Haun?
A: Katie Haun is a former federal prosecutor turned venture capitalist who became a leading figure in Web3 investing at Andreessen Horowitz before launching her own independent crypto-focused fund.
Q: What companies has Katie Haun invested in?
A: Her notable investments include Coinbase, OpenSea, Autograph, Arweave, and Royal—spanning exchanges, NFT platforms, data storage, and creator economies.
Q: Why did she leave Andreessen Horowitz?
A: Haun left to start her own fund, seeking greater autonomy, agility, and the ability to build a specialized team focused exclusively on native crypto innovation.
Q: Is her new fund successful so far?
A: Yes—despite being newly launched, it has already made seven investments, including co-leading Autograph’s $170M round alongside her former firm.
Q: How does she handle market volatility?
A: With experience from both prosecution and investing, Haun embraces risk as inherent to crypto. She focuses on long-term fundamentals rather than short-term price swings.
Q: What makes her approach unique?
A: She combines legal expertise, regulatory insight, global vision, and cultural connectivity—backing founders with both capital and strategic guidance across tech, entertainment, and policy domains.
The story of Katie Haun isn’t just about wealth or influence—it’s about transformation. From enforcing laws against crypto criminals to shaping the future of decentralized finance, she embodies the evolution of an entire industry.
And as Web3 continues to mature amid turbulence and promise alike, one thing is clear: the new queen of crypto has only just begun her reign.