## **Why Asian Markets Attract the Attention of Crypto Venture Capital Giants**

The Asian region has established itself as the epicenter of global crypto activity. Data from Chainalysis reveal that 11 of the top 20 countries in crypto adoption are in Asia, an indicator that has not gone unnoticed by industry leaders. In response, A16z Crypto, the specialized division of Andreessen Horowitz, has decided to establish its first regional office in Seoul, marking a strategic shift toward Asian markets.

## **A Strategic Base in Seoul to Accelerate Expansion in Asia**

The new A16z Crypto headquarters in the South Korean capital is no coincidence. SungMo Park, a former executive at Polygon Labs, has been appointed to lead this regional operation, leveraging his deep experience in local dynamics and crypto adoption trends. According to company statements, the focus of this office goes beyond simple investments: it aims to create meaningful connections between founders, local partners, and crypto communities.

Anthony Albanese, managing partner and COO of A16z Crypto, explained that having a physical presence in Seoul will enable his portfolio projects to access go-to-market services, forge strategic alliances, and build lasting communities across the region. Additionally, Albanese revealed more ambitious plans: in the coming years, the firm intends to significantly expand its presence in Asian markets, adding new operational capabilities and exploring future locations.

## **The Numbers Speak Clearly: Asia Leads Global Crypto Adoption**

What underpins this bet? The data are compelling. Nearly one-third of South Korean adults own digital assets, reflecting an exceptional user base. India ranks at the top of global crypto adoption charts according to Chainalysis, while Japan has experienced approximately 120% growth in on-chain activity over the past year. Singapore, for its part, maintains one of the highest crypto ownership rates in the world.

But adoption is not limited to retail. A Sygnum survey showed that 87% of high-net-worth Asian investors already hold cryptocurrencies. Even more significant: six out of ten of these individuals are prepared to increase their crypto allocations, signaling long-term confidence in digital assets. About half of these investors allocate more than 10% of their portfolios to this sector.

## **The Impact of Institutional Presence in Asian Markets**

A16z Crypto’s arrival in Seoul marks a turning point. For Asian markets, particularly South Korea, this means that one of the largest crypto venture capital funds is now operating physically within the region. This facilitates protocols, developers, and local exchanges to access global investment networks and expertise.

The move also reflects a broader reality: Asian markets not only host massive retail users but also significant institutional wealth and active trading communities. Robinhood, for example, is expanding operations in Indonesia to reach approximately 17 million local crypto traders, demonstrating that the opportunity in the region spans multiple layers of users.

With this office, A16z Crypto positions the firm within the time zone and ecosystem where crypto activity is already happening on a continental scale, positioning itself to capture emerging trends and support the next growth cycle in Asian markets.