VanEck, a global investment firm managing over $118 billion in assets, is venturing into the world of fintech and AI with the launch of VanEck Ventures. Led by Wyatt Lonergan and Juan Lopez, formerly of Circle Ventures, the fund aims to raise $30 million in its initial round, targeting early-stage startups in fintech, digital assets, and AI.
Lonergan noted that VanEck has been working in stealth to set up the fund and make its first investments. This marks the firm’s first dedicated venture capital initiative, building on its previous expansion into liquid asset investments.
Lopez emphasized the fund’s focus on stablecoins and tokenization, particularly in the $39 trillion cross-border payments market. He believes stablecoins on efficient blockchains like Solana could transform the industry as regulation broadens.
VanEck Ventures has already made four undisclosed investments and aims to capitalize on the growing interest in digital assets, fintech, and AI, supported by VanEck’s global team of 400 employees.
