In a remarkable journey through the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and venture capital, Arianna Simpson’s early investment in Bitcoin at the age of 22 set the stage for a career defined by bold decisions and a keen understanding of emerging technologies. Her interest in cryptocurrency ignited during a transformative trip in Zimbabwe, where she witnessed the dire effects of hyperinflation. This experience left her determined to explore crypto as a solution to financial instability.
Simpson’s passion for blockchain extended beyond personal investment. While working at Facebook, she initiated a blockchain lunch meetup, facilitating discussions and networking among enthusiasts in the nascent field. Her dedication culminated in a job offer from BitGo, an infrastructure startup where she became the third employee. Despite leaving before the company’s impending public offering, Simpson’s early contributions to BitGo played a part in its growth within the crypto ecosystem.
Opting for venture capital over staying in the trenches of startup life, Simpson initially joined a friend’s generalist firm. She eventually founded her own crypto fund, Autonomous Partners, which attracted investments from notable figures such as Brian Armstrong and Steve Cohen’s family office. This venture coincided with the surge of interest in cryptocurrency around 2017, allowing her to invest in pioneering companies like Talos and Mythical Games. Through her connection with Armstrong, she also crossed paths with Katie Haun, an influential investor at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), who encouraged Simpson to join a16z crypto.
Taking a position at a16z in 2020, Simpson aligned herself with a firm that had demonstrated commitment to blockchain throughout volatile market cycles, unlike many other well-known venture capital firms that retreated amid the 2022 crypto downturn. Her respect for a16z’s focus on the blockchain space seemed to be a prudent choice; she joined as the firm was embarking on its most lucrative fundraising years, which included a $2.2 billion fund in 2021 and a $4.5 billion fund in 2022. Under the mentorship of industry leaders like Chris Dixon and Haun, Simpson solidified her reputation by making early investments in startups such as Blackbird and Phantom, the latter recently valued at $3 billion.
Now a general partner at a16z crypto, Simpson advocates for a founder-centric investment approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding the trends driven by entrepreneurs. She believes that successful investing hinges on recognizing where the best builders flock, irrespective of thematic trends. Her philosophy reflects a dynamic shift in strategy, focusing on the innovative potential within various sectors, from stablecoins to the burgeoning intersection of crypto and artificial intelligence.
As Simpson continues to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of cryptocurrency, her journey already serves as a testament to the transformative power of the crypto movement, blending personal experience, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to innovation.
