In a noteworthy development within the cryptocurrency infrastructure landscape, Chicago-based startup Zerohash has successfully secured $104 million in a recent funding round, a significant boost underscoring its growth potential amid a more favorable regulatory environment. The investment round, led by prominent firms such as Morgan Stanley, SoFi Technologies, and Apollo Global Management, indicates a rising institutional confidence in the foundational technologies supporting the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Zerohash plays a critical role by providing the infrastructure that allows companies to integrate digital assets like stablecoins and cryptocurrencies into their offerings. This funding influx will aid Zerohash in expanding its global operations, reflecting a robust trajectory after a previous $100 million raise in July 2025, at which time the company was valued at nearly $1 billion. The latest round marks a stark contrast to its valuation of $340 million in a Series D funding round in 2022, showcasing a dramatic escalation in company valuation.
The firm’s technological platform supports over 50 clients, notable among them are Interactive Brokers and Franklin Templeton. By offering API-driven services that facilitate seamless crypto trading, custody, and settlement, Zerohash alleviates the burden for fintechs and traditional finance companies who wish to delve into the digital asset arena without the challenges of building out their own infrastructure. Edward Woodford, Zerohash’s CEO, highlighted that the new funding will drive product innovation and support international growth, particularly in markets that are increasingly accommodating cryptocurrencies due to lighter regulatory oversight.
The timing of Zerohash’s funding comes amidst a wave of optimism in the crypto sector, influenced by shifts in governmental policies. Under the U.S. administration, there has been a noticeable easing of regulation surrounding digital currencies, allowing companies such as Zerohash to flourish. Investors, including Morgan Stanley—who historically have been cautious—are now investing in infrastructure plays that minimize risks typically associated with more speculative crypto investments.
With a growing emphasis on compliance and scalability, Zerohash distinguishes itself in the industry. The startup currently holds money transmitter licenses in all 50 U.S. states, which positions it as a reliable partner for enterprises that are apprehensive about the often chaotic reputation of the cryptocurrency market. Recent integrations with payment processors and neobanks have reportedly processed multi-billion dollar transaction volumes, showcasing the real-world applicability of Zerohash’s services.
The entry of heavyweights like Morgan Stanley into the investment round reflects a strategic shift towards investing in crypto infrastructure rather than speculative assets. This latest $104 million funding includes contributions from various esteemed organizations, enhancing Zerohash’s competitive standing against established players like Coinbase Custody and Circle’s infrastructure arm. Zerohash’s “crypto-as-a-service” model significantly lowers barriers for non-crypto participants, allowing companies like SoFi, which has scaled from student loans to a full-spectrum digital banking service, to improve their crypto offerings.
Looking forward, Zerohash appears poised to become a cornerstone in facilitating mainstream cryptocurrency adoption. The company’s ability to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance its services, demonstrated by their capacity to train massive AI models on decentralized clusters, underscores potential future innovations that blend AI with blockchain technologies. The firm’s recent rounds of funding, coupled with previous investments from Bain Capital and Point72 Ventures, provide a strong financial foundation to navigate market fluctuations and develop further.
Zerohash’s growth trajectory also reflects broader trends within the financial ecosystem, evidenced by strategic partnerships and alliances taking shape across sectors. With significant involvement from firms like SoFi, which emphasizes embedded cryptocurrency services, and the backing of Apollo Capital for advancements in tokenized assets, Zerohash is well-positioned for future success. As industry excitement builds, the company’s vision of transforming crypto into a regulated and institutional-grade asset class is starting to materialize, with projections estimating the stablecoin market could reach $1 trillion by 2030.
In summary, as the landscape of digital finance evolves, Zerohash stands at the forefront, contributing to the maturation of cryptocurrencies and their integration into mainstream financial services. The backing from key investors not only provides financial support but also strategic insight that will be crucial as the company navigates challenges and opportunities in the coming years.
