ARK Invest Tokenizes $1.3 Billion Venture Fund on Ethereum

Tokenization is reshaping capital markets, enhancing liquidity and access for investors.

• ARK Invest announced the tokenization of its $1.3 billion ARK Venture Fund on the Ethereum blockchain via Securitize.
• Eligible investors can now access blockchain-based representations of their interests in the fund, which includes stakes in companies like OpenAI and Stripe.
• This move reflects ARK's belief in tokenization's potential to democratize investment access and modernize capital markets.

• ARK Invest, founded by Cathie Wood in 2014, focuses on disruptive innovation, with the ARK Venture Fund targeting 80% private and 20% public holdings.
• Tokenization is gaining traction among institutional investors, driven by a desire for improved liquidity and transparency in private markets.
• Securitize, which ARK invested in strategically in 2025, is positioned as a key player in the tokenization infrastructure, managing on-chain issuance and investor support.

On September 24, 2026, ARK Invest took a significant step in the evolution of investment management by announcing the tokenization of its ARK Venture Fund (ARKVX) on the Ethereum blockchain through Securitize. This initiative allows eligible investors to hold blockchain-based representations of their interests in the fund, which boasts a diverse portfolio including high-profile companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Stripe, and Databricks.

The tokenization process does not involve placing the underlying assets on-chain; instead, it modernizes the investor experience by utilizing Ethereum's infrastructure and USDC for transactions. This approach aims to streamline subscriptions and redemptions, making the investment process more efficient and accessible. Cathie Wood, the founder and CEO of ARK Invest, emphasized that this move is a practical application of their research into tokenization, aiming to democratize access to innovative investment opportunities.

The ARK Venture Fund has shown impressive performance, with its net asset value (NAV) increasing from approximately $20 at inception to about $60.50 by September 23, 2026. This growth reflects a robust return of 61% in 2023 and 56% in 2025, underscoring the fund's appeal to investors seeking exposure to disruptive technologies. The tokenization aligns with broader industry trends where institutional adoption of tokenization is on the rise, driven by the need for enhanced liquidity, transparency, and access in private markets.

Securitize, the firm managing the tokenization process, is recognized for its role in facilitating the shift of established financial products to modern blockchain infrastructure. This partnership not only enhances the operational capabilities of the ARK Venture Fund but also positions Securitize as a pivotal player in the evolving landscape of tokenized assets. The underlying portfolio of the fund remains unchanged, with periodic updates on holdings, ensuring that investors are kept informed about their investments.

• Institutional investors looking for innovative investment vehicles.
• Wealth managers seeking to offer clients access to tokenized assets.
• Tech-savvy retail investors interested in blockchain-based investment opportunities.

• Regulatory developments: Keep an eye on how regulators respond to tokenization trends, as this could impact market dynamics.
• Market adoption: Watch for the growth of tokenized assets and how they perform compared to traditional investment vehicles.
• Securitize's partnerships: Monitor Securitize's collaborations, especially with entities like Dubai's VARA, which could influence the global tokenization landscape.