a16z Ventures into Asia with First Office in Seoul
Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), the Silicon Valley-based venture capital giant, has officially planted its flag in the Asian market by opening its first regional office in Seoul, South Korea. This marks a major milestone for a16z’s crypto division, underscoring the growing importance of Asia in the global blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystem.
The Rise of Asia as a Crypto Powerhouse
According to Chainalysis, the Asia-Pacific market accounted for a staggering $2.36 trillion in on-chain value over the 12 months leading up to June 2025—an impressive 69% year-over-year increase. South Korea alone stands as the second-largest crypto market globally, with nearly one in three adults investing in digital assets. Japan and Singapore are also showing massive growth in adoption, with Singapore boasting some of the highest crypto ownership rates in the world. Meanwhile, India takes the lead in the Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index, largely driven by mobile-first innovations and limited traditional banking access.
Leadership and Vision: Sungmo Park at the Helm
The Seoul office will be led by Sungmo Park, the newly appointed Head of APAC Go-to-Market. Park brings exceptional experience, having previously held key roles at Monad Foundation, Polygon Labs, and Naver. Under his leadership, the Seoul branch will focus on supporting a16z portfolio companies as they expand into Asia, forging strategic partnerships, and building robust regional communities.
Park’s expertise in blockchain development is highlighted by his role at Monad Foundation, where he contributed to the creation of a Layer 1 blockchain capable of processing an impressive 10,000 transactions per second. Speaking about this new chapter, Anthony Albanese, COO of a16z, stated, “This is just the beginning. Over the coming years, we plan to grow our presence in Asia, add new capabilities, and support crypto companies expanding into the region.”
Opportunities in Asia’s Mobile-First Culture
Asia’s mobile-first culture serves as fertile ground for blockchain-based gaming and social applications. This cultural backdrop presents an exciting opportunity for a16z’s portfolio companies to tap into one of the most technologically-savvy demographics in the world. With the Seoul office as a strategic base, a16z is well-positioned to help startups and established players navigate the region’s unique challenges while capitalizing on its immense potential.
A16z’s Commitment to Regional Growth
The establishment of the Seoul office is part of a16z’s broader commitment to expanding its geographic footprint and fostering crypto innovation globally. With plans to enhance its capabilities, the firm aims to accelerate crypto adoption and market connectivity throughout Asia, providing a solid foundation for long-term growth in the blockchain space.
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