Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
Wave Digital Assets, founded in 2018 and based in the United States, is a pioneering investment advisory firm focused on digital asset management. As one of the first SEC-recognized Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) dedicated exclusively to digital assets, Wave Digital Assets has established itself as a leader in the field. The firm manages approximately $1 billion in assets under management (AUM) and offers a range of investment solutions, including venture capital funding, wealth management, and treasury management.
Originally known as Wave Financial, the firm rebranded to Wave Digital Assets in March 2023 to emphasize its commitment to regulated digital asset management. The firm operates several funds, including the cFund, which targets early-stage ventures in the blockchain sector, and the BTC Income & Growth Fund, designed to generate stable yield from Bitcoin. Wave Digital Assets also engages in alternative asset management through its Whiskey Fund, which captures value appreciation from aging Kentucky whiskey barrels.
Wave Digital Assets is headquartered in Los Angeles and has a team that includes experienced professionals from various sectors, including finance, technology, and regulatory affairs. The firm is actively involved in advocating for regulatory oversight in the digital asset space, demonstrating its commitment to governance and responsible investment practices.
Wave Digital Assets specializes in investments within the digital asset space, particularly focusing on cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies. The firm targets a wide range of stages, including pre-seed, seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, and growth equity. Their investment strategy combines venture capital with wealth management, allowing them to provide tailored solutions for both early-stage ventures and established projects.
The firm manages several funds, including the cFund, which focuses on early-stage ventures in the blockchain sector, and the Select 5 Crypto Index Fund, which offers exposure to top-performing cryptocurrencies. Their investment approach is designed to navigate the complexities of the digital asset landscape, ensuring that they can support innovative projects effectively. Wave Digital Assets also offers treasury management services, including digital asset lending programs and derivative strategies, further enhancing their investment capabilities.
Wave Digital Assets manages a diverse portfolio of funds that cater to various investment strategies within the digital asset ecosystem. Key funds include:
These funds reflect Wave Digital Assets' commitment to diversifying investment opportunities within the digital asset space while also exploring alternative assets.
Ben Lamm: CEO & Co-Founder. Ben has been instrumental in shaping the vision of Wave Digital Assets. He has a background in technology and investment, having previously founded and led several successful ventures.
David Siemer: Co-Founder & CEO. David has been investing in cryptocurrencies since 2012 and previously founded Siemer & Associates LLC, a technology-focused investment bank. He sold the firm to CEC Capital in 2016.
Les Borsai: Co-Founder. Les is a serial tech entrepreneur and crypto advisor, known for his advisory role at Ripple Labs since 2013. He is an early investor in Ethereum, XRP, Tezos, and NFTs.
Rajiv Sawhney: Head of International Portfolio Management. Rajiv has extensive experience in traditional finance, having worked at Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank, and Goldman Sachs. He co-founded Mercury Capital and brings over 15 years of experience in electronic trading.
Additional unnamed team members include a former SEC Commissioner and Chief Economist for the US Senate Committee on Banking, as well as a venture capitalist with over $3 billion in exits from notable companies.
Wave Digital Assets offers several programs designed to support their portfolio companies:
In December 2024, Wave Digital Assets launched Wave International Ltd., an 'Approved Manager' under the BVI Financial Services Commission, signaling its expansion into international markets. This move is supported by a veteran trading team from Mercury Capital.
In 2023, Wave Digital Assets won the 'Best Asset/Fund Manager for Digital Assets' award at the Digital Banker Awards, highlighting its leadership in the digital asset management space.
Recently, the firm has been active in advocating for regulatory oversight, submitting formal requests for investigations into the U.S. Marshals Service's cryptocurrency asset management and complaints to the U.S. Department of Justice.
What are Wave Digital Assets' investment criteria?
Wave Digital Assets invests in early-stage companies and established projects within the digital asset space, focusing on cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies. They seek innovative projects that demonstrate strong growth potential and align with their investment strategy.
How can founders pitch to Wave Digital Assets?
Founders interested in pitching to Wave Digital Assets should prepare a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines their business model, market opportunity, and growth strategy. They can reach out through the contact form on the Wave Digital Assets website for further instructions.
What makes Wave Digital Assets different from other investors?
Wave Digital Assets is one of the first SEC-recognized RIAs focused exclusively on digital assets, providing a unique combination of venture capital, wealth management, and treasury management services. Their extensive experience in the digital asset space and proactive stance on regulatory advocacy set them apart.
What is the geographic scope of Wave Digital Assets' investments?
Wave Digital Assets primarily focuses on investments within the United States, targeting innovative projects in the digital asset sector.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Wave Digital Assets invests across various stages, including pre-seed, seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, and growth equity, indicating a flexible approach to funding.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
Wave Digital Assets provides strategic consulting, treasury management, and wealth management services to its portfolio companies, leveraging its extensive network and industry expertise to support their growth.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.