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DeFiance Capital

Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore

Description

DeFiance Capital is a prominent Singapore-based cryptoasset fund, founded by Arthur Cheong, with a specialized focus on the burgeoning Decentralized Finance (DeFi) ecosystem. Established as a dedicated Web3 investment vehicle, the firm extends its interests beyond core DeFi protocols to encompass broader Web3 infrastructure, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), and GameFi projects. Its strategic positioning in Singapore allows it to tap into Asia's vibrant blockchain landscape while maintaining a global investment purview.

The firm distinguishes itself through a highly active and hands-on investment approach. DeFiance Capital is not merely a passive capital provider; it often takes a significant role in the governance of its portfolio projects, leveraging its expertise to guide strategic development and foster ecosystem growth. This deep engagement reflects its long-term conviction in the transformative potential of decentralized technologies and its commitment to building robust, sustainable ventures within the Web3 space.

As of early 2022, DeFiance Capital was reported to manage approximately $500 million in assets under management (AUM), underscoring its substantial presence in the crypto venture capital landscape. The fund primarily targets early-stage opportunities, seeking to identify and back foundational projects that are poised to shape the future of decentralized applications. In a testament to its continued growth and ambition, the firm also targeted a new fundraise of $100 million in 2022, aiming to further expand its investment capacity and deepen its reach into innovative Web3 initiatives.

DeFiance Capital's investment philosophy emphasizes fundamental analysis and a deep understanding of blockchain technology, rather than speculative trading. This approach positions it as a strategic partner for founders building next-generation decentralized applications, offering not just capital but also critical industry insights and network access. Its portfolio reflects a diverse array of pioneering projects across various sub-sectors of the decentralized economy.

Investor Profile

DeFiance Capital has backed more than 71 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 13 rounds, about 18% of its total and boasts 3 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Series Unknown, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Singapore, United Kingdom.
  • Strong thematic focus on Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Financial Services.
  • Typical check size: $250K – $5M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (54%)
  • Series Unknown (18%)
  • Series A (13%)
  • Initial Coin Offering (10%)
  • Pre Seed (3%)
  • Series C (1%)
  • Series B (1%)

Country Focus

  • United States (32%)
  • Singapore (24%)
  • United Kingdom (7%)
  • Canada (6%)
  • China (4%)
  • Hong Kong (3%)
  • Taiwan (3%)
  • France (3%)
  • Liberia (1%)
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis (1%)

Industry Focus

  • Blockchain
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Financial Services
  • Fintech
  • Finance
  • Gaming
  • Information Technology
  • Web3
  • Software
  • Internet
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does DeFiance Capital frequently co-invest with?

Hashed
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 10
CMS Holdings
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 12
PC
North America, Connecticut, United States, Greenwich
Co-Investments: 14
Animoca Brands
Asia, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong, Cyberport
Co-Investments: 15
Delphi Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Mateo
Co-Investments: 15
The Spartan Group
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 14
Three Arrows Capital
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 19
Mechanism Capital
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 15
Multicoin Capital
North America, Texas, United States, Austin
Co-Investments: 10
Alameda Research
Asia, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong, Central and Western
Co-Investments: 20

Which angels does DeFiance Capital often collaborate with?

SK
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 5
KL
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
Kain Warwick
Oceania, New South Wales, Australia, Sydney
Shared Deals: 3
MD
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 2
SR
Europe, Monaco
Shared Deals: 3
Alex Svanevik
Asia, Singapore
Shared Deals: 3
TK
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
RG
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
Do Kwon
Asia, South Korea
Shared Deals: 2
Shared Deals: 3

What are some of recent deals done by DeFiance Capital?

ARPA Network is a decentralized computing network designed to improve the fairness, security, and privacy of blockchain technology.

Series UnknownMay 30, 2024
Amount Raised: $6,000,000
ARPA

Beijing, Beijing, China

ARPA is a network that provides secure computation, which enables data to be shared and used without disclosing the raw data.

Big DataComputerInformation TechnologyNetwork HardwareNetwork SecuritySoftware
Series UnknownMay 30, 2024
Amount Raised: $6,000,000

Sanctum offers the ability to launch millions of new LSTs utilizing solana.

SeedApr 4, 2024
BounceBit

Singapore, Central Region, Singapore

BounceBit is a chain solution that aims to provide a smart contract execution environment centered on the BTC Token.

Information ServicesInformation TechnologyInternet
SeedFeb 28, 2024
Amount Raised: $6,000,000
Ultiverse

Midview City, Central Region, Singapore

Ultiverse is an AI-powered gaming platform that allows gamers to participate in multiplayer gaming battles against other players.

BlockchainGamingVirtual RealityWeb3
Initial Coin OfferingFeb 14, 2024
Amount Raised: $4,000,000
Teahouse Finance

Taipei, T'ai-pei, Taiwan

Complete DeFi + NFT + GameFi ecosystem, powered by expert blockchain technology

BlockchainConsultingCryptocurrencyTrading Platform
SeedApr 24, 2023
Amount Raised: $5,000,000
Fordefi

New York, New York, United States

Fordefi is a company that specialises in financial technology and software.

BlockchainCryptocurrencyFinTechSoftwareWeb3
SeedNov 8, 2022
Amount Raised: $18,000,000
Gomu

Singapore, Central Region, Singapore

Gomu provides the gateway for wallets, apps, and services to bring the best of Web3 experiences to users.

Information TechnologyInternetWeb3
SeedOct 12, 2022
Amount Raised: $5,000,000
Suberra

Singapore, Central Region, Singapore

Suberra offers products that help businesses accept crypto payments.

CryptocurrencyPaymentsSaaSSubscription Service
SeedOct 7, 2022
Amount Raised: $1,700,000
Space and Time

Newport Beach, California, United States

Space and Time is the Web3-native, data warehouse. Fast queries at enterprise scale. Join on-chain and off-chain data in a single query.

AnalyticsInternetSoftwareWeb3
SeedJul 28, 2022
Amount Raised: $10,000,000