Diogo Mónica

Diogo Mónica is a prominent figure in the digital asset space, best known as the Co-Founder and President of Anchorage Digital, the first federally chartered crypto bank in the United States. His background as Head of Security at Square (now Block) and a security engineer at Docker provides him with a deep understanding of secure systems and scalable infrastructure, which heavily influences his investment approach. Beyond his operational role at Anchorage, which itself achieved a valuation exceeding $3 billion after a $350 million Series D round led by KKR in 2021, Mónica has emerged as an active and strategic angel investor, primarily focusing on the burgeoning Web3 and blockchain infrastructure sectors.

Mónica's investment thesis centers on early-stage, foundational technologies that address critical needs within the decentralized ecosystem. He typically backs projects at the seed stage, leveraging his extensive experience in security, regulation, and enterprise-grade digital asset solutions. His portfolio reflects a strong preference for companies building core infrastructure, interoperability layers, and novel scaling solutions that can underpin the next generation of decentralized applications. This strategic focus allows him to provide not just capital, but also invaluable guidance on technical architecture, security best practices, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes.

Among his notable angel investments are several high-profile blockchain projects. He was an early backer of LayerZero Labs, a leading omnichain interoperability protocol, which subsequently raised a $120 million Series B round in April 2023, achieving a $3 billion valuation. Another significant investment includes Mysten Labs, the team behind the Sui blockchain, which secured a $300 million Series B funding round in 2022. His involvement in these rounds underscores his commitment to projects that aim to solve fundamental challenges in blockchain scalability and user experience.

Mónica's value to founders extends beyond financial contributions. His unique perspective, gained from building a regulated digital asset institution from the ground up, offers portfolio companies unparalleled insights into compliance, enterprise adoption, and long-term sustainability in a rapidly evolving industry. He acts as a strategic partner, helping startups navigate the complexities of product development and market entry in the highly competitive and regulated Web3 space. His investment activity solidifies his position as a key enabler of innovation at the intersection of traditional finance and decentralized technologies.