Paradigm, the crypto-focused venture firm, has closed a new $1.2 billion fund to invest across AI, robotics, and crypto, signaling a broader frontier-tech thesis.

Non-crypto bets highlighted include Zipline, SendCutSend, True Anomaly, and Nous Research, alongside crypto bets like Hyperliquid, Tempo (with Stripe), and Kalshi, illustrating a diversified portfolio approach.

The AI emphasis predates the fund, with co-founder Matt Huang noting as far back as mid-2023 that AI advances were too compelling to ignore and that crypto and AI are not in zero-sum competition.

Bloomberg reported the fundraising on July 8, 2026, placing the news in a contemporaneous investment context.

Public disclosures outline focus areas but stop short of naming exact portfolio targets, stages, or companies yet.

An SEC filing confirms the fund’s structure and timing, with the raise amount slightly below the previously discussed target of $1.5 billion.

Market context points to AI and robotics driving global innovation and competition, including momentum in developing regions.

Paradigm is building its own tools alongside portfolio bets, including an AI agents evaluation tool with OpenAI and the Tempo payments blockchain project developed with Stripe.

Even as crypto markets cool, the firm frames the move as a strategic expansion rather than retreat, noting trends like a dip in stablecoins and rising tokenized equity activity.

Previously, Paradigm backed Nous Research in a $50 million round and partnered with OpenAI in February 2026 to launch EVMbench, a smart-contract bug-finding benchmark.

Industry context cites a surge in AI venture funding in 2026 and a growing share of crypto VC activity moving toward AI collaborations and AI-crypto fusion projects.

The fund’s structure aims to diversify within a single vehicle while pursuing convergence opportunities at the AI–blockchain edge, such as decentralized computing and AI-driven DeFi concepts.