Paradigm raises $1.2B as crypto VC bets on AI and robotics

That wider scope follows a larger change across venture capital. AI has drawn large funding rounds in 2026, while crypto investors have started to look for deals where blockchain can support automated payments, data markets, trading, and identity. Paradigm’s line that it is investing across “AI, robotics, and other frontiers” puts the firm inside that wider trend.

Paradigm is not the only crypto-linked investor moving this way. Framework Ventures closed a $400 million fourth fund in June for crypto, AI, robotics, and energy startups. Haun Ventures also raised $1 billion in May for crypto infrastructure, tokenization, and AI agents.

The common theme is not a full break from crypto. These funds are trying to place capital where digital assets, stablecoins, and machine-led software may overlap. AI agents are one example because they may need payment rails, identity checks, and settlement systems that can run with little manual action.

Paradigm’s new fund arrives as venture money has moved toward a smaller group of AI companies. Crunchbase reported record global startup funding in the first half of 2026, with OpenAI and Anthropic taking more than 40% of the total. That helps explain why crypto funds are watching AI closely.

The raise also gives Paradigm more capital to compete for founders across several fast-moving sectors. Its message to builders was direct: “come build with us.” It also gives founders a larger capital source during a more selective crypto funding cycle. For crypto, the key point is that one of its largest venture backers is now positioning blockchain as part of a broader frontier technology strategy.