Crypto Giant a16z Sets Up Shop In South Korea In Major Asia Push
Crypto enterprise capital agency Andreessen Horowitz (A16z) has opened its first Asian workplace in Seoul, South Korea, signaling a deeper push into the area the place on-chain exercise and person adoption have surged. According to the agency, the new hub will assist portfolio firms and assist construct native partnerships and communities.
A16z Moves Into Seoul
The workplace can be led by Sungmo Park, who has held roles at Monad and Polygon, and who joins a16z as Head of APAC go-to-market. Reports have disclosed that Anthony Albanese, the fund’s chief working officer, introduced the transfer and framed it as a method to put groups nearer to the place customers and builders are positioned.
I’m honored to share that I can be becoming a member of @a16zcrypto as Head of APAC go-to-market.
a16z crypto backs distinctive founders, offering not simply capital but additionally hands-on assist to assist them develop into transformative firms.
Now, a16z crypto is opening an workplace in Seoul and…
— sungmo (@sungmo_apac16z) December 10, 2025
A16z stated Seoul will act as a gateway for interacting with firms throughout Asia and for giving portfolio corporations native assist on partnerships, advertising and enlargement. Park will give attention to regional technique and on serving to founders navigate native markets. This will not be described as a small PR outpost; it’s positioned as an actual working base for the area.
Excited to announce that @a16zcrypto is increasing into Asia and opening our first workplace in Seoul, South Korea. As a part of this, we’re thrilled to have @sungmo_apac16z be a part of our staff as Head of APAC go-to-market to steer the Seoul workplace and begin constructing our presence within the… pic.twitter.com/KBljioBCqx
— Anthony Albanese (@AAlbaneseNY) December 10, 2025
Based on reports, Asia-Pacific recorded about US$2.36 trillion in on-chain worth over the 12 months ending June 2025, a rise of near 70% from the prior yr. That development helped persuade a16z that Asia wants a neighborhood presence. Chainalysis and a number of other business trackers present heavy on-chain flows and deep retail participation throughout the area.
Our newest State of Crypto report reveals that onchain customers are extensively distributed world wide, with a very sturdy focus in Asia. It now represents a major share of world crypto exercise, for instance:
South Korea is the second-largest crypto market…
— Anthony Albanese (@AAlbaneseNY) December 10, 2025
Why Korea Matters To Crypto
South Korea itself is highlighted as one of many largest nationwide crypto markets. According to a16z and different protection, practically one in three adults in South Korea maintain crypto property — a charge that in some measures is increased than native inventory possession. That stage of retail use, plus a thriving developer neighborhood, made Seoul a pretty alternative for the agency.
What The Move Could Mean
The entry of a significant US enterprise agency into Seoul could enhance curiosity amongst native startups looking for worldwide companions and will make capital extra accessible for groups in South Korea and close by markets. Several information retailers describe the workplace as targeted on go-to-market assist slightly than speedy, large-scale native investing, not less than at launch.
Competition For Deals
Reports notice that different international funds and crypto corporations have been rising exercise in Asia this yr. A16z’s resolution comes as a number of markets throughout the area report rising developer exercise and contemporary funding rounds. For founders, having a longtime US investor with a neighborhood workplace could velocity introductions to international prospects and companions.
Featured picture from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

South Korea is the second-largest crypto market…