Arthur Hayes Targets $250 Million Crypto Buyout Fund to Seize Market Opportunities

Arthur Hayes — the outspoken BitMEX co-founder known for his sharp market insights and fearless contrarian moves — is stepping back into the crypto arena with a major play. His family office, Maelstrom, is reportedly seeking to raise at least $250 million to launch a crypto-focused buyout fund, according to Bloomberg.

The initiative, named the Maelstrom Equity Fund I, aims to acquire or invest in mid-sized cryptocurrency and blockchain companies that are profitable or close to profitability. The fund plans to deploy between $40 million and $75 million per transaction, focusing on cash-generating businesses that have weathered the turbulence of recent market cycles.

A Calculated Bet on Post-Bear Market Value

While many venture funds are retreating amid tighter liquidity and regulatory uncertainty, Hayes is taking the opposite stance — positioning Maelstrom to capitalize on undervalued assets and distressed opportunities in the digital asset ecosystem. His strategy suggests a strong conviction that the crypto market is entering a new accumulation phase, where fundamentals matter more than hype.

Maelstrom’s initial fundraising goal of $250 million is just the beginning — with plans to scale the fund to $1 billion by September 2026. The firm’s long-term vision signals Hayes’ belief that institutional-style consolidation will shape the next evolution of the crypto industry.

From Derivatives to Deal-Making

Since stepping away from BitMEX, Hayes has reinvented himself from a derivatives pioneer to a macro-focused investor. Through essays and interviews, he has consistently argued that crypto’s future will hinge on sound economics, cash flow, and sustainability — not just speculation.

The Maelstrom Equity Fund I appears to embody that philosophy, targeting businesses with real revenues and operational resilience — a stark contrast to the hype-driven startups that dominated during the bull run.

As market volatility cools and weaker players fade, Hayes’ latest move positions him to buy strength at a discount — potentially marking one of the most strategic plays in the post-bear market era.