Andreessen Horowitz's crypto-focused venture arm, a16z crypto, has officially launched its first regional office in Asia, selecting Seoul, South Korea, as its strategic base. The firm announced the opening on December 10, 2025, appointing Sungmo Park as Head of APAC go-to-market to lead the Seoul operations.
Sungmo Park brings extensive regional and Web3 expertise to the role. His background includes serving as APAC Lead at the Monad Foundation, where he helped build a high-throughput Layer 1 blockchain. He also previously held positions as Korea Business Lead and APAC Head of Business Development at Polygon Labs, and co-founded the Polygon-based NFT marketplace OnePlanet.
The decision to establish a physical presence in Seoul is a data-driven move, reflecting Asia's growing dominance in the global cryptocurrency landscape. Chainalysis reports that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for $2.36 trillion in on-chain value from July 2024 to June 2025, a 69% increase from the previous year. South Korea itself is the world's second-largest crypto market, with nearly one in three adults holding digital assets—a rate that surpasses stock ownership.
a16z's Chief Operating Officer, Anthony Albanese, stated, "This is just the beginning. Over the coming years, we plan to grow our presence in Asia, add new capabilities to support our crypto companies operating there, and keep exploring new ways to expand our geographic footprint." The Seoul office will focus on supporting a16z's portfolio companies as they enter Asian markets, forging strategic partnerships, and building communities throughout the region.
This expansion signals intensifying competition for deals, talent, and growth in Asia, with the region's mobile-first culture presenting unique opportunities in sectors like gaming and social blockchain applications. The move is seen as a major vote of confidence in South Korea's crypto ecosystem and a pivotal moment for blockchain development in Asia.
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