Crypto infrastructure provider Zerohash is pursuing fresh funding at a valuation exceeding $1.5 billion following Mastercard's decision to abandon its planned investment in the company. The payments giant had initially committed to backing the firm, which provides custody and settlement services for digital assets, but has since withdrawn from the deal.
Mastercard's retreat signals growing caution among traditional financial giants toward crypto infrastructure investments amid regulatory uncertainty and market volatility. However, Zerohash's pursuit of alternative funding at such a premium valuation demonstrates continued investor appetite for institutional-grade crypto services. The company's client base includes major trading platforms and financial institutions seeking compliant digital asset infrastructure, positioning it as a critical bridge for bitcoin institutional adoption. This funding round will test whether crypto infrastructure companies can maintain high valuations without backing from payment industry incumbents.
Zerohash has emerged as a key player in the B2B crypto infrastructure space, offering white-label solutions that enable traditional financial firms to integrate digital asset services. The company's services have become increasingly valuable as institutional players seek regulatory-compliant pathways into crypto markets, supporting broader bitcoin institutional adoption trends despite recent market headwinds.
• Whether Zerohash successfully closes funding at its target valuation without traditional finance backing
• Potential new investor composition - whether crypto-native funds or other institutional players step in to replace Mastercard
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