Framework Ventures raises $400M fourth fund, expands into AI and robotics
In brief
- Framework Ventures raised $400 million for its fourth fund with roughly half already deployed
- The firm expands into AI, robotics, and energy alongside continued crypto investments
- Framework backed robotics startup Mecka AI in a $60 million round
- Portfolio includes Aave, Chainlink, Hyperliquid, Jito Labs, and Plasma
Deployment and recent bets
About half of the $400 million capital has already been deployed, according to co-founders Vance Spencer and Michael Anderson. The firm's recent moves signal where that capital is flowing. Framework backed robotics data startup Mecka AI in a $60 million round in early June. In February, Framework partnered with mortgage lender Better to provide up to $500 million in financing through the Sky stablecoin ecosystem. The firm also took a $45 million stake in Better, representing roughly 10% of its stock.
From crypto to frontier tech
Framework Ventures was founded in 2019 and launched its first crypto fund focusing on early DeFi projects. The trajectory since has been methodical. It raised a $100 million second fund in 2021 focused primarily on crypto investments, then a $400 million third fund in 2022 also focused primarily on crypto. Its portfolio includes major crypto platforms such as Aave, Chainlink, Hyperliquid, Jito Labs and Plasma.
The pivot isn't opportunistic chasing. Framework co-founder Michael Anderson stated the company is not simply chasing the AI trend but following where its existing network of founders is already building. That distinction matters. The firm's expansion reflects where its existing portfolio companies and founder relationships are heading, not a reactive bet on whatever draws headlines. The raise reflects a broader push by crypto venture firms to expand beyond blockchain into other emerging technologies while continuing to invest in crypto.
