Former Aptos CEO Mo Shaikh Launches $50 Million Fund to Back Crypto Startups

TLDR

• Mo Shaikh’s new fund targets crypto infrastructure, consumer crypto, and AI.
• The $50 million fund prioritizes web3 and blockchain projects, focusing on Asia.
• MFV has already deployed $5 million into six early-stage startups.
• Shaikh’s fund combines venture capital with hands-on accelerator support.

Former Aptos Labs CEO Mo Shaikh, alongside several early executives from the company, has launched Maximum Frequency Ventures (MFV), a new $50 million investment fund focused on the cryptocurrency and AI sectors. The fund aims to identify and support innovative projects in web3 infrastructure, consumer crypto, and AI-native networks, with a strong focus on ventures based in Asia. This initiative marks a new chapter for Shaikh and his team, as they look to redefine venture capital in the crypto space.

Focus on Crypto and AI Projects

Maximum Frequency Ventures (MFV) will target investments in web3 infrastructure, consumer crypto, and AI-native networks. The fund’s primary focus will be on projects based in Asia, aligning with the growing interest and market potential in the region. A representative from MFV confirmed that the fund’s first $50 million vehicle is designed to back innovative startups poised to shape the future of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and AI technologies.

The fund draws inspiration from Founders Fund’s first $50 million vehicle launched in 2005, which played a role in supporting companies like Facebook, SpaceX, and Palantir. MFV intends to take a similar approach by identifying early-stage companies with high growth potential. The fund’s leaders, including Shaikh and other former Aptos executives, believe their experience can help support these companies in their early development stages.

Experienced Leadership from Aptos Labs

In addition to Shaikh, MFV’s leadership includes several former Aptos executives who bring deep knowledge and experience from their time at the blockchain company. This includes Neil Harounian, former head of ecosystem at Aptos, and Alexandre Tang, who led APAC institutions at Aptos. The team’s collective expertise positions them well to guide crypto and blockchain startups as they navigate early-stage challenges and scale.

Shaikh emphasized that the goal of MFV is not just to provide capital but to offer a hands-on, accelerator-like approach. The firm plans to embed directly with founders from the earliest stages, helping them develop their products and accelerate growth. This approach, according to Shaikh, is designed to differentiate MFV from more passive investors in the crypto space.

A Global Strategy with Regional Focus

MFV’s strategy includes a strong focus on Asia, where the firm sees substantial growth opportunities. The fund’s limited partners (LPs) include family offices from the U.S., East Asia, and Southeast Asia, with over half of its current portfolio having strong ties to the region. This global yet regionally focused approach aims to leverage Asia’s growing crypto and blockchain markets while fostering international partnerships and collaborations.

By focusing on Asia, MFV plans to tap into a region with high demand for innovative crypto and AI solutions. This focus aligns with the global trend toward digital assets and decentralized finance, especially in markets like Southeast Asia, which have seen rapid adoption of blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies.

Early Investments and Future Plans

As of October 2025, MFV has already deployed $5 million into six startups. Shaikh noted that the fund is committed to providing more than just financial support. The team plans to offer a “founder residency” and a “12-week sprint” to help accelerate product development and foster consumer adoption. This hands-on approach will enable the fund’s portfolio companies to scale quickly and efficiently.

MFV’s model contrasts with more traditional venture capital, where investors may take a less active role. Shaikh emphasized that working with MFV would feel more like gaining a co-founder than just securing funding. He believes that this operator-led model can outperform passive capital in the fast-evolving crypto industry, helping to build lasting companies over the next five years.

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