Zerohash Seeks Funding at $1.5B+ Valuation After Mastercard Exit

Zerohash is seeking $250 million in fresh funding at a valuation above $1.5 billion, pivoting to new investors after Mastercard stepped away from earlier investment discussions.

Zerohash Targets a Valuation Above $1.5 Billion

The crypto infrastructure firm is pursuing a $250 million raise at a valuation exceeding $1.5 billion, according to a report first published by CoinDesk. The target marks a significant milestone for a company that provides behind-the-scenes plumbing for digital asset transactions.

Zerohash operates as a B2B platform enabling banks and fintechs to offer crypto trading, stablecoin settlements, and tokenized asset services without building their own infrastructure. The company had previously raised $104 million in a round led by Interactive Brokers and Morgan Stanley in September 2025.

Why Mastercard Dropping Investment Plans Changes the Story

The fundraising push comes after Mastercard abandoned plans to invest in, or potentially acquire, Zerohash. In late October 2025, reports indicated Mastercard was eyeing an acquisition of the firm for nearly $2 billion as part of its stablecoin strategy.

That deal falling through forces Zerohash to seek capital from other sources at a lower implied valuation. The shift from a nearly $2 billion acquisition target to a $1.5 billion fundraising valuation reflects a recalibration, though the company remains positioned among the more highly valued private crypto infrastructure players.

For context on how traditional finance firms have been re-evaluating their crypto partnerships, Polymarket’s recent partnership with Nasdaq Private Market illustrates the range of structures these collaborations can take.

What the Funding Push Signals for Crypto Infrastructure

Zerohash’s ability to pursue a billion-dollar-plus valuation even after losing a marquee strategic partner suggests sustained investor appetite for crypto infrastructure companies. Unlike consumer-facing exchanges, infrastructure providers like Zerohash generate revenue by powering other firms’ crypto offerings, a model that has drawn interest from institutional players increasingly active in digital assets.

The outcome of this raise will signal whether private market investors are willing to back crypto middleware at premium valuations, or whether Mastercard’s exit has cooled enthusiasm. PYMNTS reported that the company is positioning its banking and fintech integrations as a core selling point to prospective investors.

The fundraising round, if completed, would make Zerohash one of the better-capitalized private crypto infrastructure firms. Companies in this space have benefited from growing demand as stablecoin issuers expand into new markets and traditional financial institutions seek compliant on-ramps to digital assets.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency and digital asset markets carry significant risk. Always do your own research before making decisions.