Onerock Investments is a private investment firm based in Singapore that focuses on technology, blockchain, and digital assets investments. The company was founded in 2018 by John Ng Pangilinan, who previously worked at Signum Capital. Onerock aims to identify and invest in early-stage blockchain projects and has invested in platforms like Klaytn, Velo Labs, Ankr Network, and more.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Onerock’s investment portfolio, strategy, partnerships, and impact in the blockchain investment landscape. Understanding Onerock’s approach can provide insights into emerging blockchain projects and trends in this dynamic industry.
Onerock’s Diverse Portfolio of Blockchain Investments
Onerock Investments has invested in a diverse range of blockchain and crypto projects across various sectors. Some of their major investments include:
– Klaytn – Onerock was one of the first investors in Klaytn, a public blockchain developed by internet giant Kakao. Klaytn aims to bring blockchain experience to the masses.
– Velo Labs – A blockchain project focused on connecting digital assets to real-world financial products. Backed by Asian fintech company Velo Protocol.
– Ankr Network – A distributed computing platform that aims to make it easy for anyone to access blockchain node services.
– Acuitty – A decentralized data exchange platform powered by blockchain and AI. Helps organizations share data securely.
– Koncrete – A crypto investment platform that offers automated portfolio management for digital assets.
– Sparrow Exchange – A trading platform for crypto options and futures contracts.
This variety demonstrates Onerock’s willingness to invest at early stages across different blockchain niches like infrastructure, DeFi, trading, data, and more.
Onerock’s Investment Strategy and Approach
Onerock employs a venture capital approach to blockchain investing, focused on the early seed and private sales stages. They aim to identify projects with strong technology foundations and real-world applicability.
Some key aspects of their investment strategy include:
– Focus on infrastructure and enterprise adoption – Onerock recognizes that infrastructure is crucial for mainstream blockchain adoption, so platforms like Klaytn are a priority. They also keep an eye on enterprise adoption.
– Forward-thinking outlook – The firm aims to stay on top of blockchain innovation and identify emerging trends before they gain mainstream traction. This helps them invest early.
– Strong technical analysis – Onerock does rigorous technical analysis on factors like cryptography, architecture, security, and scalability when evaluating investment options.
– Founder and team experience – Extensive background research is done on project founders and core team members. Their experience and networks can make or break a project.
– Global perspective – Onerock looks all over the world for promising blockchain projects, not just in their Southeast Asian backyard. A global outlook allows for more opportunities.
By combining these strategic elements, Onerock investments are able to get in early on innovative blockchain startups with significant growth potential down the line.
Onerock’s Partnerships and Connections
As an established venture capital firm focused on blockchain, Onerock Investments has cultivated partnerships and connections with other major industry players:
– Signum Capital – Onerock founder John Ng Pangilinan previously worked at Singapore-based Signum Capital, an influential blockchain fund. This relationship gives Onerock access to Signum’s network and deal flow.
– Huobi – Onerock and exchange Huobi have co-invested in several blockchain projects, like Nervos Network. Huobi provides crucial exchanges and liquidity access to projects.
– Du Capital – The investment arm of Chinese exchange Huobi is a frequent Onerock co-investor. The two firms jointly back projects like CertiK, Dora Factory, and more.
– KuCoin – Another major exchange that Onerock has co-invested with on blockchain projects like CertiK. Access to exchanges is key.
– Klaytn – As an early investor in Klaytn, Onerock likely has an advantage when it comes to investing in projects building on Klaytn’s blockchain.
– Chiron Partners – A blockchain advisory firm that provides consulting and analytical services. they have collaborated with Onerock on research and projects.
These partnerships demonstrate Onerock’s strong connections with key blockchain and investment players in Asia and globally. The firm leverages these relationships for deal flow, research, and portfolio development.
Onerock’s Impact on Blockchain Investing
As one of the first dedicated blockchain investment firms founded in Southeast Asia, Onerock Investments has made a measurable impact on the blockchain startup ecosystem:
– Increased capital – Onerock provides crucial early-stage capital for promising projects at the seed level. Their investments allow projects to build out teams, technology, and launch pilots.
– Mainstream adoption – By backing infrastructure projects like Klaytn, Onerock investments in blockchain tech that can drive real mainstream usage.
– Regional development – The firm’s investments contribute to the growth of the blockchain space across Southeast Asia. They identify promising regional startups.
– Industry connections – Onerock’s partnerships with exchanges, protocols, and advisors links projects to key resources and relationships for growth.
– Technical support – Hands-on support is provided to invested projects to aid in areas like operations, marketing, law, and compliance.
– Validation – Onerock’s backing validates and raises the profile of unknown blockchain startups, helping them secure further funding.
Overall, Onerock Investments has become a pivotal driver of the blockchain startup and investment ecosystem in Asia and globally.
In summary, Onerock Investments has established itself as a prominent blockchain and digital asset investment firm through its diverse portfolio, forward-thinking strategy, industry partnerships, and impact. Their venture capital approach identifies early-stage projects across sectors that show promise in driving real blockchain adoption and creating value. Onerock provides crucial early support and access to key resources that allow these innovative startups to grow. As the blockchain space matures, Onerock Investments remains a firm to watch.