Marco Santori Joins Pantera Capital as General Partner

Marco Santori, the former Chief Legal Officer of leading cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, has officially joined Pantera Capital as a General Partner. This strategic move marks a significant transition for Santori, shifting from a career deeply rooted in crypto regulation and legal advisory into the world of venture investing.

Santori is widely recognized for his substantial contributions to the regulatory landscape of digital assets, most notably the development of the SAFT (Simple Agreement for Future Tokens) framework — a pivotal model for compliant token sales. His work has helped numerous blockchain projects navigate the complex intersection of technology and regulation, providing a pathway for startups to raise capital while maintaining compliance with securities laws.

In his new role at Pantera, Santori intends to leverage his extensive regulatory expertise to identify and support projects that not only demonstrate technical innovation but also possess strong foundations for compliance. By focusing on ventures that align with evolving legal frameworks, Santori aims to position Pantera Capital at the forefront of sustainable, regulation-forward investment strategies.

Santori Emphasizes Compliance-Driven Innovation

In a statement shared on LinkedIn, Santori expressed his enthusiasm, writing:
“Time to put my money where my mouth is. Correction: Time to put your money where my mouth is, because today I am joining Pantera Capital as a General Partner.”
He emphasized his ambition to invest in companies that push regulatory boundaries responsibly, fostering a culture of innovation that thrives within legal parameters rather than operating in defiance of them.

Santori’s move signals a broader industry recognition that the next wave of successful blockchain companies will likely be those that can innovate while maintaining compliance. His expertise will not only guide Pantera’s investment decisions but also serve as a vital resource for portfolio companies navigating global regulatory challenges.

Pantera Positions for a New Era of Regulatory Engagement

Pantera Capital, one of the earliest and largest blockchain-focused investment firms, views Santori’s appointment as a crucial enhancement to its capabilities in navigating the increasingly complex regulatory environment. Founded in 2003, Pantera has consistently remained at the cutting edge of blockchain and crypto investing, managing billions of dollars across venture, hedge, and liquid token funds.

By bringing Santori onboard, Pantera is reinforcing its commitment to regulatory excellence and strategic foresight. As governments and regulatory bodies around the world tighten their scrutiny of the crypto sector, having seasoned legal professionals integrated into investment strategy has become not just beneficial, but essential.

This move reflects a broader trend across the crypto industry, where firms are increasingly prioritizing legal and regulatory expertise to achieve long-term success. Santori’s appointment highlights Pantera’s strategic vision: to continue leading the blockchain investment space by supporting projects that can stand the test of both market volatility and regulatory evolution.