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<p><strong>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.</strong></p>
<h2 id="zerohash-targets-a-valuation-above-1-5-billion">Zerohash Targets a Valuation Above $1.5 Billion</h2>
<p>The crypto infrastructure firm is pursuing a <a href="https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com%2C2026%3Anewsml_L4N3YR17G%3A0-zerohash-seeks-250-mln-at-a-1-5-bln-valuation-after-dropping-mastercard-takeover-talks-coindesk/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">$250 million raise at a valuation exceeding $1.5 billion</a>, 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.</p>
<p>Zerohash operates as a <a href="https://zerohash.com/solutions/banks/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">B2B platform enabling banks and fintechs</a> to offer crypto trading, stablecoin settlements, and tokenized asset services without building their own infrastructure. The company had previously raised <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/09/23/crypto-infrastructure-firm-zerohash-raises-usd104m-in-round-led-by-interactive-brokers-morgan-stanley/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">$104 million in a round led by Interactive Brokers and Morgan Stanley</a> in September 2025.</p>
<h2 id="why-mastercard-dropping-investment-plans-changes-the-story">Why Mastercard Dropping Investment Plans Changes the Story</h2>
<p>The fundraising push comes after Mastercard abandoned plans to invest in, or potentially acquire, Zerohash. In late October 2025, <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/10/29/mastercard-eyes-zero-hash-acquisition-for-nearly-usd2b-bet-on-stablecoins-report" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">reports indicated Mastercard was eyeing an acquisition of the firm for nearly $2 billion</a> as part of its stablecoin strategy.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>For context on how traditional finance firms have been re-evaluating their crypto partnerships, <a href="https://tokentopnews.com/polymarket-partners-with-nasdaq-private-market-for-private-company-trading/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Polymarket's recent partnership with Nasdaq Private Market</a> illustrates the range of structures these collaborations can take.</p>
<h2 id="what-the-funding-push-signals-for-crypto-infrastructure">What the Funding Push Signals for Crypto Infrastructure</h2>
<p>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 <a href="https://tokentopnews.com/jpmorgan-says-eth-has-lagged-btc-on-price-and-institutional-flows-since-october-2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">institutional players increasingly active in digital assets</a>.</p>
<p>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. <a href="https://www.pymnts.com/news/fintech-investments/2026/zerohash-eyes-1-billion-dollar-valuation-after-exiting-mastercard-deal/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">PYMNTS reported</a> that the company is positioning its banking and fintech integrations as a core selling point to prospective investors.</p>
<p>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 <a href="https://tokentopnews.com/tether-files-new-trademarks-in-south-korea-what-it-signals/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">stablecoin issuers expand into new markets</a> and traditional financial institutions seek compliant on-ramps to digital assets.</p>
<p>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.</p><a href="https://tokentopnews.com/?p=32163" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Read original article on tokentopnews.com</a>

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

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