Theo Raises $20M to Build DeFi Vaults Powered by Institutional-Grade Trading Tech

Theo, a crypto trading infrastructure startup, has raised $20 million in a round co-led by Hack VC and Anthos Capital. The raise also drew support from a mix of crypto-native investors and veterans from firms like Citadel, Jane Street, and JPMorgan.

The company is developing a platform that allows retail users to deposit digital assets into strategy-specific vaults that automate complex trading tactics such as arbitrage, delta hedging, and cross-exchange rate optimization—strategies typically reserved for institutional traders.

Theo’s system is built on a custom validator network that enables real-time execution across both centralized and decentralized exchanges. It enforces strict margin protocols and system-wide overcollateralization to maintain platform stability.

Founded by ex-quant traders Abhi Pingle, Arijit Pingle, and TK Kwon, Theo aims to streamline the fragmented crypto landscape and open up high-efficiency trading infrastructure to a broader audience. “Our goal is to abstract away the complexity of institutional trading and make it accessible to anyone,” said co-founder Abhi Pingle.

Theo’s infrastructure also enables pro trading firms to engage with user vaults, enhancing liquidity and potential yield while managing risk and execution on-chain.