Team

Arthur Hayes, Chief Investment Officer

Former: Co-Founder and CEO @ BitMEX

Arthur co-founded BitMEX in 2014, pioneering the cryptocurrency derivatives industry and leading the invention of the perpetual swap — which is now the most widely traded crypto financial product of all time, with volume in the tens of trillions of dollars. As a thought leader in the crypto space and co-founder of a profitable unicorn himself, he enjoys working with up-and-coming founders and advising projects directly. Arthur began his career as an equity derivatives trader for Deutsche Bank and Citigroup. He holds a BS in Economics from UPenn’s Wharton School of Business.

Akshat Vaidya, Head of Investments

Former: Head of Corp Dev @ BitMEX

Akshat is responsible for thesis generation, transaction execution and portfolio management for Maelstrom’s investment portfolio. He previously led the M&A team at BitMEX before departing in 2022 to co-found Maelstrom. Initially trained as a management consultant, he began his investing career executing leveraged buyouts and growth-stage investments in US-based middle-market companies at Granite Creek Capital Partners. Akshat holds a BS in Economics from UPenn’s Wharton School of Business.

Nick Andrianov, Head Trader

Former: Head Trader @ BitMEX

Nick is responsible for hedging and trading liquid positions for Maelstrom. Previously, he led the team at BitMEX responsible for managing and generating returns on firm inventory, as well as advising on the company’s strategic direction. Nick began his career trading equity derivatives and structured products for Deutsche Bank. He holds an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University.

Kushagra Aryal, Venture Capital Analyst

Kushagra is responsible for supporting the full life cycle of research, diligence and transaction execution for Maelstrom. Previously, he interned as a product manager at PayPal, focused on B2B enterprise payments and e-commerce. In addition, he has interned in investing capacities at ArkStream Capital, Big Brain Holdings, and Evernew Capital and served on the boards of directors of Penn Blockchain and FranklinDAO. Kushagra holds a BS in Economics from UPenn’s Wharton School of Business.

PenguinRoi, Research Advisor

PenguinRoi conducts in-depth, technical research — including on everything from macroeconomic topics to new protocols — that feeds into Maelstrom’s thesis generation and diligence functions. PenguinRoi began his career at McKinsey as a management consultant, and is currently attaining his J.D. at Harvard Law School. He holds a BS in Economics from UPenn’s Wharton School of Business.

Lukas Ruppert, Research Analyst

Lukas conducts research supporting deal sourcing, diligence and research functions for Maelstrom. Previously, he interned at Areta, focused on crypto M&A and brokering secondaries. In addition, he has interned at Plug and Play Tech Center, Global Founders Capital, and performed research on the crypto industry at Cambridge University. He holds a BS in Management & Technology from the Technical University of Munich.

Ekoyo Atkins, Public Policy Director

Former: Founder and CEO, Intergenerational Management

As Public Policy Director, Ekoyo oversees Maelstrom’s financial education initiatives. Ekoyo brings a decade of experience developing pathways and curricula to ensure equitable access and opportunities for marginalized communities within the realm of politics and philanthropy. She holds a BA from Hampton University and an MA from The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management.