Ark Invest Expands Crypto Holdings with $18 Million Purchase
By John Nada·Feb 13, 2026·5 min read
Ark Invest has invested $18 million in crypto-adjacent stocks, including Bullish, Robinhood, and Bitmine, signaling confidence in the crypto sector.
Specifically, Ark allocated $2 million to Bullish and $12 million to Robinhood, alongside a $4 million investment in Bitmine. The strategic choice to invest in these firms highlights Ark's bullish outlook on the cryptocurrency sector, despite broader market fluctuations. Notably, Bullish shares experienced a slight decline, while Bitmine saw an increase contrary to the overall market trend.
Ark's ongoing investment strategy signals confidence in the long-term potential of crypto-related businesses, particularly as traditional finance increasingly intersects with digital assets. This commitment may influence market sentiment and attract further institutional interest, contributing to the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency investments.
On February 13, 2026, Ark Invest's latest purchases were notable not just for their size but also for their implications within the tech and finance sectors. The firm has been consistently increasing its stake in companies that are at the forefront of integrating cryptocurrency and blockchain technology into traditional financial systems. By investing in Bullish, which is the parent company of CoinDesk, Ark is betting on the future of cryptocurrency exchanges as pivotal players in the finance ecosystem.
Bullish, which is traded under the ticker symbol BLSH, has seen its shares fluctuate significantly. After hitting a low of around $24 on February 5, the stock has managed to trade close to the $30 mark in recent days, although it remains over 16% lower year-to-date. This volatility reflects broader market sentiments towards cryptocurrencies, which have been subject to rapid changes influenced by various economic factors.
The investment in Robinhood, which totaled $12 million, is equally significant. Robinhood has been a controversial platform within the trading community due to its commission-free trading model and the ways in which it has democratized access to financial markets. However, it has also faced scrutiny for its business practices, particularly during the GameStop trading frenzy. Despite these challenges, Robinhood remains a key player in the crypto trading space, enabling retail investors to trade cryptocurrencies alongside traditional stocks.
On February 13, shares of Robinhood (HOOD) fell 8.9%, closing at $71.12, as U.S. tech stocks experienced a downturn. This decline followed the general trend observed in the stock market, where tech stocks were particularly hard hit, taking cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin down with them. This connection between tech stocks and crypto prices indicates a fragile ecosystem that investors must navigate carefully.
In contrast, Bitmine Immersion Technologies, which received a $4 million investment from Ark, has managed to defy market trends by witnessing a rise of 1.39% to $19.74. This performance suggests that the company is positioned well within the ether treasury space, which is becoming increasingly important as more institutional investors look to diversify their portfolios with digital assets.
The increasing involvement of Ark Invest in these companies signals a broader trend where institutional investors are not merely observing the cryptocurrency market but are actively participating in it. The convergence of traditional finance and on-chain finance is accelerating, with more firms recognizing the potential of digital assets. As Ark Invest continues to allocate capital to crypto-adjacent stocks, it may set a precedent for other institutional investors to follow suit.
Moreover, Ark's strategy reflects a growing belief in the resilience of the cryptocurrency market. Despite facing substantial headwinds, including regulatory scrutiny and market volatility, the firm appears undeterred, focusing on the long-term growth prospects of digital assets. This commitment could help bolster market confidence, especially among retail investors who may be wary of entering a market perceived as unstable.
Ark Invest's founder, Cathie Wood, has been a vocal advocate for cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. Her bullish stance on Bitcoin and other digital assets has resonated with many investors, leading to a significant increase in Ark's assets under management. As she continues to champion the integration of digital currencies into mainstream finance, her investment decisions attract attention and scrutiny from both individual and institutional investors alike.
The current market dynamics reveal a complex interplay between various assets. Bitcoin, for example, briefly tested the $67,000 mark recently, showing signs of resilience despite a backdrop of declining prices. However, it still remains on track for a fourth consecutive weekly decline, illustrating the challenges faced by even the most prominent cryptocurrencies.
Derivatives markets are showing tentative optimism, with cleaned-up leverage, positive funding rates, and a rising institutional basis. Yet, traders are also paying a premium for short-term downside protection, indicating that uncertainty persists. The pricing of these derivatives suggests that while there is potential for recovery, many market participants remain cautious, weighing the risks against the potential rewards.
In addition to the strategic investments in Bullish, Robinhood, and Bitmine, Ark's actions reflect a broader trend in the investment community. There is an increasing recognition of the value that cryptocurrency and blockchain technology can bring to the table. As digital assets become more integrated into conventional investment strategies, firms like Ark Invest are well-positioned to capitalize on this transformation.
Moreover, the success of platforms like Pump.fun, which recently saw its PUMP token gain over 5% following the introduction of GitHub-linked fee allocation tools, highlights the innovative developments occurring within the crypto space. Such advancements are likely to attract further investment and interest from those looking to capitalize on the digital economy.
As Ark Invest continues to expand its crypto holdings, the implications of these investments will likely reverberate throughout the financial landscape. With each strategic acquisition, the firm underscores its belief in the transformative potential of cryptocurrencies and the companies that facilitate their growth. This ongoing commitment is not only indicative of Ark's investment philosophy but also serves as a potential bellwether for the broader market, as more investors weigh their options in an increasingly digital world.