Grayscale Expands Smart Contract Fund to Strengthen Crypto Exposure

Grayscale Investments, a leading global digital currency asset manager, has recently broadened the scope of its Smart Contract Fund by incorporating additional blockchain platforms. The updated portfolio now includes Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Avalanche, Sui, Near, and Polkadot, providing accredited investors with diversified exposure to the most prominent smart contract ecosystems in the cryptocurrency sector.

The fund operates on a market capitalization-weighted structure, with scheduled rebalancing occurring quarterly to ensure alignment with prevailing market valuations. As outlined in the company’s recent update on X, asset allocation within the fund is capped at 30% per blockchain during rebalancing periods. This approach prevents any single asset from dominating the portfolio, promoting a more balanced exposure while mitigating concentration risk. The fund enables investors to participate in the expanding smart contract landscape without the complexities associated with directly purchasing and securely storing cryptocurrencies. As of February 27, 2025, the fund reported a net asset value per share of $10.44.

Evolution of Smart Contract Investments

Grayscale’s recent expansion signifies a shift from its earlier investment strategy concerning smart contract platforms. In 2022, the firm launched the Ex-Ethereum Fund, which deliberately excluded Ethereum from its holdings. Instead, the fund primarily focused on other blockchain networks, such as Cardano, Solana, and Avalanche.

At the time, the portfolio was significantly weighted toward Cardano, which accounted for 24.63% of the allocation, and Solana, which represented 24.27%. Meanwhile, smaller allocations were made to other platforms, including Algorand and Stellar. The latest adjustments now integrate Ethereum as a fundamental component while maintaining exposure to well-established alternatives like Cardano and Solana. Additionally, the inclusion of newer platforms such as Sui demonstrates the fund’s evolving approach to capturing emerging opportunities in the smart contract space.

The Role of Smart Contracts and Investment Eligibility

Smart contract technology serves as a cornerstone of blockchain innovation, extending its utility beyond simple digital transactions. These self-executing programs operate on blockchain networks, ensuring that predefined agreement terms are automatically implemented without the need for intermediaries.

Grayscale’s leadership has emphasized the crucial role of smart contract technology in driving the expansion of the digital economy. The firm has positioned its Smart Contract Fund as a vehicle for investors to gain exposure to this growing sector, provided they meet specific eligibility requirements.

Access to the fund is restricted to accredited investors who satisfy the financial criteria established by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Eligible participants must demonstrate an annual income exceeding $200,000 individually or $300,000 for couples. Alternatively, investors with a net worth surpassing $1 million, excluding their primary residence, may also qualify. Additionally, individuals who hold professional certifications such as Series 7, 65, or 82 licenses are permitted to participate in the investment.

By expanding its Smart Contract Fund, Grayscale continues to refine its investment strategies to align with the evolving digital asset landscape. The inclusion of Ethereum and newer blockchain platforms underscores the firm’s commitment to providing comprehensive exposure to the rapidly developing smart contract ecosystem.