Brett Harrison, the former president of FTX’s U.S. arm, is trying to raise money for a new crypto startup focused on building crypto trading software for big investors, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter.
Harrison has told at least one venture capital firm he is aiming to raise $6 million at a valuation of $60 million, one of the people said, though details are still subject to change.
It’s a notable move given FTX’s high-profile bankruptcy last month and mounting scrutiny over whether customer funds were misused. While the scrutiny is focused on former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried and people in his inner circle, including Alameda CEO Caroline Ellison, Harrison’s efforts also come as venture capital funding for crypto startups has been slowing sharply.
