Offchain Labs has named Ira Auerbach to lead its venture studio, Tandem. Previously, Auerbach worked at Nasdaq as head of digital assets and at crypto exchange Gemini, leading global projects. His new role aims to address technical challenges in the crypto industry by backing blockchain projects through Tandem’s partner studio and venture capital arms.

Launched in August, Tandem was created by Offchain Labs to tackle key technical challenges slowing crypto adoption. It functions through a partner studio and a venture capital arm, providing tailored guidance in research, product developments, and strategic partnerships for blockchain projects. Tandem does not strictly focus on Arbitrum-related projects.

Tandem currently collaborates with projects like Espresso Systems and Ex Populus, part of its partner studio. Auerbach is in talks with more startups and plans to announce further investments soon. Tandem’s venture capital side is actively increasing its fund, focusing on projects shaping blockchain infrastructure and applications, much like traditional VC firms.