Hootan Rashidifard

Hootan Rashidifard, often referred to as "Hootie," is the Founder and Managing Partner of Hash3, a pre-seed and seed-stage venture fund focused on investing in crypto companies and protocols. Launched in 2023, Hash3 has a fund size of $29 million and aims to invest between $250,000 and $1 million in startups that are building an open and permissionless future in the crypto space.145

Background and Education

Rashidifard has a strong background in venture capital and technology. Before founding Hash3, he spent five years at Canaan Partners, where he primarily focused on investments in crypto and fintech. He played a significant role in launching Canaan Beta, the firm's seed investment vehicle, which targeted early-stage companies.25 Rashidifard's career also includes experience in business operations at LinkedIn and as a tech investment banker at GCA Savvian Advisors. He holds a B.A. in Mathematics and Economics from Northwestern University.235

Personal Life and Interests

Rashidifard is Iranian-American and resides in New York with his wife, Becky, and their dog, Cookie. He is known for his passion for vintage cars and has expressed a keen interest in exploring unconventional areas of the internet.15

Investment Philosophy

At Hash3, Rashidifard emphasizes a hands-on approach to supporting founders, leveraging the collective experience of successful operators to enhance the chances of startup success. He believes that practical insights from experienced entrepreneurs can significantly benefit new ventures navigating early-stage challenges.25