CMT Digital, a Chicago-based firm specializing in blockchain technology and digital asset ventures, has announced two strategic hires to strengthen its global leadership team. Erik Ellingson has been appointed as the Head of Business Development, while Augustus “Augie” Ilag will serve as the Head of Asia.
Ellingson, with over twelve years of experience in traditional finance, will focus on building new partnerships, leading marketing and communications efforts, and providing investment team perspective on deal structuring and sourcing. Ilag, with eight years of venture capital and management consulting experience, will be responsible for overseeing the firm’s early-stage investment strategy, capital deployment, portfolio management, and brand building in the Asia-Pacific region.
Ellingson brings deep expertise in investment banking, capital markets, and investing across global markets and asset classes. Previously, he held positions at Lincoln International and Wells Fargo. Ilag, on the other hand, boasts experience in venture capital and management consulting, with a focus on cryptocurrency, digital infrastructure, and web3 early-stage investments.
CMT Digital’s team expansion reflects its commitment to attracting top talent and driving growth in the digital assets space. The firm has a track record of early investment in notable companies such as Circle, Coinbase, and ConsenSys, among others, and has deployed over $400 million to date in blockchain technology.
CMT Digital operates in highly regulated markets and actively participates in global discussions on regulation, policy, and best practices in the crypto asset and blockchain space. The company has offices in the Cayman Islands, Chicago, Frankfurt, London, and Singapore, and makes early-stage venture investments in companies advancing infrastructure in the industry.
The addition of Ellingson and Ilag is expected to further enhance CMT Digital’s capabilities in capturing attractive investment opportunities in the current market environment. The firm aims to support innovative founders and leadership teams that are driving the digital assets ecosystem to maturity.