Catena Labs has successfully raised $30 million in a Series A funding round, positioning itself at the intersection of artificial intelligence and finance. Led by Acrew Capital and a16z crypto, this funding will enable the startup to develop tools that allow AI agents to conduct financial transactions on behalf of users. The announcement comes as financial technology companies increasingly explore the integration of AI into their services, with sector leaders predicting a future where machines manage routine banking tasks.
Founded by Sean Neville, a cofounder of Circle, and Matt Venables, a former executive at the same company, Catena Labs aims to establish an 'AI-native bank.' Their ambition is highlighted by a recent application for a national trust bank charter in New York, which would provide the regulatory authority to process payments and manage customer funds. Neville has emphasized the importance of creating a secure environment for AI agents, stating, "The majority, if not all initial transactions, will be executed by agents."
The funding round saw notable participation from Breyer Capital, General Catalyst, and QED, although Neville did not disclose the valuation at which the capital was raised. In 2025, the previous funding round had secured $18 million, primarily led by a16z crypto.
As agentic finance gains traction, industry experts are outlining the potential for AI to manage everyday financial tasks. Lauren Kolodny of Acrew Capital remarked on the significant opportunity this presents, noting, "The opportunity to come up with the framework by which agents can make financial transactions on behalf of humans and businesses is obviously a huge one."
Catena Labs has begun offering invite-only access to its platform, allowing users to set parameters for their AI agents. This includes determining spending limits, specifying whom the agents can send money to, and capping the amount of cash in a user's bank account at any given time. This initiative aims to build trust in AI-driven transactions, a critical factor for the adoption of such technologies.
While the field is still evolving, Neville acknowledges the challenges ahead, particularly in establishing a trusted framework for AI agents. He stated, "I think the main learning has been, as we evolved from thesis to reality and moving real money, is that giving an agent a wallet is pretty easy compared with giving a business a governed way to trust it."
Despite the emphasis on AI, Catena Labs recognizes the necessity for human oversight within its operations. When asked about the deployment of the new capital, Neville confirmed, "We are hiring humans," indicating a hybrid approach to integrating AI in financial services.
As Catena Labs moves forward with its ambitious plans, the implications for the future of finance could be significant. The ability for AI agents to conduct transactions safely and efficiently may redefine how individuals and businesses manage their finances. With regulatory backing and ongoing investment, Catena Labs is poised to play a key role in shaping this emerging sector.
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