McCann Liquid Fund Shuts Down Amid Strategic Shift

Asymmetric Closes Liquid Alpha Fund amidst Performance Concerns

By Archyde Wire

Joe McCann, the founder of Asymmetric, is winding down the firm’s Liquid Alpha Fund. This decision follows meaningful value loss this year and mounting criticism online.

McCann announced the closure on social media, stating the fund’s strategy “clearly is no longer serving our LPs.” He explained that Asymmetric will pivot away from liquid trading strategies. The firm will instead focus on long-term investments in blockchain infrastructure.

The move comes amid unconfirmed reports suggesting the Liquid Alpha Fund had dropped 78% this year. McCann, however, refuted these claims in a separate post. He stated the fund had not fallen by that percentage and anticipates ample returns from Hyperliquid’s upcoming second airdrop.

This strategic shift may also reflect broader market trends. Volatility in the cryptocurrency market has notably decreased over the past twelve months. The Crypto Volatility Index (CVI) has seen a nearly 30% decline, according to TradingView data.

Investor options Provided

Investors in the Liquid Alpha Fund have been given a choice. They can exit their positions without adhering to standard lock-up periods. Alternatively, they can roll their capital into a new, illiquid investment structure.

McCann emphasized the firm’s commitment to adaptation and forward-thinking. He reassured stakeholders that Asymmetric comprises multiple investment vehicles. While the Liquid Alpha Fund faced challenges,the firm’s venture strategy remains robust.

this venture arm will continue to support early-stage blockchain projects. McCann, who transitioned from technology and trading to crypto investing, described the fund’s performance as a trial of resolve. He stressed the importance of perseverance in navigating such challenges.

The cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, with firms adapting their strategies to changing economic conditions and technological advancements. Asymmetric’s pivot reflects a broader trend towards sustainable, long-term growth in the digital asset space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Asymmetric closing the Liquid Alpha Fund?

A: The fund experienced significant value loss this year, and its strategy is no longer deemed effective for investors.

Q: What will Asymmetric focus on instead?

A: The firm will shift its focus to longer-term investments in blockchain infrastructure.

Q: What options do investors have?

A: Investors can exit their positions without standard lock-up terms or roll their capital into a new, illiquid investment structure.

Q: Is the entire Asymmetric business affected?

A: No, Asymmetric’s venture strategy remains intact and will continue supporting early-stage blockchain projects.

What are your thoughts on this market shift? share your insights in the comments below!

what strategic benefits does McCann Worldgroup anticipate from integrating innovation directly into core agency operations rather of utilizing a separate venture fund like McCann Liquid?

The Discontinuation of McCann Liquid

In a move signaling a broader realignment within the McCann Worldgroup network, the McCann Liquid fund has been discontinued. This decision, confirmed in late July 2025, reflects a strategic shift towards integrating innovation and investment more directly within core agency operations, rather than through a dedicated, separate fund. While details remain somewhat limited, industry sources point to a desire for greater agility and streamlined resource allocation.

Understanding McCann Liquid’s Purpose

launched several years ago, McCann Liquid was positioned as an internal venture capital arm, designed to foster innovation and support emerging technologies relevant to the advertising and marketing landscape. Its primary objectives included:

Investing in AdTech: Funding promising startups in areas like programmatic advertising, data analytics, and marketing automation.

internal Innovation: Supporting the advancement of new tools and capabilities within McCann agencies globally.

Strategic Partnerships: Forging alliances with technology companies to enhance service offerings.

Early-Stage Funding: Providing seed funding and Series A investments to high-potential ventures.

The fund operated independently, with its own investment committee and decision-making process, aiming to identify and capitalize on disruptive trends.

Reasons behind the Shutdown: A Strategic Re-evaluation

The decision to shutter McCann Liquid wasn’t a result of poor performance, but rather a intentional strategic re-evaluation.Several factors contributed to this shift:

Integration of Innovation: McCann Worldgroup determined that innovation efforts are more effective when deeply embedded within existing agency teams and workflows. This allows for faster implementation and greater synergy with client projects.

Streamlined resource Allocation: consolidating investment resources within the core agency structure provides greater versatility and control over funding decisions.

Evolving Market Dynamics: The rapid pace of change in the adtech sector necessitates a more agile and responsive approach to investment.

Focus on Core Competencies: A renewed emphasis on McCann’s core strengths – creative strategy, media planning, and client service – is driving the reallocation of resources.

Impact on Portfolio Companies

the fate of McCann Liquid’s existing portfolio companies remains a key concern.While McCann has not released a extensive list of its investments, it’s understood that the agency is working to ensure a smooth transition for these ventures. Potential scenarios include:

Continued Support: McCann may continue to provide support to select portfolio companies through existing agency relationships.

Strategic Partnerships: Facilitating partnerships between portfolio companies and other organizations within the Interpublic Group (IPG), McCann’s parent company.

Self-reliant Operation: Allowing portfolio companies to operate independently, possibly seeking further funding from external investors.

Acquisition: In some cases,McCann or IPG may consider acquiring promising portfolio companies to integrate their technologies into existing service offerings.

McCann’s Broader Investment strategy

Despite the closure of McCann Liquid, McCann Worldgroup remains committed to innovation and investment in the adtech space. The agency is now focusing on a more integrated approach, leveraging its global network and expertise to identify and support promising technologies. This includes:

Direct Investments by IPG: Interpublic Group continues to make strategic investments in adtech companies through its own corporate venture arm.

Agency-Led Innovation Labs: McCann agencies are establishing dedicated innovation labs to develop and test new technologies.

Partnerships with Tech Giants: Collaborating with leading technology companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon to access cutting-edge tools and platforms.

Internal Incubator Programs: Fostering internal entrepreneurship and encouraging employees to develop innovative solutions.

The Future of Venture Capital in Advertising

The McCann Liquid shutdown reflects a broader trend in the advertising industry, where agencies are reassessing the role of venture capital in driving innovation. While dedicated venture funds can provide valuable resources and expertise, they can also create silos and hinder integration with core agency operations.

The industry is moving towards a more holistic approach, where innovation is seen as a shared responsibility across all agency functions. This requires a culture of experimentation, a willingness to embrace new technologies, and a commitment to continuous learning.

McCann’s Presence in Germany & Globally

McCann maintains a strong global presence, with significant operations in key markets like the United States, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. In Germany, McCann operates agencies in Düsseldorf and Frankfurt (https://www.mccann.de/), serving a diverse range of clients across various industries. This continued investment in core agency locations demonstrates McCann’s commitment to long-term growth and client service.