Alto, the self-directed IRA platform for private market and alternative assets, announced that its affiliated broker-dealer, Alto Securities, has added MainGrid Shield, LLC to the investment offerings on Alto Marketplace. This new infrastructure offering provides accredited investors with direct exposure to U.S.-based Bitcoin mining operations.MainGrid Shield, LLC, created as a spin-off from Chicago Atlantic, a credit-focused investment firm managing over $1.6 billion, provides access to a diversified mining platform designed for scale, efficiency, and cash flow generation. “At Alto, we’re committed to expanding the types of alternatives that fit in a modern retirement portfolio—and this addition exemplifies the power of choice we offer,” said Scott Harrigan, President of Alto. “MainGrid brings institutional-grade infrastructure to digital asset mining, offering investors real-world exposure to an asset class that’s often difficult to access.”Alto investors have demonstrated a strong appetite for digital asset exposure, with over 63% of active investors on the platform allocating to crypto opportunities in 2024. The addition of MainGrid Shield, LLC builds on this trend, offering a complementary path for IRA investors seeking diversified Bitcoin exposure through physical infrastructure rather than direct token holdings. “We’re excited to partner with Alto to bring our institutional mining platform to a broader audience,” said Ryan Muranaka, Partner & Head of Digital Mining at MainGrid Infrastructure. “The ability to invest through retirement accounts adds a compelling dimension to this offering—combining tax efficiency with direct exposure to U.S.-based bitcoin infrastructure.”MainGrid currently operates three modular data center sites in the Midwest, boasting a combined 21.3 MW of mining capacity with expansion potential up to 278 MW. Potential benefits for investors in MainGrid Shield, LLC include monthly cash distributions and a capital call structure designed to efficiently deploy capital across MainGrid’s buildout plan. The underlying fund may hold approximately 30% in Bitcoin treasury and otherwise sells its mined Bitcoin each month, distributing proceeds via ACH to investors.MainGrid is available on the Alto Marketplace to accredited investors with a minimum investment of $50,000. An informational webinar for accredited investors will be hosted by MainGrid and Alto on July 22 at 3 PM EST. The session will cover the MainGrid Shield, LLC opportunity, key offering terms, and a live Q&A with leadership from both teams.MainGrid Infrastructure (formerly Chicago Atlantic Digital Mining) develops and operates institutional-scale, modular Bitcoin mining data centers located near substations with scalable power infrastructure. Its team includes over 30 professionals with experience in digital mining, data center operations, private credit, and real estate development.Alto’s self-directed IRA platform enables investors to diversify retirement portfolios with alternative assets such as private equity, venture capital, real estate, and private credit. Alto serves as the IRA custodian for over $1.7 billion in assets, supporting 30,000 self-directed IRA investors and more than 2,500 issuers who have raised capital on the platform. The platform offers simplified SDIRA access to investments with minimal paperwork and competitive fees, allowing users to establish Traditional, Roth, or SEP IRAs and invest in private markets.