Five VCs how crypto investment will change in 2026. ‘Less hype, more maturity’

Core Insights - The crypto market is experiencing a shift towards maturity, with a focus on long-term infrastructure development rather than short-term speculation [1][4] - Regulatory clarity, such as the Genius Act, is expected to unlock further capital and innovation in the crypto space [2][11] - The integration of decentralized finance (DeFi) products and artificial intelligence (AI) is anticipated to enhance user experience and broaden market participation [3][19] Market Trends - The total crypto market capitalization has decreased by approximately 13% year-to-date, yet underlying fundamentals are improving [1] - Venture capital investment in crypto companies has surged to over $25 billion, marking a 73% increase from 2025 [6] - Adoption of stablecoins and tokenized assets is projected to accelerate, supported by U.S. government initiatives [7][20] Institutional Adoption - Traditional financial institutions are increasingly launching blockchain-enabled products, indicating a significant inflection point for institutional adoption in 2026 [8][9] - Major banks and asset managers view blockchain initiatives as growth opportunities, facilitating the transition from legacy systems to modern infrastructure [9] - The signing of the Genius Act has created a more favorable environment for institutional participation in digital asset markets [11][13] Product Development - Perpetual contracts are becoming the most utilized financial products in crypto, with new applications emerging that link to real-world assets [5][21] - The line between traditional finance and DeFi is expected to blur, with familiar financial products moving on-chain [26][27] - Consumer-facing crypto applications are anticipated to become more user-friendly, making blockchain technology less visible to end-users [24][25] Future Outlook - The crypto market is expected to see a rise in niche assets and products that cater to existing risks, enhancing accessibility for everyday users [19] - The role of machines in financial transactions is likely to increase, leading to a more automated and efficient market environment [22] - Emerging markets, particularly in Africa, are showing a growing appetite for blockchain investments, with significant venture capital funding directed towards this sector [15][14]