⚡️ INSIGHT: Crypto VC stays cautious in Q4, with fewer marquee deals and smaller checks.Bitcoin projects increasingly bootstrap through community rather than VC. https://t.co/UFYcFQwlGh ...

Core Insights - Total crypto VC funding reached $8 billion in Q3 2025, driven by policy stability rather than speculation, marking a structural reset in the market [1] - US-based funds accounted for one-third of crypto VC activity in Q3, with regulatory clarity on stablecoins and compliance attracting institutional investors [2] - The Silicon Valley Venture Capitalist Confidence Index saw a significant rebound, indicating a shift from hype to fundamentals as policy becomes the main risk compass [3] Investment Trends - 60% of institutions plan to double their digital-asset exposure within three years, with over half expecting 10-24% of portfolios to be tokenized by 2030 [4] - Tokenized private equity and debt are emerging as primary options for liquidity-seeking investors, despite legal uncertainties surrounding LP-token models [4] - Funds like a16z and Paradigm are utilizing tokenized side vehicles, allowing LPs to trade fund shares on compliant platforms, indicating a shift in how crypto finances itself [5] Regulatory Environment - Regulatory uncertainty previously hindered investment in blockchain finance, but recent approval of a national stablecoin framework and tax incentives has legitimized crypto for institutional investors [6] - Q3 data revealed 275 deals, with two-thirds under $10 million, showcasing a disciplined approach to investment rather than speculative behavior [7] - CeFi and infrastructure sectors absorbed 60% of capital, while GameFi and NFTs accounted for less than 10%, reflecting a maturation of the market [8]

Core Insights - In September 2025, the number of publicly disclosed crypto VC investment projects decreased by 25.3% month-over-month and 37.4% year-over-year, totaling 62 projects [1][3] - Total funding in September 2025 reached $5.122 billion, marking a 5.2% increase from August 2025 and a staggering 739.7% increase from September 2024 [3] Investment Breakdown - The distribution of projects by category in September 2025 is as follows: CeFi 21%, DeFi 25.8%, NFT/GameFi 4.8%, L1/L2 12.9%, RWA/DePIN 6.5%, Tool/Wallet 11.3%, AI 12.9% [3] - The top 10 funding rounds included significant amounts such as $1.65 billion for Forward Industries in a post-IPO round and $787 million for Figure in its IPO [3][4] Notable Company Activities - Forward Industries completed a $1.65 billion PIPE financing to initiate a digital asset treasury strategy based on Solana, led by Galaxy Digital, Jump Crypto, and Multicoin Capital [4] - Figure Technology went public on NASDAQ under the ticker FIGR, raising $787 million with an initial share price of $25, resulting in a market cap exceeding $5 billion on its first day [4] - Helius Medical Technologies announced over $500 million in PIPE financing, with a share price of $6.881, aimed at launching a SOL treasury strategy [5] - Flying Tulip, a new project by Sonic co-founder Andre Cronje, raised $200 million in seed funding, with plans for further fundraising through public sales [6] - Fnality secured $136 million in Series C funding to expand its central bank digital currency settlement system, awaiting approval from the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank [6] - Tron Inc. received a $110 million investment from its largest shareholder to expand its TRX treasury [7] - Zerohash completed a $104 million funding round, focusing on blockchain technology support for banks and fintech companies [7] - Bit Digital plans to raise $100 million through convertible notes primarily to increase its Ethereum holdings [8]

Crypto VC is absolutely on fire right now.This one in particular we invested about 2 years ago, after I met Mike in Panama, his home country.We sat down at a restaurant in Panama city and had some local cuisine while discussing the future of agentic commerce & the ai x crypto crossover.Coming full circle to see The Rollup logo on a mega raise announcement is incredibly bullish.Talus is going to lead the AI charge on Sui and I couldn't be more stoked for their team to be very close to mainnet.Another day one ...