Crypto VC Funding Lags Behind Market Rally Despite Emerging Opportunities: Galaxy Digital

Crypto venture capital (VC) investment struggled to regain its previous momentum in 2024, even as digital asset prices soared, according to a report by Galaxy Digital (GLXY) published on Wednesday.

VC funding for crypto and blockchain startups totaled $11.5 billion last year, a figure below the peak levels of previous bull markets in 2017 and 2021. Galaxy noted that, unlike past cycles, the venture capital landscape has decoupled from crypto price surges, with activity remaining subdued despite bitcoin’s 120% rally.

Barriers to Venture Funding Growth

The muted activity reflects several factors impacting the industry:

• Spotlight on Bitcoin ETFs: With the explosive success of bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs), including BlackRock’s record-breaking launch, institutional attention has pivoted toward these products, reducing focus on speculative early-stage investments.
• Shift Toward AI Integration: Investor enthusiasm is growing for projects blending artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, signaling a potential future growth area but one that has yet to fully develop.
• Hesitancy Around Memecoins: Memecoins drew retail attention but offered limited appeal to serious venture capitalists due to questions about their long-term viability.
• Stablecoin Regulations Awaited: Many investors are in a holding pattern, awaiting regulatory clarity that could unlock growth in stablecoins, tokenization, and decentralized finance (DeFi).

Q4 Recovery Shows Signs of Life

While 2024 was slow overall, the fourth quarter showed promise, with $3.5 billion invested across 416 deals—a 46% increase from the previous quarter. Early-stage funding accounted for 60% of the activity, with stablecoin projects receiving the largest share of capital.

The United States led in deal count and total investment, reflecting a strong rebound in domestic venture activity.

Outlook for 2025

Galaxy suggested the venture capital landscape could improve in 2025, with the rise of next-generation technologies and the continued maturation of crypto infrastructure. However, sustained momentum will likely depend on regulatory developments and broader market conditions.

“Crypto VC is at an inflection point,” the report concluded. “While investor interest is shifting, the foundations are being laid for a broader wave of innovation in the years to come.”