Startups in the cryptocurrency industry enter a new phase in the fundraising market, with high-quality projects emerging during the downturn.

Last week, several startups in the crypto industry completed large funding rounds in succession. A total of $95 million was injected into new projects, showing a different trend from the overall market downturn. This structural change could be a key signal influencing the future of the crypto market.

During the Downturn, Focus on High-Quality Startups and Capital Concentration

In the ongoing decline of the crypto market, which has reached a $2 trillion valuation, the investment environment has changed significantly. According to NS3.AI analysis, as the market remains sluggish, less committed players are being weeded out, while institutional investors genuinely supporting projects are showing increased interest. As a result, startups with strong execution and high potential now have an unprecedented advantage in fundraising.

In this era of “survival of the fittest,” the crypto ecosystem is demanding true value delivery that is unaffected by market fluctuations. Consequently, startups with high future potential are more likely to receive favorable evaluations from investors.

AI-Driven Agents and Prediction Markets Take Center Stage in Investment Trends

This week’s major funding rounds highlight a clear focus on targeted investments. Projects centered around prediction markets and AI technology are rapidly attracting investor attention as key areas for capital inflow.

A notable example is Novig, a peer-to-peer sports prediction platform. The company successfully raised $75 million, significantly raising its profile as a startup. Meanwhile, in the Web3 wallet space, Kresus Labs secured $13 million to launch a simple, user-friendly wallet experience.

In the intersection of crypto assets and AI, PlutonAI has specialized in developing autonomous DeFi agents, securing an initial $2.7 million. This project is expected to serve as a next-generation tool for automating and optimizing DeFi operations.

Startup Fundraising Indicates a New Direction for the Market

The success of these startups’ fundraising efforts is not just isolated cases but signals a broader trend shift in the crypto industry. Even during the overall downturn, startups with innovative technology and solid business models have proven capable of earning investor trust.

Going forward, capital inflows into AI-driven solutions and utility-rich projects like prediction markets are likely to accelerate. Through rigorous selection during downturns, a high-quality startup funding environment is expected to continue.