Most blockchain-based startups have seen funding from venture backers, despite the current cryptocurrency market downturn, recording over $4 billion in Q2 alone.
This massive venture capital backing is in keeping with the established trend of VC funding for blockchain firms as investors look to be part of the new wave of disruption associated with decentralized finance.
VC Backers Continue to Dole Out Funding for Blockchain Startups
According to CNBC on Thursday (July 22, 2021), venture capital investors seem not to worry about the volatile nature associated with the crypto market, especially with the current slump in market prices. Bitcoin, which reached an all-time high )ATH) of over $63,000 back in April, is trading within the $33,000 range, losing over 50% of its ATH. Ether price has also suffered a slump after getting to over $4,000 in May.
Meanwhile, data from CB Insights, an analytics firm, revealed that the total funds received by different blockchain companies are $4.38 billion. The figure signals a more than 50% increase from Q1 2021, and almost a ninefold growth compared to Q2 2020.
In May, major fintech company Circle received $440 million from VC backers, making it the largest venture capital funding in a blockchain company. Meanwhile, Circle is planning to go public through an alliance with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Concord Acquisition Corp. The merger, if successful, will put Circle’s valuation at $4.5 billion.
Ledger, a cryptocurrency hardware wallet, raised the second-biggest round in Q1 2021 with $380 million. According to an interview with CNBC in December 2020, the company’s CEO Pascal Gauthier noted that the cryptocurrency market was gradually maturing, with institutional investors showing interest in the emerging industry.
Speaking to CNBC, CB Insights senior analyst, Chris Bendtsen :
“At the current rate, blockchain funding will shatter the previous year-end record — more than tripling the total raised back in 2018. Blockchain’s record funding year is being driven by the rising consumer and institutional demand for cryptocurrencies. Despite short-term price volatility, VC firms are still bullish on crypto’s future as a mainstream asset class and blockchain’s potential to make financial markets more efficient, accessible, and secure.”
Institutional Investors Seek Exposure to Crypto Industry
The record inflow of funding for blockchain firms is coming from both traditional VC funds and blockchain-focused funds alike. Some asset managers are even creating blockchain venture arms for both early and late-stage funding of projects in the industry.
As previously reported by CryptoPotato in June, venture capital giant Andreessen Horowitz announced the launch of a $2.2 billion cryptocurrency fund. According to the company, the new fund would be distributed across various crypto and blockchain startups.
Blockchain Capital raised $300 million for its Fund V LP back in May, with PayPal, Visa. hedge funds, and others participating in the capital raise.
Meanwhile, the trend is continuing in Q3 2021 with massive funding deals. Recently, major cryptocurrency derivatives platform FTX secured a record $900 million in its Series B funding, causing the company’s valuation to grow to $18 billion.
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