Pump.fun has launched a new investment arm called Pump Fund, opening with a $3 million “Build in Public” hackathon that pushes the platform beyond token launches and into early-stage startup funding. The initiative was announced on Dec. 20, with selected teams set to receive capital and direct mentorship from Pump.fun’s founders.
12 teams will receive $250,000 each
Under the program, 12 teams will each receive $250,000 at a $10 million valuation. Applications are open until Feb. 18, 2026, and the first winners are expected within 30 days of launch. To qualify, teams must launch a token on the platform, retain at least 10% of its supply, and grow the project in public.
The structure breaks from the usual hackathon and accelerator model. Instead of relying on judges, pitch decks, or closed-door investor meetings, the program ties funding decisions to visible traction. Teams are expected to show real-time progress through community building, user engagement, and open updates.
Market traction is meant to replace traditional gatekeeping
Pump.fun framed the hackathon as an alternative to conventional startup finance. Rather than pitching to panels or venture firms, founders are judged by users who buy into tokens early, putting financial judgment in the hands of the market. The company said selection will center on visible execution, organic demand, and long-term viability, not polished presentations or insider connections.
The program is also not limited to crypto-native concepts. According to the announcement, teams across sectors and at different stages of development can apply, as long as they ship products and communicate openly. That approach reflects Pump.fun’s view that early user conviction can be a stronger filter in fast-moving on-chain markets.
Pump.fun is widening its ecosystem role
The launch of Pump Fund builds on ecosystem efforts introduced over the past year, including creator grants, liquidity support programs, and platform updates aimed at lowering rug risks and improving collaboration. The company is now trying to support projects after launch, not just help them issue tokens.
Reaction across the industry has been mixed. Supporters argue the fund could help projects on Pump.fun survive beyond the initial launch cycle, where many tokens have historically struggled to last. Critics question whether a market-funded structure can consistently reward durable products over short-term hype, especially during volatile trading periods. For Pump.fun, this is its most structured startup support effort so far, and the results will become clearer once the first cohort starts building in public.