Crypto startups raised $11.2 billion in the first half of 2026, with all disclosed capital going to regulated, licensed businesses, according to CoinDesk in a report cited by Odaily. The biggest funding recipients were companies in payments and stablecoins, prediction markets, exchanges, and trading platforms. Major backers included Wall Street firms and large global financial institutions, which focused their investments on licensed and compliant companies. The report also said investors and founders are increasingly treating regulatory licenses as scarce, defensive assets, while retail traders still mainly use unlicensed or alternative platforms. The funding pattern points to a clear split between where institutional capital is being deployed and where a large share of retail activity remains concentrated.
Crypto startups pulled in $11.2 billion in the first half of 2026, and every disclosed funding round went to regulated, licensed businesses, CoinDesk said in a report cited by Odaily.
Where did most of the money go? Payments and stablecoins. Prediction markets. Exchanges and trading platforms too. The big backers were Wall Street firms and large global financial institutions, and they aimed their money at licensed, compliant companies.
The report also said investors and founders are increasingly treating regulatory licenses as scarce, defensive assets. But retail traders still mostly trade on unlicensed platforms or other alternatives.
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