VC Roundup: Amid crypto funding slump, stablecoin, RWA infrastructure draw capital

Vietnam is making waves in the world of cryptocurrency, ranking fourth globally in adoption according to Chainalysis. This rapid embrace of digital currencies is expected to drive credit growth, showcasing the country's forward-thinking approach to finance. As more people turn to crypto, it not only enhances financial inclusion but also positions Vietnam as a key player in the evolving economic landscape of the Asia-Pacific region.

Crypto cards are revolutionizing the way we use digital currencies, making it easier than ever to spend your coins like cash. With the best options for 2025 now available, users can enjoy rewards and cashback while shopping at their favorite stores. This shift not only enhances the usability of cryptocurrencies but also encourages more people to adopt them in their daily lives, bridging the gap between traditional finance and the digital economy.

The UK is set to lift its ban on certain crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) next week, signaling a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for digital assets. This move is important as it opens the door for more investment opportunities in the crypto market, although the regulator has indicated that further updates to the framework are necessary before considering exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This change could enhance the UK's position in the global crypto market and attract more investors.

In a recent interview, Sid Powell, CEO of Maple Finance, projected that Bitcoin lending could soar to $200 billion by 2028, highlighting Bitcoin as a key wealth generator for this generation. This growth signifies a major shift in the crypto credit landscape, with Maple Finance emerging as a significant player. As more investors look to leverage Bitcoin for lending, it could reshape financial strategies and open new avenues for wealth creation.

Walmart-backed fintech Onepay is set to launch new crypto trading and custody services, marking a significant step in the integration of cryptocurrency into mainstream finance. This move is important as it reflects the growing acceptance of digital currencies and could provide customers with more options for managing their assets. With Walmart's backing, Onepay aims to make crypto trading accessible and secure, potentially attracting a wider audience to the world of cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin is experiencing a significant price surge, recently surpassing the crucial $120,000 mark, which has sparked a wave of profit-taking among investors. This trend reflects the broader bullish sentiment in the cryptocurrency market, but it also raises concerns about potential selling pressure as traders lock in gains. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone involved in crypto, as they could influence future market movements.

After a prolonged period of uncertainty, new technical analysis indicates that Bitcoin may have finally escaped its bear trap. A prominent crypto analyst, Ardizor, shared insights on social media suggesting that the market is shifting from fear to optimism. This change could lead to a significant rally, potentially benefiting altcoins as well. Such developments are crucial for investors and enthusiasts, as they signal a possible recovery in the cryptocurrency market.

The IRS has released new guidance that, while limited in scope, brings positive news for crypto treasury firms. This development is significant as it provides clearer regulations, helping these firms navigate the complex tax landscape associated with cryptocurrency. By offering more defined rules, the IRS is fostering a more stable environment for businesses in the crypto space, which could encourage further investment and innovation.

The stablecoin market has reached a significant milestone, surpassing $300 billion in capitalization. This growth highlights the increasing importance of stablecoins in bridging traditional finance with the cryptocurrency world. As investor demand rises and stablecoin models diversify, Tether's USDT remains a dominant player. This development is crucial as it indicates a robust liquidity pool that could facilitate more Bitcoin and Ethereum purchases, potentially driving further adoption and innovation in the crypto space.

Samsung's partnership with Coinbase is a significant step towards making cryptocurrency more accessible for everyday users. By integrating crypto trading and staking features into Galaxy devices, this collaboration aims to simplify digital finance tools, potentially accelerating mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies. This move not only enhances the functionality of Samsung's devices but also positions the company as a leader in the evolving landscape of mobile payments.

Bitcoin Hyper is making waves in the cryptocurrency market, having attracted nearly $1 million in just five days. This innovative project aims to address Bitcoin's longstanding issues of slow transactions and high fees, potentially transforming it into a more efficient and programmable crypto. As Bitcoin remains the dominant player in the crypto space, the success of Bitcoin Hyper could signal a significant shift in how cryptocurrencies operate, making it an exciting development for investors and enthusiasts alike.

In October 2025, the landscape of cryptocurrency trading is evolving, with a ranking of the top 15 crypto exchanges based on their fees, features, and security measures. This is significant for traders and investors as it helps them make informed decisions about where to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, ensuring they choose platforms that offer the best value and protection for their assets.

PayPal's PYUSD stablecoin has seen remarkable growth, with its supply doubling to an impressive $2.54 billion in just one month. This surge of 113% month-over-month marks a significant milestone for PayPal as it transitions from a quiet launch phase to a more active presence in the cryptocurrency market. This increase not only highlights the growing acceptance of stablecoins but also positions PayPal as a key player in the evolving digital finance landscape.

Standard Chartered's Geoffrey Kendrick has confidently reaffirmed a year-end Bitcoin price target of $200,000, citing potential boosts from new ETF inflows and the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. This projection is significant as it highlights the growing optimism in the cryptocurrency market, suggesting that external factors could lead to substantial price increases for Bitcoin in the near future.

Robo.ai has introduced an innovative prototype that transforms smart cars into economic actors by integrating a digital wallet linked to the vehicle's unique VIN. This development not only enhances the car's legal identity but also opens up new avenues for economic transactions, making vehicles more than just modes of transport. This advancement is significant as it could revolutionize how we think about car ownership and usage, potentially leading to more efficient and profitable interactions in the automotive industry.

Robinhood has made a significant move by listing four Bitcoin-backed credit instruments from Strategy, which opens up new opportunities for retail investors to access structured yield products. This development is important as it enhances the accessibility of cryptocurrency investments, allowing more people to participate in the growing digital asset market.

Vietnam is making waves in the world of cryptocurrency, ranking fourth globally in adoption according to Chainalysis. This rapid embrace of digital currencies is expected to drive credit growth, showcasing the country's forward-thinking approach to finance. As more people turn to crypto, it not only enhances financial inclusion but also positions Vietnam as a key player in the evolving economic landscape of the Asia-Pacific region.

The Ethereum Foundation is making a significant move by converting 1,000 ETH into stablecoins through CoWSwap. This conversion is aimed at funding research and development, grants, and donations, which highlights the Foundation's commitment to advancing the Ethereum ecosystem. This decision not only strengthens the Foundation's financial position but also supports various initiatives that can drive innovation and growth in the blockchain space.