Crypto VC Funding: Flying Tulip leads with $200m, xMoney follows with $21.5m

The value locked in decentralized finance (DeFi) is rapidly increasing, raising the question of whether it can surpass the all-time high set in 2021. This surge is significant as it reflects growing confidence in DeFi protocols and the broader cryptocurrency market, potentially attracting more investors and innovation in the space.

Bitcoin is making headlines again with a remarkable $985 million in net inflows recorded on October 3, 2025. This marks the fifth consecutive day of positive flows for Bitcoin ETFs, highlighting a growing confidence in the cryptocurrency market. Such significant inflows not only reflect investor optimism but also indicate a potential resurgence in Bitcoin's popularity, which could have broader implications for the financial landscape.

Mutuum Finance is making waves in the DeFi space as it approaches a significant $17 million funding milestone, attracting over 16,700 investors. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the current presale slump in 2025, where many projects struggle to maintain momentum. Mutuum's success highlights its strong community support and innovative approach, setting it apart from others that have faltered. This funding could pave the way for exciting developments in the DeFi sector, making it a story worth following.

Brazil has made headlines by transacting over $300 billion in cryptocurrency last year, showcasing a significant surge in digital asset adoption. This remarkable figure not only highlights Brazil's growing acceptance of crypto but also positions the country as a leader in the global digital finance landscape. As more Brazilians embrace cryptocurrencies for transactions and investments, it reflects a broader trend of financial innovation and could pave the way for more regulatory developments in the sector.

Coinbase is making strides by pursuing the National Trust Charter, aiming to connect the worlds of cryptocurrency and traditional finance. This move is significant as it reflects Coinbase's commitment to legitimizing crypto in the financial sector, potentially paving the way for more mainstream adoption and regulatory clarity.

The Ethereum Foundation has made a significant move by converting 1,000 ETH into stablecoins through CoW Swap. This strategic decision aims to bolster research and development, as well as provide grants and funding for decentralized finance (DeFi) projects. This is important because it not only strengthens the foundation's treasury but also supports innovation in the blockchain space, potentially leading to new advancements and opportunities.

AAVE, the native token of the largest DeFi lending protocol, is gaining momentum as the DeFi market reaches a record size of $219 billion. Despite some short-term profit taking above $290, this growth highlights the increasing interest and investment in decentralized finance, making it a significant development for investors and the crypto community.

Digitap is making waves in the crypto world as it attracts significant interest from whale wallets ahead of its global app launch. This positions Digitap as one of the most anticipated crypto projects for 2025, highlighting its potential impact on the market and drawing attention from investors eager to be part of the next big thing in cryptocurrency.

In the third quarter, losses from crypto hacks decreased by 37%, totaling $509 million. This decline is encouraging for the industry, especially as it comes amid a rise in million-dollar incidents, primarily driven by exploits in exchanges and decentralized finance (DeFi). The shift in tactics towards targeting wallets highlights the evolving landscape of cyber threats, making it crucial for investors and users to stay vigilant and secure their assets.

Avalanche Treasury Co. has announced an ambitious plan to build a $1 billion AVAX treasury through a new merger. This move is significant as it highlights the growing confidence in the cryptocurrency market and the potential for substantial investments in blockchain technology. By consolidating resources and capital, Avalanche aims to strengthen its position in the competitive landscape of digital finance, which could lead to increased innovation and stability in the sector.

Robinhood's CEO recently emphasized the transformative potential of tokenization in finance during a panel at Token2049. His statement, 'Tokenization Will Eat Finance,' highlights a growing trend where digital assets are reshaping traditional financial systems. This matters because it signals a shift towards more efficient, transparent, and accessible financial services, which could benefit consumers and investors alike.

The recent developments in crypto lending suggest a positive shift in the market, especially after the significant crash in 2022. With stricter collateral rules now in place, both decentralized finance (DeFi) and regulated centralized finance (CeFi) are paving the way for a more transparent and trustworthy environment for investors. This resurgence in lending could signal a new era for cryptocurrencies, making it an exciting time for advisors and their clients.

NFT sales have seen a remarkable resurgence, more than doubling to $256.9 million, a significant increase from last week's $84.6 million. This surge is largely attributed to Bitcoin's impressive rally to the $122,000 mark, which has invigorated the entire market. This turnaround is crucial as it indicates renewed interest and investment in NFTs, suggesting a potential recovery in the digital asset space.

The cryptocurrency market is buzzing as BNB and ETH lead a significant altcoin rally, contributing to Bitcoin's impressive 11% gain over the past week. This surge highlights a growing confidence among investors in the altcoin sector, suggesting a potential shift in market dynamics. As more traders look beyond Bitcoin, this could signal a broader acceptance and integration of alternative cryptocurrencies, making it an exciting time for the crypto community.

Bitcoin is off to a strong start in October, recently reclaiming the $120,000 mark and approaching its all-time high of over $124,000. This resurgence has analysts optimistic about the cryptocurrency's potential to reach $160,000 by early 2026, provided certain market conditions are met. This matters because it reflects growing investor confidence and could signal a significant shift in the cryptocurrency market, attracting more attention and investment.

Tether, the leading stablecoin provider, is making headlines as it seeks to raise $200 million to establish a digital asset treasury focused on tokenized gold. This initiative, in partnership with financial services firm Antalpha, highlights Tether's commitment to expanding its offerings and enhancing the stability of its assets. By accumulating tokenized gold, Tether aims to provide a more secure and reliable investment option, which could attract more users and bolster confidence in the stablecoin market.

This week saw a significant boost in crypto funding, with projects raising a total of $351 million across 13 deals. Leading the charge was Flying Tulip, securing an impressive $200 million in a seed round, while xMoney followed with $21.5 million. This surge in investment highlights the growing interest in decentralized finance and finance-focused ventures, indicating a vibrant future for the crypto industry.

A recent report reveals that blockchain network revenues fell by 16% in September, primarily due to decreased volatility in the crypto markets, as noted by asset manager VanEck. This decline is significant as it reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the cryptocurrency sector, impacting investor confidence and market dynamics.