It’s that time of year again when the crypto space seems to buzz with extra energy, and this past week was no exception. As we wrap up 2025, venture capitalists are still pouring serious money into blockchain projects, reminding us that innovation in this sector never really slows down. With a total of $335 million flowing into 18 different ventures between December 14 and 20, it’s clear the appetite for crypto remains strong—even as the holidays approach.
I’ve always found these funding rounds fascinating because they often signal where the industry is heading next. It’s not just about the big numbers; it’s about spotting emerging trends early. This week, payments, energy-related blockchain applications, and even some creative Web3 ideas took center stage. Let’s dive in and break it all down.
A Strong Finish to the Year in Crypto Investments
The headline figure of over $335 million might not shatter records from earlier in the bull market, but in the context of December—when many investors are usually winding down—it’s pretty impressive. What stands out to me is how diverse the projects are. From stablecoin-focused fintech to AI-infused social platforms, there’s a bit of everything. Perhaps the most interesting aspect is that established players continue to attract the lion’s share, while smaller seeds are sprouting in niche areas.
This kind of activity suggests confidence isn’t waning. If anything, backers seem eager to position themselves for whatever 2026 brings. Now, let’s look at the standout deals that dominated the week.
RedotPay Dominates with a Massive Series B
Leading the pack by a wide margin was RedotPay, a Hong Kong-based company building payment solutions on stablecoins. They closed a $107 million Series B round, backed by some heavy hitters like Goodwater Capital, Pantera, and Blockchain Capital. That’s the kind of endorsement that turns heads.
In my view, payments have long been one of crypto’s killer use cases, and RedotPay is doubling down on making digital assets practical for everyday transactions. With this fresh capital, their total raised now sits at around $194 million. It’s easy to see why investors are excited—bridging traditional finance with blockchain rails could unlock massive adoption.
Think about it: faster, cheaper cross-border payments without the headaches of legacy systems. Projects like this aren’t flashy meme coins; they’re the infrastructure that could quietly reshape global finance. And in a world where speed and efficiency matter more than ever, that’s hugely promising.
Building on blockchain rails to deliver faster and more efficient digital finance solutions.
– Inspired by recent project announcements
Fuse Energy Charges Ahead with $70 Million
Coming in second was Fuse, also known in some contexts as Project Zero, securing $70 million in their own Series B. What caught my eye here is the eye-popping $5 billion fully diluted valuation. Investors like Lower Carbon and Balderton Capital clearly see enormous potential.
Fuse is tackling energy through a blockchain lens, which feels timely given the growing intersection of sustainability and crypto. Their total funding now exceeds $160 million, positioning them as a serious contender in a space that’s ripe for disruption. Energy markets are complex and often inefficient—imagine streamlining that with decentralized tech.
I’ve followed how real-world asset integration is gaining traction, and energy fits perfectly into that narrative. This raise isn’t just about the money; it’s validation that VCs are betting big on blockchain solving tangible problems beyond pure speculation.
METYA and Olea Round Out the Top Tier
Not far behind were two intriguing projects. METYA, an AI-driven Web3 platform focused on social connections (think dating with a decentralized twist), pulled in $50 million in a strategic round. Backers included Century United Holdings Group, Castrum Capital, and Zibra Capital.
Then there’s Olea, a digital trade finance platform that raised $30 million in Series A from investors like BBVA, XDC, and The Dock. Trade finance is another underserved area where blockchain can cut costs and reduce fraud—Olea’s approach seems spot on for global commerce.
These mid-tier raises highlight how VCs are spreading bets across sectors. AI plus Web3? Trade finance on chain? It’s refreshing to see innovation branching out.
The Smaller Deals That Deserve Attention
While the big rounds grab headlines, some of the most exciting opportunities often lurk in the smaller investments. This week featured a bunch under $15 million that could yield outsized returns down the line.
- DAWN (from Andrena) – $13 million Series B for internet infrastructure with crypto twists
- ETHGAS – $12 million seed, likely optimizing Ethereum gas mechanics
- YO Protocol – $10 million Series A in the YO Labs ecosystem
- Speed – $8 million for high-performance blockchain solutions
- SocialGood – $5.6 million Series B aimed at reward systems
- HolmesAI – $5 million strategic for AI enhancements
- worm wtf – $4.5 million in an undisclosed round (intriguing name!)
- Harbor DEX – $4.2 million seed for decentralized exchange features
- Football Fun – $3 million public sale blending sports and crypto
- Space, Strata, Rainbow – each around $3 million in various stages
- DeepBook AI – $2 million for advanced order book tech
- Moto – $1.8 million pre-seed, early but promising
Looking at this list, patterns emerge: a lot of infrastructure plays, AI integrations, and community-driven projects. In my experience, it’s often these under-the-radar seeds that explode when the timing is right. Keep an eye on DEX improvements and AI-blockchain hybrids—they feel like they’re building momentum.
What This Week’s Funding Tells Us About Broader Trends
Stepping back, this $335 million influx speaks volumes. First, payments and fintech remain hot—RedotPay’s dominance underscores that. Second, real-world applications are attracting capital, whether energy (Fuse) or trade (Olea).
There’s also a noticeable uptick in AI-Web3 crossovers, like METYA and others. As someone who’s watched crypto evolve, it seems we’re moving past hype cycles into more practical utility. Valuations are ambitious (hello, $5 billion for Fuse), but backed by reputable firms, they feel grounded.
One subtle opinion I’ll share: late-year raises like these often precede strong Q1 performance. Investors want to deploy capital before tax seasons or new regulations kick in. Could this signal a robust start to 2026? It’s certainly possible.
| Project | Amount Raised | Round Type | Key Focus |
| RedotPay | $107M | Series B | Stablecoin Payments |
| Fuse | $70M | Series B | Energy Blockchain |
| METYA | $50M | Strategic | AI Web3 Social |
| Olea | $30M | Series A | Trade Finance |
| DAWN | $13M | Series B | Infrastructure |
This quick overview table captures the top tier, but the full 18 projects show breadth that’s encouraging for the ecosystem.
Why Payments and Infrastructure Continue to Attract Capital
Diving deeper into payments—RedotPay’s round wasn’t isolated. The sector has matured significantly, with stablecoins proving reliable even during volatility. Investors recognize that for mass adoption, seamless on-ramps and off-ramps are essential.
Infrastructure deals, like ETHGAS or Speed, address pain points that have plagued scaling. Better gas efficiency or faster transactions aren’t sexy, but they’re foundational. Without them, user experience suffers, and adoption stalls.
I’ve noticed a shift: earlier cycles favored pure DeFi or NFTs, but now it’s about sustainability and usability. That’s a healthy maturation, in my opinion.
The Role of AI in Emerging Crypto Projects
AI keeps popping up—METYA, HolmesAI, DeepBook AI. Blending machine learning with decentralization opens fascinating doors, from smarter matching in social apps to predictive analytics on chain.
It’s early days, but the synergy makes sense. Blockchain provides transparent data, AI crunches it intelligently. Projects nailing this combo could redefine user interactions in Web3.
Looking Ahead: What 2026 Might Hold
With this strong December push, expectations for next year are building. More institutional involvement, clearer regulations in some regions, and maturing tech could fuel another wave.
Personally, I’m optimistic. Weeks like this remind us why crypto endures—relentless innovation backed by believers willing to fund the future. Whether you’re an investor or just an enthusiast, there’s plenty to watch.
The total count: 18 projects, diverse sectors, substantial capital. It’s not the frenzy of 2021, but it’s steady progress. And in crypto, steady often wins the long game.
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Another angle worth exploring is how these raises compare to previous weeks. While exact prior figures vary, the consistency of multi-million deals suggests a resilient funding environment. Even smaller rounds, like the public sales for Football Fun or Rainbow, indicate community interest remains vibrant.
Public sales, in particular, democratize access. Rainbow’s $3 million at a $100 million FDV shows token economics still matter. It’s a reminder that not all funding comes from traditional VCs—crowd participation plays a role too.
In terms of geography, Hong Kong’s prominence with RedotPay highlights Asia’s continued importance in crypto. Regulatory clarity in some jurisdictions there has encouraged growth, contrasting with uncertainties elsewhere.
Finally, as we close out, it’s worth reflecting: crypto VC isn’t dead—it’s evolving. From stablecoins to energy to AI, the bets are on utility. That’s the kind of foundation that lasts.
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