Ever wondered what keeps the crypto world spinning even when markets wobble? Last week, from June 15 to June 21, 2025, I was struck by how 18 crypto projects pulled in a jaw-dropping $159.5 million in funding, shrugging off the market’s ups and downs. It’s like watching a high-stakes poker game where players are betting big on the future of blockchain and artificial intelligence. This surge, led by infrastructure and AI-driven ventures, tells a story of resilience and bold vision. Let’s dive into what’s fueling this momentum and why it matters.
Why Crypto Funding Is Thriving in 2025
Despite Bitcoin hovering around $103,408 and meme coins like dogwifhat dipping by 3.44%, venture capital is pouring into crypto. Why? Investors are betting on foundational technologies that promise to reshape industries. Infrastructure projects, like those building scalable blockchains, and AI-powered platforms are stealing the spotlight. In my view, it’s a sign that the industry is maturing—less hype, more substance. Here’s a closer look at the week’s biggest deals and what they reveal.
EigenLayer: The $70M Heavyweight
Leading the pack, EigenLayer snagged a massive $70 million from Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto arm, a16z. This isn’t their first rodeo with EigenLayer—they previously backed its $100 million Series B in 2024. Now, with a total of $234.5 million raised, EigenLayer is pushing its EigenCloud platform, a developer hub for Ethereum’s restaking protocol. What’s restaking? Think of it as a way to maximize the utility of staked assets, unlocking new possibilities for developers.
EigenLayer’s focus on restaking could redefine how we think about Ethereum’s scalability.
– Blockchain analyst
This deal underscores a trend: investors are doubling down on projects that strengthen Ethereum’s ecosystem. It’s not just about flashy tokens anymore; it’s about building robust infrastructure. EigenLayer’s success feels like a vote of confidence in Ethereum’s long-term dominance, even as competitors like Solana gain traction.
PrismaX: Robotics Meets Blockchain
Another standout is PrismaX, which raised $11 million in a round led by a16z CSX. Co-founded by Bayley Wang and Chyna Qu, PrismaX is blending robotics with decentralized tech to create what they call “physical generative AI.” Launched at CSX’s Demo Day on June 3, 2025, their platform aims to power next-gen AI systems that interact with the real world. Imagine robots powered by blockchain—sounds sci-fi, but it’s happening.
- Investors: Builder Fund, Symbolic, Volt Capital, and angel investors.
- Goal: Develop foundational models for decentralized robotics.
- Why it matters: Bridges the gap between digital and physical AI applications.
I find PrismaX’s vision fascinating. It’s not just about crypto for crypto’s sake—it’s about using blockchain to solve real-world problems. This kind of innovation could pull in industries far beyond finance, from manufacturing to healthcare.
SparkChain AI: Decentralized AI on Solana
SparkChain AI raised $10.8 million, led by OakStone Ventures, to build a decentralized AI compute network on Solana. Their focus? Real-time AI optimization and infrastructure for Web3 and DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure) ecosystems. With Solana’s price up 1.8% at $139.67, it’s no surprise investors are eyeing its high-speed blockchain for AI applications.
What’s driving this? Centralized cloud providers like AWS dominate AI computing, but they’re expensive and raise data privacy concerns. SparkChain’s decentralized approach offers a compelling alternative. Their funding will fuel partnerships and infrastructure growth, positioning them as a key player in the decentralized AI race.
Gradient Network: Open-Source AI Powerhouse
Gradient Network secured $10 million in a seed round led by Pantera Capital and Multicoin Capital. Their mission is to build decentralized AI infrastructure for open-source intelligence, emphasizing transparency and innovation. They also unveiled a sleek new brand identity, signaling their ambition to stand out in a crowded field.
Decentralized AI could democratize access to powerful tools, leveling the playing field.
Gradient’s focus on open-source aligns with a broader push for transparency in AI. In my opinion, this is a game-changer—centralized AI models often feel like black boxes, but decentralized systems could foster trust and collaboration. Their funding will likely accelerate development, drawing more developers to their platform.
Ubyx: Stablecoin Infrastructure Done Right
Ubyx, founded by Citi veteran Tony McLaughlin, raised $10 million to create a unified layer for stablecoin distribution and redemption. Backed by Galaxy Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, and others, Ubyx is partnering with major players like Paxos and Ripple to streamline cross-border payments for corporates.
| Project | Funding | Key Focus |
| Ubyx | $10M | Stablecoin clearing |
| EigenLayer | $70M | Ethereum restaking |
| PrismaX | $11M | Physical generative AI |
Stablecoins are the unsung heroes of crypto, enabling fast, low-cost transactions. Ubyx’s focus on corporate payments fills a gap left by giants like Circle. With regulatory shifts looming, their timing feels spot-on. I’d wager they’ll attract more enterprise clients as stablecoins go mainstream.
Units Network: DeFi and Interoperability
Units Network raised $10 million, led by Nimbus Capital, to supercharge the Waves Protocol’s DeFi and interoperability features. Their AI-powered tools and cross-chain capabilities aim to make DeFi more accessible and efficient. This could spark renewed interest in Waves, especially as institutional backing grows.
- Enhance DeFi infrastructure for faster transactions.
- Improve cross-chain interoperability for seamless asset transfers.
- Develop AI tools to simplify user experience.
DeFi’s potential to disrupt traditional finance is undeniable, but usability remains a hurdle. Units Network’s focus on AI could bridge that gap, making DeFi less intimidating for newcomers. I’m curious to see how this plays out—could Waves become a dark horse in 2025?
Smaller Deals, Big Potential
Not every project grabbed headlines, but several smaller raises caught my eye. Here’s a quick rundown:
- XFX: $9.1M for a seed round, details sparse but promising.
- Sahara Labs: $8.5M public sale, boasting a $600M valuation.
- PublicAI: $8M Series A, focusing on AI-driven crypto solutions.
- TAC: $5M strategic round, targeting niche DeFi tools.
- Bombie: $300K public sale with an $80M valuation, a bold bet.
These projects, while smaller, highlight the diversity of crypto innovation. From niche DeFi to high-valuation public sales, there’s something for every investor. It’s like a buffet of ideas—some will soar, others might fizzle, but the experimentation is what keeps crypto exciting.
What’s Behind the AI and Infra Boom?
Why are AI and infrastructure dominating? It’s not random. Here’s my take, backed by trends I’ve observed:
First, AI’s explosive growth is spilling into crypto. Centralized AI models are powerful but costly and opaque. Decentralized AI, like SparkChain or Gradient, offers cheaper, transparent alternatives. Second, infrastructure projects like EigenLayer and Ubyx are solving real pain points—scalability, payments, interoperability. Finally, investors are getting pickier. Flashy meme coins are out; projects with long-term utility are in.
Investment Formula: Utility + Scalability + Transparency = VC ConfidenceThis shift feels like crypto growing up. Sure, markets are shaky—Shiba Inu’s down 0.47%, Bonk’s off 1.2%—but the smart money is betting on substance over speculation. Perhaps the most intriguing part? This could set the stage for a more stable, impactful crypto ecosystem.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Let’s not sugarcoat it—crypto’s not out of the woods. Market volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and competition from centralized players pose risks. Yet, these challenges breed opportunity. For instance, Ubyx’s stablecoin focus could thrive if regulations loosen, as some predict post-2024 elections. Similarly, AI projects could gain traction as privacy concerns push users toward decentralized solutions.
Here’s what to watch for:
- Regulatory shifts: Will stablecoins get a green light?
- AI adoption: Can decentralized AI compete with Big Tech?
- Market sentiment: Will Bitcoin’s stability inspire broader confidence?
In my experience, crypto’s best moments come when it’s underestimated. This $159.5M funding week feels like one of those moments—a quiet but powerful signal that the industry’s building something big.
Final Thoughts: A Maturing Market
As I reflect on this week’s funding frenzy, one thing stands out: crypto’s no longer just about mooning tokens or viral memes. Projects like EigenLayer, PrismaX, and Ubyx are laying the groundwork for a future where blockchain and AI solve real problems. It’s not perfect—volatility’s still a headache—but the focus on infrastructure and innovation feels like a turning point.
The future of crypto lies in utility, not hype.
– Venture capital insider
So, what’s next? Will these projects deliver, or is this another flash in the pan? I’m betting on the former, but only time will tell. For now, the $159.5M raised in a single week is a reminder: even in a shaky market, crypto’s got staying power.
