Cryptocurrency sector startups attracted nearly 5 billion dollars in investments in the first quarter of 2026, according to DefiLlama data. This amount represents a 16% decrease compared to the approximately 6 billion raised in the same period last year.
The prediction markets segment was the one that received the largest volume of capital, totaling more than 1.7 billion dollars. However, other areas also had significant contributions, such as payments, which raised 735 million dollars. Additionally, trading infrastructure secured 423 million dollars in investments during the period.
The derivatives exchange Kalshi, regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), raised 1 billion dollars and was valued at 22 billion. Polymarket, a leader in decentralized betting markets, received 600 million dollars, demonstrating strong community interest.
In the public offerings segment, BitGo raised over 213 million dollars in its initial public offering in January, with a valuation exceeding 2 billion dollars. Flying Tulip was another company that stood out, raising 206 million in a public token sale and having its valuation estimated at 1 billion.
Strategic rounds also moved the market, especially Whop, which raised 200 million dollars and is valued at 1.6 billion. In this context, LMAX Group secured 150 million in strategic financing in the same month of January.
The company Alpaca completed a Series D round worth 150 million, reaching a valuation of over 1 billion dollars. Another relevant round was Anchorage Digital’s, which raised 100 million in February, with a valuation above 4 billion, reinforcing interest in regulated infrastructures in the sector.
Some of the biggest names in global investing were present in these contributions. Among those involved, the participation of Sequoia Capital, Bain Capital, and Alibaba stands out. According to sources from Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal, Coatue Management led the fundraising for Kalshi.
Regarding the payments sector, Iconiq Capital led investments focused on infrastructure with stablecoins, highlighting expansion into broader economic integrations. Meanwhile, Intercontinental Exchange announced a probable acquisition of up to 40 million dollars in Polymarket securities.
These movements reflect a growing influx of institutional investors into platforms that offer forecasts and regulated tools. Startups in the field adopt functionalities such as card issuance and the use of stablecoins for greater economic inclusion and real-world operability.
The cryptocurrency ecosystem, therefore, continues evolving to meet institutional demands and offer services applicable beyond the purely digital environment. The expectation is that the sector will maintain significant fundraising throughout 2026, accompanying this transformation.
The conclusion of the process still depends on regulatory analyses and the progress of negotiations between companies, which continue adjusting contract terms and preparing the market for next stages.
