Overview

In the week Bitcoin hit a historic peak of 111,000 USD (according to Binance, 24/5/2025), six crypto projects raised a total of 214 million USD from venture capital funds, according to DefiLlama. With predictions that the crypto industry will reach 18 billion USD in investment in 2025, the market is witnessing a strong investment wave, especially in the U.S. and Japan. This article summarizes the major deals, their impact on the crypto industry, and lessons for investors.

Outstanding fundraising deals

According to #DeFiLlama , total funding raised last week reached 214 million USD, bringing total crypto investment in 2025 to 7.7 billion USD, an increase of 87% compared to 2024. Below are the three largest deals:

  1. Worldcoin (135 million USD): The project of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, famous for its retina scanning technology to create World ID, has raised 135 million USD through the WLD token transaction with investors like a16z crypto and Bain Capital Crypto. This capital will support expansion in the U.S. and internationally, meeting the increasing demand for digital identity.

  2. Slash (41 million USD): Digital bank Slash completes a 41 million USD Series B funding round led by Goodwater Capital. Slash provides banking services for crypto companies, allowing conversion between fiat and cryptocurrency, managing crypto portfolios effectively, according to Fortune.

  3. Catena Labs (18 million USD): The startup run by Circle co-founder Sam Neville has received 18 million USD from a16z crypto. Catena Labs develops a digital bank integrated with artificial intelligence (AI), using AI to execute crypto transactions and integrate stablecoins, according to Fortune.

Additionally, Theta Capital Management has closed a 175 million USD blockchain investment fund, bringing last week's total crypto investment to an impressive level.

Impact on the crypto market

The crypto industry is booming thanks to factors:

  • Bitcoin Peaks: Bitcoin price reaches 111,000 USD (according to Binance, 24/5/2025), boosting investor confidence.

  • Policy Support: The Trump administration in the U.S. supports crypto, along with expectations that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will cut interest rates, creating momentum for investment funds.

  • Abundant Capital: Andreessen Horowitz's crypto fund #a16z with 7.6 billion USD from the fourth fund (2022) still has a lot of unallocated capital ready to pour into new projects.

PitchBook predicts the crypto industry will raise 18 billion USD in 2025, nearly double the average in 2023 and 2024. Markets like Japan, with advanced blockchain payment systems, are also benefiting from this trend. Projects like Worldcoin and Catena Labs show the intersection of crypto, AI, and digital identity, opening up new opportunities.

Lessons for investors

The investment wave last week brought many lessons:

  • Long-term vision: The participation of major funds like a16z crypto shows the potential of projects integrating blockchain and AI.

  • Thorough research: Check information from Binance, CoinMarketCap to evaluate projects before investing.

  • Diversify your portfolio: Combine investments in tokens (like WLD) with stablecoins (USDT, $USDC ) to reduce risk.

  • Monitor policies: Changes in the U.S., such as Trump’s policies, can significantly affect the market.

Suggestions for investors

  • Learn about projects like Worldcoin, Slash, and #CatenaLabs to seize opportunities in the field of digital identity and crypto banking.

  • Stay updated with news from Binance, DefiLlama to track investment trends.

  • Explore blockchain funds like Theta Capital in the U.S. and Japan.

Risk warning

Investing in crypto carries high risks due to price volatility and legal changes. The information in this article is for reference only and is not investment advice. Please conduct thorough research (DYOR) before making a decision.