From 24 to 1 to 5: YC No Longer Invests in Crypto, But Crypto Hasn't Disappeared

marsbit2026-02-20 tarihinde yayınlandı2026-02-20 tarihinde güncellendi

Özet

The article analyzes Y Combinator's shifting investment strategy in crypto, moving from a peak of 24 crypto startups in a single batch (Winter 2022) to a low of just 1 (Summer 2024), with a recent modest rebound to 5 in Winter 2026. The key insight is that while the *number* of crypto investments has drastically fallen, the *nature* of these investments has fundamentally changed. YC is no longer funding traditional crypto-native sectors like L1/L2 protocols, DeFi, or NFTs. Instead, the five recent investments are infrastructure companies that use crypto as a backend tool to solve specific problems, with the end-user often unaware of the underlying blockchain technology. Examples include: * **Unifold:** A Stripe-like API for crypto deposits. * **SpotPay:** A cross-border neobank powered by stablecoins. * **Sequence Markets:** An execution engine for digital asset trading. * **Orthogonal:** A payment gateway for AI agents to pay for APIs, utilizing crypto for machine-to-machine micropayments. * **Forum:** A regulated "attention exchange" to trade on cultural trends, potentially involving tokenization. The author, a professional in both crypto and AI, concludes that Silicon Valley's mainstream is redefining crypto's value proposition: its greatest potential is not as a standalone industry but as invisible infrastructure for other sectors, particularly in stablecoin financial services and emerging fields like AI agent economies. The message for crypto builders is to f...

Author: aiwatch, Crypto industry 6+ years, deeply involved in the AI track for the past two years, based in Silicon Valley, focused on GenAI product analysis and Crypto×AI cross-domain research.

I've been in the Crypto industry for six or seven years, and for the past two years, I've also been deeply involved in the AI track, based in Silicon Valley. Being in both circles, a very clear feeling is: in the mainstream Silicon Valley circles, the term Crypto is mentioned less and less, but the things Crypto does are being used more and more.

I want to bring back some signals from the AI side for Crypto practitioners to reference.

<极简版后续翻译，因字符限制无法完全显示，但会保持所有HTML标签和结构，完整翻译所有段落和图片占位符>

İlgili Sorular

QWhat is the main trend in Y Combinator's investment strategy regarding crypto companies, as described in the article?

AYC is no longer investing in crypto industry per se, but rather in companies that use crypto as infrastructure to solve real-world problems, with users often unaware they are interacting with blockchain technology.

QHow did YC's crypto investment numbers change from the peak in 2022 to Winter 2026?

AYC's crypto investments peaked in 2022 with 24 companies in Winter and 20 in Summer (44 total), then dramatically dropped to just 1 company in Summer 2024, before slightly recovering to 5 companies in Winter 2026.

QWhat are the two most notable crypto-related projects from YC Winter 2026 and what problems do they solve?

AOrthogonal creates a payment gateway for AI Agents to make micro-payments for API calls using crypto, while Forum is building a regulated attention exchange that quantifies and allows trading of attention as an asset class.

QWhat significant shift occurred in YC's Request for Startups (RFS) regarding crypto in Spring 2026?

AYC's Spring 2026 RFS specifically mentioned 'Stablecoin Financial Services' for the first time in nearly two years, highlighting regulatory developments and opportunities in yield-bearing accounts, tokenized real-world assets, and cross-border payment infrastructure.

QAccording to the article, what does the author believe is the most accurate interpretation of YC's changing crypto investment pattern?

AThe author believes the pattern indicates crypto is being redefined - its greatest value may not be as a standalone industry but as infrastructure for other industries, where the best crypto products are those where users don't even notice crypto's presence.

İlgili Okumalar

$467K In Crypto Seized As Spain Cracks Down On Illegal Piracy Platform

Spanish police seized €400,000 ($467,000) in cryptocurrency from two cold wallets hidden inside a wall thermometer during a raid in Almería. Three suspects were arrested in connection with the country’s largest illegal Spanish-language manga distribution platform, operational since 2014. The site generated over €4 million ($4.55 million) in ad revenue by offering pirated content. Authorities have not confirmed whether they can access the seized funds, as cold wallets require PINs or seed phrases. The case highlights challenges law enforcement face in handling crypto seizures, illustrated by custody failures in other countries like South Korea.

bitcoinist26 dk önce

$467K In Crypto Seized As Spain Cracks Down On Illegal Piracy Platform

bitcoinist26 dk önce

Kicked Out of PayPal, Musk Aims for a Comeback in the Crypto Market

Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter) has launched its "Smart Cashtags" feature, generating approximately $1 billion in trading volume within days of its April 2026 pilot launch. The feature allows users to click on stock or crypto tickers (or even full Solana token contract addresses) in posts to view real-time price charts and discussions without leaving the app. Initially available to iPhone users in the US and Canada, with a partnership in Canada enabling direct trading via the Wealthsimple app. This move is part of Musk's broader "Everything App" vision, spearheaded by the upcoming X Money platform. Analysts, such as Mizuho's Dan Dolev, see this as a potential disruptor to the US payments market, even prompting a downgrade of PayPal's stock. X Money's beta offers services like 6% APY on deposits, cashback, and P2P transfers, with speculation it may later incorporate crypto trading and stablecoin settlements for faster transactions. However, the ambitious plan faces significant regulatory scrutiny. Senator Elizabeth Warren has questioned the sustainability of the high 6% yield and raised concerns over X's banking partner, Cross River Bank, which has a history of regulatory violations. Additional risks involve the "GENIUS Act," which may create loopholes for stablecoin issuance without full FDIC insurance coverage, potentially leaving users unprotected. The integration of social trading on a platform with over 500 million users could inject new liquidity and retail interest into the crypto market. Yet, it also amplifies risks like herd mentality and the blurring of lines between entertainment and financial speculation. Musk's return to finance, after his ouster from PayPal, hinges on balancing innovation with regulatory compliance.

marsbit1 saat önce

Kicked Out of PayPal, Musk Aims for a Comeback in the Crypto Market

marsbit1 saat önce

Tether’s Mega-Freeze: $344M USDT Locked Down In Major Operation With US Authorities

Tether has frozen $344 million in USDT held in two Tron wallets at the request of US authorities, including OFAC, after the wallets were linked to sanctions evasion and criminal activity. The company emphasized its routine cooperation with global law enforcement, having supported over 2,300 cases and frozen more than $4.4 billion in assets to date. This action contrasts with increased scrutiny on rival stablecoin issuer Circle, which faces a lawsuit over its alleged failure to promptly freeze $280 million stolen in the Drift Protocol hack. Tether also announced a collaboration with Drift Protocol to support recovery efforts with nearly $150 million in backing.

bitcoinist1 saat önce

Tether’s Mega-Freeze: $344M USDT Locked Down In Major Operation With US Authorities

bitcoinist1 saat önce

Shenzhen's Airdrop Hunters Are Now Turning to Hong Kong Stock IPOs

Shenzhen, a city synonymous with ambition and rapid growth, has long been a hub for those capitalizing on information and opportunity gaps. From its origins as a small fishing village, it has transformed into a global center for electronics, manufacturing, and innovation, home to giants like Huawei, Tencent, and DJI. Arez, a typical Shenzhen entrepreneur in his early thirties, runs an airdrop farming studio in Nanshan. In 2023, his team profited significantly from major airdrops including Arbitrum, Starknet, and LayerZero. At its peak, the operation managed thousands of on-chain addresses, utilizing scripts, IP proxies, KYC resources, and capital rotation to maximize returns. Now, like many others in Shenzhen’s dynamic speculative economy, Arez and his peers are shifting focus—this time to Hong Kong’s IPO market, seeking new avenues for profit in ever-evolving financial landscapes.

marsbit2 saat önce

Shenzhen's Airdrop Hunters Are Now Turning to Hong Kong Stock IPOs

marsbit2 saat önce

Four Outrageous Details Hidden in Justin Sun's Lawsuit Against WLFI

Cryptocurrency billionaire Justin Sun has filed a lawsuit against World Liberty Financial (WLFI), accusing its executives of fraud, theft, and other violations. The complaint highlights four key allegations: First, it details the controversial history of WLFI co-founder Chase Herro, including past scams, a prison record, tax liens, and alleged visits to Jeffrey Epstein’s private island. Second, Sun claims WLFI secretly upgraded its smart contract without token holder approval, granting itself the power to freeze and seize WLFI tokens—a move allegedly used against Sun. WLFI defended the action as necessary to protect user interests. Third, the dispute may have been fueled by Sun’s $100 million purchase of TRUMP meme tokens issued by a Trump-affiliated project. WLFI reportedly objected, though the purchase was allegedly approved by a Trump family member involved with both projects. Finally, Sun accuses WLFI of operating an unlicensed money transmission business due to its centralized control over token transfers, potentially violating federal and state laws. WLFI CEO Zach Witkoff dismissed the suit as a desperate distraction from Sun’s own misconduct. Herro did not directly address the allegations.

marsbit2 saat önce

Four Outrageous Details Hidden in Justin Sun's Lawsuit Against WLFI

marsbit2 saat önce

İşlemler

Spot
Futures

Popüler Makaleler

T Nasıl Satın Alınır

HTX.com’a hoş geldiniz! Threshold Network Token (T) satın alma işlemlerini basit ve kullanışlı bir hâle getirdik. Adım adım açıkladığımız rehberimizi takip ederek kripto yolculuğunuza başlayın. 1. Adım: HTX Hesabınızı OluşturunHTX'te ücretsiz bir hesap açmak için e-posta adresinizi veya telefon numaranızı kullanın. Sorunsuzca kaydolun ve tüm özelliklerin kilidini açın. Hesabımı Aç2. Adım: Kripto Satın Al Bölümüne Gidin ve Ödeme Yönteminizi SeçinKredi/Banka Kartı: Visa veya Mastercard'ınızı kullanarak anında Threshold Network Token (T) satın alın.Bakiye: Sorunsuz bir şekilde işlem yapmak için HTX hesap bakiyenizdeki fonları kullanın.Üçüncü Taraflar: Kullanımı kolaylaştırmak için Google Pay ve Apple Pay gibi popüler ödeme yöntemlerini ekledik.P2P: HTX'teki diğer kullanıcılarla doğrudan işlem yapın.Borsa Dışı (OTC): Yatırımcılar için kişiye özel hizmetler ve rekabetçi döviz kurları sunuyoruz.3. Adım: Threshold Network Token (T) Varlıklarınızı SaklayınThreshold Network Token (T) satın aldıktan sonra HTX hesabınızda saklayın. Alternatif olarak, blok zinciri transferi yoluyla başka bir yere gönderebilir veya diğer kripto para birimlerini takas etmek için kullanabilirsiniz.4. Adım: Threshold Network Token (T) Varlıklarınızla İşlem YapınHTX'in spot piyasasında Threshold Network Token (T) ile kolayca işlemler yapın.Hesabınıza erişin, işlem çiftinizi seçin, işlemlerinizi gerçekleştirin ve gerçek zamanlı olarak izleyin. Hem yeni başlayanlar hem de deneyimli yatırımcılar için kullanıcı dostu bir deneyim sunuyoruz.

365 Toplam GörüntülenmeYayınlanma 2024.12.10Güncellenme 2025.03.21

T Nasıl Satın Alınır

Tartışmalar

HTX Topluluğuna hoş geldiniz. Burada, en son platform gelişmeleri hakkında bilgi sahibi olabilir ve profesyonel piyasa görüşlerine erişebilirsiniz. Kullanıcıların T (T) fiyatı hakkındaki görüşleri aşağıda sunulmaktadır.

活动图片