Crypto VC funding: Phantom raises $150m, Komainu bags $75m

Crypto VC funding: Phantom raises $150m, Komainu bags $75m

Crypto VC Funding Surges Past $700M with Key Investments in Wallets & Payments

The crypto venture capital (VC) sector saw a significant boost this past week, with total investments surpassing $700 million, driven by a $150 million Series C round. Payment solutions, wallet infrastructure, and financial services attracted the most funding, highlighting strong investor confidence in the blockchain space.

Major Crypto VC Funding Rounds

Helio – $175 Million Acquisition by MoonPay

• Helio, a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform, was acquired by MoonPay for $175 million.
• Backed by leading investors including Pantera Capital, Animoca Brands, DAO Maker, and OKEx Ventures.

Phantom – $150 Million Series C

• Phantom, a leading Solana-based wallet, secured $150 million in a Series C funding round.
• The company reached a fully diluted valuation (FDV) of $3 billion.
• Backed by top-tier investors like Sequoia, Paradigm, and a16z crypto.

The latest funding rounds signal increasing institutional interest in Web3 payment infrastructure and blockchain-based financial services. With major players like MoonPay and a16z crypto doubling down on crypto-native solutions, the industry continues its rapid expansion.

Crypto VC Funding Surges Past $700M as Institutional Interest Grows

The crypto venture capital (VC) sector had a blockbuster week, securing over $700 million in total investments, with a $150 million Series C round among the highlights. The bulk of funding flowed into payment solutions, wallet infrastructure, and financial services, signaling strong investor confidence in the blockchain ecosystem.

Let’s take a closer look at the major funding rounds that shaped the week.

Top Crypto VC Funding Rounds

Helio – Acquired by MoonPay for $175 Million

• Helio, a decentralized finance (DeFi) startup, was acquired by MoonPay in a deal worth $175 million.
• The platform specializes in Web3 payments and decentralized transactions, aligning with MoonPay’s expansion strategy.
• Helio has received backing from notable investors, including Pantera Capital, Animoca Brands, DAO Maker, and OKEx Ventures, making it a key player in the evolving DeFi space.

Phantom – $150 Million Series C Funding Round

• Phantom, a leading non-custodial wallet built for Solana, secured $150 million in Series C funding.
• The investment round valued Phantom at a staggering $3 billion FDV (Fully Diluted Valuation), solidifying its position as a top-tier Web3 wallet provider.
• The round was led by major venture firms, including Sequoia Capital, Paradigm, and Andreessen Horowitz’s a16z crypto.
• Phantom’s goal is to enhance crypto wallet security, user experience, and interoperability across multiple blockchains.

Broader Implications for the Crypto Market

The latest surge in VC funding highlights growing institutional confidence in blockchain-based financial solutions. Investors are increasingly betting on projects that focus on secure transactions, decentralized finance (DeFi), and improved crypto accessibility for mainstream users.

The acquisitions and funding rounds also reflect a broader trend:

• Web3 wallets and payment gateways are becoming essential infrastructure for the expanding crypto economy.
• Venture capital firms continue to back innovative startups that bridge the gap between traditional finance and blockchain technology.
• Increased funding for wallets and DeFi platforms suggests a push toward mainstream adoption and a more seamless user experience in crypto transactions.

With heavyweights like MoonPay, a16z, and Sequoia Capital backing crypto-native companies, the industry appears well-positioned for continued growth and innovation in 2025.