The blockchain and cryptocurrency sector continued its momentum in the week of May 19–25, 2025, recording 15 public funding events and raising approximately $201 million in total capital. According to data from RootData, the investments were primarily concentrated in infrastructure, DeFi, AI-driven finance, and Web3 gaming—highlighting the industry’s evolving focus on scalable, user-centric, and interoperable solutions.
This week’s funding landscape reflects growing institutional confidence and strategic bets on next-generation financial infrastructure, AI integration, and decentralized ecosystems. From stablecoin innovation to Bitcoin-native financial protocols, emerging projects are laying the groundwork for broader adoption.
Infrastructure: Building the Backbone of Web3
Infrastructure remains a cornerstone of crypto development, with several notable projects securing funding to enhance scalability, security, and usability.
Stablecorp Raises $1.8M to Expand CAD-Backed Stablecoin QCAD
Canadian stablecoin issuer Stablecorp secured $1.8 million in funding from prominent investors including Coinbase Ventures and Side Door Ventures. The capital will support the expansion of QCAD, a Canadian dollar-pegged stablecoin, with a focus on strengthening on-chain foreign exchange liquidity and integrating real-world payment channels.
This round also coincides with a major structural upgrade: the creation of the QCAD Digital Currency Trust, an independent entity tasked with managing reserve assets. The new framework introduces enhanced transparency measures such as daily market value reporting, monthly proof-of-reserves audits, and annual third-party reviews.
Previously backed by Circle Ventures in 2022 with a 1.9 million CAD investment, Stablecorp is co-operated by digital asset manager 3iQ and blockchain developer Mavennet Systems, reinforcing its position in Canada’s regulated digital currency space.
AI & DePIN: The Rise of Decentralized Intelligence Networks
Artificial intelligence continues to converge with blockchain, particularly through DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) and tokenized incentive models.
Worldcoin’s Parent Company Raises $135M via WLD Token Sale
World Assets, a subsidiary of the World Foundation behind Worldcoin, raised $135 million by selling WLD tokens at market price to top-tier investors including Andreessen Horowitz and Bain Capital Crypto. The funds will accelerate the global rollout of the World Network, especially in the United States.
The initiative aims to scale biometric identity verification using the Orb device, linking unique human identities to digital wallets—a foundational layer for fair AI-driven economic systems. Previous backers include Selini Capital, Mirana Ventures, and Arctic Digital, underscoring strong institutional support.
UBI Network Secures Seed Funding to Advance AI × DePIN Vision
UBI Network, based in New York, has completed a seed round led by early-stage tech investor LF Labs. The project is pioneering a hybrid model that combines AI edge computing with DePIN infrastructure to support a decentralized Universal Basic Income (UBI) ecosystem.
Users can plug into the network via AI-powered edge devices, contribute computational resources, and earn digital rewards in real time. These tokens can be used within an integrated marketplace, forming a self-sustaining economy.
LF Labs emphasized the long-term potential:
“AI and DePIN together represent a transformative shift. UBI Network demonstrates both technical foresight and product viability—exactly what we look for in groundbreaking ventures.”
Funds will fuel global node deployment, hardware expansion, and ecosystem partnerships.
👉 See how decentralized AI networks are redefining digital ownership and income opportunities.
Web3 Gaming: Bridging Fun and Finance
Gaming remains a key adoption vector for blockchain technology, blending entertainment with real economic value.
Voya Games Raises $5M for Craft World, a Dinosaur-Themed Web3 Game
Voya Games has raised $5 million in a round led by 1kx and Makers Fund, with participation from RockawayX and notable angels such as Jeff 'Jihoz' Zirlin (co-founder of Sky Mavis) and Sébastien Borget (COO of The Sandbox).
The funding will advance development of Craft World, a casual resource management game set in a post-apocalyptic Earth where players collaborate with friendly dinosaurs to rebuild civilization after a meteor strike. Currently in testnet phase, the game emphasizes accessibility—targeting non-crypto-native users while integrating tokenized rewards and asset ownership.
This investment signals continued belief in play-to-earn evolution: not just as a monetization model, but as a pathway to immersive, player-owned economies.
DeFi: Expanding Bitcoin’s Financial Frontier
Bitcoin’s role in decentralized finance deepens with new protocols unlocking liquidity, yield, and media integration.
Roxom Global Raises $17.9M for BTC-Centric Exchange and Media Network
Roxom Global has raised a total of $17.9 million across two initiatives:
- $7.9 million from Draper Associates, Borderless Capital, ego death, and Kingsway Capital for a BTC-denominated exchange.
- $10 million in private funding for RoxomTV, a 24/7 media network dedicated entirely to Bitcoin education and culture.
By combining financial infrastructure with mass communication, Roxom Global aims to onboard mainstream users into Bitcoin’s ecosystem through both utility and narrative.
Rover Secures $4.1M for Bitcoin Liquid Staking on Botanix
Bitcoin liquid staking protocol Rover has raised $4.1 million in seed funding from Bloccelerate, Animoca Ventures, CMS Holdings, UTXO Management, and Maelstrom.
Rover is building a flagship solution on Botanix, the first fully decentralized Layer 1 blockchain powered by Bitcoin’s transaction finality. The protocol allows BTC holders to stake their assets and receive liquid staking derivatives (LSDs), enabling participation in DeFi without sacrificing custody.
Notably, Rover received strategic backing from UTXO, one of the earliest Bitcoin-focused venture funds—highlighting alignment with core Bitcoin values.
Other Notable Investments
Catena Labs Raises $18M to Build an AI-Native Financial Platform
Founded by Sean Neville, co-founder of Circle, Catena Labs has raised $18 million in seed funding led by Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto arm. Additional investors include Breyer Capital, Circle Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, and NFL legend Tom Brady.
Rather than launching a new stablecoin or token immediately, Catena Labs is developing open-source protocols for AI-powered payments and identity verification. The vision is an “AI-native bank” capable of facilitating autonomous transactions between artificial agents in a future machine-to-machine economy.
Investors received equity stakes plus rights to future token allocations, reflecting hybrid fundraising trends in AI-blockchain startups.
TrueX Raises $11M for Stablecoin-First Exchange
Stablecoin-native exchange TrueX has secured $11 million in Series A funding led by Accomplice and RRE Ventures, with participation from Reciprocal Ventures, Variant, and payments giant PayPal.
The platform uses PayPal USD (PYUSD) as its primary trading pair and leverages Paxos for third-party custody services. New funds will expand asset protection through external custodians like Paxos Custody.
Initially targeting institutional clients in the U.S. and select international markets, TrueX aims to become a trusted gateway for regulated stablecoin trading.
👉 Explore secure, compliant platforms where stablecoins meet institutional-grade infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the total amount raised in the crypto market this week?
Approximately $201 million was raised across 15 publicly disclosed funding events during the week of May 19–25, 2025.
Which sectors attracted the most investment?
The largest share of funding went to infrastructure, followed by DeFi, AI/DePIN, and Web3 gaming, reflecting ongoing demand for foundational technologies and scalable applications.
What is liquid staking for Bitcoin?
Bitcoin liquid staking allows users to stake their BTC and receive tradable tokens representing their stake. These tokens can be used in DeFi protocols while still earning staking rewards—maximizing capital efficiency without giving up ownership.
Why are AI and blockchain converging now?
AI agents require secure, automated payment rails and verifiable identity systems—both of which blockchain provides. Projects like Catena Labs and UBI Network are building infrastructure for autonomous machine economies.
Are stablecoins becoming more regulated?
Yes. Initiatives like QCAD’s independent trust structure and TrueX’s use of regulated custodians (e.g., Paxos) show a clear trend toward compliance, transparency, and integration with traditional finance.
How does Web3 gaming differ from traditional gaming?
Web3 games introduce true digital ownership via NFTs, player-driven economies, and cross-game asset portability. Titles like Craft World aim to balance fun gameplay with sustainable tokenomics accessible to mainstream audiences.
The week underscores a maturing ecosystem where innovation meets practicality—driven by robust funding, strategic partnerships, and real-world utility. As AI, DeFi, gaming, and infrastructure evolve together, the foundation for mass crypto adoption grows stronger every day.