Y Combinator will allow startups to receive funding in stablecoins starting Spring 2026. This option, available to all YC-backed companies, aims to streamline cross-border transactions and reduce costs associated with traditional banking methods. The initiative aligns with growing regulatory acceptance of stablecoins in the U.S.

This article discusses the rapid cycle of product development in the crypto space, highlighting how founders are pressured to pivot frequently to chase new narratives. It critiques the short-term focus of investors and the challenges of building sustainable products in an environment that rewards constant change over completion.

Liquid, a startup that aggregates decentralized perpetual futures exchanges, raised $7.6 million in a seed funding round led by Paradigm. The platform aims to provide retail traders with tools typically available to institutional investors while facilitating significant trading volume.

The author shares insights gained from discussions with VCs and founders at Token 2049, highlighting emerging areas in crypto, particularly Decentralized Science (DeSci). They express newfound interest in DeSci after meeting the founder of HairDAO, recognizing its potential to address funding gaps in scientific research.

Yupp has secured $33 million in seed funding led by a16z crypto to launch a platform that allows users to compare multiple AI models and earn crypto rewards for their feedback. The platform aims to enhance AI model evaluations by utilizing user-generated data to improve performance and transparency.

Andre Cronje's new crypto project, Flying Tulip, has raised $200 million at a $1 billion token valuation, with plans to raise an additional $800 million through a public sale. The project aims to create an onchain exchange that integrates various DeFi functions, offering investors an innovative "onchain redemption right" for downside protection.