Blockchain Funding Digest: $110M Poured into 16 Projects with AI and DeFi Dominating (June 16-22)
The Big Picture: AI Eats Crypto (Again)
This week’s $110M funding spread across 16 deals confirms two trends I’ve been tracking since Q1:
- AI-powered projects now account for 42% of blockchain-adjacent funding (Cluely’s \(15M, PrismaX's \)11M)
- Institutional rails are being built under our feet - notice how 3⁄5 largest rounds went to stablecoin interoperability plays
Top Deals That Matter
Cluely ($15M - a16z) Building an AI that coaches you through job interviews in real-time. Either revolutionary or dystopian - jury’s still out.
PrismaX ($11M - a16z CSX) Decentralized robot vision data marketplace. Because apparently even robots need better OnlyFans alternatives.
Ubyx ($10M - Galaxy Ventures) Ex-Citi execs building SWIFT 2.0 for stablecoins. If they pull this off, my banking friends might finally stop mocking crypto.
The Dark Horse: Quantum Resistance
Project Eleven’s $6M raise signals growing institutional paranoia about quantum attacks. As someone who’s audited enough smart contracts, I’ll sleep better knowing our crypto isn’t one Shor’s algorithm away from annihilation.
Methodology Note
Data excludes fundraises and M&A. * denotes ‘traditional’ companies dabbling in blockchain like that one friend who “doesn’t really drink” but keeps showing up at your whiskey tastings.
