Follow Web3 news and funding trends with our daily updated dashboard on startups and investment in the Web3, crypto and blockchain sectors, based on Crunchbase’s comprehensive data.
Last updated: 12/16/2025
Eleven companies joined The Crunchbase Unicorn Board in April 2024 — a big jump up from the six companies that joined in April 2023 but still a fraction of the 40 added to the board in April 2022.
The Web3 Tracker is a one-stop shop for following Web3 trends, news and data about venture funding and leading investors in the sector.
Web3 refers to the next evolution of the internet primarily built on blockchain technology. While the concept has been around for just under a decade and didn’t enter mainstream usage until a few years ago, the Web3 sector has attracted more than $100 billion in investment, Crunchbase data shows.
Web3: A brief history
Whereas Web 1.0 represents the early days of the internet and its static, heavy content-related nature, Web 2.0 was the maturation of that into a more user-generated network that brought about more utility, sharing and interactivity.
Web3 could be the most significant step yet. The term was coined by Ethereum co-founder Gavin Wood in 2014 and refers to moving the internet toward decentralized technologies with the promise of increased transparency and accessibility. Proponents say the shift toward Web3 will make the internet open to more innovative technologies and shift power away from large tech companies.
Web3 is an umbrella term used to describe a new iteration of the Internet that’s primarily built on blockchain technology.
While the Internet of today—or Web2—primarily focuses on user generated content, social networking and cloud computing, Web3’s core focus is on decentralization, transparency and accessibility. The technology ushering in this new era was created in response to the centralized nature of the Internet and the perception that a handful of large corporations control what is and isn’t allowed on the web. Web3 proponents say it puts the power back into the hands of users and creates a more open, transparent and accessible Internet ecosystem.
A few examples of Web3 companies in the U.S. include Alchemy, a developer platform that helps companies build reliable decentralized applications; Polygon, a platform for Ethereum scaling and infrastructure development; and Chainlink, a startup that’s focused on making it easier for traditional data sources, such as APIs, to connect with blockchain technology.
The top three Web3 startups by total funding are Block.one, with $4.1 billion raised; Bitstocks Trading Limited, with £1.5 billion ($1.8 billion) raised; and FTX Exchange, with $1.7 billion raised.
The top three startups in the Web3 ecosystem with the highest valuations are FTX Exchange, valued at $32 billion; Blockchain.com, valued at $14 billion; and OpenSea, valued at $13.3 billion.
While Web3 isn’t a technology, there have been innovations created based on what the concept represents: a decentralized internet. An NFT, or non-fungible token, is an example of one such innovation. NFTs allow individuals to claim ownership over digital art and other assets. For example, if you’re an artist, you can turn an art piece into an NFT and sell it on a marketplace like OpenSea. To purchase the NFT, an individual might pay you 5 Ether for ownership rights. Your newly acquired Ether coins could then increase (or decrease) in value based on demand and market conditions.
A cryptocurrency is a digital currency that’s tradeable and uses cryptography to secure transactions. To create more transparency, these transactions are primarily stored on the blockchain, making them completely traceable.
There are a wide variety of cryptocurrencies, each with its own use case. For example, Bitcoin is considered a store of value. Stellar Lumens (also known as XLM), the token created by the Stellar Development Foundation, was created to help individuals transfer money quickly. These cryptocurrencies, and many like them, can be used for things like investing and making purchases.
Note: please do your research before investing in any cryptocurrency or digital asset.
No. Web3 is the name used to describe the innovations that blockchain technology has given rise to. Cryptocurrency is the digital currency used within the blockchain ecosystem.
To understand how Web3 works, first you need to know the basics of blockchain technology. The blockchain is a distributed database, or ledger, that’s not owned by any one entity (decentralization). It stores information, such as cryptocurrency transactions, in a digital format that can’t be edited or deleted (transparency). This information is stored in a “block” that connects to other blocks when it reaches storage capacity limits, creating a chain. Hence the name blockchain.
With the transparent and decentralized nature of the blockchain, developers are now building a new wave of innovative applications that leverage this technology; what is now known as Web3.
Yes. Our Web3 Tracker is a public resource. We do ask that you please cite Crunchbase as the data source and include a link to the Web3 Tracker when possible. For additional press inquiries, email press@crunchbase.com.
Please reach out to support@crunchbase.com if your company’s data needs to be updated or if something is missing.
All of our Web3 news and trends coverage is here.
Alchemy
$10B
Alchemy is a web3 developer platform that helps companies to build reliable decentralized applications. Its mission is to provide developers with the fundamental building blocks they need to create the future of technology without the hassle of managing blockchain infrastructure in-house.
San Francisco, United States, North America
Number of Acquisitions 5
Total Funding Amount $564M
Kraken
$20B
Kraken is a digital asset exchange and related services provider that enables users to buy, sell, trade, stake, and store cryptocurrencies. It offers spot trading, futures, margin trading indexes, over-the-counter (OTC) execution, and a multi-chain wallet. Kraken supports a large number of cryptocurrencies and fiat currency pairs, and it provides tools for both retail users and institutional clients. It also offers advanced order types, real-time market data, account management services, and resources for learning about blockchain and digital assets.
San Francisco, United States, North America
Number of Acquisitions 19
Total Funding Amount $1B
Lighter
$2B
Lighter develops software focused on financial applications. It designs tools to support financial tasks and processes. The company creates solutions for various financial needs. Its products aim to streamline financial activities. Lighter specializes in software development for finance.
Miami, United States, North America
Number of Acquisitions 0
Total Funding Amount $89M
Ripple
$40B
Ripple provides one frictionless experience to send money globally using the power of blockchain. It offers a global real-time payment system that enables banks and financial institutions around the world to directly transact with each other without the need for a central correspondent. The company also offers FX Market Making, a solution enabling enterprises to gain access to cross-currency liquidity through a distributed network that allows foreign exchange to be externally sourced from a competitive FX marketplace or an internal FX trading desk. This minimizes FX exposure thereby lowering the volatility and counter-party risk of trades. Ripple Insights features industry updates, insider perspectives, and in-depth market analysis.
San Francisco, United States, North America
Number of Acquisitions 8
Total Funding Amount $794M
Ripple
$40B
Ripple provides one frictionless experience to send money globally using the power of blockchain. It offers a global real-time payment system that enables banks and financial institutions around the world to directly transact with each other without the need for a central correspondent. The company also offers FX Market Making, a solution enabling enterprises to gain access to cross-currency liquidity through a distributed network that allows foreign exchange to be externally sourced from a competitive FX marketplace or an internal FX trading desk. This minimizes FX exposure thereby lowering the volatility and counter-party risk of trades. Ripple Insights features industry updates, insider perspectives, and in-depth market analysis.
San Francisco, United States, North America
Number of Acquisitions 8
Total Funding Amount $794M
Kraken
$20B
Kraken is a digital asset exchange and related services provider that enables users to buy, sell, trade, stake, and store cryptocurrencies. It offers spot trading, futures, margin trading indexes, over-the-counter (OTC) execution, and a multi-chain wallet. Kraken supports a large number of cryptocurrencies and fiat currency pairs, and it provides tools for both retail users and institutional clients. It also offers advanced order types, real-time market data, account management services, and resources for learning about blockchain and digital assets.
San Francisco, United States, North America
Number of Acquisitions 19
Total Funding Amount $1B
Discord
$15B
Discord operates as a voice, video, and text communication service to talk and hang out with friends and communities. It was originally created for people who loved to play games, but these passionate people realized it could be enjoyed for more purposes. Discord is now used by everyone from local hiking clubs, to art communities, to study groups.
San Francisco, United States, North America
Number of Acquisitions 3
Total Funding Amount $983M
OpenSea
$13B
OpenSea is a peer-to-peer marketplace for crypto collectibles and non-fungible tokens. It includes collectibles, gaming items, and other virtual goods backed by a blockchain. On OpenSea, anyone can buy or sell these items through a smart contract.
New York, United States, North America
Number of Acquisitions 4
Total Funding Amount $427M
Dunamu
$12B
Dunamu owns and operates a digital asset exchange (UPbit), two investment exchange platforms (Stockplus and U-Stockplus), and an equity management platform (Onboard). UPbit is a cryptocurrency exchange platform with presence in Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore. Stockplus is a securities information/trading platform with an active partnership with 11 broker-dealers. U-Stockplus is an OTC platform providing a trading service for private companies. Onboard helps private companies manage equity electronically for their shareholders.
Seoul, South Korea, Asia
Number of Acquisitions 1
Total Funding Amount $741M
Venetta
$2M
Venetta Mining Farm
Purbalingga, Indonesia, Asia
Number of Acquisitions 0
Total Funding Amount $18K
Digital Asset
$100M
Digital Asset describes itself as a provider of blockchain-based software and services that help institutions build and run distributed applications for finance and other regulated markets. The company offers a smart-contract platform called Daml together with its public blockchain network, Canton Network, enabling enterprises to tokenize real-world assets and manage digital asset lifecycles. Through its tools and developer SDK, clients can deploy applications that support tokenization, clearing and settlement, custody and asset servicing, collateral mobility, digital cash, and other workflows across institutional participants. Digital Asset supports interoperability across multiple systems while preserving privacy and regulatory control for participants.
New York, United States, North America
Number of Acquisitions 4
Total Funding Amount $492M
AnChain.ai
$17M
AnChain.AI develops artificial intelligence software for blockchain security, anti-money laundering (AML), and compliance investigation. Its platform combines blockchain analytics, smart contract intelligence, and transaction monitoring to detect and prevent illicit activity across digital assets and decentralized finance ecosystems. AnChain.AI’s products include CISO™, an AI-driven compliance and investigation operations platform that automates blockchain tracing and reporting for AML enforcement; BEI™ API, a blockchain ecosystem intelligence solution that provides real-time risk scoring and transaction monitoring across multiple blockchains; and SCREEN™, a smart contract risk evaluation engine that analyzes contract code, detects vulnerabilities, and identifies high-risk wallet activity. The company also offers Web3SOC, a security operations center for Web3 assets that monitors and responds to emerging blockchain threats. AnChain.AI’s technology supports government agencies, financial institutions, and digital asset service providers in conducting investigations, enhancing AML/CFT compliance, and managing blockchain-related risks.
San Jose, United States, North America
Number of Acquisitions 0
Total Funding Amount $16M
Abrakadabra Games
$10M
Abrakadabra Games pioneers Metaverse-driven gaming with Vieverse, a platform that instantly turns videos into interactive experiences. Users monetize engagement through play-to-earn, watch-to-earn, and create-to-earn models. The upcoming Abrakadabra Token powers the ecosystem, enabling seamless rewards and transactions within the innovative digital economy.
Uskumruköy, Turkey, Europe
Number of Acquisitions 0
Total Funding Amount $1M
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