Crypto Basics

Top 10 Crypto Venture Capital Funds for Investment in July 2025

Discover the top 10 crypto VC firms including Token Metrics Ventures, Polychain, and Coinbase Ventures. Learn how they invest and what makes them the best in 2025.
Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

Crypto venture capital (VC) is evolving rapidly, driving innovation across Web3, blockchain infrastructure, DeFi, AI, and tokenized assets. As the crypto market matures, venture capital firms that identify and back high-potential projects are shaping the future of finance and technology.

In 2025, savvy investors and founders alike are turning to leading crypto VC funds for capital, connections, and credibility. These firms are not just investors—they’re ecosystem builders.

Here are the 10 best crypto venture capital funds to watch and invest alongside in 2025, whether you’re a retail investor following their portfolio, a founder raising capital, or an institutional player tracking Web3 trends.

1. Token Metrics Ventures

Overview:
Token Metrics Ventures (TMV) stands at the intersection of AI-powered analytics and high-conviction early-stage investing. Leveraging proprietary on-chain data, predictive AI models, and investor-grade metrics, TMV identifies moonshot crypto projects long before they trend.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • TMV leverages data from the Token Metrics Research and Trading Platform, giving it an unparalleled edge in scouting high-alpha investments.
  • Backed successful early-stage tokens in DePIN, AI, and L2 rollup ecosystems.
  • Offers public transparency into portfolio performance through the Token Metrics Index.

Notable Investments:
Our notable investments are, Pixels, Vana, Andrena, Peaq, My Pet Hooligans, 0G Labs and Nillion. You can also add a link to our portfolio page.

Edge:
AI-first investing methodology that rivals traditional research firms, giving TMV a futuristic edge in discovering breakout assets before the herd.

2. Digital Currency Group (DCG)

Overview:
Founded in 2015, DCG is one of the earliest and most influential crypto-focused venture capital firms. DCG is the parent company of Grayscale, Foundry, and formerly CoinDesk.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Despite facing challenges in 2023–2024, DCG has restructured and returned with a sharper focus on Layer 2s, RWA tokenization, and institutional-grade infrastructure.
  • Its strategic relationship with Grayscale offers unique exposure to regulated crypto products.

Notable Investments:
Chainalysis, Circle, Fireblocks, and Coinbase (pre-IPO).

Edge:
Massive institutional network and historical pedigree as an early mover.

3. Multicoin Capital

Overview:
Multicoin Capital is a research-driven crypto VC fund focused on long-term bets in token economies, especially around smart contract platforms and DeFi.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Multicoin doubled down on Solana ecosystem plays and modular blockchain infrastructure in 2024–2025.
  • Actively invests in open-source middleware, oracle systems, and AI x crypto crossovers.

Notable Investments:
Solana, Helium, Render, and LayerZero.

Edge:
Deep thesis development, frequent publication of detailed investment memos, and contrarian bets that often pay off big.

4. Distributed Global

Overview:
Distributed Global focuses on building out foundational blockchain infrastructure, including scalability, privacy, and cross-chain interoperability.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Quietly involved in powering modular ecosystems like Celestia, EigenLayer, and Appchains.
  • Maintains a strong technical team with deep protocol-level insight.

Notable Investments:
StarkWare, zkSync, and Arweave.

Edge:
Strong technical due diligence and early backing of scalable blockchain solutions.

5. Dragonfly Capital

Overview:
Dragonfly Capital is a global venture capital firm that bridges crypto ecosystems between the U.S., Asia, and Europe.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Strong focus on liquidity provisioning, trading infrastructure, and multi-chain development.
  • Strong ties with centralized exchanges and DeFi protocols.

Notable Investments:
1inch, Amber Group, MakerDAO, and NEAR Protocol.

Edge:
Cross-border insight and the ability to scale projects globally across diverse regulatory landscapes.

6. YZi Labs (formerly Binance Labs)

Overview:
YZi Labs emerged in 2025 following the spinout and rebranding of Binance Labs. It retains the same DNA: a hyperactive investor in seed-stage Web3 startups with a strategic exchange distribution edge.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Despite regulatory shake-ups, YZi Labs has doubled down on AI x Web3, GameFi, and Real World Assets (RWA).
  • Still benefits from exchange-native insight and product-market fit validation via Binance listings.

Notable Investments:
DODO, Dune Analytics, Trust Wallet, and numerous Binance Launchpad tokens.

Edge:
Massive retail distribution power and exchange insights few others can replicate.

7. Coinbase Ventures

Overview:
Coinbase Ventures is the venture capital arm of Coinbase, one of the world’s largest and most regulated crypto exchanges.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Continues to back strategic ecosystem plays that align with Coinbase’s product roadmap and regulatory direction.
  • Focuses on identity, compliance tooling, and tokenized securities.

Notable Investments:
OpenSea, Compound, Alchemy, and BlockFi.

Edge:
Strong synergy with Coinbase product launches and listing potential for portfolio companies.

8. NGC Ventures

Overview:
NGC (Neo Global Capital) Ventures is a globally recognized fund based in Asia with a strong track record in infrastructure and protocol-level investments.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Focus on Asia-Pacific blockchain adoption trends.
  • Strong interest in DePIN, AI-powered consensus models, and zero-knowledge cryptography.

Notable Investments:
Algorand, Oasis, and Thorchain.

Edge:
Access to emerging Asian markets and strong strategic partnerships with local governments and enterprises.

9. The Spartan Group

Overview:
The Spartan Group is an Asia-based crypto VC and advisory firm, known for high-conviction investments in DeFi and Layer 1 ecosystems.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Expanded its portfolio into permissionless AI tools, modular consensus, and tokenized derivatives.
  • Maintains a boutique, high-touch approach to investments.

Notable Investments:
dYdX, Aave, Terra (before the collapse), and Pendle.

Edge:
Highly thesis-driven and nimble with an elite advisory network.

10. Polychain Capital

Overview:
Founded by Olaf Carlson-Wee, Polychain Capital is one of the largest crypto-native VC funds and remains a powerful force in the space.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Polychain continues to double down on privacy-preserving tech, zk rollups, and cross-chain solutions.
  • Early investor in bleeding-edge projects in cryptography, AI, and DAOs.

Notable Investments:
Filecoin, Avalanche, Tezos, and Compound.

Edge:
Massive AUM, strong LP network, and deep conviction in crypto’s long-term vision.

Conclusion: How to Leverage These Funds as an Investor

You don’t need to be a millionaire LP to benefit from the research and capital allocation of top crypto venture funds. Here’s how:

  • Track their portfolio: Use tools like Token Metrics, CryptoRank, and Messari to follow what these VCs are investing in.
  • Mirror their trades: Look for public tokens in their portfolios and evaluate entry points.
  • Join their ecosystems: Many funds support incubators and hackathons—ideal for developers and builders.

In 2025, VCs will be the kingmakers of crypto. By following their moves, retail investors can gain a massive edge in identifying the next moonshot projects before they explode.

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Token Metrics Team
Token Metrics Team

Recent Posts

Research

Bitcoin vs. Altcoin Season: Where the Market's Headed in 2025

Token Metrics Team
5 min
MIN

Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of crypto, understanding the cyclical relationship between Bitcoin and altcoins is crucial for successful trading. During Token Metrics’ latest market update, Ian Balina highlighted key indicators pointing to a shift in momentum — possibly signaling the return of an altcoin season.

What Is Altcoin Season?
Altcoin season is a period in the crypto market where altcoins outperform Bitcoin in terms of price gains. Historically, this shift occurs when Bitcoin stabilizes after a rally, giving room for capital rotation into smaller-cap tokens with higher risk/reward potential.

Bitcoin’s Dominance and the Signs of Rotation
As of May 2025, Bitcoin remains a market anchor, but its dominance is showing signs of plateauing. Ian pointed out that capital is beginning to flow into AI tokens, new infrastructure plays, and community-driven projects like Launchcoin — which has already returned 35x gains. These trends are classic precursors to altcoin season.

Top Performing Altcoins Identified by Token Metrics
Token Metrics’ bold signals have identified several high-performing altcoins, such as:

  • Launchcoin: 35x gain since the signal triggered.
  • AI Infrastructure Tokens: Benefiting from the broader AI narrative in crypto.
  • DeFi 2.0 Protocols: Getting renewed attention amid institutional interest.

Key Indicators to Watch

  1. Bitcoin Dominance Chart – A drop below 50% dominance often precedes altcoin rallies.
  2. Volume Trends – Increasing volume on altcoin pairs indicates rising interest.
  3. Token Metrics Grades – Look for altcoins with high Trader and Investor Grades — a dual signal of short- and long-term strength.

How to Prepare Your Portfolio
Traders should consider gradual rotation — locking in BTC gains and reallocating to top-rated altcoins. Using Token Metrics’ tools:

  • Monitor daily signal updates
  • Filter by Trader Grade > 80 and recent bold signals
  • Keep an eye on AI and DeFi narratives, as they dominate 2025’s momentum

Conclusion
Whether we’re entering a full-blown altcoin season or just a mini-cycle, the signals are clear: capital is rotating. Use data, not guesswork. With Token Metrics’ AI-powered tools, you can identify high-potential opportunities and stay ahead of the curve in both Bitcoin and altcoin markets.

Research

Rise of AI Coins: How AI Narratives Are Fueling the Next Bull Run

Token Metrics Team
4 min
MIN

Introduction
AI is no longer just a tech buzzword — it’s a dominant force driving the next wave of crypto innovation. In 2025, artificial intelligence has found a new frontier: blockchain. From infrastructure protocols to AI-native tokens, the market is seeing a surge in interest, investment, and returns for coins tied to the AI narrative. Token Metrics is at the forefront, helping users identify these explosive opportunities.

Why AI Coins Are Surging
The intersection of AI and crypto isn’t random. Three forces are converging to power this narrative:

  1. Mainstream AI Adoption – With tools like ChatGPT and Claude going mainstream, interest in AI has exploded.
  2. Decentralized Intelligence – Blockchain offers a secure, transparent way to distribute AI models and datasets.
  3. Speculative Momentum – The hype around AI is creating high-risk, high-reward token launches with strong upside potential.

Token Metrics’ AI Token Detection Strategy
Token Metrics uses its proprietary AI to identify early momentum in the market. Here's how it helped surface the best-performing AI tokens:

  • Volume spikes and unusual trading patterns
  • Token grades showing >80 Trader Score
  • Bold signals based on narrative tracking
  • Cross-chain analysis for upcoming projects

Ian Balina noted during the recent webinar that several AI coins have already delivered outsized returns — and this is just the beginning.

Examples of AI Tokens to Watch

  • Launch Coin – While not an AI token itself, its virality shows how fast narratives spread.
  • AI Infrastructure Projects – Platforms building decentralized compute for training and deploying models.
  • AI DeFi Hybrids – Tokens merging machine learning with trading, risk management, or yield optimization.

How to Ride the AI Wave
Using the Token Metrics platform, here’s how to position your portfolio:

  • Use Bold Signals: Sort by AI narrative to find breakout projects.
  • Set Alerts: Monitor new signal generation across top AI narratives.
  • Filter by Grade: Combine high Trader Grade with AI tag for high-conviction trades.

What This Means for Investors
The AI narrative is not a flash in the pan. It represents a paradigm shift in both technology and finance. Tokens that combine utility, vision, and timing will thrive. As always, early entry is key — and that’s where Token Metrics’ daily insights give users the edge.

Conclusion
AI tokens are fueling the next crypto bull run — and the smartest investors are already positioned. With real-time signals, narrative filters, and AI-powered grading, Token Metrics is your map through the chaos. The next big opportunity may already be on the Market Page.

Research

📈 Launch Coin’s Wild Ride: From 54 SOL to $4 Million

Token Metrics Team
4 min
MIN

The crypto world thrives on narratives, and few have captured attention in recent weeks like Launchcoin. Born from a blend of SocialFi innovation and meme-driven virality, Launchcoin has surged into the spotlight—offering both eye-popping returns and warnings of extreme volatility. Powered by Token Metrics’ AI insights, here’s a detailed look at where Launchcoin stands today.

🚀 AI Detected the Breakout Early

On April 20, 2025, Token Metrics’ proprietary AI model flipped bullish on Launchcoin. Since then, the token has rallied over 3x, proving the strength of the signal. Backed by machine learning models that track on-chain data, sentiment, and price action across multiple timeframes, the Trader Grade for Launchcoin is currently at a whopping 93.15%, designating it a Strong Buy in the short term.

However, after such an exponential surge, the platform’s analysts expect natural pullbacks as early buyers and whales begin to take profits. These corrections are healthy and expected in any meteoric price run—and should not be confused with a loss of fundamental strength.

🧠 Token Metrics Investor Grade: A Balanced Perspective

While short-term indicators are overwhelmingly bullish, the Investor Grade remains neutral, pointing to a more measured view on Launchcoin’s long-term potential. This signals that while there’s momentum, there are still structural risks—particularly due to its meme coin characteristics and reliance on hype cycles.

Still, a neutral long-term grade isn’t bearish. It suggests Launchcoin is currently stable at its elevated valuation, but investors should monitor developments carefully—especially as new features and ecosystem growth unfold.

📈 Launchcoin’s Wild Ride: From 54 SOL to $4 Million

The Launchcoin story has already minted millionaires. One trader reportedly turned an $8,191 investment (54 SOL) into $4 million after purchasing 14.62 million LAUNCHCOIN tokens when the market cap was below $500,000. This kind of exponential return is rare—even in crypto—and helped drive speculative interest across social media and trading forums.

Within just 22 days, Launchcoin’s market cap crossed $300 million, illustrating how quickly meme-based projects can capture market momentum, especially when they ride the wave of a compelling narrative.

🔄 Listings and Market Access

Launchcoin’s liquidity and accessibility have improved significantly. The token is now trading on major centralized exchanges:

  • Spot listings: Bitget, KuCoin, Gate.io, and MEXC
  • Futures: Recently launched on ByBit

These listings have broadened exposure, attracting a wider investor base and allowing leveraged traders to participate. Increased liquidity also reduces slippage, enabling larger capital inflows while minimizing execution risk.

🎭 From PASTERNAK to LAUNCHCOIN: The Rebranding

Initially launched as PASTERNAK, named after Believe’s founder Ben Pasternak, the project was rebranded to Launchcoin on May 2, 2025. The new name better reflects its core value proposition: empowering creators to launch tokens through a SocialFi model.

The model is simple but revolutionary—anyone can create a token by posting on social media with the “@launchcoin” tag. This lowers the barrier for entry into token creation and adds viral potential to every social interaction.

🧨 Risk and Volatility: A Speculative Bet

Despite its recent success, Launchcoin remains a highly speculative asset. Its meteoric rise is reminiscent of meme coin cycles seen with tokens like PEPE or DOGE. While Launchcoin offers a unique utility layer with its token-creation feature, its current valuation includes a significant hype premium.

Token Metrics encourages traders to stay nimble. With the AI trading signals, users can track grade changes in real-time, ensuring they’re not caught off guard by sharp reversals or cooldowns.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Launchcoin represents a blend of viral marketing, social token innovation, and AI-predicted trading opportunity. With strong short-term momentum, neutral long-term positioning, and significant ecosystem buzz, it’s a token to watch—but not without caution.

Whether you’re a trader riding the momentum or an investor assessing long-term viability, Token Metrics provides the data-driven edge to navigate Launchcoin’s volatility with confidence.

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