Venture Capitalists Highlight 12 Promising Crypto Startups for 2025

The cryptocurrency sector has shown resilience, with venture capitalists (VCs) identifying twelve promising startups poised for growth in 2025. This resurgence comes after a challenging period marked by the collapse of the FTX exchange in late 2022 and increased regulatory scrutiny. Despite the downturn, which saw crypto funding plummet from a peak of over $20 billion globally in 2022, recent regulatory developments have sparked renewed interest among investors.

Regulations such as Europe’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA), which took full effect in late 2022, aim to provide clarity and stability in the industry. In the United Kingdom, regulators are currently consulting on a comprehensive framework for crypto assets, further solidifying this shift. The landscape for crypto startups is evolving, and VCs are now keenly watching new entrants that could redefine the market.

Highlighted Startups to Watch

Among the most noteworthy startups are those focused on innovative solutions in various sectors, including finance, technology, and infrastructure. Here are the startups that have caught the attention of leading VCs:

Peaq (Germany) is at the forefront of creating a blockchain infrastructure tailored for a new economy driven by robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT). By establishing Decentralised Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePINs), Peaq aims to facilitate machine-to-machine transactions, potentially revolutionizing industries like mobility and logistics.

Exo Labs (UK) is reimagining cloud infrastructure by utilizing the untapped computing power of everyday devices. Instead of relying on large data centers, Exo is developing a decentralized network that allows individuals to contribute their hardware and earn rewards, significantly cutting costs associated with data processing.

Anera Labs (UK) focuses on digital asset liquidity in decentralized finance. The firm is working on creating a financial futures market for trading GPU hours and inference costs. This innovative approach could introduce a new layer of risk management in the pursuit of superintelligence.

Emerging Players in Financial Services

Investors are also drawn to companies like MetalGear (France), which uses blockchain technology and stablecoins to streamline cross-border payments, particularly in emerging markets. Recently acquiring a MiCA license, MetalGear is set to enhance the efficiency of money transfer systems between Europe and Southeast Asia.

Tranched (UK), founded in 2023, automates the process of bundling loans into securities, aiming to disrupt the trillion-dollar securitization industry. By leveraging blockchain, Tranched reduces friction and costs associated with financing transactions, positioning itself as a competitive force against traditional banking giants.

Another key player is Atlas (Austria), which generates high-quality 3D assets using artificial intelligence on the Bittensor blockchain network. This innovative approach to AI and web3 technologies is creating new marketplaces, particularly in gaming and digital asset creation.

Beyond these startups, BVNK (UK) is building a modern payments infrastructure that bridges traditional finance and digital assets, allowing businesses to manage global transactions in real time. As regulatory clarity increases, BVNK is well-positioned to offer cross-border financial services efficiently.

In France, Fipto is a regulated payments platform that manages cross-border transactions with a focus on compliance. It aims to become a leading provider for European companies navigating the complexities of international payments.

Sling (Germany) targets web3 startups with a digital asset treasury and spend management platform, facilitating payroll and vendor payments in compliance with evolving regulations. The company is leveraging Germany’s regulatory environment to scale across the European Union.

Lastly, Cense (Switzerland) addresses the challenges banks face in supporting clients with crypto assets. By offering an automated compliance solution, Cense aims to streamline onboarding for high-value clients, ensuring a smoother integration of digital assets into traditional banking.

Neverless (Spain/Latvia) is making waves with its user-friendly app that democratizes crypto investing, reflecting a commitment to accessibility and transparency. The company is licensed under MiFID and is already operational across several European markets, appealing to consumers seeking intuitive investment solutions.

As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, these startups represent a diverse array of innovations and solutions. With renewed investor interest and clearer regulatory frameworks, the stage is set for significant developments in the crypto sector over the next few years.