Bitcoin News Today: Crypto Fundraising Hits $3.5B Weekly Record Amid Market Volatility, Tariffs

The global cryptocurrency fundraising landscape reached a record high of $3.5 billion in the week ending October 12, 2025, according to data from Cryptorank. This marks the first time weekly fundraising has surpassed $3 billion, eclipsing the previous peak of $3 billion recorded in mid-August 2025. The surge followed seven consecutive weeks of sub-$1 billion activity, signaling a sharp resurgence in investor confidence amid a volatile market environment.

The fundraising boom occurred during a pivotal period for the crypto market. On October 6, Bitcoin (BTC) hit an all-time high of $126,000, driven by increased institutional adoption and self-custody trends. However, the momentum reversed sharply on October 11, when U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 100% tariff on Chinese goods, triggering a 13.7% correction in BTC prices within eight hours and wiping out $20 billion in liquidations across derivatives markets.

Blockchain services dominated the fundraising activity, accounting for 12 of the 28 deals recorded in the week. Centralized finance (CeFi) projects secured six rounds, reflecting continued institutional interest in infrastructure and payment solutions. Notable deals included MoonPay's $200 million debt financing in March 2025 and Kalshi's $185 million Series C round in June 2025, both highlighted in H1 2025 fundraising trends. Pantera Capital emerged as the most active investor, participating in four deals, while Coinbase Ventures maintained its top-tier status with 73 investments year-to-date.

The timing of the fundraising surge underscores the interplay between macroeconomic factors and crypto market dynamics. Bitcoin's peak coincided with a shift in capital from centralized exchanges to institutional treasuries and self-custody solutions. However, the subsequent market crash highlighted the sector's susceptibility to geopolitical shocks, with the U.S.-China tariff announcement triggering a liquidity crisis.

Regulatory developments in 2025 also provided a tailwind for fundraising. The U.S. enacted the GENIUS Act in July, establishing a federal framework for stablecoins, while the SEC's approval of in-kind creation/redemption processes for crypto ETFs in July 2025 improved liquidity for institutional participants. These measures, coupled with a pro-crypto administration, have positioned the U.S. as a key hub for innovation despite ongoing global regulatory fragmentation.