CITI Program Funding Finds: Research Grants and Opportunities

The CITI Program Funding Finds is a monthly blog series highlighting opportunities for research grants, funding, and programs. CITI Program does not offer funding and is not affiliated with these opportunities, which are publicly available. The series is available on LinkedIn, providing updates and information on relevant funding opportunities.

Crypto investors injected significant capital into innovative blockchain ventures during the week of October 5-11, 2025, despite market volatility. The total funding reached $3.19 billion across 20 projects, indicating robust interest in the sector, according to Crypto VC Funding.

Polymarket emerged as a standout deal with a $2 billion raise at a $9 billion valuation, backed by Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) investment. This strategic move positions Polymarket as a leader in decentralized prediction markets and signals growing institutional interest in the space.

Kalshi, another notable player, secured $300 million in fresh funding at a $5 billion valuation, doubling its worth since June. The platform now leads global prediction markets with over 60% share and $50 billion in annualized trading volume.

Meanwhile, DDC Enterprise Ltd. secured $124 million in equity financing, led by PAG Pegasus Fund and Mulana Investment Management. The funds will advance DDC’s Bitcoin treasury strategy.

Elsewhere, a regulated Bitcoin life insurer raised $82 million in a funding round co-led by Bain Capital Crypto and Haun Ventures. The funding will expand global access to Bitcoin-denominated life insurance products.

Amdax, a Dutch crypto service provider, raised €30 million ($35 million) to launch Amsterdam Bitcoin Treasury Strategy, aiming to accumulate up to 210,000 BTC.

In a separate development, Citi Ventures joined Visa in backing stablecoin payments platform BVNK, which processes $20 billion annually, according to a CryptoRank report.

These funding rounds demonstrate the resilience and growth potential of the crypto sector, with investors and institutions showing confidence in blockchain technologies despite market volatility.