Coinbase-Backed Crypto Infrastructure and AI Projects Raise $159M Despite Market Volatility

From June 15 to June 21, 2025, the cryptocurrency sector showcased remarkable resilience as 18 projects collectively secured $159.5 million in funding, defying broader market turbulence. Infrastructure and AI-focused ventures dominated the fundraising landscape, highlighting sustained investor confidence in foundational blockchain technologies and their integration with artificial intelligence. Leading the charge was EigenLayer, which raised $70 million in a notable funding round. This influx of capital underscores the growing convergence of crypto and AI, signaling a bullish outlook for innovative projects in the space. The continued investment in these sectors suggests a strong belief in their potential to drive the next wave of digital asset adoption and technological advancement.

Crypto Infrastructure and AI Projects Secure $159M Amid Market Volatility

Crypto fundraising demonstrated resilience from June 15 to June 21, with 18 projects collectively raising $159.5 million despite broader market turbulence. Infrastructure and AI-focused ventures dominated the week, signaling sustained investor confidence in foundational blockchain technologies and their convergence with artificial intelligence.

EigenLayer led the charge with a $70 million funding round backed by a16z crypto, bringing its total capital raised to $234.5 million. The ethereum restaking protocol simultaneously launched its developer platform, EigenCloud, building on momentum from its $100 million Series B round in February 2024.

Other notable raises included PrismaX, Sparkchain AI, and Gradient Network, each securing $10 million or more from institutional heavyweights like Pantera, Lightspeed, and Coinbase Ventures. Deal FLOW concentrated around fewer, high-conviction projects as investors prioritize quality over quantity in the current climate.

Coinbase Secures MiCA License, Names Luxembourg Its EU Crypto Hub

Coinbase has obtained a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license, selecting Luxembourg as its European regulatory base. The MOVE allows the exchange to operate across all 27 EU member states under a unified framework, marking a strategic shift from its previous headquarters in Ireland.

Luxembourg's clear crypto regulations and mature financial infrastructure proved decisive. The Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier granted the license following MiCA's December 2024 implementation, making Coinbase the first U.S. exchange to comply with the pan-European regime.

While maintaining Irish operations with plans for 50 new hires, Coinbase's pivot reflects calculated positioning within Europe's evolving digital asset landscape. The decision underscores institutional prioritization of regulatory certainty as crypto matures beyond frontier market status.