From Wall Street to Web3

Fewer experiments, more conviction

“The suits and ties have arrived,” according to the bank's 2026 outlook report.

Venture funding in U.S. crypto companies rose 44% last year to $7.9 billion, according to PitchBook data cited by SVB. While the deal count fell, median check sizes climbed to $5 million as investors concentrated capital into stronger teams. Seed valuations jumped 70% from 2023 levels.

The bank warns that demand for institutional-grade crypto companies could outstrip the number of investable firms.

"In 2026, conditions are ripe for continued growth in VC investment in crypto. As institutional adoption accelerates, driving larger venture capital checks, we expect continued capital concentration in fewer companies with investors prioritizing higher-quality projects and follow-ons into proven teams," Vassallo said.

"For end users, the result will be a more seamless experience across everyday financial interactions, from sending cross-border payments to managing an investment portfolio."

Corporate balance sheets are reinforcing the shift. At least 172 public companies held bitcoin BTC

$68,618.86 in the third quarter of 2025, up 40% from the second, collectively controlling roughly 5% of circulating supply, according to data referenced by SVB.