Crypto VC Funding Update: Stripe Acquires Bridge for $1.1B, Bluesky Raises $15M

This week marked an extraordinary moment for crypto VC funding, with Stripe acquiring stablecoin startup Bridge for $1.1 billion. This acquisition has the crypto world buzzing, setting a benchmark for other blockchain startups seeking to attract big-name buyers. Meanwhile, decentralized social media platform Bluesky raised $15 million in its Series A, reflecting the ongoing interest in innovative crypto projects.

Major Funding Highlights

Bridge Acquisition by Stripe: San Francisco-based Stripe made waves by acquiring Bridge, a stablecoin startup founded less than three years ago, for $1.1 billion. The deal underscores Stripe's interest in integrating crypto solutions and could signal broader adoption of blockchain-based payment processing.

Bluesky - $15 Million in Series A: Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform, secured $15 million in its latest funding round, led by Blockchain Capital. This funding will support Bluesky’s growth as it seeks to offer a secure, decentralized alternative to traditional social media.

Variational - $10.3 Million: A peer-to-peer trading protocol focused on perpetual and generalized derivatives, Variational raised $10.3 million in seed funding from Bain Capital Crypto and Peak XV Partners.

Validation Cloud - $10 Million: Web3 infrastructure provider Validation Cloud raised $10 million from True Global Ventures. This funding round brings its total raised to $15.8 million, helping enterprises scale through compliant web3 infrastructure.