🚨 Crypto VC Deals Fall to 5-Year Low Despite Billion-Dollar Rounds Crypto venture activity continued to slow in May 2026, with just 44 funding deals recorded - the lowest monthly total in five years. According to The Block, the decline is affecting nearly every sector, including blockchain infrastructure and crypto financial services, which have traditionally attracted the most venture capital. One major factor is the rapid rise of AI. Over the past two years, AI startups have captured a growing share of global venture funding, drawing both capital and attention away from crypto. At the same time, the industry has struggled to produce new investment narratives on the scale of previous cycles such as DeFi, NFTs, Layer 2s, and restaking. Despite the sharp drop in deal count, overall capital inflows remain relatively healthy. Instead of spreading investments across hundreds of startups, VCs are concentrating capital into a small number of high-conviction projects. Recent examples include: • Kalshi raising $1 billion • Polymarket reportedly seeking $400 million at a $15 billion valuation The trend highlights a clear shift in investor behavior: projects now need strong products, sustainable business models, and real adoption to secure funding. For now, sectors like prediction markets, stablecoins, and on-chain financial infrastructure remain among the few areas attracting significant investor interest. The message from the market is clear: Crypto VCs haven't left. They're simply becoming more selective than ever. 📊