Stablecoin Startups Surpass 2021 VC Peak

Stablecoin and payments sectors have seen a remarkable resurgence in venture capital activity, hitting new quarterly highs with 43 and 42 deals in the third and fourth quarters of 2024. Impressively, these numbers surpass the 2021 peak, where 87 deals occurred across the entire year. In early 2025, 7.5% of all venture deals were focused on payment or stablecoin companies. This surge signifies that stablecoin infrastructure is gaining significant traction, with mainstream and institutional interest bolstered by successful IPOs like Circle's. Regulatory developments, particularly the GENIUS Act in the U.S., have further enhanced investor confidence by clarifying investment risks and frameworks.