2024 was a challenging year for crypto and blockchain venture capital, as sectors like gaming, metaverse, and NFTs fell short of generating funding. Despite Bitcoin's over 100% gain in 2024, there was no corresponding rise in venture capital funding for blockchain startups, indicating a shift in institutional investor attitudes. According to a report from Insights For VC, while Bitcoin reached new all-time highs, venture capital investment struggled to keep pace, with 2,153 blockchain funding rounds totaling $11.5 billion in 2024, significantly lower than 2021 and 2022 levels. Nonetheless, decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain infrastructures saw growth, particularly driven by Bitcoin-based DeFi use cases. Analysts expect a rebound in crypto venture deals in 2025, with forecasts suggesting an increase between 32% and 56%, although still below the highs of 2022. Renewed interest in crypto is viewed as part of a broader trend, signaling the end of the 'fintech winter' during which funding dropped due to higher interest rates and regulations.

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