Layer by Layer Issue 23: Solana, NEAR, and Polkadot

Innovation and development in crypto have long been influenced by market dynamics. Throughout the market cycles that have come and gone over the past few years, crypto market growth has been accompanied by progressively larger investments from both retail and institutions alike. This influx of capital to the industry eventually translated into the creation of new products and services that lay the foundation for future growth. 

In January, the crypto industry saw its highest-ever month of venture funding, with about $4.8 billion invested across 196 private funding deals. Despite a drawdown of more than 23% in total crypto market cap since the beginning of the year, there were still about $4.1 billion in private deals in February, signaling a sustained, price-agnostic institutional interest that reflects the growing maturity of the crypto sector.