If you're knee-deep in the world of meme tokens, you've probably heard the buzz about building onchain. Recently, Antonio García Martínez, a key figure in the crypto space and director at Base Ads, shared a tweet highlighting a game-changing collaboration between Y Combinator (YC) and Base. This isn't just another announcement—it's a call to action for builders in the blockchain world, including those crafting the next viral meme coin.

For the uninitiated, onchain refers to activities and applications that happen directly on a blockchain, like Ethereum or its layer-2 solutions such as Base. Base, built on Ethereum and backed by Coinbase, has become a hotspot for low-cost, high-speed transactions, making it ideal for meme tokens that thrive on community hype and quick trades.

In his tweet, Antonio points to a new Request for Startups (RFS) from YC, done in collab with Base. The original post from Base's account emphasizes how onchain founders are snagging funding from YC, with a fresh RFS aimed at startups in crypto areas like stablecoins, tokenized assets, trading platforms, apps, and even AI agents. It's all about constructing the future of finance on the blockchain.

Diving deeper into the YC blog post, this RFS is dubbed "Fintech 3.0." Think of it as the evolution: Fintech 1.0 digitized banking (hello, PayPal), Fintech 2.0 layered APIs on old systems (shoutout to Stripe), and now Fintech 3.0 rebuilds everything with code on the blockchain. With tools like cheap layer-2 chains, widely used stablecoins, and user-friendly wallets, the stage is set for massive innovation.

YC and Coinbase are pumped about funding in three main buckets:

• Stablecoins: These are cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets like the US dollar, perfect for payments without the volatility drama. Imagine sending money globally for pennies in seconds—no banks needed. For meme token folks, stablecoins could integrate into your projects for smoother trading or even as collateral in decentralized finance (DeFi) plays. YC highlights examples like local currency stablecoins for high-inflation countries and crypto-native commerce.

• Tokenization and Trading: This is about turning real-world stuff—like art, real estate, or even startup equity—into blockchain tokens that anyone can trade. It opens up new markets, like instant dividend payouts or undercollateralized loans using onchain identity. Meme tokens are already tokenized assets in a fun, cultural wrapper; this funding could help evolve them into more sophisticated trading ecosystems on Base.

• Apps and Agents: Onchain as a new OS for apps in social, finance, games, and more, supercharged by AI agents that hold wallets and make decisions. Picture AI bots managing meme token communities or automating trades. Base is already hosting cool apps for loans, games, and creator tools—prime territory for meme innovators.

What makes this exciting for meme token builders? Base has been a launchpad for hits like DEGEN or other viral coins, thanks to its low fees and Ethereum compatibility. This RFS signals that top-tier investors like YC and Coinbase Ventures are betting big on onchain, potentially pouring resources into projects that blend memes with real utility. If you're tinkering with a meme token that incorporates AI, tokenizes community assets, or leverages stablecoins, this could be your ticket to funding and mentorship.

The timing couldn't be better, with regulatory wins like the GENIUS Act boosting stablecoin growth and hints of more clarity on the horizon. As Antonio puts it, "Build onchain, get funded." If you're a blockchain practitioner eyeing the meme space, head over to YC's site and apply—who knows, your next meme could be the one that gets YC's stamp.

Stay tuned to Meme Insider for more updates on how these developments shake up the meme token landscape. Whether you're a dev, trader, or just a hodler, opportunities like this are what keep the crypto world spinning.