Hey there, meme enthusiasts! If you're deep into the world of blockchain and meme tokens, you've probably caught wind of the latest buzz from Y Combinator (YC) and Coinbase. On September 23, 2025, Base—the Ethereum Layer 2 chain powered by Coinbase—tweeted about a new Request for Startups (RFS) aimed at building onchain. This isn't just another announcement; it's a signal that we're entering a golden age for crypto innovation, and meme tokens could be right at the heart of it.

In the tweet, Base highlights a conversation between Jesse Pollak (head of Base) and Harj Taggar (YC partner) about Fintech 3.0. They tease a full video discussion on YC's channel, covering everything from the evolution of finance to why now is the perfect time to build crypto apps. But let's dive deeper into what this means, especially for the meme token ecosystem.

Understanding Fintech 3.0: The Next Wave of Financial Innovation

To get why this RFS is a game-changer, we need a quick history lesson on fintech—financial technology, for the uninitiated.

Fintech 1.0 kicked off in the 90s with companies like PayPal, making online payments a thing. It got people comfy with digital transactions instead of cash or checks.

Then came Fintech 2.0 in the 2010s, led by players like Stripe, Plaid, Brex, and Chime. These built slick APIs (application programming interfaces—basically, tools for software to talk to each other) on top of old-school banking systems, making things faster and easier without reinventing the wheel.

Now, enter Fintech 3.0: This is all about rebuilding finance from scratch using blockchain. Imagine payments that settle instantly, 24/7, anywhere in the world, with users holding their own assets in digital wallets they control—no banks needed. The big hurdle has been regulations, but recent laws like the GENIUS Act (which sets rules for stablecoins) and the potential CLARITY Act are clearing the path. YC and Coinbase see this as the moment to fund bold ideas, and they're pumped to back founders.

For meme token fans, this means better infrastructure for launching, trading, and using tokens in fun, viral ways—especially on low-cost chains like Base, where memes already thrive.

Stablecoins: The Backbone for Meme Token Transactions

One of the hottest areas in the RFS is stablecoins—crypto assets pegged to stable values like the US dollar or gold. They're perfect for payments because they're steady, unlike volatile memes.

Why care about stablecoins in the meme world? They make trading smoother. Send a stablecoin globally for pennies in seconds, no FX fees. Trillions in stablecoin transactions have already happened, proving they're real.

YC alumni like Kontigo, DolarApp, and Aspora are using them for remittances in Latin America and South Asia, serving millions. Even big names like Shopify are integrating via Coinbase's Commerce Payments Protocol, blending crypto perks with e-commerce basics.

With the GENIUS Act boosting US adoption (stablecoin market cap up $30B+), expect more tools for meme creators. Think: Stablecoins integrated into meme platforms for seamless tipping or sales. Or local currency stablecoins in high-inflation spots, letting folks hedge with memes without dollar dependency. Crypto-native commerce could let meme communities build their own economies.

Tokenization and Trading: Turning Memes into Real Assets

Here's where it gets exciting for memes: Tokenization. This means turning real-world (or digital) assets into blockchain tokens that anyone can own, trade, or use.

Traditionally, assets like art, stocks, or real estate are clunky—illiquid, full of paperwork. Onchain, they become fluid. Picture getting rental income from a tokenized building paid out every second, or selling startup equity on an open market without lawyers.

This is happening now: J.P. Morgan has onchain deposit tokens, and startups are tokenizing collectibles. But for memes? We're seeing "creator and content coins" on platforms like Zora and Pump.fun—basically, tokenized memes or fan tokens.

This could explode meme trading. YC spotlights fast-growers like Axiom for trading tools. They're eyeing new credit markets (loans based on onchain rep), capital formation (raising funds via tokens), and trading interfaces.

For meme tokens, tokenization could mean fractional ownership of viral art, programmable royalties for creators, or meme-backed loans. Base, with its low fees, is prime for this—turning fun into finance.

Apps and Agents: The Future of Meme Communities Onchain

Finally, the RFS calls out onchain apps and AI agents. Blockchains are like a global OS: Shared, permissionless, and money-integrated.

This unlocks wild apps in social, gaming, finance—you name it. On Base, you can already borrow, game, or support creators while earning.

AI agents with wallets? They're supercharged for the crypto economy, helping users navigate trades or communities.

In meme land, imagine apps for launching token-gated meme clubs, or agents that auto-trade based on virality. This could make meme ecosystems more engaging, drawing in normies with easy tools.

What This Means for Meme Tokens on Base and Beyond

YC and Coinbase aren't just talking—they're funding. With regulatory green lights, low-cost chains, and tools like easy wallets, onchain building is primed.

For meme tokens, often dismissed as jokes, this RFS validates their potential in the creator economy and new assets. Base, as Coinbase's playground, is already meme central (think viral launches on Pump.fun). More funding means better DEXs, analytics, and integrations, reducing rugs and boosting adoption.

If you're a builder eyeing meme tech—decentralized social, token launchers, or AI meme generators—now's the time. Check out the full YC blog post and apply to YC. Who knows? Your next meme could be the start of a Fintech 3.0 giant.

Stay tuned to Meme Insider for more on how onchain trends shape the meme token world. What's your take—will this spark the next meme bull run? Drop your thoughts below!