In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, raising capital can feel like navigating a minefield, especially in 2025. A recent clip from The Rollup podcast, shared by Lucas on X (게시물 보기), captures this sentiment perfectly. David Hsu, Chief Degen at Ether.fi Ventures, doesn't mince words: "AI is hot, stablecoins are hot… but beyond that it’s really hard for founders to raise money. That’s where we step in."

Ether.fi Ventures, a $40 million crypto-native fund launched earlier this year by the Ethereum staking protocol Ether.fi, is positioning itself as a lifeline for promising projects in a tight market. Hsu, with his background from Breed VC and deep roots in the industry, shared these thoughts during a panel discussion on The Rollup, alongside experts like Himanshu Tyagi, Ian De Bode, and Les Borsai. The episode delved into topics ranging from open AGI futures and digital asset treasuries to borderless markets and even Bitcoin's potential climb to $500K.

The Tough Reality of Crypto Fundraising

For those new to the space, venture capital (VC) in crypto involves investors funding early-stage blockchain projects in exchange for equity or tokens. But as Hsu points out, the current environment is brutal. Traditional hotspots like DeFi (decentralized finance) or NFTs have cooled off, leaving founders scrambling for backing unless they're in niche areas like AI-integrated crypto or stablecoins—digital assets pegged to stable fiat currencies like the US dollar.

This shift has big implications for meme tokens, which often thrive on community hype rather than institutional money. Meme coins, those fun, viral tokens inspired by internet culture (think Dogecoin or newer entrants like PEPE), typically bypass traditional VC routes through fair launches or presales. However, in a market where capital is scarce, even meme projects might need to innovate to attract liquidity. Hsu's comments suggest that without a strong hook—like AI features or stablecoin utility—founders could face uphill battles.

Why AI and Stablecoins Are Stealing the Spotlight

AI in crypto is buzzing because it promises smarter, automated systems. Imagine AI-powered trading bots or predictive analytics for blockchain data—these are the kinds of innovations drawing investor dollars. Stablecoins, on the other hand, offer reliability in a volatile market, acting as a bridge between traditional finance and crypto. Projects like Tether (USDT) or Circle's USDC dominate, but new players are emerging with enhanced features.

Ether.fi Ventures steps in here by focusing on "the next generation of builders," as per their mission. With Hsu at the helm, the fund aims to support projects that might otherwise get overlooked in this selective climate. This approach could indirectly benefit the meme ecosystem, where creative integrations (like AI-generated memes or stablecoin-backed launches) might become the norm to secure funding.

What This Means for Meme Token Enthusiasts

If you're into meme tokens, Hsu's insights are a wake-up call. The days of easy pumps based on pure virality might be waning as investors seek substance. Look for memes that blend humor with tech, perhaps leveraging AI for community engagement or stablecoins for safer trading. Platforms like Solana, known for low fees and fast transactions, continue to host many meme launches, but survival could depend on adapting to these VC trends.

For blockchain practitioners, this is a chance to upskill. Dive into AI tools via resources like OpenAI's crypto integrations or explore stablecoin protocols on Ethereum's docs. Staying informed through podcasts like The Rollup can give you an edge in this competitive space.

As the crypto market matures

- 해당 에피소드(2025년 8월 14일자)는 암호화폐 VC와 자금 조달의 어려움을 다룹니다.
, voices like Hsu's remind us that resilience and innovation are key. Whether you're a founder pitching your next big idea or a trader eyeing the latest meme, understanding these VC dynamics can help you navigate the brutal yet exciting world of blockchain finance. Keep an eye on Ether.fi Ventures—they might just back the next breakout star.