Funding Roundup: a16z announces Crypto Startup Accelerator participants

A series of raises were announced as 21 projects gear up to take part in a16z’s CSX

article-image

Renko Aleks/Shutterstock modified by Blockworks

share

If it feels like Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) has been dominating crypto venture funding recently, there’s a reason.

This week, a16z announced the latest cohort for its Crypto Startup Accelerator (CSX), featuring 21 startups from around the world. The projects focus on everything from AI to layer-1 solutions, and are all set to converge in New York.

Loading Tweet..

I want to talk about just two of the 21 this weekend. I’m highlighting PIN AI, which also announced a $10 million pre-seed round. The project plans to launch an open platform for personal AI. 

Read more: Funding Roundup: a16z backs Story’s $80M raise

“PIN AI converges AI and crypto in meaningful ways, offering a privacy-focused, on-device AI assistant that democratizes on-device intelligence for all of us,” the project’s post said.

A16z, of course, took part in the round. Hack VC, Foresight Ventures and Nomad Capital were among other investors.  

Loading Tweet..

Another one on Startup Accelerator’s list is Blocksense, which announced a $4 million raise.

The project’s goal is “redefining decentralized data infrastructure.”

Permutation led the round, with Tykhe Block Ventures and others participating in the pre-seed round. 

“Blocksense’s approach to oracle solutions is poised to dismantle the monopolistic structures currently dominating the industry. By leveraging cutting-edge zero-knowledge cryptography, Blocksense offers an unmatched combination of cost efficiency, scalability and security,” Blocksense said in a press release.

Other notable rounds:

  • DRiP said it raised $8 million in seed funding. NFX led the round, with participation from Coinbase Ventures and Progression.
  • IN1, a fintech startup which focuses on both fiat and crypto, said it raised $6 million in a seed round. Brainstorm was disclosed as one of the investors in the round.
  • Fountain announced a $3.5 million seed round. Foundation Capital, Primal Capital and Druid Ventures all took part in the round.
  • Real-world asset tokenization platform OpenEden announced it received an investment from Binance Labs. The amount wasn’t disclosed.

Get the news in your inbox. Explore Blockworks newsletters:

Tags

Decoding crypto and the markets. Daily, with Byron Gilliam.

Upcoming Events

Javits Center North | 445 11th Ave

Tues - Thurs, March 24 - 26, 2026

Blockworks’ Digital Asset Summit (DAS) will feature conversations between the builders, allocators, and legislators who will shape the trajectory of the digital asset ecosystem in the US and abroad.

recent research

allora-image.png

Research

Decentralized AI coordination networks solve crypto's growing architectural mismatch: applications built on trustless infrastructure shouldn't depend on centralized intelligence providers. By turning model outputs into competitive marketplaces, protocols like Allora are building the permissionless intelligence layer that AI-powered DeFi and autonomous agents require.

article-image

For new growth, crypto may need to shed tired norms like over-raising and the hoarding of investment resources

article-image

Ethereum rolls out Fusaka, setting the stage for a stronger blob fee market and renewed deflationary potential

article-image

Futuristic DeFi is stuck inside the computer. An old idea might be its escape hatch

article-image

Money market indicators are flashing liquidity stress again as crypto underperforms equities

article-image

From passageways to penumbras: a history of private life

article-image

BTC’s Asia-session move and Ethena’s weaker yields reflect a market adjusting to tighter yen funding and softer derivatives carry