Crypto Startups

Crypto startups raised $11.2 billion in the first half of 2026, with disclosed capital flowing toward regulated, permissioned businesses. Payments and stablecoins, prediction markets, and trading platforms led the fundraising as major financial institutions backed licensed market infrastructure.

Poland has become the only EU member state without a functioning domestic crypto licensing regime as MiCA takes full effect. With President Karol Nawrocki repeatedly vetoing the implementing law, companies now face a choice between seeking licenses abroad or scaling down operations.

Crypto founders are increasingly turning to Dubai as the European Union’s MiCA framework tightens ahead of a July 1 deadline. Supporters of the move say the UAE offers faster, crypto-specific licensing and easier access to emerging markets.