Digital Currency Group, one of crypto’s oldest and most active venture investors, backed more startups in the first half of this year than in all of 2024, according to Aaron Fu, its head of early-stage venture. The firm, which does direct deals and also invests in VC funds, has expanded into AI and fintech. He said the growing number of startups at the intersection of these sectors is leading to more attractive deals for the firm. Venture investing in crypto startups dropped 55% in Q2 to $1.5 billion (excluding a $2 billion round into Binance), according to PitchBook’s latest Crypto VC Trends report.