Crypto VC funding: ZeroStack secures $1B, Ripple raises $275M

Crypto and blockchain companies announced approximately $1.298 billion across six disclosed transactions between Aug. 16 and Aug. 22, 2026. ZeroStack accounted for most of the total through a $1 billion noncash token contribution, while Ripple Prime completed a $275 million debt offering. Summary Six disclosed transactions produced approximately $1.298 billion in financing during the reporting period. ZeroStack agreed to receive $1 billion in MemeCore tokens through a stock-based transaction. Ripple Prime raised $275 million from institutional investors through senior unsecured notes. NeoSoul secured $11 million to develop AI-powered trading agents and supporting infrastructure. Smaller rounds supported privacy, DeFi credit delegation, and decentralized AI infrastructure projects. The remaining disclosed rounds raised about $23 million across AI trading, privacy infrastructure, decentralized lending, and physical infrastructure networks. One additional strategic investment did not disclose its value and is excluded from the weekly total. Crypto Fundraising, DefiLlama, company announcements, regulatory filings, and crypto.news coverage was used to compile the weekly figures. The total includes debt and a noncash token contribution, meaning it should not be interpreted as $1.298 billion in conventional venture capital. ZeroStack secures $1 billion MemeCore token contribution Nasdaq-listed ZeroStack agreed to receive $1 billion in MemeCore tokens from Puple AI and Blockcat, two entities linked to MemeCore. The transaction involves approximately 925.9 million M tokens rather than a cash investment. In exchange, ZeroStack will issue 3.5 million common shares and pre-funded warrants covering as many as 36.2 million additional shares. The securities were valued at $25.19 per share, more than 12 times ZeroStack’s recent trading price when the transaction was announced. You might also like: Crypto VC will prioritize quantum-ready infrastructure heading into 2027, Moon Pursuit founder says Exercise of the warrants remains subject to shareholder approval under Nasdaq listing rules. Shares issued under the arrangement will also carry lockup periods of up to 10 years, according to the company. MemeCore principal Rudy Rong is expected to become ZeroStack’s president as part of the agreement. The company said the transaction would expand its digital asset treasury strategy, although the stated $1 billion value depends on the assigned price of the contributed tokens. The entire contribution is included in the roundup’s disclosed financing value. However, it should be separated from conventional fundraising because ZeroStack is receiving tokens instead of fresh operating cash. Ripple Prime raises $275 million through senior notes Ripple Prime raised $275 million through an upsized private offering of senior unsecured notes to institutional investors. Ripple did not disclose the notes’ interest rate, maturity date, or participating investors. The company said the proceeds would support the U.S. expansion of its prime brokerage operations, including financing, clearing, and other services covering digital and traditional assets. Ripple established the business through its $1.25 billion acquisition of Hidden Road.