Blockchain Capital is raising $700 million for two new funds, with plans to deploy some capital immediately. The fundraising is expected to complete within six months. The firm aims to expand its investments in blockchain and crypto projects, signaling strong institutional interest in the sector. The new funds will support early-stage and growth-stage blockchain startups.
Evernorth Holdings reported a significant outflow of XRP from exchanges ahead of Ripple’s XRP Las Vegas event on April 23, 2026. The outflow indicates strong demand from whales and institutions, creating a supply shock. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and other crypto executives are expected to attend the event, fueling market anticipation.
Uzbekistan has launched a special crypto mining zone offering a 10-year tax holiday to attract investments, create jobs, and promote renewable energy use in crypto mining. The initiative aims to boost the country's blockchain industry and reduce energy costs for miners, positioning Uzbekistan as a growing hub for digital asset mining in Central Asia.
Stellar (XLM) dropped 2% on Thursday, with its price struggling below the $0.1500 level as sellers gained momentum. The 100-day EMA capped a short-term recovery, and the declining long-to-short ratio indicates a bearish market bias. Despite stable futures open interest, the leverage market shows waning confidence, increasing pressure on XLM to break below key support levels.
A US naval blockade has disrupted Iranian oil exports to China, potentially impacting global oil markets. The move, announced in April 2026, could strain US-China relations and prompt diplomatic efforts to stabilize trade routes. The blockade highlights ongoing tensions in the region and their effects on international energy supply chains.
In April 2026, President Trump replaced Navy Secretary Phelan amid ongoing tensions over the Hormuz blockade, signaling potential prolonged conflict. The leadership change has raised concerns about market confidence in a quick resolution, impacting the broader geopolitical and economic landscape. The move underscores the heightened tensions in the region and their possible effects on global markets.
MetaMask co-founder Dan Finlay has stepped down from Consensys after a decade, marking a significant leadership change in the Web3 wallet space. Finlay's departure highlights ongoing shifts in the Ethereum ecosystem, as MetaMask remains a dominant tool for crypto users worldwide. The move may influence future development and community trust in the wallet.
