Crypto Enters Post-Hype Era: ETHDenver Buzz Shifts to Policy and Sustainable Startups

The cryptocurrency market has transitioned into a post-hype phase, as highlighted in the latest TechCrunch Equity podcast episode.

At ETHDenver last week, discussions balanced tokens with policy developments in Washington.

From Frenzied Hype to Steady Maturity

The crypto industry experienced explosive growth during the 2021 bull run fueled by NFTs, DeFi, and meme coins.

Subsequent crashes in 2022, including the collapse of FTX, exposed vulnerabilities and led to widespread investor losses.

By 2026, the market has stabilized, marking the end of speculative hype cycles and the dawn of pragmatic adoption.

Regulatory Scrutiny Reshapes the Landscape

Policy shifts are intensifying, with Tether and other stablecoins under heavy scrutiny from regulators.

Major players like Stripe are re-entering the crypto space, signaling renewed institutional interest.

Startups must now demonstrate real traction or risk flaming out in this selective environment.

Expert Views on What Endures

Jacquelyn Melinek, CEO of Token Relations, joined Rebecca Bellan to analyze lasting crypto innovations.

Future success hinges on projects with solid fundamentals amid evolving regulations.

This post-hype market promises sustainable growth, impacting investors through reduced volatility and genuine utility.