Crypto apps are shutting down as billions move into Bitcoin ETFs and stablecoins
CryptoSlate
Over 80 crypto projects have shuttered as capital shifts away from speculative apps toward Bitcoin ETFs, stablecoins, and institutional-grade financial infrastructure.Summary
The cryptocurrency sector is undergoing a significant consolidation, with over 80 projects closing in the first quarter of 2026. This trend marks the end of the industry's speculative "easy money" era, as projects that thrived during previous market frenzies struggle with cooling volumes and unsustainable business models. Capital is moving away from niche applications and NFT marketplaces toward highly liquid, regulated, and durable assets like Bitcoin ETFs, stablecoins, and tokenized real-world assets. As institutional adoption becomes the primary driver of the market, surviving projects must now demonstrate clear revenue models and utility rather than relying solely on hype.
(Source：CryptoSlate)