Crypto firms in europe raise €13 billion since 2013 despite regulatory challenges

European crypto companies have raised €13 billion since 2013. The Fintech Observatory released these figures on Tuesday in a report that takes stock of the sector.

Around 650 crypto companies have set up in Europe since 2013, creating over 37,000 jobs. The report shows an industry that is seriously structuring itself. Fundraising totals €13 billion, a massive growth for a still young sector. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom dominate the European market, concentrating the majority of companies and investments. These three countries represent a large share of the total funds raised in the region.

No surprise there.

In France, the sector continues to grow with many French startups attracting significant investments. French companies play a key role in the expansion of the European crypto market. Support from national regulators and investors has fostered this positive dynamic. Technological innovation in the ecosystem remains crucial according to the Fintech Observatory report. The rise of blockchain technologies and new financial applications contributes to the appeal for institutional investors.

Bitpanda and Young Platform Thrive

Bitpanda, an exchange platform based in Austria, raised €263 million in 2021 to reach a valuation of €4.1 billion. Bitpanda’s success shows the growing interest of investors in crypto trading platforms on the continent. In Italy, Young Platform completed a €16 million fundraising in April 2026. Young Platform focuses on financial education and making crypto accessible to the general public, a model that attracts investors looking to diversify their portfolios.

Station F in Paris also plays an important role. Since its creation, Station F has supported several crypto startups, contributing to their development and international visibility. Incubators like Station F are becoming key players in the European ecosystem.

And the 2025 figures are crazy. More than 60% of the funds raised in Europe have been directed towards DeFi projects, showing a shift from traditional financial interests to more innovative solutions.

Record Investments in 2024-2025

Venture capital investments in the crypto sector reached record levels in 2024 according to the report. A total of €3.5 billion was injected into European startups that year. The growing interest of investors in new financial technologies is evident in these figures.

Andreessen Horowitz, an American venture capital fund, invested €150 million in several European blockchain startups in 2025. This massive investment underscores the international appeal of crypto companies based in Europe. The number of unicorns in the sector has doubled since 2023. Ledger, the French manufacturer of hardware wallets for crypto, reached unicorn status after raising €380 million in June 2024. Analysts have drawn links to Japan banning crypto insider trading in a changing context.

Mergers and acquisitions are also accelerating. In 2025, over 50 transactions were recorded, including the acquisition of the British startup Blockchain.com by a major European bank for an undisclosed amount. This trend suggests growing consolidation in the rapidly maturing sector.

Bitstamp, one of the oldest crypto exchange platforms in Europe, announced a 20% increase in its transaction volume since early 2026. Based in Luxembourg, Bitstamp strengthens its leadership position by expanding its user base into new European markets.

Things are moving everywhere.

In Spain, the government launched an initiative in March 2026 to encourage the adoption of blockchain technologies in the public and private sectors. The program, endowed with €50 million, aims to position the country as a European tech hub. Local companies like Crypto Solar Tech benefit from this dynamic to develop blockchain-based energy solutions.

Switzerland continues to stand out for its favorable approach to crypto innovation. In February 2026, Zug, nicknamed the “Crypto Valley,” hosted an international conference on decentralized finance. The event brought together over 1,000 participants, including investors, developers, and government representatives, highlighting Switzerland’s importance in the global crypto ecosystem.

But the European crypto sector faces several major challenges. Regulation remains a central and complex issue. Companies must navigate a constantly evolving legal environment. Regulatory uncertainties can hinder investments and slow the sector’s growth. The sector must also strengthen its security as fraud and hacks continue to threaten the reputation of crypto companies. Market observers have noted parallels with X Money targeting the crypto market in recent weeks.

Global competition is also intensifying. European companies must innovate to stay competitive against their Asian and American counterparts. The ability to attract talent and capital will be crucial to maintaining the sector’s dynamism. Fortunately, efforts for collaboration between public and private sectors are multiplying. In April 2026, an alliance between the European Union and several major tech companies was formed to harmonize security standards in the crypto field. This initiative aims to strengthen consumer confidence and stimulate innovation across the continent.