In a recent episode of the HodlFM podcast, Tanya Petrusenko sits down with Vlad Svitanko, founder of Cryptorsy Ventures, to talk about where crypto really is in 2026.
Svitanko highlighted the impact of institutional investors on the crypto landscape. "Institutions came; they have stolen quite a big chunk of profits," he said. Hedge funds and ETFs allocated large portfolios into Web3, yet retail investors did not experience the pump they expected. Many altcoins remained stagnant, and old coin season never arrived.
The shift in funding dynamics has left founders facing new challenges. Svitanko explained that fundraising has become harder than ever.
"Now it's harder to raise money because of the financial landscape that we have got after institutions joined crypto," he said.
Supply of tokens surged, with billions of new coins entering the market. Meanwhile, AI tools allowed developers to launch projects quickly, but distribution of these projects remains the central problem.
Only businesses with real metrics survive
The criteria for attracting investors have changed.
"All Web3 projects will die and only businesses will survive really," Svitanko said.
He emphasized that projects must show real metrics, revenues, and user growth to gain attention from investors. Vanity metrics and artificial followers no longer impress. Investors now evaluate sustainability, scalability, and tangible outcomes.
Launchpads, once a primary route for new token offerings, lost effectiveness. Svitanko explained that retail investors grew bored or skeptical of the hype.
"Build distribution channel for yourself. Do not rely on anyone else like the launchpad and centralized exchange," he advised.
He stressed the importance of managing attention and user acquisition independently.
Marketing shifts to fundamentals
Marketing strategies also changed. Traditional crypto marketing promised rapid wealth from 100x coins, but that approach no longer convinces investors or users.
"People tend to look for a strong floor and strong floor is all of the time is fundamentals," Svitanko said.
Current campaigns focus on product utility, tokenized assets, and real user engagement. Consumer crypto verticals, including prediction markets, provide measurable outcomes and attract both retail and institutional interest.
Historical context shaped the current market. Svitanko recalled how previous cycles allowed rapid growth for projects with little infrastructure or traction.
"In 2017, it was enough to say we're doing crypto. People would invest millions. Now, investors look at business numbers, revenues, and user growth," he said.
The collapse of speculative altcoins during recent bear markets confirmed the need for sustainable models.
Advice for new investors
Svitanko offered advice to new investors. He recommended focusing on projects they understand, spotting trends early, and investing where value is clear. "Investing only in things you understand where you can add value," he said. He compared this approach to Warren Buffett's long-term strategy, emphasizing consistent returns over speculative gains.
The current landscape marks a turning point for the crypto sector. Projects must deliver functional products, sustainable revenue, and measurable metrics. Institutional influence, increased token supply, and changing investor expectations redefine the path to success. As Svitanko concludes, only businesses grounded in fundamentals will thrive in 2026, while hype-driven projects will fade.
Tanya Petrusenko
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