Updated: January 15, 2026 | Tapbit Funding & Infrastructure Report
Two significant funding rounds in mid-January 2026 signal continued institutional interest in both real-world payment infrastructure and next-generation blockchain security. Stablecoin payments platform Meld closed a $7 million strategic round (bringing total raised to $15 million), while Project Eleven secured $20 million to build quantum-resistant cryptography solutions for major chains. This article analyzes both deals, their investors, strategic implications, and potential impact on stablecoin adoption and long-term crypto security.
Meld Funding Overview – $7M Round (Total $15M)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Round Size | $7 million (strategic) |
| Total Raised to Date | $15 million |
| Lead Investor | Lightspeed Faction |
| Other Participants | Previous backers + new strategic partners (names not disclosed) |
| Use of Funds | Global network expansion, new fiat on/off-ramp corridors, regulatory licenses, engineering team growth |
| Current Reach | 180+ countries, 150+ fiat currencies, 50+ banking & payment partners |
Project Eleven Funding Overview – $20M Round
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Round Size | $20 million |
| Lead Investors | Not publicly disclosed in full (strategic crypto-native funds) |
| Use of Funds | R&D for post-quantum cryptography libraries, protocol integrations (Ethereum, Solana, others), enterprise pilots |
| Core Technology Focus | Lattice-based & hash-based signatures resistant to Shor’s algorithm |
| Target Chains | Ethereum, Solana, Bitcoin (via sidechains), Layer-2s |
Why These Two Rounds Matter in January 2026
- Meld – Building the “Visa of Crypto”
Meld is positioning itself as the infrastructure layer for real-world stablecoin payments — connecting crypto wallets with traditional banking rails. The new $7M will accelerate expansion into high-remittance corridors (Southeast Asia, LATAM, Africa) and help secure more EMI licenses. - Project Eleven – Preparing Crypto for the Quantum Era
With Google, IBM, and Chinese labs making rapid progress in quantum computing, many blockchains (especially ECDSA-based) face long-term existential risk. Project Eleven’s $20M round is one of the largest dedicated post-quantum investments to date. - Broader Signal
Both rounds reflect two parallel narratives: (1) crypto’s push into everyday payments & remittances, and (2) proactive defense against future cryptographic threats.
Potential Market & Price Impact Analysis
Meld-related tokens & ecosystems:
- USDT, USDC, PYUSD, EUROC (major stablecoins on Meld rails)
- Chains with high stablecoin volume: Ethereum, Solana, Tron, Stellar
- Potential beneficiaries: payment-focused protocols (e.g. Circle, Paxos integrations)
Project Eleven-related upside:
- Early mover advantage in post-quantum tooling
- Future integrations could benefit: Ethereum (EVM), Solana (SVM), Bitcoin (via covenants or sidechains)
- Long-term narrative strength for quantum-resistant L1s (e.g. QRL, XX Network, Mochimo)
How Traders Can Position Around These Narratives on Tapbit
- Create your Tapbit account (0% maker fees)
- Monitor stablecoin pairs (USDT/USDC volume on major chains)
- Watch quantum-resistant tokens & infrastructure plays (low-cap gems)
- Use Tapbit futures (up to 125×) for short-term narrative trades
- Keep position sizes small — regulatory & tech adoption timelines remain uncertain
Conclusion
The dual funding announcements of Meld ($7M) and Project Eleven ($20M) in January 2026 highlight two massive future narratives in crypto: real-world payment rails and long-term cryptographic security. While Meld’s expansion could drive meaningful stablecoin adoption in emerging markets, Project Eleven’s work may become critical infrastructure as quantum computing advances accelerate. Both stories are still early — but represent high-conviction themes for the next 3–5 years.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrency markets and technology adoption are highly speculative and subject to rapid change.
