Pump.fun expands into startup funding with new $3M ecosystem fund

Source: Cryptonews Original Title: Pump.fun expands into startup funding with new $3M ecosystem fund Original Link: Pump.fun has introduced a new $3 million fund designed to finance early-stage projects built openly on its platform.

Summary

• Pump.fun created a new investment arm to fund early-stage projects.
• Funding decisions are driven by public traction rather than pitch panels.
• The move expands Pump.fun’s role beyond token launches.

Pump.fun has launched a new investment arm, marking a notable shift beyond its role as a token launchpad.

The initiative, called Pump Fund, was announced on Dec. 20 and debuted with a $3 million “Build in Public” hackathon.

Market-driven funding replaces judges and pitch decks

Under the program, 12 selected teams will each receive $250,000 at a $10 million valuation, alongside direct mentorship from Pump.fun’s founders. Applications are open until Feb. 18, 2026, with the first winners expected within 30 days of launch.

Funding decisions are directly linked to public traction, unlike traditional hackathons or venture-backed accelerators. Teams must launch a token, hold onto at least 10% of its supply, and grow transparently through real-time community building, user engagement, and progress sharing.

Pump.fun framed the hackathon as an alternative to closed-door funding models. Instead of pitching to panels or venture firms, projects are funded by users who buy into tokens early, effectively placing financial judgment in the hands of the market.

Projects are not limited to crypto-native ideas. According to the announcement, teams across different sectors and stages of development are eligible, provided they ship products and communicate openly.

Selection criteria focus on visible progress, organic demand, and long-term viability rather than connections or polished presentations.

This structure reflects Pump.fun’s belief that early user conviction can be a stronger filter than traditional gatekeeping, particularly in fast-moving on-chain environments.

A shift toward longer-term ecosystem support

Pump Fund’s launch expands on several ecosystem initiatives that have been implemented in the last year, such as creator grants, liquidity support initiatives, and recent platform improvements meant to lower rug risks and improve collaboration.

The industry has had mixed reactions. Supporters see the fund as a step toward more sustainable project lifecycles on Pump.fun, as many tokens have historically struggled to survive after launch.

Critics, however, question whether market-funded models can consistently favor durable products over short-term hype, especially in volatile trading conditions.

Even so, the fund represents Pump.fun’s most structured attempt yet to support startups beyond token creation. Whether the approach delivers lasting companies or simply a new funding experiment will become clearer as the first cohort begins building in public.