Pump.fun, the popular Solana-based launch platform known for enabling rapid memecoin creation, has launched a dedicated investment arm called Pump Fund, signalling a strategic shift toward supporting longer-term projects across the crypto ecosystem.
The initiative kicks off with a $3 million “Build in Public” hackathon, where up to 12 teams will receive $250,000 each at a $10 million valuation. Unlike conventional accelerators, funding outcomes will be determined by organic market traction and public engagement rather than VC panels or judge evaluations.
From Memecoins to Market-Driven Startup Support
Pump.fun first gained prominence by simplifying token creation on the Solana blockchain, allowing users to launch memecoins with minimal technical know-how. Over time, the platform attracted millions of creators and traders, driving substantial activity in speculative assets within crypto.
However, as trading volumes on Pump.fun have cooled from their peak in early 2025, the team appears to be broadening its focus. The newly formed Pump Fund is positioned not just as an investment mechanism, but as a community-driven engine to nurture early-stage ventures, including those beyond the crypto-native sphere.
Under the Build in Public hackathon, project teams are required to launch a token and retain at least 10 % of its supply while communicating progress transparently. This design ties funding to real-time engagement and adoption by users, effectively letting the market act as a barometer for value.
Community Engagement and Mentorship
In announcing the fund, Pump.fun emphasised that startup support will extend beyond cash. Mentorship from the platform’s founders and access to the broader Pump.fun community are key components of the initiative, aimed at helping teams refine product direction and user experience.
By leveraging the platform’s existing user base, the new investment arm hopes to reward builders who ship quickly, stay transparent, and attract real interest, rather than chasing hype alone. Projects from any sector, not strictly crypto, are reportedly eligible if they meet these criteria.
What This Means for the Crypto Space
Pump Fund reflects a broader trend in the blockchain world where community participation and public feedback increasingly shape early funding decisions. Traditional venture models are being challenged by market-driven alternatives that prioritise open development and transparent traction metrics.
For emerging teams, the initiative offers both early capital and an integrated distribution channel into a lively network of traders and builders. For the Pump.fun ecosystem, it represents a tangible move to diversify beyond memecoin speculation and support sustainable innovation.
Applications for the Build in Public hackathon are open until Feb. 18, 2026, with winners expected to be announced about 30 days after launch.
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