Leading Swiss crypto hub Crypto Valley records massive growth

A new report reveals the impressive growth and impact of Crypto Valley, a leading web3 and blockchain hub located in Switzerland.

The report analyzes the ecosystem, venture funding, and sector insights of the crypto hub. Interestingly, these areas recorded considerable growth, as the global crypto market witnessed a recovery last year following the implosions of 2022.

Per the report, the leading 50 entities in Crypto Valley saw their value soar, doubling to $382.93 billion in 2023. The region now hosts 1,290 companies, marking a 13.6% rise from the previous year, with nearly 40% of them headquartered in Zug, the heart of Crypto Valley.

The hub is home to 13 unicorns — companies valued at over $1 billion — marking a 44% increase from previous numbers. Ten of these companies achieved unicorn status through their token market cap, while three attained it through market valuation. 

For context, a research report from PWC Global in 2022 revealed that the global crypto industry was found to host up to 48 unicorns, with the United States accounting for 26 of these companies. 

Data from the report solidifies Crypto Valley’s influence across diverse sectors. Notably, the hub excels in blockchain networks (34%), financial services (26%), data management (16%), and infrastructure (14%). Five of the new entries have already jumped into the top 50 firms.

Some of the most notable top 50 entities in the hub include blockchain-focused protocols such as the Cardano Foundation and the Ethereum Foundation, crypto exchange and lending protocols Nexo, and Ripple-owned custody solution Metaco.

Despite being home to these leading blockchain entities, Crypto Valley has often been caught in the challenges facing the crypto industry, including concerns of financial risks and regulatory gaps. The Crypto Valley Association addresses one such concern in a 2020 report.

As these concerns are being addressed, the hub is experiencing growing attention. Crypto Valley recorded an uptick in venture funding last week despite a considerable drop in crypto venture funds globally. 

The leading hub amassed 4.8% of all worldwide blockchain venture deals, marking a 17% increase, and commands 20.4% of all European blockchain deals.

Last year, blockchain-focused firms in the hub secured 10% of all global venture funding. The hub also contributed to 19% of deals in Europe. The primary contributors to this funding surge are Zug, Geneva, and Zurich. 

Crypto Valley’s recent expansion can be attributed to the slew of crypto and blockchain-focused entities that have launched in Switzerland, owing to the favorable regulatory atmosphere. A recent case is the TON Foundation, which launched in Switzerland as a non-profit last September.

As a testament to this favorable regulation, last month, Lugano, a city in Southern Switzerland, announced intentions to accept Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies for taxes.