Pump.fun unveils $3M fund and hackathon for startups

Pump.fun launches Pump Fund and a $3M hackathon to back startups beyond memecoins, focusing on market-driven funding and open participation.

Pump.fun, known for its meme token launchpad, has introduced Pump Fund, a new investment division aimed at supporting startups beyond the memecoin sector. The initiative includes a $3 million “Build in Public” hackathon, offering $250,000 in funding to each of 12 projects, valuing them at $10 million each. Unlike traditional venture capital, Pump Fund will base funding decisions on market participation, community traction, and real-time user engagement, rather than private investors or closed panels. The hackathon welcomes projects from various sectors, not limited to crypto, emphasizing transparent development, organic demand, and sustainability. Selected teams will also receive direct mentorship from Pump.fun’s founders. This move reflects a broader trend in crypto toward community-driven, market-based funding, aiming to democratize capital access and foster sustainable innovation.