Crypto IPO Season Set to Drive Capital Into Native Projects, Not End Altcoin Growth: Forbes

Key Takeaways:Forbes says Circle’s IPO success could kick off a wave of crypto listings, driving broader investor access via traditional platforms.Far from killing the altcoin market, crypto IPOs may accelerate funding into infrastructure, Layer 1s, and native crypto development.While 1,000% altcoin returns may be a thing of the past, crypto IPOs reflect growing institutional validation of the ecosystem.Forbes: Circle's IPO Could Ignite Crypto IPO Season and Boost Native ProjectsA wave of crypto IPOs could begin in the coming months, with Forbes reporting on August 4 that the success of Circle’s upcoming IPO could be the catalyst needed to unlock more listings. According to the report, this new cycle will not replace or suppress the altcoin market, but rather bring in fresh capital to native crypto projects, particularly those focused on building infrastructure, developer tools, and Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks.The shift marks a new phase in the crypto market’s evolution — one that bridges traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized technologies.Crypto Stocks Lower the Barrier for Mainstream InvestorsForbes highlights that publicly traded crypto companies are becoming more attractive to traditional investors due to easier access. IPO shares can be purchased through standard brokerage platforms, removing the need for users to manage wallets or navigate decentralized exchanges.These shares offer exposure to the crypto industry with less technical complexity and reduced perceived risk, a key factor that could draw in institutions and retail investors previously hesitant to enter the space.This institutional validation is expected to boost investor confidence in the digital asset ecosystem overall, creating a spillover effect that benefits both listed crypto companies and on-chain protocols.Critics Warn of Altcoin Suppression — But Forbes DisagreesSkeptics argue that a surge in crypto IPOs could overshadow or suppress the altcoin market, especially compared to the explosive returns seen in 2021. Some suggest that retail appetite for high-risk tokens could wane in favor of more “legit” crypto stocks.However, Forbes argues that this view misses the broader impact: Crypto IPOs are not replacing altcoins, they are complementing them.“Expecting 1,000% altcoin returns may no longer be realistic,” the article notes, “but those who think IPOs will replace native crypto entirely are only seeing half the picture.”Instead, these listings signal legitimacy, attract long-term capital, and expand the investor base — which, in turn, supports native crypto ecosystems, including altcoins.New IPO Capital Will Flow Into Core Crypto InfrastructureForbes believes that newly launched crypto public companies will inject capital directly into the Web3 ecosystem. Funds raised are likely to be reinvested into areas such as:Blockchain infrastructureDecentralized development toolsLayer 1 and Layer 2 networksOn-chain innovation and researchThis capital influx could accelerate development and usage across various altcoin ecosystems, rather than pull attention away from them.A New, More Mature Altcoin Season?The report suggests that while speculative mania may have cooled, the new crypto IPO wave could mark the beginning of a more mature altcoin era — one where capital flows into foundational projects and long-term value.Instead of chasing unsustainable short-term returns, investors may focus on tokens with utility, clear development roadmaps, and integrations with broader financial systems.As crypto stocks bring in fresh money and visibility, Forbes concludes, the entire digital asset economy — including altcoins — stands to benefit.