From new blockchains to infrastructure: a16z reveals the true growth engine of the crypto industry in 2026

a16z Crypto’s latest annual outlook report points the entire crypto industry in a direction—the next phase of growth stories is no longer about “which new public chain will rise,” but about how this technology will reshape markets, computing, and media. While most of the market is still chasing new chains, this top-tier VC is looking further ahead.

Paradigm Shift: From Chasing New Chains to Focusing on Infrastructure

According to the latest news, a16z Crypto indicates that the next stage of industry development this year will no longer mainly depend on the emergence of new blockchains, but more on how existing technologies can reshape traditional sectors. This is an important signal of a paradigm shift.

In recent years, the narrative in the crypto industry has revolved around “new public chains,” each aiming to become the next Ethereum. But as blockchains become more homogeneous in throughput and fees, the source of differentiation must shift elsewhere. a16z’s judgment is: blockchain will serve as underlying infrastructure rather than as standalone applications or end goals.

What does this mean? It means true value creation is not about launching a new chain but about using this technology to solve real-world problems.

Three Major Tracks: Prediction Markets, Crypto Proofs, Staking Media

a16z Crypto highlights three directions worth paying attention to:

Prediction Markets: From Niche to Mainstream

The scale of prediction markets will expand, becoming broader and more complex. According to reports, as prediction markets integrate with crypto technology and artificial intelligence, by 2026, this track will experience a qualitative leap. The next growth phase will involve not only more contracts but also better ways to resolve disputes and determine truth.

The logic behind this is: advances in cryptography, AI, and market design are gradually transforming prediction markets from a niche tool into a foundational infrastructure capable of serving a wider range of scenarios.

Crypto Proofs: From On-Chain to Off-Chain

This may be the most overlooked yet most promising direction. 2026 could be a turning point for crypto proofs expanding into non-blockchain industries. Advances in zero-knowledge virtual machine technology are significantly reducing the cost of generating proofs, making verifiable computation feasible in cloud CPU workloads and ultimately on consumer devices.

Simply put: cryptographic proof technologies that were once only usable on blockchains are now low enough in cost to be applied to cloud computing, enterprise systems, and other traditional IT infrastructure. This is a key step for crypto technology to penetrate the real world.

Staking Media: A New Trust Mechanism for Creators

This is an interesting new concept. In this model, creators, analysts, and commentators make publicly verifiable commitments using crypto tools. Tokenized assets, programmable escrow, and on-chain history enable media participants to demonstrate credibility by risking capital or reputation, while audiences can audit these claims.

In other words, creators are no longer just relying on fame; they are backing their opinions with real money. This represents a new way to establish trust.

Investment Layout Validates Strategic Direction

Interestingly, a16z’s investment portfolio is already testing the feasibility of these predictions:

These investments are not isolated bets but part of building a complete ecosystem matrix. For example, Babylon’s BTCVaults protocol is a typical case of crypto proofs expanding into finance—allowing Bitcoin holders to stake directly without exchanges or stablecoin issuers, with integration expected in Q2 with Aave.

Market Status and Expectations

It is worth noting that these predictions are made against the backdrop of current market adjustments. According to relevant data, the crypto market has recently weakened, with total market cap down about 3% daily, and ETF funds experiencing significant outflows. In such an environment, a16z continues to emphasize the importance of infrastructure and long-term tracks, indicating their confidence in these directions is not based on short-term market sentiment.

Summary

a16z’s annual outlook essentially signals a shift: from “what new things do we need” to “how existing technology can better serve the real world.” Prediction markets, crypto proofs, and staking media all point in the same direction—crypto-native tools are increasingly penetrating industries beyond decentralized finance.

For industry participants, this means shifting focus from “which new chain will succeed” to “which infrastructure can solve real problems.” From an investment perspective, projects that make progress in these three areas may be more worth watching than those pursuing innovation without practical application scenarios.