Daily Crypto Briefing – January 14, 2026

Bitcoin surged past $97,000 while major developments in post-quantum security, European expansion, and regulatory clarity dominated crypto headlines on January 14, 2026.

Top Stories

Post-Quantum Crypto Startup Raises $120M

Bankless reports that Project Eleven secured $20M in Series A funding at a $120M valuation, led by Castle Island Ventures. The startup is building tools to protect crypto networks like Bitcoin against emerging quantum computing threats.

Bitwise Expands European Presence

Cointelegraph confirms Bitwise has listed Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana ETPs on Nasdaq Stockholm. The listings provide investors with local-currency exposure to spot and staking-based crypto products through a regulated exchange.

Figure Launches Onchain Stock Trading Platform

CoinDesk reports that blockchain lender Figure unveiled its OPEN platform for trading equities registered natively onchain. The platform bypasses traditional settlement systems and enables DeFi-based lending.

Crypto Token Mortality Reaches Critical Levels

CoinDesk analysis shows over 13.4 million tokens were erased between mid-2021 and 2025, according to CoinGecko data. More than half of all crypto tokens have failed, with most deaths occurring in 2025.

Markets

Bitcoin Eyes $100K Milestone

• Bitcoin climbed above $97,000 in its highest 2026 level, with multiple sources indicating sufficient fuel for higher prices
• CoinJournal notes bulls are targeting the $100K psychological level amid risk-on sentiment
• Bitcoin ETFs saw $754 million in inflows, marking the strongest day of 2026
• Corporate treasuries now buy Bitcoin at 3x the rate miners produce, according to NewsBTC

Ethereum Rallies to New Heights

• CoinJournal reports ETH pumped to $3,400 as staking reached new milestones
• CryptoPotato confirms Ethereum set a record with 393,600 new wallets created in one day

Altcoin Momentum Building

• CoinJournal highlights Arthur Hayes predicting Ethena price surge to $1 as Korean exchanges list USDe
• Monero hit new all-time highs above $700, with multiple outlets covering the privacy coin rally
• Bitwise's Chainlink ETF approved for NYSE Arca listing with 0.34% fee

Regulation

SEC Closes Zcash Investigation

• Multiple sources confirm the SEC ended its investigation into Zcash Foundation with no enforcement action after a 2023 subpoena
• ZEC price jumped 12% following the announcement

State-Level Tax Relief

• CryptoBriefing reports Rhode Island proposed eliminating taxes on small Bitcoin payments
• The bill could boost local crypto adoption and set precedent for other states

International Developments

• CryptoBriefing notes Indian authorities seized $1.2 million in a land and crypto fraud case
• CryptoNews reports Russia preparing legislation to allow non-qualified investors into crypto with 300,000 ruble caps

Technology

Network Issues and Updates

• The Block reports Sui Layer 1 experienced hours-long network stall as developers worked on restoration
• CryptoBriefing covers Binance Wallet partnering with Aster to launch onchain perpetuals trading
• CryptoBriefing notes Tesla will gate Full Self-Driving behind $99 monthly subscription starting February 14

Business Developments

Major Funding Rounds

• The Block confirms Alpaca raised $150 million Series D at $1.15 billion valuation, powering 94% of tokenized U.S. equities
• CryptoBriefing reports SoftBank and Nvidia backed Skild AI in $1.4 billion robotics investment

Corporate Restructuring

• CoinJournal notes MANTRA announced team layoffs amid restructuring as OM token remains 99% below peak
• Decrypt covers Meta's latest job cuts in Reality Labs affecting roughly 1,000 positions

Global Expansion

• [CoinDesk reports](https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2