Pump.fun Pushes Past Memecoins, Launches Investment Arm To Support New Projects
Pump.fun, a memecoins launchpad, has opened an investment arm called Pump Fund and started a public hackathon to invest in startup projects. It put $3 million on the table to support a group of new groups. Twelve winners will receive $250,000 each for a total of $10 million as part of the inaugural program.
Market Driven Hackathon Model
Under the new system, funding will not come from graduate houses or closed-door panels. According to the platform, projects will be selected mainly by market activity and community traction – the demand for real tokens will be the main signal.
That means teams are expected to publicly create, mint tokens, and demonstrate user interest early on instead of relying on traditional testing. Mentorship from the founders of Pump.fun is also part of the package.
Today, we’re announcing the Pump Bag
It will develop the startup ecosystem in pump fun by integrating with long-term projects.
The first initiative of the fund is the BiP Hackathon which will fund 12 projects with $250k @ $10m val, provide training by pump fun founders and much more.
– Pump.fun (@Pumpun) January 19, 2026
Rules and Playbook
Reports say that participating parties must issue a token and disclose development measures openly. Another post on the machine list: projects are asked to keep a portion of the token supply public and allow the market to judge its momentum.
The hackathon format is intended to make fundraising faster and more visible. This is a method that puts a lot of power into the business, which fans say can reveal what people really want.
Bitcoin currently trading at $91,055 on the 24-hour chart: TradingView
Traveling Without Memecoins
Pump.fun shows the change. What started as a memecoins industry is geared towards funding a wide range of startup ideas. This step is planned as a way to restore the original projects both inside and outside the world of tokens, while maintaining the strong role of token machines.
But the platform has a past that colors this announcement: previous installations have been flagged by security incidents and legal concerns related to the launch of memecoin and the engineering of the platform, which some observers say could make this business style controversial.
Image: Nairametrics
What Critics Comment
Some critics worry that the model may reward short-term hype with slow, steady product development. Market-driven choices can increase excitement, and excitement can quickly fade.
Questions have been raised about how traction will be measured and how token-driven signals can further point to long-term, sustainable projects. Governance and transparency are on the watch list.
Applications are open for teams looking to shoot at the $3 million pool, with timelines provided by Pump.fun for selection and the first team to be selected immediately after submissions close.
The memecoins platform says it will provide funding and hands-on support to winners, and the community will have a big role in helping decide which ideas stand out.
Featured image from PYMNTS, chart from TradingView
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