Pump.fun Launches New Investment Division for Early-Stage Projects, Kicks Off Hackathon

Memecoin launchpad Pump.fun has launched an investment arm, Pump Fund, which will distribute $3 million in funding across 12 projects.

An animated video ad posted on X said that the fund is dedicated to early-stage startups. Further, it announced a Build in Public Hackathon, which will fund 12 projects with $250k at $10m valuation.

Introducing the $3,000,000 Build in Public Hackathon

Brought to you by Pump Fund – pump fun’s New Investment Arm

It’s time to completely reimagine how early-stage projects are built and funded.

Learn more 👇 pic.twitter.com/l1TJcxv1J0

— Pump.fun (@Pumpfun) January 19, 2026

“It will advance the startup ecosystem on pump fun by aligning itself with projects long-term,” Pump.fun wrote in a thread on X.

Pump.fun Hackathon – Not for VCs But Startups

The Solana-based platform wrote that the upcoming hackathon is a time-limited event that differs from traditional programs. The hackathon offers funding, mentorship with Pump.fun’s founders and more.

“Instead of having to please judges/VCs for money, tokenizing allows the market to become the judge,” the platform added. “Your users are the ones that fund you by betting on you early.”

In order to be eligible for the hackathon, early-stage project participants must launch a token and own at least 10% of the token supply.

However, the projects need not be crypto-related, Pump.fun clarified. Projects of all maturities, verticals, and traction are welcome, it said.

Besides, the platform will prioritize product and social traction, open communication and long-term viability while choosing winners.

One user wrote that the hackathon is “the biggest unlock of builder talent.” Though AI has supported millions to build projects and boost the talent pool, the funding system didn’t, the user wrote.

“Portfolio companies with legit product being ignored… hackathon survivors. incubator rejects. solo entrepreneurs with a vibe + idea & AI. 3 am Claude devs outshipping funded startups,” the X post read. “The talent pool just 100x’d, yet the funding system didn’t. Time to change the game.”

The first cohort of startups is expected by February 2026.

PUMP Surges 3.04% – Eyes Short‑Term Breakout

PUMP, the native token of Pump.fun, rose 3.04% in the last 24 hours following the announcement of the Pump Fund launch. The token is trading at $0.00256 during press time, per CoinMarketCap.

Recent gains reflect short-term momentum but face resistance near $0.00274.

The token reached an all-time high in September, and has dropped 70% since then. The increase in memecoin activity, with Pump.fun-launched coins like WhiteWhale gaining traction, has pumped the token back on the radar.

Further, according to DefiLlama, the activity has contributed to a steady increase in revenue in the recent past, creating a strong tokenomic backbone for the rally.