Leading venture capital firms, including a16z, Coinbase Ventures, and Polychain, are increasingly collaborating on large funding rounds, according to the "RootData 2025 Web3 Industry Annual Report." This co-investment network is focusing on AI-integrated blockchain and institutional-grade DeFi applications, marking a shift from early-stage speculation. The trend is supported by improved regulation and institutional capital influx, setting the stage for significant AI-DeFi innovation in 2026 amid a Fed easing cycle.