Startups investing sentiment improved further as Russell Microcap Growth Index hit new highs, supported by heavy buying in biotech and clean energy startups. Valuation premiums widened to 12% above historical benchmarks, reflecting investors’ strategic pivot into disruptive innovation plays. Cross-border payments platform Hurupay is introducing an “Invest” tool for its users to trade U.S. stocks on the platform using stablecoins. This move marks a strategic expansion for Hurupay to go beyond payment services and offer more. Projects outside the aforementioned focus areas but demonstrating strong innovation and a clear vision are also welcome to apply. The latest CB Insights release confirms startups investing continues to outperform broader venture market return averages, posting a 22% IRR over the past 12 months. Key contributors include fintech startups automating compliance and payment systems, attracting rapid institutional adoption.