According to Blockworks, there has been a significant increase in financing interest from Bitcoin mining companies recently. However, the biggest influx of investment this week has been in projects with real-world applications for cryptocurrencies. Meanwhile, various projects focused on scaling Ethereum have also gained considerable support of late. The wave of investment comes as the network prepares for next year’s expected Dencun upgrade. Babylon raised $18 million in Series A funding led by Polychain and Hack VC. The company focuses on a unique protocol that allows Bitcoin to be staked in proof-of-stake networks. It provides Bitcoin holders with a secure way to earn yield without the need for third-party trust or connection to other chains. In addition, MAP Protocol, a second-layer chain built on Bitcoin, announced a strategic investment from Waterdrip Capital. MAP is a second layer solution for Bitcoin designed to enhance cross-chain interoperability. It enables seamless interaction between Bitcoin and other public blockchain networks, ensuring safe and efficient transactions on different platforms.