Crypto venture capital struggles as AI attracts talent, says Compound’s Dempsey

The Compound managing partner says crypto venture activity has been close to dormant for nearly two years while AI absorbs the tech world's attention Crypto venture capital has spent nearly two years in a deep sleep, according to Michael Dempsey, managing partner at venture firm Compound. His explanation is simple. The builders who once chased crypto are now chasing artificial intelligence, and the money is following them. Dempsey made the remarks during an October 13, 2026 interview on the Empire podcast. Dempsey described crypto venture activity as close to dormant.