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- Anjali Belgaumkar
Anjali Belgaumkar
Writer by choice, CryptoCurrency Writer, and Researcher by chance. Currently, focusing on financial news and analysis, as well as cryptocurrency news and data. One may not call me a crypto “Enthusiast” but trust me I'm getting there.
- Reviewed by:
Qadir AKQadir Ak is the founder of Coinpedia. He has over a decade of experience writing about technology and has been covering the blockchain and cryptocurrency space since 2010. He has also interviewed a few prominent experts within the cryptocurrency space.
- Jan 03, 2026 07:36 UTC
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Altcoin Season 2026: Why Most Tokens May Never Recover
Crypto’s easy-money era is ending as investors shift focus toward real revenue, sustainable models, and long-term value, says Hartmann Capital’s Felix Hartmann.
Altcoins face a maturity test as funds grow selective, prioritizing real-world utility, profits, and fundamentals over hype-driven cycles.
The crypto market is going through a shift, and investors are starting to notice it.
Felix O. Hartmann, Managing General Partner at Hartmann Capital, recently shared an important reality check for the crypto and altcoin space. According to him, the days of easy, guaranteed returns in crypto are over. What matters now is real value.
Are Crypto Funds Still Buying Tokens?
Hartmann explained that not all crypto investment funds are focused only on tokens anymore. Many venture capital firms now split their strategy between crypto tokens and traditional VC equity.
In Hartmann Capital’s early venture fund, the firm invested directly in crypto-related projects and saw strong results. One example was an early investment in an AI-focused crypto company, which delivered massive gains even after the bear market.
However, Hartmann said that their crypto hedge fund today is far more selective. The focus has shifted toward areas like real-world assets, DeFi, and sustainable crypto business models.
The End of the “Easy Money” Crypto Cycle
For years, many investors thought crypto followed a simple four-year cycle. Buy early, wait for the bull market, and profits would follow.
Hartmann says that mindset is fading.
Investors are now realizing that crypto cannot keep delivering 2017 or 2021-style returns without real growth underneath. Crypto was often seen as an “escape plan,” a fast way to get rich. But that thinking ignored one key question: where does the growth actually come from?
Bitcoin Has a Clear Story And Altcoins Must Catch Up
Bitcoin still stands apart from the rest of the market.
It has a strong narrative as digital gold, supported by institutional players, ETFs, and long-term holders. That story gives Bitcoin staying power.
Altcoins, however, face a tougher challenge. Hartmann says many projects now need to prove themselves the same way traditional companies do, through real revenue, earnings, and long-term sustainability.
Why Revenue Now Matters in Crypto
One clear sign of this shift is how the industry measures success.
Platforms that once focused only on metrics like total value locked (TVL) are now highlighting revenue, profits, and token buybacks. This shows that investors are no longer impressed by activity alone. They want proof that crypto projects can actually make money.
This change is forcing altcoin projects to mature.
A Painful but Necessary Phase for Altcoins
Since 2021, the altcoin market has struggled. Many tokens have underperformed, and interest has cooled. But Hartmann says this is part of a healthy evolution.
Instead of chasing hype, the crypto market is slowly moving toward fundamentals. Projects that survive this phase may be stronger, more reliable, and more attractive to serious investors in the long run.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for 2026 and Beyond
The next big altcoin cycle may not look like the last ones.
Instead of explosive rallies driven by speculation, future growth could favor crypto projects with real users, real income, and real utility. While the process has been difficult, it could help crypto emerge as a more mature and credible asset class by 2026 or 2027.
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FAQs
Yes, but selectively. Many funds now split capital between tokens and equity, focusing on projects with revenue, utility, and long-term business models.
Bitcoin has a clear narrative as digital gold, backed by institutions, ETFs, and long-term holders, giving it stronger trust and durability.
Altcoins with real users and income may thrive, while hype-driven tokens fade. The market is moving toward maturity and credibility.
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