Nvidia’s accelerator program appears to sidestep digital assets startups, with its help section listing crypto-focused companies as ineligible to join the tech giant’s global network of founders.

According to the program website, crypto companies and four other types of businesses are excluded from participating in Nvidia’s Inception: consulting and outsourced development firms, cloud service providers, resellers and distributors, and companies that are already public.

Nvidia’s Inception membership criteria. Source: Nvidia

The move indicates a shift in Nvidia’s policy regarding crypto startups in its accelerator program. For instance, in 2018, the company accepted Ubex — a startup combining blockchain and AI for digital advertising — in its Inception program.

A Nvidia spokesperson declined to comment on the eligibility policy. The Inception Program is designed for companies younger than 10 years in all stages of funding.

Nvidia is best known for its semiconductors, which play a crucial role in powering microchips for data centers. That same processing power has also made Nvidia’s hardware popular among crypto miners, with the company having previously explored crypto-related use cases for its products.

Related: Public mining firms sold over 40% of their BTC in March — Report

Nvidia and the US-China AI race

Nvidia is one of the most valuable companies in the world in terms of market capitalization and a key player in the global artificial intelligence race.

The company introduced its H20 chip in 2024, designed to comply with US export restrictions imposed during the Biden administration aimed at limiting China’s access to advanced AI hardware.

Despite being less powerful than Nvidia’s top-tier chips, the H20 chips could still enable significant AI advancements in China. In response, the Trump administration imposed stricter export controls to require special licenses for H20 exports to China — a move that could impact Nvidia’s sales.

According to the BBC, China accounted for 13% of Nvidia’s sales in 2024. The company anticipates a $5.5 billion revenue hit tied to US export restrictions.

Related: The next frontier for crypto will be decentralizing AI

Jay Clayton, recently appointed interim US Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) and former chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, has begun offering statements in criminal cases involving crypto fraud.

In an April 23 notice, the US Attorney’s Office said Eugene William Austin, also known as Hugh Austin, had been sentenced to 18 years in prison following his conviction on conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. Together with his son, Brandon, sentenced to four years, Austin offered fraudulent crypto investment services, resulting in roughly $12 million in losses to more than 24 people.

“For years, Hugh Austin was the leader of a fraud and money laundering scheme that stole more than $12 million from more than two dozen victims,” said Clayton. “Austin involved his own son in his crimes, working with him to rip off victims and spending investor money on personal expenses, like luxury hotels […] Austin will now be held accountable for the harm he caused to individual investors and others.”

The criminal case involving digital assets marked one of Clayton’s first public statements since becoming the interim US Attorney on April 22. US President Donald Trump nominated Clayton on Jan. 20 when he took office. The district has since seen the resignation of acting US Attorney Danielle Sassoon in response to the Justice Department directing her to halt a case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Related: US prosecutors file over 200 victim statements in Celsius ex-CEO’s case

The nation’s ‘sovereign district’ overseen by a Trump appointee?

Under current law, Clayton can serve as interim US Attorney for the district for 120 days without Senate confirmation. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blocked a vote on Clayton’s nomination, saying Trump had “no fidelity to the law.”

Clayton will likely oversee SDNY during the sentencing hearing for former Celsius CEO Alex Mashinsky and potentially other criminal cases involving cryptocurrency. The district is home to ​​Wall Street firms and many of the country’s most prominent financial institutions. 

Magazine: SEC’s U-turn on crypto leaves key questions unanswered

Key Takeaways:

The Bitcoin long-term holder cohort saw a $26 billion value increase as BTC price surged to $94,900.

Short-term holders sold at a loss in early April.

Bitcoin’s 30% correction lines up with historical cycles, and BTC could find support in the $88,750 and $91,000 zone.

Bitcoin (BTC) long-term holders (LTHs) significantly increased their collective wealth in April as BTC price surged from $74,450 to $94,900. According to data from CryptoQuant, the long-term holders (LTHs) realized market cap increased from $345 billion to $371 billion between April 1 and April 23, marking a $26 billion gain.

BTC LTH realized cap drawdown chart. Source: CryptoQuant

This sharp increase in LTH realized cap signals that long-term holders are rewarded for resilience through recent drawdowns. Bitcoin experienced a 30%+ correction between January and early April, a pattern consistent with historical market cycles. Data from past cycles in 2013, 2017, and 2021 shows that such drawdowns are routine after Bitcoin touches new all-time highs, often shaking out weaker hands before resuming its upward trend.

Other factors also underlined LTH’s conviction during the correction period. Bitcoin’s growing decoupling from traditional markets, particularly as US equities faced pressure from the trade wars, improved its investment appeal. While stocks tumbled, gold prices surged to new highs at $3,500, reflecting investor demand for non-correlated assets—a trend likely boosted LTHs confidence in Bitcoin’s store-of-value narrative.

BTC: STH realized cap drawdown. Source: CryptoQuant

On the other hand, Cointelegraph reported that short-term holders (STHs) returned to profit this week. Still, many sold at a loss during the April drawdown, reflecting their tendency to rotate positions under market stress. This behavior echoes a recurring trend in 2024, where STHs frequently sold to LTHs during corrections.

Bitcoin supply in profit market bands signals a bullish outlook, after the total supply in profit increased above the “threshold of optimism”. Currently, 16.7 million BTC in various Bitcoin addresses are in profit.

Historical data from 2016, 2020, and 2024 show that when Bitcoin consistently holds above this key bullish zone, it frequently sparks significant bull runs, driving prices to new highs within months.

Bitcoin Supply in Profit Market Bands. Source: CryptoQuant

Related: Bitcoin exchange outflows mimic 2023 as whales buy retail ‘panic’

Bitcoin may build a new range between $95K-$90K

Following its rise to $94,900, analysts expect Bitcoin to potentially undergo a cooldown period. MNCapital founder, Michael van de Poppe, mentioned that after a massive breakout, it is “fairly normal to have a slight correction”. 

Likewise, anonymous crypto trader Jelle pointed out that Bitcoin has tested its weekly resistance for now, and BTC may drop as low as $91,000. 

From a technical perspective, Bitcoin may consolidate between $94,900 and $88,750 in the coming days. Recent price action suggested a prolonged cooldown following its breakout rally. On the 4-hour chart, the key support zone lies between $90,500 and $88,750, representing a fair value gap. 

A breach below this range could invalidate the lower time frame (LTF) bullish structure, potentially driving prices toward the next support area between $84,000 and $86,300, where Bitcoin previously consolidated for a week before its strong positive breakout.

Bitcoin 4-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

Related: Bitcoin’s next big resistance is $95K— What will trigger the breakout?

This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.