This Week in Crypto: CZ, Unichain, and Presidental Memecoins
Never miss a beat—stay informed on market dynamics, investment trends, and exclusive airdrops every week.
TL;DR
Market Sentiment: Bitcoin reserves on exchanges have hit a 3-year low, raising concerns of a potential supply shock, while Ethereum has seen a surge in whale activity and a significant drop in exchange reserves. BNB Chain dominates with record transaction fees, while Solana faces backlash due to rug pulls in memecoins and a 40% drop in price since January.
Yield Opportunities: Midas launches Liquid Yield Tokens (LYT) for DeFi, Dolomite offers low-risk yield farming for $BERA, and Pendle’s TVL data shows the dominance of USD and BTC over ETH in DeFi.
New Airdrops: To maximize airdrop opportunities, engage with Unichain, earn Yap points for $KAITO airdrops, and explore promising testnets like Sahara AI, Linera, and Magic Newton before Q1 ends.
Key Upcoming Token Releases: $CGX (Feb 19), $RIZ (Feb 21), and $TEA, $YALA, $RED, $KERNEL, $BDXN, $ALIGN (all in February).
Key Developments and Updates:
Uniswap Labs has launched Unichain;
FTX, the once leading cryptocurrency exchange, is set to begin repaying its creditors.
Special note: The best hours of the day to trade.
Research of the week: How do scammers use fake transaction simulation sites to steal crypto?
February Crypto Surge: BTC Reserves Drop, Whale Activity Soars, and Memecoin Chaos!
The first week of February saw a 53% drop in Bitcoin’s on-chain activity, record-high exchange outflows, and a rise in the market share of decentralized exchanges (DEX), while RWA tokenization surpassed $17.1B. At the same time, Ethereum’s supply turned inflationary, and U.S. regulators pushed forward efforts to create a stablecoin regulatory framework.
In the middle of the month, Bitcoin reserves on exchanges hit a 3-year low, coinciding with growing demand from large corporate investors. OTC desks are also seeing shrinking BTC reserves, suggesting coins are moving into cold storage, which could lead to a supply squeeze and price surge. In the U.S., the regulatory race continues, with states pushing BTC reserve bills while pump-and-dump memecoins make their way into the political spotlight. Additionally, Jack Dorsey is being dubbed the true Satoshi Nakamoto, reigniting debates on Bitcoin’s origins.
Is BTC on the Brink of a Supply Crisis? Key Market Signals
Bitcoin reserves on exchanges have hit a 3-year low, coinciding with rising demand from institutional and corporate investors. Analysts warn of an impending “supply shock” that could shake the market.
At the same time, BTC reserves on OTC desks are also shrinking rapidly, indicating that coins are being moved into cold storage. If this trend continues, large players may be forced to buy BTC on exchanges with lower liquidity, potentially triggering a price surge.
According to Bitwise, 69% of BTC supply is now controlled by retail investors, limiting availability for institutions and reinforcing concerns of a future supply squeeze.
Meanwhile, leverage in BTC trading has reached yearly highs, signaling increased speculation among traders. That said, it's worth noting that bitcoin liquidity on U.S. exchanges has increased to levels not seen since the 2021 bull run, with Kraken and Coinbase leading the way.
Despite strong-performing altcoins, Bitcoin remains the dominant asset for investors. The Altcoin Season Index shows that most capital continues to flow into BTC, while historical data suggests the current level could indicate a local BTC bottom, possibly setting the stage for a market reversal.
All these factors suggest that major market moves could be on the horizon.
It's important to note, that digital asset investment products (BTC and ETH ETFs) saw their first significant outflows, totalling $415M, following an unprecedented 19-week post-US election inflow streak that amassed $29.4B.
Whales Accelerate ETH Accumulation as Exchange Reserves Plummet
Ethereum has seen a surge in whale activity since February 2, with large investors aggressively buying up the asset. Analyst Ali Martinez reports that whales acquired 280,000 ETH in just 72 hours (Feb 12-15), indicating strong accumulation trends.
At the same time, centralized exchange reserves have dropped by 1,000,000 ETH over the past two week, according to CryptoQuant. This significant outflow suggests a reduction in potential selling pressure, as investors move their holdings to cold storage.
ETH’s price reflected this demand, trading around $2,700 last week before surpassing $2,800 yesterday. The continued depletion of exchange reserves could support further price appreciation.
In total, nearly 1 million ETH has been withdrawn from exchanges since early February, reinforcing the narrative of increasing institutional and whale accumulation. If this trend continues, Ethereum’s supply on exchanges may tighten, potentially fueling further upward momentum.
The project has an important update ahead - be sure to read this article “Ethereum devs release client software for Pectra upgrade on testnets; mainnet launch expected in April”
BNB Chain Overtakes Solana in Daily Fees Amid Rising Activity
BNB Chain has seen a surge in transaction fees, generating $15 million over the past week, with the average fee peaking at $0.43. This growth highlights increased network usage and demand.
According to Nansen analyst Aurélie Barter, two key catalysts may be driving this spike: the recent pause in the Binance vs. SEC case and the growing hype around memecoins. A wave of new tokens emerged after CZ posted a photo of his dog, inspiring a new memecoin trend.
On February 13, BNB Chain recorded $5.8 million in daily fees, surpassing Solana’s $3.3 million and generating over five times Ethereum’s total. This surge in network activity solidifies BNB Chain’s position as the leading blockchain in daily fee revenue.
With increasing engagement and transaction volumes, BNB Chain’s momentum signals strong user activity and potential further growth in the coming weeks.
Solana Faces Backlash Over Memecoins as Market Struggles
While memecoins have fueled excitement, many in the community argue that Solana has become "toxic" due to their rise. Investor sentiment has soured following recent rug pulls, with SOL dropping 10% this week, making it one of the worst performers despite overall market strength. Since its ATH on January 19, SOL is down 40%.
DEX trading volumes reflect this shift, falling 25% in a week, with memecoin-heavy Raydium plunging 47%. However, Solana’s monthly transaction fee spending hit a record $550M in January, showing strong network usage.
Meanwhile, Solana’s bridges have processed $10.1B in lifetime inbound volume, reinforcing its importance in DeFi.
Adding to market uncertainty, March 1 will see the first unlocks of SOL tied to FTX’s bankruptcy—11.2M SOL (~$2B). These assets were previously acquired by Galaxy, Pantera, and Figure, potentially increasing selling pressure.
Crypto Yield Insights: Weekly Opportunities
Midas Expands Yield-Bearing Token Offerings With DeFi Integration
Tokenization platform Midas has launched Liquid Yield Tokens (LYT), offering floating yields from actively managed DeFi funds. These tokens can be used in various DeFi applications, starting with Euler and Morpho.
Key Highlights:
New Yield Products: LYT tokens are backed by Edge Capital, RE7 Capital, and MEV Capital.
Regulatory Approval: Midas is authorized in Liechtenstein, enabling passporting across Germany and Europe.
High Yield Potential: Designed for up to 20% returns, leveraging market-making and arbitrage strategies.
DeFi Collateral Use: LYT tokens can be used in lending platforms like Euler and Morpho, with more integrations coming.
One-Click Access: Midas simplifies issuance and redemption, making tokenized yields more accessible.
As market conditions shift, Midas continues innovating at the intersection of traditional finance and DeFi.
Maximize Your $BERA Without Selling: A Low-Risk Yield Strategy
If you're holding $BERA and want to earn passive income, here’s a stable yield farming strategy to put your tokens to work:
Step-by-Step Strategy:
Lend & Borrow on Dolomite
Supply $BERA → Earn 24% APY
Borrow $USDe at just 0.17% APY
Maintain Position Health around 1.4 - 1.5 for safety
Swap on Ooga Booga
Convert $USDe into $HONEY & $BYUSD
Farm with $HONEY on BurrBear
Deposit into a stable pool → Earn 50% APR
Plus, farm 4x BeraBorrow points
Stake the rest on Berahub
Pool $HONEY + $BYUSD → Earn BGT at 24.61% APR
No need to sell your $BERA—farm stable yields and stack extra rewards!
ETH Yield Farming Is Dying: TVL Data Tells the Story
Yield farming with $ETH has collapsed, with Pendle’s TVL composition shifting drastically over the past year.
Then vs. Now:
June 2024:
$ETH: $5.1B (76.5% of TVL)
USD: $1.35B (20.3%)
Total: $6.64B
Today:
USD: $3.42B (66%)
BTC: $0.97B (18.76%)
ETH: $0.42B (8.2%)
Total: $5.18B
The shift is clear: USD and BTC now dominate the ecosystem, while ETH’s relevance in yield farming has faded. Not much left to do with $ETH these days.
However, if you still want to find a use for your ETH - be sure to check out this thread “The Definitive Greatest Current ETH Yields”
Boosting Earnings Through Airdrop Farming
Maximize Your Unichain Airdrop Opportunities
Unichain is designed to solve cross-chain interaction and liquidity fragmentation in DeFi. To maximize your chances of securing an airdrop, follow these steps:
1 Set Up Your Wallet:
Add Unichain to your MetaMask. Wallet options include Uniswap, Privy, and Rainbow.
2 Bridge Assets:
Use official or bridges like Superbridge, Stargate, and Bungee to move assets to Unichain.
3 Interact with DEX & Smart Contracts:
Swap tokens on Uniswap and Bunni. Deploy contracts via thirdweb and Remix.
4 Use Oracle & Account Abstraction Tools:
Integrate oracle data with Pyth Network and Stork, or use Dynamic and Safe for gasless transactions.
5 Engage with Data Indexers:
Query blockchain data using Dune, Goldsky, or SubQuery.
6 Complete Platform Tasks:
Use platforms like Layer3 and Coinally for additional tasks and rewards.
By actively engaging with these projects, you’ll increase your chances of getting involved in the Unichain ecosystem and potentially receiving airdrops.
For full details, check the original thread.
Here are 10 promising testnets to explore before Q1 ends
Sahara AI ($43M)
Backed by Polychain & Pantera Capital, this decentralized network allows users to monetize data.
GuideLinera ($12M)
Infrastructure supporting demanding Web3 applications.
GuideKite AI
A Layer 1 on Avalanche for decentralized AI development.
GuideSentient ($85M)
An AI research organization fostering an Open AGI Economy.
GuideWalrus
A decentralized data storage platform backed by Mysten Labs.
GuideMagic Newton ($83M)
A chain unification network developed by Magic Labs and Polygon Labs.
GuideO.SYSTEMS ($130M)
A fully autonomous decentralized AI ecosystem.
GuideIrys ($8.9M)
A provenance layer for scaling permanent data.
GuideD3 ($30M)
Adding interoperability to both Web2 and Web3.
GuideBabylon ($96M)
A blockchain project focused on enhancing security.
Guide
For more details, check the original thread.
How to Maximize Your $KAITO Airdrop
To maximize your potential $KAITO airdrop, focus on earning Yap points through meaningful engagement in the crypto community. Here's how:
1. Understand Yap Points
Yap points are Kaito AI's system for measuring user contributions. They reward high-quality, relevant participation in crypto discussions. Points are earned through insightful, original, and focused content.
2. Engage on X
Participate actively on X by:
Posting High-Quality Content: Share market insights, project deep dives, and educational threads.
Interacting with Influencers: Engage with prominent crypto figures through thoughtful comments and discussions.
Maintaining Consistency: Regular, valuable contributions are key.
3. Avoid Low-Value Activities
Kaito's AI filters out low-quality content and spam. Focus on quality over quantity to ensure your contributions are recognized.
4. Monitor Your Progress
Keep track of your Yap points and engagement levels to understand what resonates with the community and adjust your strategy accordingly.
By focusing on meaningful contributions and active engagement, you can enhance your presence in the Kaito AI ecosystem and increase your chances of receiving a $KAITO airdrop.
For more details, check the original thread.
It's not unreasonable to read this study “The Evolution of Airdrops: From Simple Token Distributions to Complex Community Building”
Mastering TGE: Key Token Offerings
Key TGEs & Releases for 2nd half of February 2025
The crypto world is buzzing with upcoming token events, product launches, and project milestones, and February promises to be an exciting month for investors, traders, and enthusiasts alike. With several token sales, listings, and new releases on the horizon, there's no shortage of opportunities to keep track of. Here's a comprehensive list of some of the most notable upcoming events, giving you a clear overview of what to expect:
Token Sales:
$SOON (SOON) – Token sale live now
$HYPER (Hyperlane) – Token sale on Legion, February 17
$PRYZM (Pryzm) – Token auction, February
Token Releases:
$DIN (DIN) – Token release on February 14
$CGX (Community Gaming) – Token release on February 19
$RIZ (Rivalz Network) – Token release on February 21
$TEA (tea Protocol) – Token release in February
$YALA (Yala) – Token release in February
$RED (Redstone Oracles) – Token release in February
$KERNEL (KernelDAO) – Token release in February
$BDXN (Bondex) – Token release in February
$ALIGN (Aligned) – Token release in February
Mainnet Releases:
$REACT (Reactive Network) – Mainnet release on February 25
$NIL (Nillion) – Mainnet release in February
Other Product Releases:
$FURY (Engines Of Fury) – Release on Epic Store, February 25
$DOOD (doodles) – Token release, Q1
$SEA (OpenSea) – Token release, Q1
Token Unlocks:
$QUAI (Quai Network) – Token unlock on February 19
$PI (Pi Network) – Primary listing on February 20
February is shaping up to be a packed month with a range of events, from token sales and auctions to new releases and mainnet launches. Be sure to stay informed and follow these projects closely, as they could present valuable opportunities for those looking to dive into new tokens or participate in the next big crypto trends. Keep an eye on the announcements and don’t miss out on your chance to get involved with these exciting developments!
Top Tokenless Projects Dominating the Crypto Space by Mindshare
In the fast-paced world of crypto, not every groundbreaking project relies on a native token to drive its success. Some of the most influential projects are tokenless, yet they continue to make a significant impact across various sectors. Here's a closer look at the top tokenless projects currently dominating the scene by mindshare:
Kaito – A cutting-edge InfoFi protocol that’s been gaining attention for its innovative approach to information finance, leveraging decentralized data sources and AI to provide valuable insights.
OpenSea – The world’s largest NFT marketplace, OpenSea has revolutionized how digital assets are bought, sold, and traded, making it a go-to platform for both collectors and creators.
Pump Fun – A launchpad for token sales, enabling new projects to reach their audience and distribute tokens in a seamless and effective manner. Despite not having a token itself, its influence continues to grow.
Story – A blockchain project designed to secure and manage intellectual property, allowing creators and owners to register, protect, and monetize their IP rights with full transparency and immutability.
MegaETH – An Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution aimed at improving the network’s transaction speed and reducing gas fees, making Ethereum more accessible to users and developers alike.
Monad – A Layer 1 blockchain designed with scalability in mind. Monad is focused on providing a high-throughput, decentralized solution for the next generation of blockchain applications.
What stands out is that Kaito has outpaced even more established projects like Pump Fun, MegaETH, and Monad in terms of mindshare.
These projects are paving the way for a more sustainable and scalable blockchain ecosystem, proving that success in the crypto space isn't always tied to having a native token. Keep an eye on them as they continue to influence and redefine the industry's future.
We strongly recommend reading the article “The Illusion of Change: Balancing Community and Financial Incentives”
Key Events Reshaping the Landscape
2025 Crypto February Calendar: Key Events You Can't Miss
The month of February is packed with major crypto developments, from token unlocks to important hearings and new product releases. Whether you're a trader, investor, or blockchain enthusiast, these key events are crucial for staying informed and seizing opportunities in the fast-paced crypto market. Here's a list of the most significant happenings this month:
February 18-20
Consensus Hong Kong – A major event for DeFi, NFTs, and blockchain technology.
February 18
US - SB21 (Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve) Hearing
FTX - First Repayment Start
February 20
$MELANIA - 40.8% Circ. Supply (~$90M) Token Unlock
Coinbase Int. - $SPX $KAS Perp Listing
$MAGIC - The Beacon Phase 2
February 21
$TON - Integration With Telegram
February 23 - March 2
ETHDenver – A key event in the Ethereum ecosystem, focusing on blockchain innovation.
February 26
NVDA - Earnings Call
👀 TBD in February
$AAVE - AAVE V4 Prototype
$LDO - Lido V3
$MOVE - Mainnet Launch
As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, staying informed about these critical events can provide you with valuable insights and opportunities. Make sure to mark these dates on your calendar and follow along for updates throughout the month!
FTX’s $16 Billion Creditor Repayments to Start February 18
FTX, the once leading cryptocurrency exchange, is set to begin repaying its creditors on February 18, with an estimated $16 billion in repayments. However, there's a catch. These repayments are pegged to crypto prices from November 2022, and Bitcoin has seen a significant surge in value since then.
In November 2022, Bitcoin was trading just above $16,000, but as of now, it has surged to over $98,000 — a 5-6x increase. This means that, while creditors are set to receive payouts based on November 2022 prices, they will ultimately receive less than they might have if the repayments were calculated at current market values.
The first phase of these repayments will involve between $6.5 billion and $7 billion, with the long-awaited process beginning on February 18. While some creditors may be dissatisfied with receiving less due to the market rise, the fact that FTX has set a definitive date for the start of the repayments is seen by many as a positive step forward in the recovery process.
As FTX works through this complex repayment process, the impact on its creditors and the broader crypto market remains to be seen. For now, all eyes are on February 18 as this crucial phase begins.
Weekly Insider Unlocks: February 17-23, 2025
Over $237.4 million worth of tokens are set to unlock this week, potentially influencing market dynamics and circulating supplies. Key unlocks include tokens like $MELANIA, $FTN, $QAI, and $MURA, each contributing significant portions of their total supply.
Insider Unlocks Highlights:
$MELANIA – $85.62M (40.83% of circulating supply)
$FTN – $78.84M (4.66%)
$QAI – $28.17M (6.41%)
$MURA – $27.67M (17.42%)
$APE – $5.85M (1.11%)
$PRIME – $5.16M (1.37%)
Market Impact & Considerations:
$MELANIA has a significant unlock, with over 40% of the circulating supply becoming available, which could create strong selling pressure.
$FTN and $QAI will release substantial amounts, and $MURA's large percentage unlock may cause price volatility depending on demand.
Smaller token unlocks like $APE and $PRIME will have a lesser impact, but could still affect short-term price movements.
With over $237 million in unlocks, this week presents potential market volatility. Stay vigilant and adjust your strategy to navigate the shifting conditions.
Insightful Advice from Miles Deutscher
In the current market conditions, Miles Deutscher shares an important strategy for holding altcoins: minimal token unlocks. With momentum already working against us, holding tokens with large unlocks can exacerbate the issue by introducing heavy sell pressure.
Key Takeaways:
"Bullish unlocks" can be advantageous in a bull market, but in a downtrend, "bearish unlocks" become a real concern.
Avoid holding altcoins with significant unlocks that could lead to massive debasement of your position.
While there are always exceptions, most of your altcoin holdings should have minimal sell pressure to reduce risk.
Strategy for Risk Management:
Focus on altcoins with low unlock percentages, ensuring that you're not caught in a situation where a large percentage of tokens flooding the market could drag down prices.
Prioritize assets with strong fundamentals and projects with healthy unlock schedules to reduce the likelihood of facing large-scale sell-offs.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you can better navigate current market challenges and minimize exposure to unwanted volatility.
Protocols in Focus
Uniswap Labs Launches Unichain
Uniswap Labs has launched Unichain, a new Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution designed to enhance transaction speed and reduce costs on the Ethereum network. This major development marks a significant step forward in decentralized finance (DeFi) infrastructure.
Key Features of Unichain:
Enhanced Security: Unichain introduces a new block builder and validator network, aimed at improving network security and minimizing Miner Extractable Value (MEV).
Integration with Flashbots' Rollup Boost: Unichain is the first Ethereum Layer 2 solution to integrate Flashbots' Rollup Boost, a technology designed to optimize transaction ordering and reduce MEV.
Cross-Chain Compatibility: Hayden Adams, the founder of Uniswap, stated, "We're entering a cross-chain world," highlighting Unichain's potential to facilitate interoperability across different blockchain networks.
The launch of Unichain is expected to provide users with faster and more cost-effective transactions, improving the overall DeFi experience. By leveraging advanced technologies and focusing on scalability, Unichain aims to tackle the key issues facing the Ethereum network, including high gas fees and network congestion.
This marks another milestone for Uniswap Labs, showing its ongoing commitment to advancing decentralized finance solutions and contributing to the broader blockchain ecosystem.
Full List of BlockDAG Projects
BlockDAG (Directed Acyclic Graph) is gaining attention as a scalable alternative to traditional blockchain technology.
ELI5 (Explain Like I’m 5):
Blockchain: Imagine a single-file queue where each block has to wait its turn before it can be added. Transactions are grouped into a block, and each new block is added one after another in a straight line.
BlockDAG: Instead of waiting in line, picture a web of connections where multiple blocks can move forward at the same time. This creates a more complex and efficient structure that allows for better scalability and faster transactions.
Here are some of the top BlockDAG-based projects:
XELIS
World's first BlockDAG with built-in privacy, 15s block finality, 2.5K TPS, and smart contracts.Hedera
Utilizes the Hashgraph consensus algorithm, a form of DAG, to achieve high throughput and fast finality.Kaspa
Implements a BlockDAG structure to allow parallel blocks, enhancing scalability and transaction speed.Nano
Uses a block-lattice structure, where each account has its own blockchain, enabling fast and fee-less transactions.Constellation
Leverages a DAG protocol to provide a scalable and secure framework for big data processing and interoperability.Vite Labs
Adopts a DAG-based ledger with a snapshot chain structure to support high-performance decentralized applications.Obyte
Formerly known as Byteball, utilizes a DAG structure to offer decentralized storage and transfer of value.BlockDAG Network
Combines features of both traditional blockchains and DAGs, aiming to offer high scalability and faster transaction processing.
XELIS: What is a Confidential Tokens?
XELIS is reshaping the world of digital assets with its innovative approach to creating confidential tokens directly at the consensus layer, offering unique advantages over traditional blockchain platforms. Here's why tokens on XELIS are set to make a big impact.
No Need for Smart Contracts
Unlike traditional platforms like Ethereum or BSC, where token creation depends on smart contracts (such as ERC-20and BEP-20), XELIS integrates token creation directly into its native blockDAG consensus layer. This provides the following key benefits:
Built-in Privacy
True Decentralization
Enhanced Security
Censorship Resistance
Why is this Important?
XELIS' system offers numerous advantages:
Homomorphic Encryption – Ensures token balances and transactions are fully private.
No Contract Vulnerabilities – Security is embedded within the protocol itself, eliminating the risks that come with smart contracts.
Censorship-Resistant – Tokens cannot be frozen, blacklisted, or manipulated by third parties.
The Problem with Traditional Smart Contract Tokens
Traditional blockchains relying on smart contracts introduce several challenges, including:
Security Risks – Hacks, exploits, and failures within smart contracts.
Centralization – Governance mechanisms introduce potential control risks.
Lack of Privacy – Transaction details are public, compromising privacy.
XELIS addresses all of these issues by directly integrating token creation into its blockDAG architecture.
Key Developments in Institutional Adoption & Enterprise DLT
The world of digital assets continues to evolve with several projects driving institutional adoption and advancing enterprise-grade distributed ledger technologies (DLT). Here's a look at how various blockchain and crypto platforms are shaping the future:
$XRP (Ripple): Positioned as an agnostic bridge currency for banks, $XRP enables seamless, cross-border transactions without the need for a centralized intermediary.
$HBAR (Hedera): As the network for institutional trust, $HBAR is designed to support high-performance and secure enterprise applications, making it a valuable tool for businesses requiring reliable and scalable solutions.
$XLM (Stellar): Providing financial rails for global citizens, $XLM enables fast, low-cost cross-border payments, ensuring accessibility and financial inclusion for underserved communities worldwide.
$ALGO (Algorand): Serving as the base layer for real-world utility, $ALGO powers high-speed and efficient decentralized applications (dApps) with a focus on scalability and low transaction costs.
$QNT (Quant): Building the infrastructure for money, both present and future, $QNT facilitates seamless integration across various blockchain systems, allowing institutions to navigate the evolving digital finance landscape.
$XDC (XDC Network): Focused on digital trade, $XDC provides a blockchain-based solution that improves the efficiency, transparency, and security of trade finance, enabling enterprises to connect more effectively in a global economy.
$CHEQ (CheqD Network): As a universal, agnostic trust registry, $CHEQ aims to create a decentralized, tamper-proof system for verifying and managing trust across industries, ensuring transparency and authenticity in digital transactions.
$IOTA (IOTA): Built for real-world data use, $IOTA enables the secure and scalable transfer of data between devices, helping organizations leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) for data-driven decision-making.
$DAG (Constellation): With a focus on military and government-grade end-to-end cybersecurity, $DAG offers secure and resilient blockchain technology designed to protect sensitive data and critical infrastructure.
$ONDO (Ondo Finance): Providing public access to institutional Real-World Assets (RWAs), $ONDO opens up new opportunities for retail investors to engage with previously inaccessible markets.
$LINK (Chainlink): As a leading oracle solution, $LINK bridges the gap between decentralized finance (DeFi) and traditional finance (TradFi), delivering reliable, real-world data to smart contracts on blockchains.
$APT (Aptos):Facilitating institutional use of tokenized settlement, $APT enables institutions to execute secure, transparent, and efficient transactions with tokenized assets, enhancing settlement processes in both traditional and digital finance.
This summary highlights key blockchain and cryptocurrency projects making strides in institutional adoption and enterprise use cases, showcasing how digital assets are being integrated into mainstream financial systems and industries.
Key VC Rounds of the Week
Here’s a summary of the top 7 notable fundraising rounds of this week:
1. Plasma - $20.5M
Plasma, a high-throughput, zero-fee payment platform built on Bitcoin, raised $20.5 million to expand its operations and further enhance its innovative payment solutions.
2. Legend - $15M
Legend, a platform offering a smart wallet with native support for multiple protocols and EVM blockchains, secured $15 million to continue developing and improving its cross-chain capabilities and wallet functionalities.
3. Mango Network - $13.5M
Mango Network raised $13.5 million for its development of a blockchain network that combines OPStack and MoveVM, enabling full-chain blockchain solutions with cross-chain communication.
4. GamerBoom - $9.0M
GamerBoom, a Web3-enabled social gaming platform, successfully raised $9 million to enhance its platform, bringing more social and gaming features powered by blockchain to its users.
5. NodeGo - $8.0M
NodeGo, a decentralized network that allows users to share and trade unused computing power, raised $8 million to expand its infrastructure and increase adoption of its decentralized computing solutions.
6. BitRobot Network - $6.0M
BitRobot raised $6 million to advance its efforts in Embodied AI research through the use of crypto incentives, aiming to integrate blockchain technology with AI innovations.
7. Blum - $5.0M
Blum, a trading app that allows users to buy and trade any coin on the market, secured $5 million to further develop and expand its platform, offering more trading opportunities to crypto users.
These startups are making notable strides in their respective fields and are set to shape the future of blockchain technologies.
Shaping the Market: Long-Term Insights from Crypto News
Fed Governor Waller Calls for a Regulatory Framework for Stablecoin Issuance
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller has urged the establishment of a clear regulatory framework that would allow both banks and non-bank entities to issue regulated stablecoins. He emphasized that stablecoins represent a significant innovation in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, with the potential to enhance retail and cross-border payments.
Waller highlighted the importance of ensuring that regulations consider their broader impact on the payment landscape, including how they interact with existing financial instruments. He noted that a well-structured framework could provide greater transparency, security, and consumer protection, fostering trust in stablecoins as a legitimate financial tool.
Additionally, Waller expressed confidence in the private sector's ability to drive stablecoin innovation, stating that the government's role should be to set fair and clear rules for market participants rather than directly controlling stablecoin issuance. His remarks reflect an increasing focus on integrating stablecoins into the mainstream financial system while maintaining necessary oversight.
The Rise and Fall of Meme Coins: Lessons from Recent Crashes
Meme coins like $LIBRA, $HAWK, $CAR, $TRUMP, and $MELANIA have recently seen extreme volatility, with some losing over 90% of their value within days. While early adopters often profit, many investors end up holding worthless tokens.
Major Collapses:
$LIBRA surged to a multi-billion market cap before crashing 95% due to mass sell-offs.
$HAWK spiked 500% in hours before dropping 95%, exposing the risks of influencer-driven hype.
$CAR, despite national endorsements, lost 90% of its value shortly after launch.
Key Takeaways: Investors should avoid FOMO, research token ownership, and be cautious of celebrity endorsements. Rapid price gains often lead to sharp declines, making it essential to secure profits early.
While some meme coins like DOGE and SHIB have built lasting communities, most are short-lived. Thorough research and risk management are crucial when investing in these speculative assets.
From Bitcoin to ETFs: PlanB Shifts Strategy, Varoufakis Criticizes Maximalists
Renowned crypto analyst PlanB has moved his holdings from traditional Bitcoin to spot Bitcoin ETFs, calling it a “logical step” in mainstream adoption. He believes ETFs provide easier exposure to Bitcoin without direct custody, signaling a shift in his views: “I think I’m no longer a maximalist.”
Meanwhile, former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis has sharply criticized modern Bitcoin enthusiasts. He argues that many early supporters, who once aimed to dismantle central banks and Wall Street, are now begging institutions to buy Bitcoin to drive prices higher.
“Bitcoin maximalists, who once vowed to overthrow financial elites, now plead for them to accumulate Bitcoin in bulk just to make themselves rich. They deserve nothing but our ruthless contempt.”
The debate highlights a growing divide in the crypto space—between those embracing institutional adoption and those holding onto Bitcoin’s cypherpunk roots.
Lastly, be sure to check out the article “Sleuth says new evidence links Jack Dorsey to Bitcoin like never before”
Research Spotlight
How Scammers Exploit Fake Transaction Simulations to Steal Crypto
This article uncovers how scammers deceive users with fake transaction simulation sites, tricking them into signing malicious smart contract approvals. Once granted, these approvals allow hackers to drain wallets instantly. The piece details common red flags and provides tips on how to stay safe in an increasingly deceptive crypto landscape.
Source: Cointelegraph
Own Your Robots: Decentralized Physical AI (DePAI)
DePAI challenges centralized control in robotics, advocating for a decentralized infrastructure for Physical AI. By leveraging blockchain and open-source models, DePAI envisions a future where individuals own and govern their AI-driven machines, rather than relying on large corporations. The post explores the potential applications and challenges of this paradigm shift.
Source: Dylan Bane
Ensuring Private and Verifiable Use of Web2 Data in Web3
This discussion highlights the privacy and verification challenges of integrating Web2 data into Web3 applications. The thread explores zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), decentralized identity (DID), and cryptographic attestations as potential solutions to ensure trustless, secure, and verifiable data usage within blockchain ecosystems.
Source: Pavel Paramonov
Liquidity Channels in Crypto Are Operating in Silos
Crypto liquidity remains fragmented, with different protocols struggling to achieve seamless interoperability. Liquidity became massive after the Spot ETF launch in the US. Now, Bitcoin liquidity might cover 70-80% of the total market liquidity, and it may never return to altcoins.
Source: hitesh.eth
The Best Hours to Trade & Where to Find Market Opportunities
Timing is everything in crypto trading. This post breaks down the most profitable hours of the day to trade, analyzing volatility patterns across different markets. Remember, we're talking about Los Angeles time.
Source: fomo
A Genealogy of Technology and Power Since 1500: Calculating Empires
This large-scale research project explores the co-evolution of technical and social structures over five centuries. It visualizes how technological advancements shaped economic and political power from 1500 to the present, offering a unique perspective on the historical impact of innovation.
Source: Calculating Empires