I’m thrilled to present Issue 40 of our magazine! As we head into the holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the incredible people who made this journey possible. This year has been filled with unforgettable moments and challenging ones where we almost gave up. But thanks to our talented team, we’ve persevered and thrived.
A huge shoutout to our excellent writers Chris, Daniel, and Samantha who bring life to every issue (and yes, we’re always on the lookout for more talented contributors). And, of course, to our brilliant designer, Alex, who makes everything look stunning. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of Visual Media Group, which also backs my businesses, including GettingStartedinCrypto.com.
I must especially acknowledge Josh, the backbone of both GSIC and this magazine. His dedication and expertise have been instrumental in turning dreams into reality. I trust him wholeheartedly to help bring our vision to life.
This special issue is Our Christmas Edition - and it is packed with holiday cheer and crypto inspiration! Josh shares his ultimate guide to epic Christmas gifts for the crypto enthusiast in your life. Chris takes us on a deep dive into 2024’s highlights and provides an insightful breakdown of $KAIA. Meanwhile, Daniel delivers two standout pieces how to launch your own memecoin and A Look at Dinosaur Coins, which, at the time of writing, are absolutely pumping!
Looking Back on 2024 - This year has been transformative for me. From recovering from surgery to gaining deeper insights into my patterns and triggers, it’s been a journey of healing and self-discovery. While I’ve mastered emotional control in trading, I’m still working on taming the childhood triggers that sometimes erupt like Mount Vesuvius. These lessons are paving the way for a calmer, happier, and healthier 2025 and beyond.
To all of you, our readers thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support means the world to me. Please share this issue with your friends and family this holiday season, and let’s spread the love for crypto far and wide!
Here’s to a joyful Christmas and an incredible 2024. May 2025 have your dreams waiting to be fulfilled!
Lisa
A note from Josh
It's Christmassssssssss!! And it's a Crypto Christmas too! What an awesome Market we are seeing! Those of you who have followed the Moon Mag for a while may be looking at some of the gems we deep dived into in past issues and, if you have a bag of them, they might be looking very green right now. Yay! Don't forget to take profits!
It's been an epic year for us at the Moon Mag. We've put out some incredible content and really enjoyed sharing it with our readers. Some highlights for me were Lisa's 'Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda' article in issue 30, which is worth a re-read now, our Introduction to Base Chain in issue 33, our Revisit Of Awesome Deep Dives in issue 36 and, fresh in my mind, is the European Blockchain Convention article from the previous issue.
As we move into 2025, I want to extend my gratitude to everyone involved in creating the Moon Mag. Our talented writers whom spend a lot of time and effort researching and laying out the information in an easy to understand way for readers, and travel around the globe to capture the essence of crypto events in writing. Also, Alex, our designer who makes the Moon Mag a sight to behold each month! I'd also extend my gratitude to Lisa, who not only leads the production of this magazine in a wonderful way, but freely shares her insightful thoughts and learnings to help others find their way in the world of crypto. Lisa is a thought leader and game changer for the world of crypto and an inspiration to many, including me.
Finally, thanks to you, our readers, for following along and supporting us. I wish you all the best for Christmas and the New Year. Season's greetings!
SPONSORS
We are incredibly grateful to the following sponsors for their support. We run a ‘Sponsor A Writer’ campaign where crypto projects take part in an altruistic act of sponsoring our talented writers. By doing so, they play a crucial role in keeping the crypto economy alive and thriving, not only for our readership, but for the writers who provide the awesome articles.
DISCLAIMER
All the content provided for you as part of the Moon Mag has been researched thoroughly and to the best of our ability however it is your choice, and your choice only, whether you wish to invest or participate in any of the projects. We cannot be held responsible for your decisions and the consequences of your actions. We do not provide financial advice. Please DYOR and above all, enjoy the content!
CONTRIBUTORS
Daniel
Daniel has been a blockchain technologyevangelist since 2012 and is a faithful believer in the Crypto ecosystem. Daniel also writes for Coin Telegraph!
Samantha
Freelance journalist dedicated to digital media, enthusiast of the crypto ecosystem and disruptive technologies MDC writer since 2018, currently writer for CryptoTrendencia.
Chris
I joined the crypto party in 2017 Worked as a DAO contributor, startup advisor, lead researcher and co-author My superpower? Translating complex blockchain concepts into clear, engaging content that resonates.
TRADERS PERSPECTIVE
written by Lisa N. Edwards
The crypto market is buzzing, and the long-awaited bull market is finally here. Bitcoin has broken through key resistance levels and has had almost a daily NEW ALL-TIME HIGH. Altcoins are starting to boom, and sentiment across the crypto community is shifting from fear to euphoria. While this is an exciting time for investors, it’s also when mistakes are most costly. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) can lead to impulsive decisions that leave your portfolio REKT. In this article, we’ll explore the dynamics of a crypto bull market, the psychology behind FOMO, and strategies to navigate this market like a pro.
What Signals a Bull Market in Crypto?
Bull markets are characterised by sustained price increases, growing investor confidence, and an influx of capital. Several indicators suggest that crypto has entered a bull phase:
1. Bitcoin Dominance: Bitcoin often leads the charge, and its dominance in the market tends to rise during the early stages of a bull market.
Breakout Patterns: Major cryptocurrencies surpassing resistance levels on high trading volumes signal bullish sentiment.
Institutional Interest: Increased participation from institutions, such as ETFs, hedge funds and corporations, drives liquidity and market credibility.
On-Chain Metrics: Positive on-chain activity, such as increased wallet addresses and transaction volumes, reinforces bullish sentiment.
The FOMO Trap: Why It’s So Dangerous
FOMO is a psychological phenomenon that causes traders to act irrationally for fear of being left behind. In a bull market, prices rise rapidly, making buying in at any price tempting.
Here’s why FOMO can lead to poor decisions:
● Overpaying for Assets: Buying at inflated prices increases the risk of significant losses during inevitable corrections. (Especially in Leverage or Margin Trades)
● Ignoring Fundamentals: Chasing hype often results in investing in projects with weak fundamentals or potential rug pulls.
● Overtrading: Frequent buying and selling to catch every pump can lead to losses from fees and poor timing.
● Emotional Stress: FOMO-driven decisions can lead to sleepless nights and emotional burnout when prices dip unexpectedly.
How to Avoid FOMO and Make Smarter Investments
1. Develop a Clear Plan
Before entering the market, establish a strategy based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Whether it’s dollar-cost averaging (DCA) or setting strict entry and exit points, having a plan will keep you grounded.
2. Do Your Own Research (DYOR)
In a bull market, every project seems like the next big thing. Before investing, dive into the fundamentals of a coin or token. Review the team, utility, roadmap, and tokenomics to ensure it’s worth your capital.
3. Don’t Chase Green Candles
Buying assets after a massive rally is a common FOMO mistake. Instead, wait for pullbacks or consolidation phases before entering a position.
4. Diversify Your Portfolio
Avoid putting all your funds into one coin, no matter how promising it seems. Diversification spreads risk and protects your portfolio from overexposure to any single asset.
5. Set Stop-Loss Orders
Protect yourself from unexpected market downturns by setting stop-loss orders. These automated sell orders limit your losses and allow you to sleep better at night. Better still take the pressure off with OCO - One Cancels the Other orders, which allow you to have both Stop loss and Sell Order!
6. Take Profits Strategically
A bull market is not a guarantee of endless gains. Regularly take profits to secure your returns and prepare for future dips. Reinvest strategically when opportunities arise.
Lessons from Past Bull Markets
2017 ICO Craze
The 2017 bull market was fueled by Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs). While some investors made fortunes, many lost money on overhyped projects that needed more substance. The lesson: don’t fall for buzzwords always evaluate real-world utility.
2021 NFT Boom
The 2021 cycle saw an explosion in NFTs, with some selling for millions. However, the market became oversaturated, and many assets lost value. The lesson: trends can fade; focus on sustainable growth and innovation.
Stay Disciplined
The bull market is an incredible opportunity to grow your wealth, but it is also a minefield of emotional and financial traps. By staying disciplined, conducting thorough research, and following a well-defined strategy, you can maximise your gains while minimising risks.
Remember, the market rewards patience and informed decisions, not panic and impulsivity.
Don’t let FOMO REKT you let it motivate you to level up your crypto knowledge and strategy.
Let’s make this BULLRUN Life Changing!
A New Layer-1 Blockchain
written by Chris
Key Insights:
● Kaia is a high-performance Layer-1 blockchain offering 1-second transaction finality and 4,000 TPS, while being EVM compatible.
● With approximately 1/10th of Ethereum's transaction costs, Kaia offers a cost-effective solution for developers, while its tri-layered architecture ensures scalability and efficiency.
● Kaia stands out by integrating Web3 directly into KakaoTalk and LINE, providing users with an intuitive way to interact with blockchain features like NFTs and cryptocurrency within their messaging apps.
● Kaia’s decision-making process is decentralised, allowing token holders to participate in key decisions, with a Governance Council playing the central role in the ecosystem’s development
● Kaia has formed strategic partnerships with Animoca Brands, Binance, Certik etc, to expand its reach and enhance the growth of its ecosystem.
● Kaia’s tokenomics are designed to incentivise ecosystem growth, with a balanced approach that includes staking rewards, ecosystem funding, and infrastructure development.
● Kaia supports innovation through initiatives like the NEXT WEB SDK and Kaia Wave Build, providing grants and technical support to foster developer engagement and network expansion.
● Kaia Ecosystem Funds are supporting community growth, infrastructure development, and market liquidity, ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the Kaia blockchain.
A Blockchain Built for Tomorrow
Blockchain technology and crypto are evolving, but scalability, speed, accessibility and decentralisation remain critical challenges. Enter Kaia, a highly optimised, enterprise-grade open-sourced L1 blockchain tailored to address these limitations while unlocking new industry opportunities. Designed with a strong emphasis on performance and user adoption, Kaia redefines the layer-1 landscape with its advanced architecture and vibrant ecosystem.
What sets Kaia apart is its unwavering commitment to efficiency. With transaction finality achieved in just one second and a throughput capacity of 4,000 transactions per second (TPS), it provides the agility necessary for real-world applications. Its Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility bridges the gap between Ethereum developers and Kaia, allowing the seamless deployment of existing smart contracts. Furthermore, with roughly 1/10 of Ethereum's transaction costs, Kaia positions itself as a cost-effective alternative.
Kaia's architecture is a tri-layered masterpiece. It features a Core Cell Network (CCN) for transaction processing, an Endpoint Node Network (ENN) for API handling and service integration, and a Service Chain Network (SCN) enabling dApp-specific auxiliary blockchains. (See image below)
source: Kaia’s documentation
This modular design fosters unparalleled scalability while maintaining the integrity of the network. Its security has advanced measures like randomised proposer selection via Verifiable Random Function (VRF) and multi-channel propagation to prevent network congestion.
But Kaia isn't just a technical marvel; it's a vision. Backed by the KAIA token, the protocol aligns economic incentives to encourage active participation and sustained growth. Governance is decentralised yet inclusive, with voting rights tied to token staking and transparency ensured through on-chain proposals. With tools like Kaiascope and Kaiascan, users can explore an inclusive but ever-expanding ecosystem, solidifying Kaia as a transparent, user-friendly blockchain.
Therefore, you can consider Kaia more than a new layer-1 blockchain in the space. it's a dynamic ecosystem that bridges the gap between decentralisation and practical usability, setting the stage for a new era of innovation.
A Tale of Two Giants: The History of Kaia
The story of Kaia begins with two of Asia's technological powerhouses Kakao and LINE. For years, these companies dominated the digital communication space, with KakaoTalk serving 96% of South Korea’s population and LINE reigning as the top messaging platform in Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand. Together, their combined user base exceeds 250 million, forming the foundation for one of the most ambitious Web3 integrations ever attempted.
Kaia emerged in April 2024, a direct result of the merger between Kakao’s Klaytn blockchain and LINE’s Finschia blockchain. This strategic alliance wasn’t just a fusion of networks it was a convergence of vision. Both companies shared a commitment to addressing Web3’s most significant challenge: accessibility. By embedding blockchain functionality into the everyday tools people already use, such as messaging apps, Kaia sought to bridge the gap between the decentralised future of Web3 and the user-friendly convenience of Web2.
But Kaia’s journey didn’t begin in 2024. Klaytn and Finschia each had distinct legacies that laid the groundwork for this new blockchain layer.
Klaytn was launched in 2019 by GroundX, a Kakao subsidiary led by the visionary Jessun Han. It gained traction in South Korea with its focus on enterprise-grade blockchain solutions, targeting developers and users globally. Meanwhile, Finschia initially launched as the Link blockchain by LINE in 2018, evolved over the years to power DOSI, an e-commerce platform that seamlessly blended crypto payments with traditional transactions. From NFTs to concert tickets, Finschia showcased how blockchain could enhance real-world applications.
The merge of these two networks into Kaia represented not only a technological evolution but a philosophical one. Kaia’s August 2024 mainnet launch was a defining moment, introducing the fastest EVM-compatible blockchain with one-second transaction finality, ultra-low gas fees, and unmatched scalability.
This combination of speed and affordability opened doors for developers and users alike, ensuring Kaia would attract projects that ranged from DeFi to gaming and even RWAs.
Kaia’s integration with KakaoTalk and LINE sets it apart from traditional blockchains. These platforms provide seamless Web3 functionality directly within their apps, allowing users to explore NFTs, participate in governance, and transact cryptocurrency without ever leaving their messaging interface. This level of integration is not just a convenience it’s a game-changer for adoption.
Future Plans & Opportunities?
Kaia’s is committed to innovation and its developerfriendly approach. Initiatives like the NEXT WEB SDK enable the creation of mini dApps within LINE, making blockchain development more accessible and practical. Meanwhile, the Kaia Wave Build initiative, supported by LINE NEXT, offers grants, technical support, and strategic guidance for teams building on the network, ensuring a steady stream of innovation ( more on these later…).
Kaia’s ecosystem also stands to benefit from partnerships like the one announced with HashKey Group in August 2024. By aligning with a leader in digital asset finance, Kaia aims to expand its reach and solidify its position as the goto blockchain for enterprises and developers alike.
From its origins in Kakao and LINE to its bold steps forward as Kaia, this protocol is shaping up to be more than just a ‘’mere layer-1 blockchain.’’ It’s a movement, setting the standard for how decentralised technologies can be integrated into our lives. The future of Kaia is bright, and this journey so far is only the beginning.
The Kaia Team
At the core of Kaia’s launch is a diverse and experienced team of over 80 professionals, according to their Linkedin roster. This includes experts with extensive backgrounds in blockchain technology, marketing and Web3 development, who bring together the strengths of two prominent ecosystems Klaytn and Finschia
Kaia is led by key figures who have played significant roles in shaping the blockchain landscape in Asia. Among them:
● Dr. Sam Seo, a prominent name in blockchain research and strategy, serves as Chairman of the Kaia DLT Foundation. Dr. Seo has been guiding the project’s vision, leveraging years of experience in developing scalable blockchain platforms.
● Leadership and advisory roles within Kaia include members with deep expertise in enterprise-grade blockchain infrastructure, tokenomics, and ecosystem building, drawing from their experience at Kakao and LINE
● Kaia's board of advisors includes professionals with strong ties to blockchain adoption in Asia, who are working to establish Kaia as the leading Web3 platform in the region.
Phew, that merger has the combined knowledge and resources of two of the biggest blockchain networks in Asia…and now they joined together to form one of the most ambitious teams in the industry. Their shared mission is to make Web3 more accessible and impactful across Asia.
Decision-Making – Kaia’s ‘Square’
Kaia is governed through a decentralised model (DAO) designed to engage and empower the community and stakeholders. Kaia’s governance framework enables token holders to participate directly in key decisions, including network upgrades, ecosystem development, and resource allocation. By distributing decision-making power among the ‘’Governance Council’’ (an alliance of multinational businesses and organisations), Kaia’s future is shaped by a broad spectrum of contributors, from developers, validators and investors to users and enterprises.
Through voting mechanisms and open participation, the platform aligns the interests of its global community with the long-term success of the ecosystem. This structure not only decentralises authority but also creates a collaborative environment where innovation and adoption can flourish organically. Kaia aims to be the ‘’DAO of DAOs’’ to involve all of Kaia’s communities through different on-chain mechanisms with the $KAIA token.
source: Kaia’s Square webpage
The KAIA Token
KAIA is the core cryptocurrency of Kaia blockchain, primarily used to pay for transaction fees when creating or executing smart contracts or when transferring KAIA tokens.
KAIA essentially fuels all operations within the Kaia network. It is a form of payment made by the clients of the platform to the consensus nodes (CNs) executing the requested operations. KAIA can be considered an incentive because it ensures that developers write high-quality dApps and that the network remains healthy (CNs are compensated for the resources they contribute).
Here are the market stats of the KAIA token at the time of writing
NOS Stats 21/11/24 | Source: CoinGecko
Official Links
Website: https://www.kaia.io/
Docs: https://docs.kaia.io/learn/
Github: https://github.com/kaiachain
Discord: http://discord.gg/kaiachain
Twitter: https://x.com/kaiachain
Tokenomics with a ‘’Fine Balance’’
Kaia’s tokenomics are crafted to balance ecosystem sustainability, incentivising participation, and strategic growth. Unlike conventional blockchain projects that focus rewards solely on technical node maintenance, Kaia’s model extends compensation to contributors across its ecosystem, fostering a more holistic growth
Funding and Distribution Model
Each block generated on Kaia’s network produces rewards from newly minted KAIA tokens and transaction fees. These rewards, collectively termed the block reward, are distributed into three primary accounts:
- Block Proposers: 10% of total rewards (20% of this
- Staking Rewards: 40% of total rewards (80% of this pool).
service development, community growth, hackathons, and indirect investments.
Funds infrastructure R&D, partner onboarding, liquidity provisioning, and operational costs.
Inflation and Supply
Kaia introduces approximately 300 million new tokens annually, equating to a controlled 5.2% inflation rate (subject to governance adjustments). This sustainable approach ensures liquidity for growth initiatives without destabilising token value.
Governance and Rewards
Kaia’s Square (Governance Council (GC)) oversees fund allocation and network stability. Council members are incentivised to stake at least 5 million KAIA, with staking rewards distributed proportionally based on the amount staked above this threshold. This structure encourages long-term commitment and active participation.
▪ Block Rewards Mechanism: A committee of randomly selected council members, comprising one proposer and several validators, ensures fair reward distribution. Proposers are rotated, while validators validate blocks for proportional rewards.
▪ Transparency: All fund usage is subject to GC approval and publicly disclosed, ensuring accountability.
Driving Ecosystem Growth
We have two funds here with different purposes. Kaia Ecosystem Fund (KEF) invests in:
▪ Developer support through hackathons, education, and DAOs.
▪ Infrastructure and services with practical utility.
▪ Marketing and community engagement efforts.
▪ Strategic, long-term investments via crypto VCs.
And the Kaia Infrastructure Fund (KIF) ensures:
▪ Continuous research and development of mainnet infrastructure.
▪ Support for smaller ecosystem partners and market liquidity.
▪ Day-to-day foundation operations, from legal to technical activities.
Dynamic Treasury Management
Kaia employs a Treasury Rebalancing Mechanism, powered by smart contracts, to adjust fund allocations based on ecosystem needs. This transparent, consensus-driven approach enables flexibility without compromising security or stakeholder trust.
By incorporating inclusive rewards, transparent governance, and sustainable inflation, Kaia ensures a tokenomics model built for growth, adaptability, and long-term value creation.
The Technology Behind Kaia: Consensus,
Accounts, and Innovation
Kaia is designed as an enterprise-ready, service-centric blockchain platform with scalability, security, and efficiency at its core. It solves critical blockchain challenges such as finality and scalability through advanced technological architecture, ensuring it can support diverse use cases.
Consensus Mechanism
To achieve fast finality and high throughput, Kaia employs an optimised version of Istanbul Byzantine Fault Tolerance (IBFT). This consensus mechanism enhances the PBFT (Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance) protocol by addressing the specific characteristics of blockchain networks. Kaia achieves instant finality as each block is validated and agreed upon without the risk of forks.
source: Kaia’s docs
Kaia’s network topology comprises three types of nodes: Consensus Nodes (CN), Proxy Nodes (PN), and Endpoint Nodes (EN). Consensus Nodes, managed by Core Cell Operators (CCOs), are responsible for block generation and verification across the network. To maintain efficiency in communication, Kaia employs a Verifiable Random Function (VRF) to select a smaller committee from the CNs for each block generation, significantly reducing the volume of consensus messages exchanged.
This innovative approach allows the network to scale without compromising speed or performance. Currently, Kaia’s mainnet achieves a throughput of 4,000 transactions per second with a block generation interval of just one second. With over 50 Consensus Nodes already participating, the network is poised for further scalability as the algorithm is continuously optimised.
Kaia Accounts
Kaia introduces a unique account model that enhances usability and security for users. Unlike traditional blockchain platforms, Kaia decouples key pairs from account addresses. This flexibility allows users to:
▪ Choose custom addresses rather than being bound to cryptographic derivations.
▪ Use multiple key pairs for added security.
▪ Replace compromised private keys without needing to migrate accounts.
Kaia accounts also support role-based keys, enabling users to assign specific roles to different key pairs. For instance, a key pair dedicated to updating account information can remain separate from the keys used for everyday transactions. This feature allows users to respond swiftly to security incidents, such as replacing exposed keys, without compromising their account integrity.
To put it simply, Kaia ensures that its platform meets the demands of both enterprises and individual users.
Why Kaia?
Kaia Blockchain aims to lead Asia’s Web3 revolution by offering an innovative, user-friendly, and scalable blockchain infrastructure. With a strong focus on Inclusivity, performance, and ecosystem growth, Kaia positions itself as a hub for groundbreaking projects. These are the 4 top features that distinguish Kaia from the rest:
Wide User Base
Kaia bridges Web2 and Web3:
Web2 Integration: Collaborations with Kakao (50M users) and LINE (200M users) bring messenger-integrated wallets for smooth onboarding.
Web3 Expansion: Over 1.2M active wallets connect seamlessly with Kaia’s ecosystem, driving cross-chain user engagement.
Community Building: The Kaia Foundation fosters growth through joint marketing and user-friendly onboarding, encouraging participation across diverse blockchains.
Abundant Liquidity Support
Kaia empowers developers and users with innovative liquidity solutions:
RWA Integration: From gold to real estate, Kaia anchors real-world assets onchain and plans to expand with fiat-backed stablecoins and bonds.
Fund Initiatives: Liquidity for GameFi, DeFi, and beyond is supported by a robust KAIA-funded ecosystem pool.
Chain Native Yield: Built-in MEV extraction boosts staking rewards while enabling token burns to sustain liquidity.
Blockchain Technology
Kaia’s core tech ensures performance, compatibility, and usability:
High Performance: Handles 4,000+ TPS with one-second block finality.
By combining transparency, decentralisation, and practical innovation, Kaia creates an environment where developers, businesses, and users can thrive together, fostering a truly inclusive Web3 ecosystem.
Kaia Consensus Liquidity (CL) is an innovative initiative aiming to redefine blockchain liquidity by merging validator staking with DEX liquidity provision. By allowing users to simultaneously secure the Kaia blockchain and provide liquidity, the project seeks to strengthen the ecosystem's economic security and expand its utilities. Below is a concise exploration of its features, benefits, and future milestones.
What Makes Kaia Consensus Liquidity Unique?
▪ Kaia Consensus Liquidity enables users to leverage their staked KAIA tokens to create liquidity pools paired with project tokens, pending governance approval. This dual functionality fosters both economic security and liquidity depth within Kaia’s ecosystem.
Key Benefits
1. Dual Rewards System: Users earn validator staking rewards and DEX swap fees simultaneously, enhancing financial returns without splitting resources.
2. Increased Chain TVL: Large-scale liquidity pooling boosts Total Value Locked (TVL), elevating Kaia’s blockchain appeal.
3. Fee Optimization: A portion of generated fees is burned or reinvested, driving sustainable tokenomics and incentivizing long-term ecosystem health.
4. Ecosystem Synergy: Collaborations with global token projects amplify network utility, fostering partnerships in gaming, social media, and beyond.
A Leap Towards Sustainability - Kaia’s Consensus
Liquidity
The Kaia Foundation actively seeks partnerships with robust projects, offering incentives like ecosystem priority and expanded utility for participating tokens. CL tokens may be prioritised for upcoming features such as gas fee payments when Kaia’s Gas Abstraction is implemented.
Roadmap to Success & Final Thoughts
▪ 2024 Q4: Finalize CL development, select initial participants, and establish core features for the CL DEX.
▪ 2025 H1: Launch CL DEX with exclusive LP participation, followed by expanded access in later phases.
While staking volume may appear to lower KAIA’s APY, the ecosystem’s reinvestment and fee-burning mechanisms offset potential decreases. Moreover, partnerships and increased adoption enhance the blockchain’s value, providing long-term benefits.
Kaia’s innovative liquidity solution bridges the gap between chain security and ecosystem vibrancy. By empowering users and fostering collaborations with impactful projects, Kaia is positioned to change or rather improve liquidity dynamics. Can Kaia actually pave the way for a more interconnected and sustainable DeFi ecosystem? Most likely yes if they continue to work like this.
How do you make money with memecoin's launchpads?
written by Daniel
No matter your opinion on meme coins, the rise of the leading crypto meme coin is undeniable. These are no longer just passing jokes characteristic of the internet and the crypto sector.
With massive returns that have changed lives for some in this ecosystem, memecoins have become a 'thriving' market segment, especially for those who have played their cards right.
There is no doubt that the ability of any user to launch their coin through the socalled Launchpads has acted as a catalyst for the current wave of memecoin fever. Platforms such as Pump.fun, SunPump and GasPump, among others, simplify the creation, distribution and monetisation of memecoins, offering unique opportunities for investors and developers alike.
For this reason, in this issue of Moon Mag we want to delve into the world of memecoins launchpads, exploring how they work, their most popular platforms and practical strategies for making money with them.
Buckle up and turn on your wildest degen mode to delve into the fun world of memecoins!
Will memecoins be the main narrative of this cycle?
Meme coins have been doing incredibly well, and there's still a lot of momentum behind them. While this post is not an exhaustive analysis of memecoins, it is imperative to highlight some key metrics that allow us to substantiate this trend and explore the launchpads to encourage us to create our fun currency and profit from it.
To put into context the importance and nominal value memecoins have in this cycle, we can compare them to 2021, when NFTs emerged as the dominant narrative for that year's degens, where memecoins are now worth more than $4b more than all of Ethereum's largest collections combined during their peak in the last bull run, as this user on X points out:
Source: X
At the time of writing this post, the market capitalisation of the memecoins sector is about When writing this post, the market capitalisation of the memecoins sector is about USD 124,912,858,757, with daily volume exceeding USD 32 billion.
Source: CoinMarketCap
In other words, meme coins today account for 67.23% of the marketcap of a consolidated sector such as stablecoins.
On the other hand, DEX bot trading volumes, used for meme trading, have been heating up steadily throughout November.
Source: Dune Analytics
While the Solana meme ecosystem has outpaced Ethereum memes in volume, there has been notable accumulation in the Ethereum space recently, like SHRUB and DOGE, with $6.78M and $4.89M in smart money allocations, respectively. Major memes like PEPE gained 105.8% following its listing on Robinhood.
However, the Solana meme ecosystem remains the native network per excellence for this asset deployment and trading. In fact, the market cap of memecoins on Solana has exceeded USD 22 billion in the last few days. Solana leads in memecoins volume and activity, accounting for .77% of all trading volume on the network.
The momentum of assets, such as ACT, which surged by 2630.3% and PNUT by 1522.4% after being listed on Binance, has been fundamental to the sector growth inside and outside Solana.
Dex Volume by Asset Type | Source: BlockworkResearch
In recent days, Dogecoin also saw significant gains, fueled by the hype around Elon Musk and his new role in the Department of Government Efficiency, thus creating a momentum that Doge and the coin D.O.G.E took advantage of.
Source: CoinMarketCap
Although DOGE has capitalised on the US election, due to the rise of President Trumpthemed coins, investors have continued to support the overall narrative, even though many memecoins represent high-risk bets.
Now that you have a clearer picture of the memecoin's potential in this market cycle, we can dive into the launchpads and the making-money alternatives we have. After all, this trend could have unexpected staying power. In this market, a steady and informed approach can pay off despite the inherent volatility of cryptocurrencies.
What are Memecoins Launchpads?
Memecoins launchpads are platforms designed to simplify the creation, launch and distribution of memecoins. Their main objective is to democratise access to cryptocurrency development, allowing anyone with basic knowledge to create their own humorous or viral-themed coin.
Previously, a project (regardless of its nature) had to wait for launchpads to do the respective quality control before accepting its token and offering it through an initial DEX or IDO offering, and only then could investors access its early purchase before public sale on crypto exchanges.
With memecoins launchpads, anyone can launch a coin in minutes and expose it to the meme's power and community engagement, allowing users to focus on building communities and generating buzz rather than dealing with the technical challenges that deploying a coin on the blockchain can entail.
Key features of these platforms include:
1. No-code token creation tools simplify the development process by allowing the distribution of tokens with custom names and supplies.
2. Liquidity pools: It ensures token tradeability from the beginning by connecting to some DEXs for instant liquidity after launch.
3. Marketing support: Help generate pre-launch excitement.
4. Community engagement: Encourage organic growth through memes and social media.
Platforms like Pump.fun and its derivatives have taken these features further, offering a playful and user-friendly ecosystem designed for memecoins enthusiasts.
How does the memecoin launchpad work?
Memecoin launchpads work similarly to simplify the creation and trading of memes on the blockchain.
The first step is to enter a name, a token that will identify your memecoin and an image that represents them, paying a (small) implementation fee to deploy the token on the selected network.
However, platforms such as Pump.fun have made important changes regarding charging fees for meme token deployment, allowing creators to deploy for free in exchange for an incentive model that rewards token creators for exceeding the linkage threshold.
After implementing the token creation variables, the platform automatically creates a trading pair with the native currency of the deployment network. For example, if you develop a memecoin on Solana, your token will have SOL as the trading peer. If it is an SUI, the launchpad issues the trading pair with SUI automatically as the companion currency in the trading pair.
Launch pads use a binding curve model to determine token prices, ensuring that as demand for the token increases, the price of the meme tokens created increases. This type of dynamic pricing and liquidity adjustment based on real-time demand reduces the risk of price manipulation.
Some platforms offer additional tools to prevent insider leaks and protection against market manipulation, as well as liquidity reduction through programmed burn mechanisms that serve as incentives to maintain/boost token prices.
The Protagonists: Pump.fun, SunPump, GasPump and More
Pump.fun
Pump.fun is a memecoins launchpad known for its hassle-free token creation and community-focused approach. Its fun interface and gamified experience appeals to users looking to capitalise on the memecoins trend. Key features include:
● Low and/or zero commissions to launch projects.
● Popular DEX Integration for immediate liquidity must reach a valuation of $69,000, and then $12,000 of the liquidity will be moved to Raydium, the benchmark market maker in Solana.
● A vibrant meme lovers community.
SunPump
SunPump aims at memecoins enthusiasts on the Tron blockchain network. It focuses on projects incorporating sustainability issues, combining humour with a cause.
Thanks to Justin Sun's marketing efforts, this launchpad has positioned itself as one of the fastest-growing in the industry. To get a sense of the above, SunPump launched in August 2024 and achieved a significant milestone of launching over 7,500 memecoins in a single day on 21 August, generating $567,000 in revenue, 65% more than Solana's competitor, Pump.fun.
● Unique approach: Mixes memes with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) narratives.
● Utility of the token: It offers staking rewards linked to green initiatives.
GasPump
GasPump design makes it an alternative for mini-app-loving users on Telegram looking to leverage the tap2earn and memecoins narrative in one place.
Because it uses the Ton network, the high transaction fees associated with token launches are a thing of the past due to the current low fees to deploy tokens.
● Cost efficiency: Focuses on gas saving mechanisms.
● Guaranteed Liquidity Lock: After reaching the linkage threshold, all liquidity is automatically sent to DeDust DEX with no possibility of withdrawals by the originator, ensuring security.
Ethervista
Ethervista was one of the first networks to generate buzz for replicating Solana's Pump.fun case on Ethereum and various L2 networks.
Ethervista offers cordless tools for developing tokens, integration with liquidity pools on DeFi platforms, and support for meme-driven marketing strategies. Its main goal is to democratise access to the memecoins economy, appealing to novice developers and enthusiastic communities.
● DeFi integration: Offers access to liquidity pools for immediate trading and token sustainability.
● Ethereum-based: Leverages Ethereum's robust infrastructure to offer scalability and reliability.
Fun Derivatives
Pump.fun-inspired platforms such as Rocket.fun, MemeMachine, MemePad, Deployyyyer, Seipex and others are emerging with unique twists to the memecoins ecosystem. These alternatives provide diverse opportunities for specific communities, each seeking to capture the interest and excitement around the narrative at the heart of this cycle.
How to Earn Money with Memecoins Launchpads
Although memecoins are inherently volatile, a well-thought-out strategy can generate significant returns. However, users must consider that thousands of memecoins are issued daily on the various launchpads available on the market, which saturate the community and the average investor, causing many of these projects to die before they are born.
Your chances of success can double those of the average token deployed in the industry destined to fail if you have a wellthought-out strategy and combine the necessary ingredients that represent this meme-focused culture.
In that sense, here are some tips on how to make the most of launchpads:
1. Launch your own Memecoin
The memecoins launchpads make it easy to create your token with minimal technical knowledge. To maximise your success:
▪ Develop a fun and relatable concept for your audience.
▪ Run meme-driven marketing campaigns.
▪ Build an early community on platforms like Discord, X or Telegram.
2. Invest in Early Stage Projects
Being an early investor in a memecoin often means making the most significant gains. Look for:
▪ Projects with strong community backing.
▪ Tokens launched on trusted platforms like Pump.fun.
▪ Developers with clear roadmaps.
3. Trade tokens on DEX
Liquidity pools built into launchpads allow you to buy and sell tokens as soon as they launch. Use tools like price trackers and trading bots to take advantage of volatility.
4. Participate in Staking or Yield Farming
Some memecoins offer staking or performance farming programmes. These options can provide passive income while holding tokens with long-term potential.
5. Buy and Sell NFTs Associated with Memecoins
Memecoins often have NFT components that are tradeable on secondary markets. Pump.fun and similar platforms such as Zora frequently combine token launches with exclusive collections of popular NFTs that are still an undervalued "sub-sector" with great opportunities.
Risks to Consider
While memecoins launchpads offer exciting opportunities, they also carry risks that the average investor should consider when entering this narrative. Consider factoring into the equation the possibility that this narrative may deflate once the hype wears off, similar to what happened in 2021 with NFTs.
Considerations to take into account when investing or deploying meme tokens in the various launchpads include:
▪ Market volatility: Prices can plummet as fast as they rise.
▪ Scams and rug pulls: Choose platforms with screening mechanisms to avoid fraudulent projects.
▪ Regulatory uncertainty: Memecoins often operate in grey areas, so stay informed about local regulations.
Conclusion: Memecoins Madness or Strategic Opportunity?
Launchpads aimed at deploying memecoins in this market cycle are democratising access to finance, particularly to one of the most controversial and unpredictable industry sectors, but undoubtedly one of the most profitable in the crypto market.
Whether you are a developer looking to create the next viral token or an investor looking for early stage opportunities, platforms like Pump.fun or SunPump and spin-offs offer endless possibilities in this market cycle.
However, as we previously pointed out, when activating the degen mode in any speculative market, caution will always be the key that will make the difference in your portfolio.
Understanding how these launchpads operate and taking a strategic approach can help you turn the chaotic world of memecoins into a profitable venture, and as we have seen in some viral social media posts, the opportunity that can change your life in seconds.
Remember to always do your DYOR due diligence before trading, especially in the memecoins sector.
A Round-Up of 2024
written by Chris
A Year of Transformation and Opportunity
2024 has been nothing short of a rollercoaster for cryptocurrencies. From pivotal market movements and regulatory shifts to groundbreaking technological advancements, has tested the resilience of investors and innovators alike. One question emerges as we navigate these highs and lows: What defined 2024 in crypto crisis or opportunity?
The launch of spot ETFs in January set a promising tone, offering institutional investors new avenues into Bitcoin and Ethereum. From there, we have the Genesis selling off $1.6 billion in BTC to Germany’s controversial liquidation of 40,000 BTC, to the Bitcoin halving during April. Each event shaped market dynamics and investor sentiment. In addition, we had a critical political moment that shaped the beginning of a bull run, with Mr. Trump winning the US elections. Innovation continues to thrive, and the promise of crypto's potential remains stronger than ever.
In this article, we'll explore the key moments of each quarter, uncovering how the market responded, what trends emerged, and what they mean for the road ahead. Join us on this journey through 2024 a year of resilience, challenge, and groundbreaking opportunity for everyone that’s keeping up!
Q1 (Jan–Mar): New Horizons and Early Challenges
The first quarter of 2024 set the stage for the industry, marked by groundbreaking innovations, high-profile legal outcomes, and macroeconomic shifts. The crypto market entered the year with cautious optimism, but by March, it was clear that both excitement and challenges would define the months ahead.
Spot ETFs and Institutional Momentum
The most anticipated event of early 2024 was the long-awaited approval of Bitcoin Spot ETFs on January 10th. BlackRock, Fidelity, Grayscale, and VanEck led the charge, making Bitcoin accessible to a broader spectrum of investors. This milestone significantly boosted market confidence and drove Bitcoin’s market cap to surpass silver, becoming the eighth-largest asset globally. This institutional influx not only symbolised mainstream validation but also hinted at the broader market’s potential in the quarters to come.
Regulatory Winds: Sam Bankman-Fried’s Sentencing
Yet, Q1 wasn’t all smooth sailing. On March 28th, Sam BankmanFried, the disgraced former CEO of FTX, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for orchestrating a financial fraud involving over $8 billion. This sentencing closed one of crypto’s most infamous chapters, reinforcing the need for stricter oversight. The FTX saga’s aftermath loomed large, and $16b is to be returned to investors starting from Q3 2024.
Innovation Continues: Ethereum's Dencun Upgrade and BlackRock’s Tokenization
Then we have Ethereum and its Dencun upgrade on March 13th, improving scalability and reducing Layer 2 fees for networks like Arbitrum and Optimism. However, the delay of Ethereum’s Spot ETF tempered some of the enthusiasm, pushing institutional hopes to mid-year. Meanwhile, BlackRock’s entry into tokenization with its USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund signalled a growing focus on RWA integration, positioning blockchain technology for wider financial applications.
Macroeconomic Backdrop: Interest Rates and Inflation
The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, ending its aggressive hiking cycle and signalling three cuts for the year. This pause, coupled with easing inflation down to 2.7% offered a glimmer of relief for risk assets like crypto. Exchanges saw a surge in activity, with spot trading volumes hitting $4.29 trillion, the highest since 2021.
Early Challenges and Opportunities
Q1 painted a picture of an industry balancing excitement with caution. The ETF approvals marked a new era of institutional involvement, but the shadow of past scandals, like FTX, reminded stakeholders of the sector’s vulnerabilities. As economic conditions showed signs of stabilising, the groundwork was laid for a transformative year ahead.
Q2 (Apr-Jun): Building Momentum
Bitcoin Halving and Market Dynamics
On April 19, 2024, Bitcoin underwent its fourth halving, reducing mining rewards from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC per block. Despite the excitement though, Bitcoin's price stabilised around $64,000 post-halving, reflecting the nuanced interplay between reduced supply and market demand. The halving sparked discussions on Bitcoin's long-term value proposition, fuelling optimism nevertheless.
Global Adoption Accelerates:
ETFs Expand
A significant breakthrough occurred as Hong Kong, Australia, and Thailand approved Bitcoin Spot ETFs. These approvals enabled easier investor access to Bitcoin. Institutional interest surged, and these developments further legitimised BTC as a mainstream asset class, contributing to a bullish mid-year sentiment.
Regulatory Developments: FIT21 Crypto Bill
In the U.S., the House of Representatives passed the FIT21 crypto bill, setting a clear regulatory framework for digital assets. The bill delineates oversight roles between the CFTC and SEC, aiming to balance innovation with investor protection. This bipartisan support signals a maturing regulatory landscape, offering more clarity and stability.
Community and Leadership: Shifts and Sentiments
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's proBitcoin stance marked a political shift. At a Bitcoin conference in Nashville, Trump pledged to make the U.S. the "crypto capital of the world," promising supportive policies and criticising current regulatory approaches. His acceptance of crypto donations highlighted a growing intersection between politics and digital assets, potentially influencing future U.S. policies.
Conversely, the sentencing of Changpeng Zhao (CZ), ex-Binance CEO, to four months in prison for money laundering violations underscored ongoing challenges. Binance's $4 billion fine settlement with U.S. authorities reflected increased scrutiny and enforcement in the industry, reinforcing the importance of regulatory compliance.
Tech Innovations and Trends
Solana Ecosystem Expansion: Despite a price dip in Q2, Solana's ecosystem thrived, capturing 5.2% market share. Solana memecoins continued their growth trajectory, reflecting broader enthusiasm in the memecoin sector, which dominated with 14.3% market share.
Tokenisation and Real-World Assets: RWAs maintained momentum, securing 11.3% of market share. This trend highlighted the industry's shift towards integrating traditional finance with blockchain technology, offering tangible utility and driving innovation.
AI Tokens: The AI sector held steady, capturing 10.09% market share. This sustained interest reflects growing investor confidence in AI-driven crypto projects, indicating future growth potential.
Macroeconomic Context
The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates, adopting a cautious stance amid persistent inflation. With core inflation at 2.7%, expectations for rate cuts diminished, fostering uncertainty but maintaining investor optimism. The U.S. economy showed resilience, with a 2.8% GDP growth rate, exceeding expectations.
In summary, Q2 2024 was marked by pivotal milestones Bitcoin's halving, global ETF approvals, and regulatory progress all of which reinforced the crypto market's maturity and growth potential. Community-driven trends like memecoins and AI tokens added vibrancy, setting the stage for an eventful second half of the year.
Q3 (Jul–Sep): A Summer of Shifts
The third quarter of 2024 was marked by shifts in both market sentiment and significant developments, offering fresh hope for long-term growth. BTC and ETH displayed resilience, while trends like RWAs continued to gain momentum. Here’s a breakdown of the key developments.
Q3 is usually a green quarter for BTC in bull markets. Source: Coinglass
Bitcoin's Resilient Quarter
Q3 proved to be a strong quarter for Bitcoin, especially when viewed through the lens of a bull market. While historically Q3 has been one of the weaker quarters for BTC, this year defied expectations. WE saw a notable rebound, rising 23% from its low of $53,200 and raising hopes for further price action. As it neared the range high of $72,000, anticipation grew over whether Bitcoin could form a new all-time high or hit resistance once again.
Ethereum’s Recovery & The ETH ETF
ETH started Q3 with a remarkable recovery, touching $3,490 in mid-July after bouncing off the $2,800 support level. This surge gave investors hope, particularly with the announcement of a potential Ether ETF. On July 23, the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) confirmed that ETH could be traded as a Spot ETF, sparking optimism. Institutions like Fidelity, Invesco, and Franklin Templeton were among the first to jump into the market, with trading data expected soon after.
Ethereum's price action was further bolstered by strong institutional interest, with Galaxy Research predicting a potential $1 billion in ETF inflows over the next 6 months. While BTC initially saw a correction post-ETF launch, the market’s response to this new product could have long-term implications for the Ethereum ecosystem, along with the broader altcoin market.
Memecoin Mania
The memecoin sector was one of the standout performers in Q3 2024. Cryptos like WIF, PEPE, and MOG saw significant price increases, and many of these coins broke the $900 million market cap barrier. Solana (SOL) continued to lead the charge with DEX volumes exceeding $3 billion weekly, driven largely by memecoin trading. The rise of memecoins demonstrated their unique volatility: massive corrections in the second quarter were followed by swift recoveries as Bitcoin's price rose, highlighting the sector's sensitivity to broader market movements.
Real-World Assets (RWA)
RWA continued to gain traction in Q3 2024, with tokenization and blockchain-based financial products increasingly catching the attention of traditional finance. BlackRock’s launch of BUIDL, the first investment product to leverage blockchain, underscored the growing mainstream interest. Alongside MakerDAO and Ondo, RWAs are expected to be a cornerstone of crypto’s financial revolution. With a market capitalization still relatively low, these projects have immense growth potential, especially as institutions like BlackRock and Securitize enter the space.
The Rise of Layer-2s
Ethereum L2s showed impressive growth in Q3, with TVL surging 91% from early 2024. Among the standout performers was Pendle, whose TVL rose 1,464% YTD. Pendle’s focus on tokenizing future yield proved to be a profitable strategy, and its rise highlighted the broader trend of increasing use cases for Ethereum-based DeFi products.
However, the broader Ethereum ecosystem wasn’t without its struggles. Several major altcoins, including Optimism (OP), Arbitrum (ARB), and Manta Network (MANTA), struggled to maintain momentum. While Pendle and some smaller protocols thrived, ETH’s price performance overshadowed most of the L2 tokens in terms of value appreciation.
Q4 (Oct–Dec): The Year in Reflection
As we approach the close of 2024, the crypto market has experienced a remarkable journey, surging to a global capitalisation of $3.45 trillion by November 24th. So far into this quarter, we’ve seen spot Bitcoin ETF inflows and the impact of the U.S. presidential elections, which offered fresh optimism.
The Federal Reserve's second rate cut also played its role in fueling this bullish rally. Notable achievements this quarter include Bitcoin reaching $99.5K, bolstered by rumours in China and positive U.S. policy moves. The U.S. also saw increasing regulatory clarity, with a Shanghai court recognising crypto as property, setting the stage for wider adoption.
Beyond price gains, 2024 witnessed a liquidity surge with stablecoin inflows reaching $9.7 billion, demonstrating growing institutional interest in digital assets. The ETF market also saw explosive growth, with Bitcoin ETFs attracting substantial inflows and Bitwise filing for a Solana ETF. This momentum reinforces the narrative of crypto becoming more mainstream and institutionalised.
The Takeaway Lessons
Reflecting on 2024, several key lessons emerge. First, regulatory clarity is crucial to the sustained growth of crypto. As governments and institutions become more supportive, particularly in the U.S. and China, we’re seeing a foundation for broader adoption. Second, the importance of market catalysts like ETFs, liquidity influxes, and political shifts cannot be overstated these factors continue to shape the market.
Looking ahead to 2025? Well, the future of crypto and Web3 remains bright. With a growing base of institutional support, a shifting regulatory landscape, and projects focusing on RWAs, DeSci, DePin and AI, next year looks like to be one to be remembered. The decentralised revolution is far from over, and 2025 could be the year that blockchain technology becomes even more entrenched in our dayto-day lives..
What is happening with older crypto coins?
Will the Dinosaurs survive the Market?
written by Daniel
We all know that Bitcoin was the first, and yes, it remains the first But, aside from BTC and ETH (of course) about the other coins that introduced us to the volatile and fascinating world of crypto back in the pre-ICO years and, more recently, during the last bull cycles leading up to the one we are beginning to experience?
Year after year, the crypto world evolves rapidly with new narratives, creating new coins tied to these narratives, many of which are forgotten shortly after their creation. However, we also have the so-called “first coins,” which accompanied Bitcoin in its early days of popularisation and initial adoption, when crypto was considered a waste of time.
From an investor’s perspective, many of these “first cryptos,” such as Monero (XMR), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Litecoin (LTC), are subject to debate regarding the profitability of holding a portfolio containing some of these cryptos and the “opportunity cost” they represent for the average investor in many cases, compared to coins with newer narratives, such as those centred around AI and memecoins, for instance, thus you, as a crypto holder, must ask yourself the following uncomfortable questions (for some):
● What is happening to the older cryptocurrencies?
● What does the future hold for those iconic coins that emerged before 2017, commonly called the "dinosaurs" of the crypto world?
● Will they be able to adapt and survive, or will they get surpassed by newer and more innovative coins?
Early Days of Bitcoin: The Birth of Crypto Dinosaurs
Between January 2009 and January 2010, Bitcoin’s price was $0, as it was merely a digital currency acting as a social experiment on forums. However, after May 22nd, 2010 (Bitcoin Pizza Day), the market’s leading cryptocurrency began climbing in value, sparking enthusiasm among early bitcoiners and, of course, those visionaries who saw an opportunity to launch their own projects in parallel, recognising the business potential they could tap into at the time.
If we look at the cryptocurrency rankings from November 2013, a peak moment in Bitcoin’s early era when its value ranged from $150 to $1,000 by the 27th of that month we find the first crypto dinosaurs of that time:
Source: CoinMarketCap November 2013
Except for Litecoin (LTC) and Ripple (XRP), the other coins of this ranking are practically extinct WorldCoin (no, not the Worldcoin of today, but who knows), BitShares PTS (PTS), PrimeCoin (XPM), and Novacoin (NVC) have no trading activity whatsoever. Feathercoin (FTC), even when showing a 24-hour volume of a few thousand dollars, lacks visibility and recent updates, raising doubts about the accuracy of the reported volume.
Only Peercoin (PPC) and Namecoin (NMC) have updated their projects .However, even during a bull market, they have failed to capture the interest of newer generations, who focus on narratives distinct from those that originally defined these projects.
Even more interestingly, if we observe the performance of this November 2013 ranking, voilà! You guessed it! Bitcoin takes all the honours
Source: TradingView
Looking at the chart above, one interrogative about crypto dinosaurs like Litecoin (LTC) and Ripple (XRP) is whether they are still profitable to hold in a portfolio after a decade
To put the previous scenario into perspective, $1,000 invested in BTC in November 2013 is now worth $127,352, an increase of 12,635.2%. In contrast, the same amount in LTC represents an 847.84% increase
If you still hold LTC in your portfolio from Bitcoin’s early days, perhaps you should ask yourself if your conviction and hope in these types of coins are reason enough to hold onto them after 11 years.
Here’s an exercise: How much would those $1,000 invested in $PEPE last year be worth today compared to XRP and LTC?
Source: TradingView
And let’s not even mention the rest of the ranking shown earlier!
Blockchain: Bull Market 2017
Do you remember when, in 2017, Bitcoin began to gain worldwide popularity? Even the word “blockchain” was starting to gain traction, and this initial narrative became the reason behind the creation of several new tokens and cryptocurrencies aimed at solving real-life problems in areas such as payments, remittances, logistics, and more.
The objective behind nearly all of these new launches, such as Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Monero (XMR), and Dogecoin (DOGE), to name a few, was the same: to solve or improve the limitations of the Bitcoin network to bring cryptocurrencies to the mainstream with the support of blockchain technology.
Since then, these projects have sought to create their narratives, capitalising on the momentum of the first wave of cryptocurrency popularity in 2017, just before the first bull cycle
Thus, Bitcoin Cash (2017) launched as a hard fork of Bitcoin to solve Bitcoin's scalability issues by increasing the block size limit
Dash, launched in 2014 as Darkcoin, was also inspired by Bitcoin's limitations but focused on privacy, while Monero (XMR), using advanced cryptographic techniques, improved upon Darkcoin and was launched in 2014 to dominate the privacy-focused coin space, which was very popular at the time, before governments set their sights on the sector with new regulations.
Let’s take a moment to observe the Top 10 Cryptos in 2017, right at the peak of that bullish cycle:
Source: CoinMarketCap | December 17th, 2017
During this cycle, new dinosaurs appeared, some of which remain and have fulfilled their role in driving crypto adoption and offering practical alternatives that have, since their introduction, proven to have the potential, like Bitcoin, to remain within the ecosystem
Of course, we are talking about Ethereum and some of its EVM-compatible forks, such as NEO or Cardano. But beyond their use cases and seeing it from an investor's perspective in this cycle, let's re-evaluate the historical performance of some coins, such as Dash, Cardano, Bitcoin Cash, and even EOS and Stellar..
Source: TradingView
Although many coins from this cycle are still present in the market today, their lack of innovation and limited adaptability to the new narratives capturing the attention of new generations has caused the performance of these coins to remain stable over the past few years, but this isn't particularly attractive if you're looking to generate returns on your portfolio, especially when compared to the returns offered by new coins.
Let's compare this same group of coins with iconic "old school" coins like Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, and recently PEPE. Yes, they are all part of the new segment currently captivating the market: memecoins
Source: TradingView
Does the previous chart mean anything to you? That's right! Memecoins are more than just a passing trend, given that they offer high returns by evoking moments of high market volatility from the beginning of this fascinating and wild ecosystem
2021: Wholesale Flow and Innovation
After the 2018 bear market, the ICO scandal, and a new Bitcoin halving in 2020, the asset began to experience sustained price growth, largely due to institutional and wholesale appetite, given Bitcoin's perception as a new undervalued asset with significant potential gains
Thus, in December 2020, Bitcoin’s price broke its 2017 ATH, ending that year at around 28,000 USD. In doing so, the asset began to 'prepare' the ground for a new bull market that peaked in October 2021, when BTC hit a new ATH of $66,900
If we look at the ranking of the top ten cryptocurrencies during that market peak moment, we see the following:
● Litecoin dropped out of the top ten.
● The era of stablecoins began
● The Terra (LUNA) bubble began.
● The era of DEXs began
Source: CoinMarketCap | 2021
Noteworthy in the new era of coins with solid use cases were Solana (SOL), Binance Coin (BNB), and Uniswap (UNI), which remain prominent today, setting the trend in their respective sectors of Layer 1 solutions, memecoins, and utility tokens.
Now let us evaluate the performance of these coins relative to Bitcoin today: A Pleasant surprise!
Source: TradingView
The key takeaway from the previous chart: You should rotate your portfolio towards new narratives and focus on assets that offer innovation and adaptability to new trends. For this reason, SOL and DOGE remain above BTC in terms of returns, while BNB and UNI stand out above iconic coins from other cycles, such as DOT.
The previous chart becomes even more compelling in percentage terms when configured over a broader timeframe, proving that innovation captures attention, attention builds a community, and the community secures the capital needed to move the price toward better returns in a self-reinforcing cycle akin to an infinite loop
Source: TradingView
Where We Are Today: 2024
With the introduction of spot ETFs, government interest in Bitcoin, and the regulatory onslaught on cryptocurrencies, the market is beginning to enter a new phase of institutional adoption, which is helping to push the market towards new horizons, where fresher narratives like artificial intelligence and memecoins are taking the spotlight
Looking at the cryptocurrency market's current ranking, we can see that many "crypto dinosaurs" have taken a backseat, many of them even falling off the radar of the average user or investor
From the previous chart, these are the three key aspects:
● The narrative of memecoins is the dominant trend of this cycle: Dogecoin, Solana, and Tron are tangible examples of this
● XRP and ADA are the only survivors from the old school besides ETH and BTC..
● Innovation continues to set the tone, with BNB and SOL still at the top of the ranking..
Let’s evaluate the overall performance of this ranking, excluding the stablecoins USDT and USDC.
Source: TradingView
The previous graph is more than telling: the dinosaurs ADA, XRP and TRX are the only coins that do not boast a four-digit performance in the historical data. Even a $1,000 investment in ADA in 2021 now represents only $1,009.01, meaning the coin has remained stable with no significant fluctuations compared to the last bullish cycle
In contrast, the same $1,000 invested in BTC would now be worth $1,604.41, a 60.44% increase in value
Even observing the price of LTC during the bullish cycle of 2017 and its current price (similar to the last bullish cycle), the situation is discouraging for long-term LTC holders, given its 67.35% decrease in the asset's performance.
The situation is similar when we evaluate other assets like DOT (-79.69%), BCH (-13.23%), XMR (-37.27%), DASH (-81.48%), and ADA (47.63%).
Only XRP and XLM have reversed this trend The key is innovation and adaptability to meet new needs within the industry.
Challenges Faced by the Oldest Cryptocurrencies
The so-called "crypto dinosaurs" that still survive in the upper part of the crypto ranking (Top 25), such as Litecoin (LTC), Ripple (XRP), Cardano (ADA), Stellar (XLM), Polkadot (DOT), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH), are notably facing challenges in a market that has demonstrated rapid evolution in recent years.
While these solutions emerged to address Bitcoin's limitations, introducing Ethereum's smart contracts has driven new projects to emerge and to tackle the challenges associated with mainstream crypto adoption: scalability, security, and decentralisation.
Moreover, the crypto world has its narratives in every cycle: blockchain, DeFi, NFTs, AI, memecoins, etc.Each narrative presents a new challenge that the so-called dinosaur coins have struggled to overcome. These challenges range from technical terms like scalability (Bitcoin Cash and Litecoin are forks of Bitcoin) to the characteristic innovation needed to adapt to new trends, as demonstrated by Solana, BNB Chain, and recently, Cardano.
On the other hand, the regulatory issue has proven to be a tough nut to crack for many
old-school projects, especially those focused on privacy, such as Monero, Dash, and Zcash. With increasingly stringent regulations, many old-school projects find it difficult to adapt to new changes, even though this regrettably conflicts with the core blockchain principles of privacy and anonymity.
In addition to the technological, innovation, and regulatory challenges, the oldest coins (except Bitcoin and Ethereum) have proven to be full of ups and downs in terms of their price performance, while others have disappeared Some of these coins remain in the general ranking but without significant changes for a loyal holder clinging to the hope of a new ATH for their favourite altcoin, as observed before.
The road ahead: Can the dinosaurs survive?
To survive in such a rapidly changing market with a strong appetite for astronomical returns is complicated. But coins such as Litecoin, Monero, and Ripple can still find their place in the current era of an industry driven by narratives as far-fetched as memecoins
While many coins that accompanied Bitcoin in its early days, such as Bitshares (PTS) or WorldCoin (WDC), have disappeared, others like Peercoin or Namecoin are in undesirable positions for a project in this ecosystem, even when managing to consolidate (or maintain) their place within the industry, such as the previously mentioned emblematic cryptos
For example, what Litecoin did on November 13th, with a tweet from its official account linking the ‘memecoin’ narrative, is a clear example of how this type of asset can reinvent its position within the ecosystem with updates relevant to the average crypto user's interest.
Source: X
On the other hand, cases like Ripple (XRP), which seeks to adapt to the new trends and needs of the sectors and focuses on (the traditional financial system), are another example of the resilience in crypto by researching and developing products that can ensure its longevity in the industry.
Source: X
While governments around the world seek to implement stricter policies on cryptocurrencies, coins like Monero, which focus on privacy, remain an essential refuge for those who prioritise privacy, developing alternatives that allow them to bypass the government actions that prevent them from operating normally on some CEXs under regulatory jurisdictions.
Source: X
The cases mentioned above are some examples of how older coins can adapt their vision to the new changes taking place in the industry, regardless of the direction from which they are viewed. However, the lack of innovation and adaptability could lead to the extinction of less consolidated projects that no longer have the necessary popularity to remain on the average user's radar.
While some may be surpassed by new technologies, others, such as Litecoin or Ripple, have the potential to survive and remain valuable if they maintain their capacity for innovation
In conclusion, and to wrap up, dear investor, put aside your faith and make your decisions well-informed based on demonstrable facts regarding whether or not to hold an asset for a long time, no matter how old it may be. At the end of the day, everyone is in crypto for one reason or another!
5 Epic Crypto Gifts To Give This Xmas
written by Josh
Now, before you roll your eyes and think this is just a tech geek's fantasy, hear me out. Crypto, as we know, is no longer some obscure internet thing it’s shaping the future of money, investing, and even how we think about ownership. Bitcoin is back in the news, and retail is waking up! By gifting something cryptorelated, you’re not just handing over a present you’re giving the tools for your loved one to explore a growing financial ecosystem. Just go steady on shilling the shitcoins….
It’s that time of year again - shopping for the perfect Christmas gift for the people we care about. But let’s be honest, finding something thoughtful, useful, and unique isn’t easy. Socks? Boring. Another candle? Overdone (although I’ll happily take a green candle!). This year, why not give a gift that could spark curiosity, teach valuable skills, and even change someone’s financial future? Cryptothemed presents for the crypto-oblivious.
I’ve put together a list of five ideas that are perfect for anyone, from the cryptocurious to complete beginners. These gifts are practical, exciting, and, most importantly, thoughtful.
1. A Beginner-Friendly Crypto Book
Let’s start with something simple but incredibly effective a book. Books are the ultimate “let me help you learn without overwhelming you” kind of gift. For someone interested in crypto, a wellwritten book is like a lightbulb moment waiting to happen.
Top Recommendations:
1. BECOME A MILLIONAIRE IN ONE YEAR by Lisa N Edwards
○ This is the book I recommend for mindset and trading. It’s practical, easy to follow, and genuinely inspiring. Lisa does an amazing job breaking down complicated concepts into everyday language. What I love most about this book is its step-bystep approach it’s not just theory but actionable advice anyone can follow to grow their wealth. If you want to give someone the confidence to jump into crypto, this book is your go-to.
2. The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous
○ This one’s a little more philosophical, diving into the “why” behind Bitcoin. It’s perfect for someone who likes to understand the bigger picture of how crypto fits into the future of money.
3. Cryptoassets by Chris Burniske and
Jack Tatar
○ If your loved one is curious about altcoins and the broader crypto market, this book does a fantastic job of breaking it all down.
Why It’s a Great Gift
Because knowledge is power, plain and simple. Giving someone a book about crypto is like opening a door for them to walk into an entirely new world. Lisa’s book, in particular, isn’t just about understanding crypto; it’s about empowering readers to take action and a lot of Lisa’s thoughts will translate into life skills, not just crypto skills! It’s a game-changer.
2. A Hardware Wallet
Okay, so this might sound a bit techy, but trust me it’s not as complicated as it seems. A hardware wallet is pretty much the fundamental of crypto security. There are a lot of options nowadays, but I’ve suggested a couple of the most popular ones. Purely because popularity is proven!
Top Options
1. Ledger Nano X
○ It’s sleek, portable, and easy to use. Plus, it supports a ton of different cryptos, so no one feels left out.
2. Trezor Model T
○ This is the premium option with a touchscreen interface and robust security features. It’s perfect for someone who values simplicity and top-notch protection.
Why It’s a Great Gift
Look, crypto security isn’t that exciting, but it’s critical. A hardware wallet teaches an essential lesson about self-custody: if you don’t hold your private keys, you don’t really own your crypto. Giving this gift is like saying, “I want to make sure your assets are safe.” Plus, it’s a practical way to introduce someone to managing their digital money responsibly.
Where to Buy
Stick to the official websites (Ledger or Trezor) to avoid fake products. Trust me, you don’t want to gamble with security on this one.
If books are for readers, this is for the hands-on learners and traders. GettingStartedInCrypto.com is a fantastic platform that takes the intimidation out of crypto for beginners.
What It Offers
● Hand-In-Hand Approach: With a FREE Start-Up Kit on their website, the service doesn’t stop there as you are guided and handheld throughout your crypto journey. Inside the membership site is a 24/7 Live Chat and experts and members alike, sharing their thoughts and help.
● Fit For HODLers & Traders: Regardless of how you manage your crypto, GSIC has something for you. They offer expert Signals for traders, a HODL portfolio section with suggestions on long term holds and a Crypto Bytes area for those seeking out gems!
● Epic Track Record: Having been through the last bull market and the recent bear market, GSIC is well and truly established in the crypto arena with an incredible, transparent track record. Lisa (mentioned above in the Books section) shares her wealth of knowledge to help you have the best chance of wealth in crypto!
Why It’s a Great Gift
This is one of those gifts that keeps on giving. A subscription gives your loved one access to a treasure trove of knowledge and step-by-step guidance with practical Signals. They’ll thank you when they feel confident navigating the crypto world without getting lost in the jargon.
How to Gift It
Head over to GettingStartedInCrypto.com and choose the subscription plan that suits your budget and sign up using your loved ones' details (and your payment details, obviously!) or get in touch with the team who can help you out.
4. A Crypto Starter Kit (with Preloaded Crypto)
If you really want to blow someone’s mind, give them their very first cryptocurrency. A starter kit, complete with a wallet and some preloaded crypto, makes the whole concept of digital money tangible and exciting.
Why It’s a Great Gift
It’s hands-on learning at its best. When someone owns their first bit of Bitcoin or Ethereum, it suddenly clicks it’s no longer abstract; it’s real. Plus, it’s just plain fun to watch the excitement when they see their wallet balance for the first time.
Combine it with a subscription to GSIC (above), and they will be over the Moon as they start their journey to the Moon!
How to Create One
1. Set up a beginner-friendly wallet like Exodus or Trust Wallet.
2. Buy a small amount of crypto on an exchange like Coinbase
3. Transfer the crypto to the wallet and write down the recovery phrase securely.
4. Package it with clear instructions for your loved one.
5. A Crypto Gift Card
For the crypto-curious who might not be ready to dive in headfirst, a gift card is the perfect middle ground.
Top Platforms
● Bitrefill: They can spend crypto on real-world stuff like Amazon, Starbucks, and more.
● Coinbase: Lets them redeem gift cards for crypto, making it super easy to get started.
Why It’s a Great Gift
It’s like dipping a toe into the crypto waters without any risk. They get to see how crypto works in everyday life, whether it’s redeeming the gift card for Bitcoin or spending it on something they love. It’s fun, it’s practical, and it might just inspire them to learn more.
How to Buy
Head to Bitrefill or Coinbase to purchase a card.
Wrapping It Up
Crypto gifts aren’t just presents - they’re a way of saying, “I see potential in you.” They’re thoughtful, forward-thinking, and, let’s be honest, the more people involved in crypto, the more exciting it can get! By giving your loved one something that introduces them to crypto, you’re not only opening the door to financial education, but you’re also helping them step into a world full of opportunity.
Each of these gifts chosen above are designed to empower and inspire, whether it be for the avid reader or the more hands-on enthusiast who wants to dive straight in. So, this Christmas, think outside the box because the best gifts aren’t just things. They’re tools for growth, learning, and maybe, as you sit down to enjoy each other's company, you can also enjoy the shared experience of comparing your crypto portfolios!
