UTXO Management, in collaboration with Sora Ventures and others, has acquired 70.26% of HK Asia Holdings Limited (1723.HK) on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The transaction positions the new control group to rebrand the company as Moon Inc., reflecting an emphasis on Bitcoin, Web3 initiatives, and other financial technology ventures. Following the news, the stock is the second-best-performing equity on the Hong Kong stock exchange.
Tyler Evans, Managing Partner at UTXO Management, the sister company of Bitcoin Magazine under BTC Inc., stated that this move highlights a strategy to leverage Hong Kong’s role in global markets. Sora Ventures Founder Jason Fang pointed to Hong Kong’s Bitcoin ETF launch and recent crypto-focused events as signs of a market environment that may support additional digital asset offerings.
The acquisition includes issuing convertible notes totaling 33,750,000 HKD, which increases the group’s stake to around 74% upon full conversion by the acquiring parties. UTXO Management and Sora Ventures’ involvement follows their prior success aiding Japan’s Metaplanet, often likened to MicroStrategy in Asia, in its Bitcoin journey.
Shares of HK Asia Holdings Limited traded at 1.380 HKD on January 24, marking a 23.21% daily increase with a five-day rise of 33.33%. Year-to-date change reached 366.67%, supported by a volume of 13,284,000 shares.
Market capitalization is 448 million HKD, and the 2023 price-to-earnings ratio is 18.3x. Historical data shows a 52-week low of 0.212 HKD on January 18, 2024, and a 52-week high of 1.63 HKD on January 7, 2025, indicating strong uptrends that could continue given the company’s new direction.
The rebranding to Moon Inc. will proceed upon approval, signaling a plan to explore strategies tied to Bitcoin and Web3. The company’s name change aligns with its intention to increase exposure to digital asset markets while remaining active on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Disclaimer: Sora Ventures is an investor in CryptoSlate.
The post HK Asia stock soars amid crypto-focused UTXO, Sora Ventures acquisition appeared first on CryptoSlate.
This post contains spoilers for “Star Trek: Section 31.”
The Jamie Lee Curtis Renaissance continues. After winning an Oscar for her role in “Everything Everywhere All At Once” and wrapping up the new “Halloween” trilogy, Curtis has used her renewed status in surprising and largely delightful ways. She’s back in the spotlight for her work in “The Last Showgirl” in 2024, but Curtis has also become a certifiable cameo queen. Her surprise appearance in “The Bear” season 2, where she played unstable Berzatto matriarch Donna, won her an Emmy, and she also lent her voice to a Cardi B and Offset music video in 2023. Now, she’s back in an unannounced role again — and this time, she’s making her “Star Trek” debut.
To catch Curtis in full exasperated space boss mode, you’ll need to tune into “Star Trek: Section 31,” the first feature film of the Paramount+ era of Gene Roddenberry’s optimistic, space-set series. “Section 31” definitely isn’t the best Trek film out there — it’s fun, but slight and derivative, and it was originally meant to be a TV series so it has the speedy pace of a story that was squished into a much shorter run time. Still, the new movie introduces a host of interesting, wacky characters, and its final scene makes it clear that it’s meant to kick off a new storyline involving the Section 31 crew.
How do we know? Well, Jamie Lee Curtis’ hologram told us.
Who does Jamie Lee Curtis play in Star Trek: Section 31?
FX/Hulu
Curtis plays a character known only as “Control,” whose voice we hear during an early exposition montage before she finally shows up at the end of the film in hologram message form. Control is clearly a higher-up in Section 31, the shadowy (and shady) intelligence group that operates outside the typical moral and legal boundaries of Starfleet and the United Federation of Planets. The group does the dirty work that Starfleet is too by-the-book to do, and has offered an interesting, realistic wrinkle in Roddenberry’s utopic vision of the franchise’s central organization since they were first introduced in 1998.
We don’t know much about Control yet, but it’s clear that she’s willing to side-step treaties and order assassinations, as she does after the film’s cold open establishes Philippa Georgiou (Curtis’ “Everything Everywhere All At Once” co-star Michelle Yeoh) as a dictatorial ruler. She also loves delivering flair-filled phrases (“This dog bites,” she says of Philippa), and is too important — or sketchy — to appear in person to deliver mission details to the team. Most intriguing of all, she seems to have pieces of metal on the side of her face, which could indicate she’s a former Borg drone like Jeri Ryan’s Seven of Nine.
What could be next for Control and Section 31?
Paramount+
Judging by her brief and virtual appearances in “Section 31,” it’s clear that Curtis is staying booked and busy. Still, the end of the film seems pretty deliberately open-ended, as it cuts to credits right after Control assigns the squad (Philippa included) a new mission involving the planet Turkana IV. Fans of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” may remember Turkana IV as a brutal and dystopian place where Earthlings’ attempts to colonize went drastically wrong. None of that is mentioned in “Section 31,” though, leaving fans to assume we’ll get the tail end of this story eventually — and that this first romp through space was just the beginning of a larger Section 31 adventure.
With that final tease in mind, it seems pretty likely that Curtis will return for a future Trek project, but it’s worth noting that as of mid-January 2024, no “Section 31” projects have been announced yet, and she hasn’t commented on her role or her future within the franchise. Of course, a Section 31-centric story has been in the works since the earliest days of “Star Trek: Discovery,” with the Trek team at Paramount clearly interested in the idea of exploring the secret cell more thoroughly. “Section 31” didn’t really do that, but it hints at the moral complexity of the hero-villain divide in “Star Trek” in ways that would be interesting to explore in the future. While some of the team members are terrible people, others simply seem to be outcasts who found refuge outside the boundaries of the law. Which space does Curtis’ Control occupy? We don’t know, but hopefully time and a future Trek project will tell.
“Star Trek: Section 31” is now streaming on Paramount+.
We come to the final week of the Horizon Extreme Series, as Series 42 Spring dawns in Forza Horizon 5. It is with a heavy heart we wave goodbye to Series 42, as it’s been a pretty good one, but with one last season to crack on with, there is still a decent amount of stuff to get on with in the Festival Playlist Weekly Challenges.
The challenges are waiting, are you ready? I’ve got the tunes and the best cars for the job…
Forza Horizon 5 Series 42 Spring Photo
Part 1: Weekly Car Challenge – Muddy Good Fun
We need to buy and drive an Ariel Nomad, and as luck would have it it was the prize for one of the events last week with Series 42 Winter!
I’m not sure I fancy the idea of an off roader with no body work, but it does look like fun.
Should you not have one in your garage, they are on sale at the Autoshow, priced at 93,000 Credits. Not too pricey this week.
Chapter 1 – Best Buggies
Get in your new car, take it for a spin. Step one complete. I have an A Class 800 tune, share code : 144860625. You might like it!
Chapter 2 – Honda Horses
Because this car has a Honda engine, it should be able to earn 6 stars at speed zones. Simples!
Chapter 3 – Light and Easy
Because it has uprated springs and dampers, we should be able to jump over 100m. So do it!
Chapter 4 – ?
When I did the step above, the game decided I had finished my run. So I’m not sure if there is a step 4…
Complete these tasks and we will be five points closer to the seasonal prizes that are up for grabs with Forza Horizon 5’s Festival Playlist Weekly Challenges for Series 42.
Part 2: Weekly Challenges, Championships and PR Stunts
With the weekly challenge done and dusted, let’s dive into the rest of the mayhem on offer.
Series 42 Spring has lots on offer, so let’s get cracking.
The Trial – Seeing Double
This week, the challenge is to take a B Class 700 Toyota 86 or Subaru BRZ and win some races. I went with a BRZ, and the share code is : 139235813.
Normal service has resumed, with half the time last week spent battling the driverbots, and the other half my “teammates”.
Anyways, crack on here and attempt to win a Zenvo TS-R.
Eventlab 1 – AUSSIE CHAP Presents Scale X Tricks
We can only use S1 Class Track Toys for this event, and so I used the 2012 Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Share code for mine is : 129256081.
Long and confusing, this is a good track to race but too bloody complicated. Make sure the suggested route is on for this one is my advice.
The class this time is S1 Class 900 Modern Supercar, and so I chose a Nissan GT-R Black Edition, share code : 394811233.
A fast and fabulous neon paradise, this is a great track. Just watch those chicanes!
We can win a Super Wheelspin.
PR Stunt 1 – Danger Sign – Baja Showjump
This week, all the PR Stunts need a S2 Class 998 car. I chose the Rimac Nevera. Share name for mine is “Nevera” and the GT is Red620Ti.
We need to jump over 300 metres.
If you do it, take a Super Wheelspin home.
PR Stunt 2 – Speed Zone – Ladera
Same car for this, I fancy.
Average over 100 mph to complete this challenge. Not too tricky.
Another Super Wheelspin awaits.
PR Stunt 3 – Trailblazer – Barranco
Only one car for off road in this class, and that is the BMW X5 M FE. Share code for mine is : 519084427.
Hit the finish line with over 35 seconds on the clock to win.Long and tricky, mind those trees!
Another Super Wheelspin.
Seasonal Championship 1 – Fresh Prince
We need a Hoonigan Bel Air (see what they did there?) for this set of races, and the tuning limit is B Class 700. The share name for mine is “Prince” with my GT, Red620Ti.
For winning out, we can take home an Hot Wheels Boneshaker.
Seasonal Championship 2 – Heavy Duty Dash
Pickups and 4X4’s to a max of B Class 700 for this set of races, and so I went with a Chevy Colorado ZR2 .The share code is : 153915151.
For winning, it is a Deberti F-150 that is the prize.
Part 3: Other Challenges
The Treasure Hunt, a photo challenge, Eliminator, Playground Games – not enough hours in the day!
Photo Challenge – #REACHINGSTARS
Photograph any Dodge Viper SRT10 ACr at the Horizon Mexico Circuit. Seems easy enough, right?
See the top of the piece for my artistic effort.
The location you need to be in is below.
The reward? A Farid Rueda Lion Classic Shades. Blimey.
Forza Horizon 5 Series 42 Spring Photo Location
Horizon Arcade Mini Games
The usual now – get to and complete round three of any Horizon Mini game category. Drift is best, but speed, chaos, wreckage and air are on offer if you don’t fancy that.
Take home a 3 whole points. Three!
Horizon Open – Monster Vs Monster
Complete a Horizon Open event in a Rally Monster or Hypercar. I can’t give you a tune, as it could be any class, but just bear in mind you don’t need to win, just finish.
If you manage it, a new horn, “Wheelspin Win”, awaits. Can’t wait.
Treasure Hunt – Road Ready
The clue reads “Toys never deal well with asphalt, but perhaps a toy meant for the track can get to the front of the pack?.”
The picture shows the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, and so that’s the vehicle I chose.
Share code for mine is : 129256081.
Just take it and win a road race, and so I used the Horizon Oval as usual.
The treasure chest contains 300 FP, and the location is shown below.
Forza Horizon 5 Series 42 Spring TreasureForza Horizon 5 Series 42 Spring Treasure Location
Part 4: Hot Wheels Events
If you have the Hot Wheels expansion and are an Elite Level player, then you get to enjoy a couple of extra events.
Seasonal PR Stunt – Speed Trap – Nexus View
We need an S2 Class 998 Extreme Track Toy for this, so the Bugatti Divo will suffice. Share code : 169915677.
Hit the trap at over 210 mph to win out. Piece of cake.
A Super Wheelspin is your reward.
Seasonal Championship – To the Limit
The class this time is S2 Class 998 Hypercars, and so I went with the Koenigsegg Agera RS. Share code for mine is : 109282993.
The reward for racing? A Derberi Silverado.
Part 5: Rally Adventure Events
The Rally Adventure expansion brings even more events to the roster and provided you are already a Horizon Badlands champion, you’ll get access to the following couple of events…
Seasonal PR Stunt – Speed Zone – Reservoir View
We need an S2 Class 998 car for this, and when it comes to speed, it has to be a Koenigsegg Agera RS, no? Share code for mine is : 109282993.
Average over 95 mph through the zone to win. This is very difficult due to the bends in the track, but coming from the north is slightly easier
The prize is another Super Wheelspin. Sigh.
Seasonal Championship – Bugging Out
D Class Buggies? Be quicker to walk I reckon!
Still, the restrictions are there for a reason, and so I saddled up the Baja Bug, share code : 172938522.
Completing the championship will get us a Alumicraft Class 10.
The rewards for Series 42 and Spring in Forza Horizon 5
With Series 42 at Spring the reward cars are more than present – It’s the Radical RXC for 80 points and a Hot Wheels Twin Mill for 160 points that are up for grabs. If you’ve been following my little guides, then you’ll have those picked up.
Even more Rivals circuits have now been added with Series 42 – only two this time around though. There is the Tierra Prospero Circuit for petrol heads, and the Ek Balam Cross Country Circuit for those who get a charge out of EV’s. (Sorry). The prize total stays the same though, 4 points for making sure you turn in a clean lap.
Grab enough points and Series 42 Spring also sees you given access to the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR non exclusive, for 20 points. Additionally, for 40 points we can get a Backstage Pass, and these can be swapped for hard to find cars in the game. Handy!
Next week will see the start of Series 43, and while I have no details about what we’ll be doing in “Midnight Muscle”, no doubt I’ll need to give you tunes and cars as usual. See you then!
To enjoy these events in the Festival Playlist Weekly Challenges, you’ll need a copy of Forza Horizon 5. It’s available on Game Pass, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC and on the cloud via mobile. The Xbox Store will sort you out with a download.
Let us know in the comments if I have helped, hindered or missed the mark with these tunes.
You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you’re reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here
Helldivers 2 was one of the best games of 2024, and its excellence skyrocketed the series’ popularity to the point where Sony is bringing it to the big screens as a movie. Everyone knew HD2 was very successful, but the extent of its success might be shocking. Helldivers 2 recorded a magnificent achievement in 2024, and this achievement shows that its success in the United States alone was only slightly bested by Call of Duty.
Helldivers 2 was the third best selling game in 2024
As shared on Reddit, it’s been revealed that Helldivers 2 was the third best selling game in all of 2024 in the United States. This ranking is based on dollar sales for both digital and physical games sold across PlayStation, Nintendo, Xbox, and Steam.
The ranking is comprised from between December 30th, 2023, up until January 4th, 2025. The top 20 best-selling games in the US for 2024 are as follows:
Call of Duty Black Ops 6
EA Sports College Football 2025
Helldivers 2
Dragon Ball Sparking Zero
NBA 2K25
Madden NFL 25
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3
EA Sports FC 25
Elden Ring
EA Sports MVP Bundle
Hogwarts Legacy
Dragon’s Dogma II
WWE 2K24
MLB The Show 24
Grand Theft Auto V
Minecraft
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Tekken 8
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
NBA 2K24
As you can see from the above list, Helldivers 2 lands in third place, which is a phenomenal achievement, especially considering it was not available on Xbox consoles, plus the fact it is a $39.99 sale rather than $69.99 and above.
Black Ops 6 at number one isn’t surprising as, despite the yearly complaints online, Call of Duty is still the most popular multiplayer series in the video games industry. HD2 sitting very closely behind is a testament to its popularity and success, especially when again considering the differences in price plus HD2 being limited to PS5 and Steam only.
For more Helldivers 2, check out our guide to the best warbonds ranked, along with the best stratagems and best throwables. We have also a guide to the best weapons, and, if you’re coming back to HD2 for the first time in a long while, we have a bunch of tips and tricks to help you get reaccustomed to the battlefield.
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The right choice of cryptocurrency wallet is important to ensure the safe handling of your digital assets. Rabby Wallet and MetaMask are two popular wallets that offer unique features.
Rabby supports more than 100 EVM-compatible chains, prioritizing safety with pre-transaction risk scanning. MetaMask, on the other hand, offers a user-friendly experience for Ethereum-based tokens and seamless integration with dApps.
Both wallets support swapping tokens and using a hardware wallet but have different fees, blockchain support, and usability. This comparison of Rabby vs MetaMask will help you decide which wallet best suits your needs.
What is Rabby Wallet?
Rabby Wallet is a free crypto wallet that helps you manage your cryptocurrencies. It works with Ethereum and over 100 other EVM chains. With Rabby Wallet, you can store, send, and receive digital assets. It also lets you connect to decentralized applications (dApps) easily. The wallet automatically selects the right blockchain for each dApp, so you don’t have to switch chains manually.
Rabby Wallet is highly secure. It previews each transaction before you approve it, helping you understand what will happen. The wallet also scans for risks and alerts you to potential problems. For added safety, it supports hardware wallet integration like Ledger and Trezor.
Rabby Wallet offers extra features like token swapping and gas top-ups. Token swapping lets you exchange one cryptocurrency for another directly within the wallet. Gas top-up allows you to buy gas tokens needed for transactions, even if you don’t have any in your wallet. You can use Rabby Wallet on desktop computers and Android devices.
Pros
Multi-chain support: Compatible with over 100 EVM chains
Pre-transaction risk scanning: Identifies potential security threats before confirmation
Hardware wallet integration: Supports devices like Ledger and Trezor
In-app token swapping: Allows direct exchanges within the wallet
Automatic chain selection: Simplifies user experience across multiple networks
Cons
No staking functions: Lacks built-in staking capabilities on EVM-based blockchains
High gas top-up fees: Minimum deposit of $20 for gas top-up (along with a $4 fee)
What is MetaMask?
MetaMask is another free digital cryptocurrency wallet for Ethereum-based tokens. You can use it as a browser extension or mobile app. It lets you store, send, and receive cryptocurrencies like Ethereum (ETH) and other ERC-20 tokens. MetaMask also connects you to decentralized applications (dApps) on the Ethereum blockchain.
MetaMask is a self-custody wallet, meaning you control your private keys and data. It supports Ethereum and other networks that work with Ethereum’s Virtual Machine (EVM). MetaMask has several key features. It allows you to swap tokens directly within the wallet, using multiple decentralized exchanges to find the best rates. This service charges a fee of 0.875% per transaction.
You can also buy cryptocurrencies using various payment methods, including credit cards and MoonPay. Additionally, MetaMask supports non-fungible tokens (NFTs), letting you manage and trade these digital assets. MetaMask is open-source software, meaning its code is available for anyone to review. Read our detailed MetaMask review for more info.
Pros
User-friendly interface: Easy for beginners to navigate
Supports Ethereum-based tokens: Compatible with all ERC-20 tokens
Integrated token swapping: Allows in-app cryptocurrency exchanges
Open-source software: Code is publicly accessible for transparency
Hardware wallet integration: Compatible with devices like Ledger and Trezor
Cons
Limited to Ethereum ecosystem: Does not support non-Ethereum coins like Bitcoin
No desktop application: Available only as a browser extension and mobile app
Transaction fees: Swaps incur a service fee of 0.875%
Why do people switch from Metamask to Rabby?
People switch from Metamask to Rabby because it offers better features, safety, and ease of use for decentralized finance (DeFi). Rabby works with all DApps that support Metamask, so switching is simple. Rabby focuses on safety by giving warnings when approving tokens. It alerts you about new or suspicious contracts and shows a trust score for contracts. This helps you avoid scams or bad contracts.
It also shows you the results of a transaction before you approve it. This way, you can check the details and avoid mistakes. Managing multiple wallets is easier with Rabby because it has one address book for all your accounts, unlike Metamask. It also warns you and asks for a password if you send money to an unknown address.
Rabby has a great tool to check token approvals. It shows the trust score for a smart contract and lets you manage several tokens at once. It works perfectly with hardware wallets like Ledger and Keystone Pro, making it easy to use without extra steps or problems.
Rabby gives you the best token swap rates by comparing different platforms without adding extra fees. It also automatically detects your tokens and switches networks for DApps without you needing to do anything.
In short, Rabby is safer, easier, and cheaper than Metamask.
Conclusion: Which is better?
In a nutshell, Rabby and MetaMask are two of the most powerful crypto wallets, but they cater to different preferences. Rabby Wallet is a multi-chain wallet that is enhanced with higher safety features and has automatic network selection. MetaMask is geared toward new users or users working more heavily in the Ethereum network with a friendly user interface.
Ultimately, whether to choose Rabby or MetaMask will be dependent upon what matters to you, like security, usability, or compatibility. Both wallets provide great, secure services, but if one needs safety or even saves some costs, then Rabby would better serve than MetaMask.
FAQs
Is there a wallet better than MetaMask?
MetaMask is a popular cryptocurrency wallet, but alternatives like Rabby Wallet have features that differ from the others. Rabby Wallet supports more than 100 EVM-compatible chains, thus being more compatible than others.
It automatically selects the right blockchain for each dApp, which increases user convenience. Moreover, Rabby emphasizes crypto security by providing pre-transaction risk scanning and integration with hardware wallets.
Who owns the Rabby wallet?
Rabby Wallet is developed by DeBank. It has a team spearheaded by Tang Hongbo, Co-Founder and CEO, and Xu Yong, Founder. DeBank is a company known for its portfolio tracker within DeFi and has expanded its offerings with Rabby Wallet to improve the user experience in managing digital assets across more than one blockchain.
Is Rabby a good wallet?
Rabby Wallet is so far the safest wallet option for multiple blockchains, designed by DeBank. It provides support for over 100 EVM-compatible chains and features auto chain selection, pre-transaction risk scanning, and among others.
Its open-source nature allows for community scrutiny, which makes it more open and secure. There have been complaints about occasional bugs for some users and does not offer certain features, such as staking functions or fiat purchases.
Amid tension within some parts of the Ethereum ecosystem, Vitalik Buterin has outlined proposals for Ethereum’s L1 and L2 scaling, focusing on data throughput and proof systems to address network demands.
In his latest blog post, he described expansions to blob capacity and coordinated interoperability initiatives that aim to simplify cross-chain operations. The post highlighted a plan to balance technical solutions with Ethereum’s social structure, emphasizing that a single chain cannot meet all needs without risking decentralization. Buterin suggested that better security on L2s through multiple proving systems and standardized bridges could ease trust assumptions while allowing different networks to experiment with various virtual machines.
Buterin emphasized the role of “blob” space expansion as an immediate solution for easing layer-2 congestion and suggested that Ethereum’s base layer must accommodate growing data demands. The ecosystem currently processes about three blobs per slot—roughly 210 transactions per second—though updates labeled Pectra and PeerDAS may double or triple this throughput.
He stressed the need for a coordinated roadmap, with staking mechanisms possibly adjusting blob targets to match technical improvements. Buterin also mentioned more experimental concepts, including partial trust assumptions for stakers with fewer resources, though he advised caution with designs that risk undermining Ethereum’s core principles.
He explained that interoperability is a central priority. Rollups function like unique shards controlled by different entities, leading to inconsistent standards for message passing and address formats. This has created fragmentation for developers and users, motivating calls for cross-chain tools that preserve trustless security rather than relying on multisig bridges.
Buterin proposed unified methods for verifying proofs, accelerated deposit and withdrawal times, and chain-specific addresses, including identifiers for each layer-2 environment. Some developers see this approach as a key step toward user-friendly cross-chain navigation, though Buterin stressed that maintaining explicit security guarantees remains critical for all implementations.
Protecting ETH value in the Ethereum ecosystem
The post also addressed economic incentives to reinforce ETH as a triple-point asset, noting that a combination of fee burning on rollups, ongoing data fees from “blobs,” and on-chain revenue from potential maximal extractable value channels could anchor Ethereum’s monetary role.
“agree broadly to cement ETH as the primary asset of the greater (L1 + L2) Ethereum economy, support applications using ETH as the primary collateral, etc”
He argued that rollups should consider depositing some fees back into Ethereum’s ecosystem, potentially through permanent staking or targeted funding of public goods. He cautioned, however, that fee structures and demand remain uncertain, and no single mechanism guarantees long-term price support for ETH.
Layer-2 adoption and rollups are currently driving ecosystem growth, but Buterin stressed that a complete transition to rollups requires both technical advancements and social coordination. He urged developers to focus on production-ready proof systems, shared sequencing solutions, and standards that unify cross-rollup operations.
He also invited wallet providers to implement new address formats and bridging protocols, explaining that meeting these goals will require direct collaboration between the Ethereum Foundation, client teams, and layer-2 projects.
Buterin’s post concluded with a reminder that Ethereum’s social ethos underpins its technical blueprint, referencing the community’s role in sustaining a decentralized project. He called for direct involvement from all stakeholders, including token holders, who can influence roadmap decisions by engaging in governance and open discussions.
He noted that the network’s evolution depends on balancing scaling capacity, preserving security, and maintaining a cohesive user experience. The final message called for continued collaboration to ensure that Ethereum remains an open platform capable of supporting widely used decentralized applications.
Ethereum Foundation’s Leadership and Financial Moves
The post comes amid community division and an Ethereum Foundation leadership restructuring as it focuses on reinforcing developer collaboration while adhering to core values like decentralization and privacy. Attempting to remain neutral in political matters, the Foundation continues to emphasize its commitment to advancing protocol development without engaging in ideological or lobbying activities.
However, Buterin’s role as a co-founder has been endlessly debated on social media, with some asking for him to become more involved with Ethereum projects and NFT collections while others push for complete neutrality.
The community is pushing a narrative that Ethereum’s success depends on maintaining both a robust L1 and a thriving L2 ecosystem that can accommodate varied use cases. Buterin’s blog underlined the importance of flexible yet trust-minimized systems, calling for L2 adoption that mirrors early visions of Ethereum’s sharded architecture.
He argued that prioritizing blob throughput and shared rollup standards would enable developers to refine DeFi, social applications, enterprise solutions, and more. He also pointed out the need for unified address formats, faster transaction finality, and cross-chain message protocols so users can navigate different L2s without fragmented workflows.
Kate Garraway updated GMB viewers with the latest on the impact of Storm Eowyn, a severe storm causing destruction across the UK, this morning (January 24).
It was here that Kate and co-star Adil Ray corresponded with a string of ITV presenters deployed across the UK, to discuss the rare red weather warning impacting parts of the British Isles.
Laura Tobin kept GMB viewers up to date with the latest weather news (Credit: GMB / ITV)
Kate Garraway shares Storm Eowyn updates on GMB
Unfortunately, viewers weren’t pleased with the channels attempts to keep them in the loop with the ongoing weather disruption. In fact, they have been left furious with the broadcasters for potentially putting their presenters in harms way.
Several viewers took to social media to share their concern. One penned: “How irresponsible! You do not need to be outside to show us how bad the weather is. GET INSIDE.”
Another quipped: “Don’t go outside, there’s a danger to life’…unless you’re a reporter in which case GMB will make you stand outside.”
A third added: “What poor reporters have to stand out in the wind and rain to verify [Laura Tobin’s] forecast while she presents from a nice warm studio?”
Bairbre Holmes, Nick Dixon and Katy Rickitt were on location despite weather warning (Credit: GMB / ITV)
GMB viewers fume over show putting reporters in ‘danger’
Another commented that despite the severity of the weather, it wasn’t necessary for reporters to be on location. They claimed that instead, they should be discussing what is going on in the safety of a studio.
“Get those reporters inside. We are not stupid – we can see how windy it is without putting your reporters in danger,” wrote one.
Another slammed the broadcaster, stating: “Storm Eowyn is battering Ireland. Red warnings are out meaning a danger to life and GMB have got 5 or 6 reporters out in the thick of it just to show us what a storm looks like incase we didn’t know.”
“This storm is a threat to life. So let’s send a reporter to stand 10 yards away from the sea. I’ll never understand that,” said another.
‘It could be the biggest storm seen for a century’
Despite the irony of the situation, Kate updated viewers: “People are being urged to stay at home today as storm Eowyn hits the UK. Bringing potentially life-threatening winds with it.”
Adil added: “It could be the biggest storm seen for a century in parts of the British Isles with winds of 100mph forecast and a serious risk to life in parts of Scotland and Ireland.”
Kate also assured those tuning in of the reporters safety, stating: “We are trying to make sure we stay within the rules and keep safe this morning. As you can see, already, just how much they are being blown about.”
Meanwhile, three out of four reporters could be seen on location being battered by winds. Reporter Nick Dixon even appeared to be just yards away from the sea!
Has Storm Eowyn impacted your day?
Read now: Denise Nolan’s tribute to sister Linda cut short by GMB technical blunder as Susanna Reid apologises
Do you agree? Has the weather impacted you? Tell us on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.
Emily loves to write about the latest trending news, whether it’s reality TV chaos or Royal drama. She also has a passion for translating editorial content into share-worthy social media posts after spending two years as a social media manager and marketing executive.
Have you ever wondered if there’s a fresh way to raise money for your blockchain idea? NFTs might be the answer. In this guide, we’ll walk through how NFT fundraising works, why it’s different from traditional methods, and how an Ethereum Layer 2 project managed to pull in $22 million using NFTs. We’ll keep it simple so you can follow along even if you’re new to the crypto space.
Overview of NFT Fundraising
NFT fundraising lets blockchain startups sell unique digital assets to supporters who want more than just a typical investment. Since each NFT can represent something one-of-a-kind—like special access, collectibles, or membership perks—this method often sparks stronger community engagement than standard crowdfunding. Plus, NFTs allow for digital scarcity, which means there are only so many tokens out there, adding an element of exclusivity.
Compared to traditional fundraising, NFTs help you:
Build deeper bonds with your community.
Tap into the power of digital collectibles and programmable royalties.
Bring in funds without giving away equity in your startup.
To show you what’s possible, we’ll touch on an Ethereum Layer 2 project that raised a whopping $22 million from its NFT sale. The project’s success wasn’t an accident—it took proper planning, marketing, and community trust to make it happen.
Understanding the Basics of NFT-Based Fundraising
In the early days of crypto, Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) were the way to go. People would buy tokens hoping they would rise in value as the project grew. But as time went on, regulations got tighter and investor habits changed.
NFT drops focus more on the unique qualities of each token, like artwork or membership perks. This appeals to collectors and fans rather than just speculators. It can also bypass some regulatory hurdles—though you should always check local laws to be compliant.
Before Launching Your NFT Fundraise
Before you jump in, ask yourself:
What special benefits will my NFTs provide? (Governance rights, membership access, collector’s items, etc.)
How do these perks fit into my project’s bigger picture?
Make sure your tokenomics (your project’s plan for issuing and managing tokens) aligns with what your NFT holders can expect. That way, everything feels connected to your overall project roadmap.
Understand Local Regulations Early
Crypto fundraising can be complicated, especially when it comes to laws around KYC (Know Your Customer), AML (Anti-Money Laundering), and securities rules. Consulting a lawyer from the start can save you headaches later. They’ll help you figure out if your NFTs might be considered securities in your jurisdiction and how to manage any compliance issues.
Community Building and Pre-Sale Hype
It’s tough to sell NFTs if nobody knows who you are. Build excitement by:
Opening a Discord or Telegram group to keep people informed.
Sharing sneak peeks on social media or exclusive “behind-the-scenes” updates.
Asking early supporters for feedback.
By the time you’re ready to launch, your audience will already feel like part of the team.
The Case Study: Ethereum Layer 2 Raises $22 Million Through NFTs
SOON (short for Solana Optimistic Network) set out to tackle Ethereum’s scalability challenges. It functions as an Ethereum Layer 2 (L2) solution by processing transactions off Ethereum’s main chain and then finalizing them on Ethereum to reduce fees and congestion. However, SOON doesn’t stop at typical L2 functionality. It uses the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM)—a powerful piece of software that handles smart contracts, designed originally for the Solana network. By integrating SVM, SOON claims to process blocks in around 50 milliseconds, even faster than Solana itself.
SOON introduced an NFT collection called “COMMing SOON.” Unlike purely artistic NFTs, these served as a form of early stake in the project:
Equal Deal Terms: Both large venture capital firms and individual buyers got the same terms.
Token Rewards: The NFTs connect to SOON’s broader tokenomics, granting holders benefits like governance rights and potential token allocations in the future.
By combining the excitement of NFTs with a fair distribution model, SOON earned $22 million for its Ethereum Layer 2 rollout—all while fostering goodwill. Many in the community praised the project for avoiding the usual “insider-only” deals.
Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your NFT Fundraiser
Step 1: Plan Your NFT Concept and Utility
Choose Your NFT Type: Will they be collectibles, memberships, governance tokens, or access passes?
Map Out Perks: Prioritize voting rights, profit-sharing, or exclusive online events. Make it worth people’s while to hold your NFTs.
Step 2: Smart Contract Development and Auditing
Hire Security Experts: Make sure your smart contract doesn’t have loopholes.
Use Trusted Standards: Consider frameworks like OpenZeppelin (an open-source library for secure smart contracts) and tokens built on ERC-721 or ERC-1155 standards.
Having a secure contract makes buyers feel safer about investing.
Step 3: Marketing and Community Outreach
Tell Your Story: What’s unique about your project? Communicate that loudly on social media, Discord, Telegram, and anywhere crypto folks hang out.
Sneak Peeks and Whitelists: Offer glimpses of your NFT artwork or membership benefits. Whitelist a few early fans so they can mint first and spread the word.
Step 4: The NFT Sale (or Drop)
Pick a Launch Model: Public sale, whitelist-only, Dutch auction, bonding curves—each model has pros and cons.
Set Rules: Let everyone know the mint date, price, and how many NFTs they can buy. This keeps the sale fair and avoids chaos.
Step 5: Post-Sale Engagement and Growth
Keep Providing Value: Offer airdrops, staking opportunities, or special events to keep your community interested.
Expand Your Ecosystem: Consider future NFT drops or team up with other projects to give your holders even more benefits.
Potential Challenges and How to Address Them
Cryptocurrency prices swing like crazy. If your main token is down in value, it might affect how people view your NFTs. Some projects:
Price in Stablecoins (like USDT or USDC) to avoid major price fluctuation.
Offer Flexible Sale Models that adjust in real-time.
These days, NFT competition is fierce. Make sure you have:
Real Utility: People should see how your NFT benefits them long-term.
A Compelling Brand Story: Show them why your project matters.
Consistent Engagement: Keep the conversation going in your community channels.
If newcomers can’t figure out wallets or get stuck with high gas fees, they’ll likely give up. Provide:
Guides on setting up wallets (like MetaMask).
Tips for optimizing gas fees or waiting for lower network congestion.
Future Outlook: NFTs as a Sustainable Funding Model
Fractional NFTs (where multiple people own a piece of one NFT), dynamic NFTs (which can evolve over time), and DAO-based models (community-driven organizations) are becoming more popular. These innovations can open up new ways to crowdfund.
Remember, NFTs can be used as collateral in DeFi (Decentralized Finance) to earn staking rewards or yield farming profits. So your NFTs can gain value after the initial sale.
Final Thoughts
By now, you should have a solid roadmap for running your own NFT fundraiser. From planning your NFT’s utility to building a loyal community, every step is crucial. And as we saw with the Ethereum Layer 2 case study, a well-executed NFT sale can raise significant funds while boosting your project’s visibility.
If you’re ready to explore crypto crowdfunding through NFTs, keep these key points in mind:
Plan your concept and perks in detail.
Secure your smart contracts.
Market to the right audience with a strong story.
Offer real value beyond the hype.
Stay on top of regulations.
Remember to stay active in Discord, Telegram, and other forums where NFT enthusiasts gather. Follow reputable thought leaders, and keep an eye on evolving crypto regulations to ensure your campaign runs smoothly. With the right mix of innovation, storytelling, and community spirit, your next big fundraising milestone could be just around the corner.
Good luck with your NFT fundraising journey, and welcome to a bold new era of blockchain innovation!
Owen Skelton is an experienced journalist and editor with a passion for delivering insightful and engaging content. As Editor-in-Chief, he leads a talented team of writers and editors to create compelling stories that inform and inspire.
Are NFTs and meme coins assets, currencies, or something else entirely? According to White House AI and Crypto Czar David Sacks, they belong in their own category: “Collectibles.”
“Well, when you’re talking about digital assets, it can be multiple things,” Sacks said during a Fox Businessinterview on Thursday.
“I mean, you’ve got digital assets that are securities, you’ve got digital assets that are commodities, you’ve got digital assets that are collectibles like NFTs or meme coins. So you’re talking about a whole vast area of innovation.”
The distinction as a collectible could alter how NFTs and meme coins are perceived, potentially granting them legitimacy as assets with cultural and commemorative value rather than speculative risks.
Sacks also weighed in on the Solana-based Official Trump (TRUMP) meme coin, a token officially tied to President Trump. “I think the Trump coin is a collectible,” he said, stating it falls under the same category as NFTs or meme coins.
“It’s like a baseball card or a stamp,” the crypto czar said. “People buy it because they want to commemorate something.”
While acknowledging the token’s purpose as a collectible item, Sacks clarified that this was his personal opinion, not a regulatory stance.
During the interview, the crypto czar outlined his vision for the Presidential Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, which he chairs as part of President Donald Trump’s sweeping executive order to establish the U.S. as a global crypto leader.
A key focus of the group is defining the market structure for digital assets. By establishing clear categories—such as securities, commodities, and collectibles—the administration seeks to bring regulatory certainty to an industry that has long operated in a gray area.
“The Biden administration would not tell them [crypto firms] what the rules of the road were, and they would then get prosecuted,” Sacks said on Thursday. “And what the industry wants more than anything else is regulatory clarity.”
Stablecoins and the U.S.’s stockpiling efforts
The group will also focus on stablecoins, which Sacks called “a really interesting area” with the potential to extend the U.S. dollar’s dominance globally.
“We can basically create a digital dollar that people all over the world will use,” Sacks said.
The Presidential Working Group will also explore the concept of a national digital asset stockpile, an idea Trump proposed during his campaign as part of a strategy to establish a Bitcoin national reserve.
While the idea remains in its early stages, Sacks explained, “Yeah, we’re going to evaluate that. We have not decided to do it yet, but we need to study that.”
The issue of whether NFTs should be classified as securities has gained traction in recent months, especially following the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) investigation into NFT marketplace OpenSea.
Last August, OpenSea CEO Devin Finzer revealed the platform had received a Wells Notice, a precursor to potential legal action from the SEC, over claims that certain NFTs sold on the marketplace might qualify as unregistered securities.
Sacks’ appointment as the White House AI and Crypto Czar marked a significant policy shift for the U.S.’s domestic crypto sector.
Looking ahead, Sacks voiced confidence in the U.S.’s ability to regain its leadership in the global crypto space.
“We’re going to catch up really fast,” he said. “The innovation was starting to move offshore… but now I think it’s going to change very fast.”
Edited by Sebastian Sinclair
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