Wall Street could soon get a dose of crypto chaos, as the first-ever exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for Dogecoin (DOGE) and the newly minted Official Trump (TRUMP) meme coin may debut as early as April, according to analysts.
Bloomberg senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas flagged the accelerated timeline after fellow analyst James Seyffart revealed Miami-based REX Shares’ ETF filings on Tuesday.
REX Shares has filed proposals for DOGE and TRUMP ETFs, alongside Bonk (BONK), Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and XRP (XRP).
If they’re greenlit, these ETFs could bridge meme coins and traditional finance by giving investors access to internet-born cultural icons through standard brokerage accounts.
Good point on the Doge/Trump ETF filing, these are ’40 Act filings and so (theoretically, if they aren’t disapproved) could hit the market in early April (75 days after filing) and beat the XRP, Solana, Litecoin ETFs out bc those have to file 19b-4s which have a 240-day clock.… https://t.co/t5ftWo9ZKR
— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) January 21, 2025
“These are ’40 Act filings and so (theoretically, if they aren’t disapproved) could hit the market in early April…” Balchunas wrote on X.
He was referring to the 1940 Act, which governs funds combining assets and derivatives. Filings submitted under the Act also enjoy a streamlined 75-day review process.
By leveraging this process, DOGE and TRUMP ETFs could leapfrog other filings—like XRP and Solana ETFs—which require a cumbersome 240-day timeline under 19b-4 filing rules.
“The crypto market survives on the principles of innovation and cultural relevance,” Saravanan Pandian, CEO of KoinBX, told Decrypt. “Dogecoin, with its ever-growing adoption, and the emergence of meme-driven financial instruments, reflect a shift in how the new generation interacts with investments.”
Pandian sees tremendous potential in the meme coin ETFs, “I agree that a Dogecoin ETF could arrive earlier than expected if the regulatory landscape aligns, and we could see these trends formalized as early as April, sparking new opportunities in the digital asset space.”
Dogecoin, once a tongue-in-cheek creation from 2013, has grown into a global crypto heavyweight, driven by strong liquidity and cultural clout.
Endorsed by figures such as Tesla CEO and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk, the coin has consistently dominated meme coin trading volumes.
As with TRUMP, the meme coin inspired by the sitting U.S. President Donald Trump, has quickly climbed the ranks, currently trading at $43.24—up 21.1% in the last 24 hours, according to Coingecko data.
Litecoin has also seen renewed interest following Canary Capital’s amendment to its S-1 registration with the SEC earlier this month.
Balchunas and Seyffart noted that these updates, often indicative of regulatory engagement, suggest momentum toward approval.
Regulatory Shifts Bring Optimism for Meme Coin ETFs
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is undergoing significant leadership changes, with pro-crypto Acting Chair Mark Uyeda stepping in following Gary Gensler’s resignation.
Uyeda’s arrival has sparked hope across the crypto industry for a more favorable approach toward innovative crypto products, including the proposed meme coin ETFs.
The inclusion of TRUMP meme coin in these filings presents a unique challenge for the regulatory agency as it raises questions about how the SEC will handle a product tied to the President’s meme coin.
“While Trump memecoin saw a brief dip in prices yesterday, I am positive the Trump ETF will happen soon, owing to his position as the President of the United States of America,” Pandian stated.
Edited by Stacy Elliott.
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Published: January 22, 2025 at 5:44 am Updated: January 22, 2025 at 5:44 am
by Ana
Edited and fact-checked:
January 22, 2025 at 5:44 am
To improve your local-language experience, sometimes we employ an auto-translation plugin. Please note auto-translation may not be accurate, so read original article for precise information.
In Brief
Solana’s Roam, a decentralized WiFi network, aims to enhance global connectivity by combining over a million hotspots, utilizing blockchain technology for improved user engagement.
Roam, a decentralized WiFi network recently unveiled by Solana, intends to transform global connection by combining more than a million WiFi hotspots into a safe network. This project is a component of the larger movement toward decentralized wireless (DeWi) technologies, which employ blockchain technology to improve user engagement and connection. Roam aims to create a self-sustaining ecosystem by rewarding users for their services and offering a smooth internet connection.
Recognizing the Structure and Functions of Roam
Roam uses Open Roaming protocols to provide dependable and safe internet connections, operating on the tenets of decentralized networks. Through a number of methods, such as daily check-ins and staking of Roam Tokens (ROAM), users may connect to a wide variety of WiFi hotspots and collect rewards.
Key Features of Roam
In the context of the decentralized wireless (DeWi) ecosystem, Roam provides a number of features aimed at encouraging user engagement and facilitating network growth.
One of the main features is User Incentives, which allows users to accrue Roam Points through daily check-ins and network contributions of their own hotspots. ROAM tokens, which offer rewards for continued participation and network expansion, may be obtained by staking these points.
The Roam Miner is another essential element that adds crypto-mining capabilities and improves user incentives. This feature enhances the value of users’ involvement in the ecosystem by enabling them to make extra money while remaining connected.
Furthermore, a key component of Roam’s strategy is community engagement. To promote engagement and loyalty, the platform invites users to validate already existing WiFi nodes and add new hotspots. While maintaining the network’s dependability and accessibility, this cooperative effort aids in its expansion.
The Decentralized WiFi Networks Market Context
The launch of Roam coincides with a growing need for dependable and expandable wireless networks. The proliferation of IoT devices and smart city efforts are expected to propel the worldwide wireless mesh network market’s growth. In this context, decentralized networks like Roam provide special benefits by offering adaptable solutions that may change to meet changing user requirements and environmental circumstances.
Comparing This Application to Others
Although Roam is a leader in the decentralized WiFi market, it works with other platforms that provide comparable services in different ways.
The Helium Network is one such competitor that lets users create hotspots and get tokens by offering wireless coverage. In contrast to Roam’s overarching goal of providing widespread WiFi connectivity to a larger audience, Helium primarily concentrates on low-power IoT devices.
Freenet is another noteworthy platform that uses a decentralized network to provide unfettered communication and information access. Freenet’s fundamental ideas of decentralization and open connection closely match Roam’s goals, even if it does not directly address WiFi access.
Furthermore, OpenRoaming offers a framework that guarantees uninterrupted communication between several networks without the need for user involvement. OpenRoaming is a basic technology that Roam uses to improve its connection solutions, even though it is not an application in and of itself.
Each of these platforms offers distinct features and operational models that support the wider development of wireless access, reflecting the rising need for decentralized connectivity solutions.
Decentralized Connectivity Solutions’ Obstacles
Even while initiatives like Roam have a lot of promise, they confront a number of obstacles that may affect their acceptance and long-term viability.
Market Readiness is one of the main obstacles. Some of the developments promoting decentralized connection, particularly those based on blockchain platforms like Solana, are criticized for perhaps being too advanced. There are still barriers to the widespread usage of these technologies, such as the requirement for more user education and wider market acceptability.
Development costs are still another important issue. Decentralized networks may be costly to build and operate, which may deter investors and users from making a commitment to the ecosystem. These expenses cover security, infrastructure, and continuous technology advancements.
Lastly, maintaining decentralized models still depends heavily on user engagement. Even if Roam provides incentives to promote interaction, sustained user interest will need steady community engagement and convincing proof of value over time.
For decentralized connection systems like Roam to be widely adopted and successful, these issues must be resolved.
Prospects for Roam in the Future
In the future, Roam hopes to expand its influence in a number of sectors by improving connection options for both consumers and businesses. Beyond simple internet access, its technology has the potential to be used in AI-driven environments that demand uninterrupted connectivity as well as smart home integrations.
Within a year of its introduction, Roam has reached over one million users in approximately 200 countries, demonstrating its progress in customer acquisition. This quick expansion highlights the need for creative fixes to fill in the holes in the current conventional telecommunications infrastructure.
Roam is positioned to take advantage of blockchain technology breakthroughs as a Web3 project to improve user security and privacy. Through the use of verifiable credentials (VCs) and decentralized identifiers (DIDs), Roam seeks to protect user anonymity while establishing a safe environment for data exchange.
The launch of Roam by Solana marks a major advancement in the field of decentralized connectivity solutions. Roam has the potential to transform internet access by uniting more than a million WiFi hotspots into a single network and encouraging user engagement.
It will be crucial for initiatives like Roam to strike a balance between innovation and useful applications as the market for dispersed wireless networks develops further. Long-term success in this competitive setting will depend on resolving issues with user engagement, development costs, and market readiness.
In an increasingly digital world, Solana’s Roam initiative’s future course is probably going to have an impact on larger telecommunications trends, opening the door for more user-centric and integrated approaches to connection.
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In line with the Trust Project guidelines, please note that the information provided on this page is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of advice. It is important to only invest what you can afford to lose and to seek independent financial advice if you have any doubts. For further information, we suggest referring to the terms and conditions as well as the help and support pages provided by the issuer or advertiser. MetaversePost is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice.
About The Author
Victoria is a writer on a variety of technology topics including Web3.0, AI and cryptocurrencies. Her extensive experience allows her to write insightful articles for the wider audience.
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Victoria d’Este
Victoria is a writer on a variety of technology topics including Web3.0, AI and cryptocurrencies. Her extensive experience allows her to write insightful articles for the wider audience.
Actress Lacey Turner has revealed the name of her baby daughter.
The EastEnders star welcomed her third child on January 17. Lacey is already a proud mum to five-year-old Dusty and three-year-old Trilby, who she shares with husband of seven years, Matt Kay.
And now, Lacey has shared what they have called the new addition to their family.
Lacey Turner is now a mum of three! (Credit: Cover Images)
Lacey Turner reveals baby name
On Wednesday (January 22) Lacey took to her Instagram and shared a snap of her baby daughter wearing a cardigan. The cardigan had the name Gipsy written on the back. In the caption, she penned: “Gipsy Olive.”
In the comments section, fans shared their thoughts on the tot’s name. One person gushed: “Oh what a lovely name.” Someone else wrote: “So lovely, beautiful name.” A third chimed in: “Beautiful name for a beautiful little girl.”
Lacey announced Gipsy’s arrival last week. She shared a sweet Instagram post that featured the happy family.
She captioned the shots: “Our hearts are full,” with two pink love hearts.
Among the many of Lacey’s followers sending their love were her pals from Albert Square.
Patsy Palmer said: “Omg how beautiful is she !! Congratulations to you all.”
Shona McGarty penned: “Congratulations you wonderful woman. Love you loads”.
Whereas Cheryl Fergison added: “Beautiful family pics Lacy what joy”, adding in a red heart emoji.
Back in September, 36-year-old Lacey shared the news that her family of four would soon be becoming a family of five.
Lacey’s Stacey Solomon character on EastEnders
There has been a great deal of speculation over how Lacey’s long-running EastEnders character Stacey Slater will be written out of the soap while she goes on real life maternity leave. Many theorised that Stacey will end up in prison due to her involvement in The Six.
As a key character in EastEnders, Lacey joined the cast back in 2004.
In the two decades since, her character Stacey has been a part of nail-biting storylines that had audiences gripped. From drug abuse and abortion, to bipolar disorder and murder – no stone has been left unturned when it came to the famous Slater family member.
The EastEnders star is now a mum of three (Credit: BBC)
Preparing for third bundle of joy
Two months after sharing the news with the world she was expecting again, Lacey said she was preparing for the new arrival.
She told The Mirror she was excited to start a new ‘chapter’ with her growing family.
Lacey gushed: “I’m excited for all of us really.
“It’s like another chapter in our little story, yeah I am excited. There’s nothing better than a newborn and a newborn cuddle, so that would be lovely. Yeah, we’re really excited and we’re looking forward to it.”
“You take lots of photos of [your children], thousands of photos,” she added.
The star from the BBC soap continued: “I make [a photo book] for my kids every year, I make them a photo book of their year. I love sitting looking through photos, it’s nice that I do it for them, so I should be making three.”
Lacey Turner’s not concerned over sleepless nights with another baby
The now mom-of-three said she isn’t concerned about the lack of sleep she’ll be having now her third baby has arrived.
Instead, Lacey Turner is looking to the future with her new baby, and the bundle of joy growing up with their siblings.
She said: “I love this time of year and obviously we, you know, we’ve got a lot going on in our house but it’s going to be lovely.
“As the children grow older, it’s lovely. They change so much at this age and it’s lovely to see they’re going through their little milestones and it’s great.”
Read More: Lacey Turner poses with very youthful lookalike mum as she turns 60
Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and share your congratulations for Lacey!
NTT Digital, a global leader in telecommunications, has partnered with Sanrio, the company behind Hello Kitty, along with 22 other organizations, to launch a wellness-focused non-fungible token (NFT) campaign.
The initiative, named “Happy Well Support,” revolves around the theme “happiness and wellness.” It introduces non-transferable NFT cards featuring six cartoon characters, each representing a different team, such as the Smiling team and the Fun team.
Participants must be at least 13 years old and reside in Japan to join. To engage, they will complete missions and collect stamps.
Successful participants will receive a “Happy Danby” digital card and gain entry into a lottery for prizes offered by the participating companies.
Notable partners in the campaign include Animoca Brands, Asahi, Calbee, Nissan, and Yamaha. The campaign began on January 21 and will continue through March 2, 2025.
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This effort highlights a growing trend of using Web3 technology for meaningful purposes.
In recent years, similar initiatives have emerged. Cleveland Clinic introduced “Zen Quest” on Roblox, blending gaming with mindfulness to support mental health. In 2022, Clinique launched a makeup NFT campaign aimed at promoting diversity and inclusivity in the metaverse.
The European video game market experienced a slight 1% uptick in 2024, marking a year of mixed performance for the industry. According to GSD data shared with VGC, a total of 188.1 million PC and console games were sold across the continent. Despite this modest growth, shifts in digital and physical game sales highlighted evolving consumer preferences.
Digital Dominance and Physical Decline
Digital sales surged in 2024, with 131.6 million games sold—a robust 15% increase compared to 2023. In stark contrast, physical game sales plummeted by 22%, accounting for just 56.5 million units. This clear trend toward digital purchasing continues to reshape the retail landscape for games.
Top Performers: EA Sports FC 25 and Call of Duty
EA Sports FC 25 claimed the crown as Europe’s best-selling game of 2024, despite a 5% dip in sales compared to its predecessor, FC 24. Activision Blizzard’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 secured second place, achieving a 9% increase in launch sales over Modern Warfare 3 from 2023—a notable achievement given its late-year release.
Sony’s Helldivers 2 emerged as the most successful new IP, debuting at sixth place. However, new releases collectively represented only 27% of total sales, down from 34% in 2023. Meanwhile, legacy titles like Fallout 4 saw a remarkable resurgence, climbing to 19th place with sales skyrocketing 183%, fueled by the buzz around Amazon’s adaptation and aggressive discounting.
Console Sales Drop Across the Board
The hardware market faced significant challenges, with console sales declining 21% overall. Xbox Series X|S bore the brunt of this downturn, suffering a staggering 48% drop. Despite leading the market, PlayStation 5 sales fell by 20%, while Nintendo Switch sales declined 15% in its eighth year on the market.
Below is the top 10 best-selling video games in Europe in 2024 (Digital and Physical Sales):
1. EA Sports FC 252. Call of Duty: Black Ops 63. EA Sports FC 244. Grand Theft Auto 55. Hogwarts Legacy6. Helldivers 27. Red Dead Redemption 28. The Crew 29. It Takes Two10. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Stablecoin issuer Circle has brought the world’s largest tokenized money market fund under its control following its acquisition of issuer Hashnote for an undisclosed sum.
USYC, or the Hashnote Short Duration Yield Coin, is backed by U.S. Treasury debt and reverse repurchase agreements, with a total asset value of over $1.25 billion, according to RWA data.
It comes as multiple businesses seek to tap into an anticipated lucrative boom for real-world asset tokenization. The move is also expected to bolster Circle’s standing against rival and stablecoin giant Tether, which launched its tokenization platform, Hadron, in November.
Supporting the integration, Circle has partnered with DRW subsidiary Cumberland, a major institutional crypto trading firm, which will underpin the integration between the fund and Circle’s stablecoin, USDC.
Cumberland will expand liquidity and settlement capabilities for USDC and USYC in a bid to drive broader adoption in both crypto and traditional capital markets, according to a statement on Tuesday.
The integration is expected to place USYC as a preferred yield-bearing collateral for exchanges, custodians, and prime brokers in both crypto and traditional finance markets, Circle said.
Speaking on the partnership, Circle’s CEO Jeremy Allaire said Tuesday on X there exists an “enormous opportunity” to “bring yield-bearing collateral to crypto market structures” around the clock.
“One of the Holy Grails of capital markets is the ability to move between cash and collateral instantly,” he said. “We are unlocking this with a focus on the well-established crypto capital markets.”
TMMFs are blockchain-based digital versions of traditional financial assets, such as Treasury bills, offering faster ways to invest in yield-generating instruments.
Plans to deploy native USDC on Canton, a blockchain tailored for secure and private financial applications, were also announced. Canton processes over $3.6 trillion in tokenized RWAs and facilitates more than $1.5 trillion in monthly repo transactions, the companies said.
The tokenization of real-world assets, which converts ownership rights of physical assets into blockchain-based tokens, is gaining traction.
The total value locked in the sector has risen 36.9% in a year to $7.89 billion, as per DeFiLlama data. That’s expected to balloon to more than $50 billion by some estimates.
Spying an early opportunity, the world’s asset manager, BlackRock, launched a fund of its own on Ethereum in March of last year, allowing qualified investors to earn U.S. dollar yields.
Dubbed the BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL), the vehicle reportedly contains more than $500 million in assets under management.
“Circle is leading the way in bringing the most important building blocks of money onchain, fostering a more scalable model of global institutional adoption of crypto infrastructure, while also paving the way for onchain money to become the core of traditional financial markets,” Allaire said in his post.
Edited by Sebastian Sinclair
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Robert Egger’s Nosferatu is a chilling remake of F.W. Murnau’s iconic horror film, and it pulled in positive reviews from both fans and critics when it hit theaters late last year. And if you’re interested in bringing it to your home theater, preorders for the Nosferatu Limited Edition Steelbook are now open at Walmart ahead of the film’s February 18 release on 4K Blu-ray. This release includes the original theatrical version as well as a new extended cut. The Limited Edition Steelbook has already sold out at least three times at Amazon, so you’ll want to secure your preorder soon.
Preorder Nosferatu Steelbook Edition at:
Nosferatu 4K Limited Edition Steelbook
$38-$40 | Releases February 18
Nosferatu 4K Limited Edition Steelbook
Nosferatu Limited Edition Steelbook includes 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and digital copies of Nosferatu’s theatrical release and the director’s extended cut. It also comes with a striking steelbook case, featuring Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp) and a sprawling shot of Nosferatu’s castle. We’re expecting the bundle to come packed with special features, but nothing official has been revealed outside of the extended cut. Preordering through Amazon or Walmart gets you a preorder price guarantee, so if Nosferatu sees a discount prior to launch, you’ll pay the lower price. You also won’t be charged until your order ships.
Nosferatu is a gothic horror film directed by Robert Eggers, who previously worked on The Northman, The Lighthouse, and The Witch. It’s a remake of Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror from 1922–which in turn is based on Bram Stoker’s iconic novel Dracula. It follows a young woman who accepts a pledge from a supernatural being to cure her loneliness. Years later, the woman marries and her husband is sent away on a commission to Transylvania–only to discover that he’s been sent to Nosferatu’s castle.
What follows is a haunting tale about fear, love, and loss, and it’s a dramatic retelling of a classic tale. Starring Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Bill Skarsgard, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Willem Dafoe, its story is only made more intriguing due to its talented cast.
Interested in adding additional Robert Eggers films to your collection? Here’s a look at a few to consider.
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about the possibility of a CryptoPunks IP sale, and this has stirred up plenty of excitement, questions, and even a bit of anxiety in the NFT community. CryptoPunks, created in 2017, are considered one of the oldest and most respected collections in the world of digital collectibles. They feature 10,000 unique, pixelated characters that many people see as a form of digital art.
Ever since Yuga Labs acquired the rights to CryptoPunks in 2022, fans have been curious about what would happen next. Yuga Labs is the company behind the popular Bored Ape Yacht Club, another major NFT collection. When Yuga Labs took over, some people were excited about new possibilities, while others worried it might lead to too much corporate control. One big change was that Yuga Labs gave CryptoPunk owners the right to use their specific Punk image however they wished. This was different from most NFT projects at the time, where the original creators would hold on to all intellectual property (IP) rights.
Origins of CryptoPunks
Before we dive into the sale rumors, it’s helpful to understand how CryptoPunks got started. They were developed by a group called Larva Labs in 2017, right around the time when the concept of digital collectibles first began to take shape on the Ethereum blockchain. The term “blockchain” refers to a kind of digital ledger that stores information securely across a network of computers. In this case, Ethereum is the blockchain platform that hosts many NFTs, including CryptoPunks.
Each CryptoPunk features a simple 8-bit design, which has become iconic in the NFT world. Because they were some of the earliest tokens of their kind, CryptoPunks earned a reputation as digital antiques. When Yuga Labs purchased the rights, people wondered if that original mystique would change, but most of the core attributes have stayed intact—especially since each Punk owner now holds the right to use their specific image.
The Rumored CryptoPunks IP Sale
In recent weeks, social media has been buzzing with talk about whether Yuga Labs might sell the CryptoPunks IP to another entity. The IP, or intellectual property, includes ownership of the overall brand and artwork. Some insiders claim that a deal is already in progress, while others believe Yuga Labs is simply exploring options.
a lot of people have approached us, esp last few months
doesn’t mean we are doing anything
would only ever do a deal if it we felt very confident it would be long term extremely +EV for punks
my biz and life are nfts
not going to take a deal for money if I feel like it hurts…
— Garga.eth (Greg Solano) (@CryptoGarga) January 15, 2025
Greg Solano, co-founder of Yuga Labs, tweeted (now X) that they have been approached with offers but wouldn’t do anything that would “hurt the legacy of CryptoPunks”. This implies they won’t rule out a sale but will protect CryptoPunks as the foundation of NFT culture.
For the broader community, the idea of CryptoPunks changing hands again is a big deal. These NFTs aren’t just collectables; they’re often viewed as digital artefacts that helped launch the entire NFT movement.
Why Might Yuga Labs Sell the IP?
One theory is that a new buyer could position CryptoPunks purely as fine art, distancing it from the hype of daily market swings. CryptoPunks have a certain nostalgic charm because they are among the earliest NFT projects. Seeing them as digital masterpieces, much like paintings in a gallery, could help protect their cultural significance.
Another reason is that Yuga Labs might want to focus on its other well-known projects, such as Bored Ape Yacht Club and a virtual world called Otherside. These ventures require a lot of attention and financial resources. By selling the CryptoPunks IP, Yuga Labs might free up funds to develop new ideas, especially during a challenging market phase where money and manpower are in high demand.
Some also wonder if Yuga Labs is responding to the ups and downs of the NFT market. Prices for many collections have dropped over the past year, and businesses often need to adapt quickly to keep growing. Selling a prestigious brand like CryptoPunks could be a strategic move, allowing Yuga to reinvest in whatever they believe the future of NFTs will be.
Potential Buyers
When a famous brand goes up for sale, people often assume it might be purchased by a massive tech company or entertainment giant. That doesn’t seem to be the case here. Insiders suggest Disney, Meta, and other mainstream players are unlikely to enter the bidding. Instead, the most likely buyer could be a private art foundation, a wealthy collector with a keen interest in NFT history, or a group dedicated to preserving iconic digital collectibles.
Some collectors like @seedphrase have said they might get involved. Another idea floating around is a CryptoPunks DAO. A DAO is basically a community-run group where members can vote on decisions using tokens. This would allow Punk enthusiasts to pool resources and take ownership, so the future of CryptoPunks is guided by those who care about it the most.
Community Reactions and the DAO Proposal
As with any big decision, the CryptoPunks community has mixed feelings. Some holders say that Yuga Labs hasn’t provided a clear plan since buying the collection. They worry a sudden sale could create uncertainty or damage the brand’s reputation. Others see a sale as a chance to return CryptoPunks to a purely art-focused collectible, free from corporate agendas.
Avichal Garg, a well-known figure in the crypto world, floated the idea of a DAO buying the IP, raising funds through a token sale, and using the proceeds for museum exhibitions or brand partnerships. This could help CryptoPunks reach new audiences while rewarding both token holders and Punk owners.
Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan has even voiced support for this kind of approach. Critics, however, question whether a large-scale DAO can really protect CryptoPunks’ heritage without getting tangled in complex governance issues.
Market Impact
The mere hint of a CryptoPunks IP sale sent the collection’s floor price—which is the lowest asking price for a Punk on the market—soaring from around 34 ETH to over 40 ETH. This kind of jump underscores how much market sentiment can be influenced by rumors alone.
Compared to other top NFT collections like Pudgy Penguins or Bored Ape Yacht Club, CryptoPunks remain the heavyweight champion in terms of market cap. Some worry if CryptoPunks get sold, the rest of the Yuga collections (like Meebits) will be left in limbo. It’s still unclear how a sale would affect the rest of the Yuga NFT universe which has over a dozen collections.
Implications for the Broader NFT Landscape
These rumors aren’t just about CryptoPunks; they speak to the bigger picture of how NFTs evolve. In the early days, NFTs were mostly seen as collectibles or pieces of art. Now, many projects promise real-world utility or gaming features, reflecting how broad the space has become. If CryptoPunks shifts back to an “art-first” focus, it might encourage more projects to do the same, moving away from overhyped token sales and focusing on the creative or historical value.
We’re also seeing how companies react during a bear market, when prices and interest drop. Consolidating resources, selling IP or pivoting strategies are all signs of an industry trying to get its footing until things get better.
Scenarios and Predictions
If Yuga Labs sells the CryptoPunks IP we could see a few things. A new owner might leave them as they are and let them be a relic of early NFT culture. Or they might do something new—like gallery shows, branded merch or new tech to enhance the Punk experience. Or a DAO takes over, and Punk owners get to decide the direction of the collection through votes and proposals.
If Yuga Labs decides to hold onto the IP they might put more effort into CryptoPunks. That could mean new features, partnerships or events to showcase what’s unique about Punks. Given how important CryptoPunks are, a new push could get the broader NFT space excited again.
Regardless of who has the IP, CryptoPunks will be important. They were the first NFTs ever, and their pioneer status won’t go away anytime soon.
Conclusion
CryptoPunks stand at an important crossroads, and the outcome of these IP sale rumors could shape the next phase of the NFT world. They’re more than just quirky 8-bit characters; they represent the creative energy that launched an entire ecosystem of digital art and collectibles.
Whether they remain with Yuga Labs or pass into new hands, CryptoPunks will likely keep influencing how we see and value NFTs. This moment offers collectors, developers, and curious newcomers a chance to think about what NFTs should be: art, investment, or something bigger and more community-driven. If you’re a holder or just an enthusiast, it’s worth staying informed and joining the conversation around potential DAO proposals or other community-led solutions.
As the rumours continue to swirl, one truth remains: CryptoPunks will always be tied to the history of blockchain collectables. Their next chapter, whatever it may be, could very well shape the future of NFTs for years to come.
Editor’s note: This article was written with the assistance of AI. Edited and fact-checked by Owen Skelton.
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.
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday a pardon for Ross Ulbricht, ending the Silk Road founder’s more than decade-long imprisonment.
In a social media post on Truth Social, Trump said he had granted Ulbricht a “full and unconditional pardon,” citing support from the Libertarian movement and criticizing the government’s handling of Ulbricht’s case.
Ulbricht, 40, was convicted in 2015 on charges including conspiracy to traffic narcotics and money laundering in connection with the Silk Road, a darknet site that facilitated billions of dollars in illegal drug transactions.
He received a sentence of two life terms plus 40 years without parole, sparking years of debate over the fairness of his punishment. In his post, Trump labeled Ross’ sentence as “ridiculous.”
“The scum that worked to convict him were some of the same lunatics involved in the modern-day weaponization of government against me,” Trump wrote Tuesday.
It follows eight months since Trump reignited hopes for the Silk Road founder’s release.
“If you vote for me, on day one, I will commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht,” Trump declared at the 2024 Libertarian National Convention in May.
The Libertarian movement played a crucial role in Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential victory by mobilizing a key voter base in critical swing states.
Ross’ pardon is expected to draw sharp reactions from both supporters and critics.
Advocates for Ulbricht have long argued his sentence was excessive, while opponents highlight the scale of criminal activity linked to the defunct dark web marketplace.
This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly.
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Mob Wives alum Natalie DiDonato has been reported missing in Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed to Us Weekly on Tuesday, January 21, that a missing person report has been filed for the reality star. TMZ was the first to report the news.
According to the outlet, the TV personality missed two separate flights — including a January 5 plane ride home to Florida — sparking concern among DiDonato’s family members.
DiDonato’s mother, Denise Fuoco, last spoke to the South Florida resident on Tuesday, January 14, during a FaceTime call.
Drita D’Avanzo is sounding off on Renee Graziano’s revelation that she suffered from an accidental fentanyl overdose last year. “I don’t like her,” D’Avanzo, 48, exclusively told Us Weekly on Thursday, March 7 while discussing her recent Mob Wives aesthetic dinner at Ainslie. “However, in capitals, I wish her to find health and peace of […]
Fuoco told TMZ the conversation was brief — DiDonato allegedly rushed to end the phone call without clarifying where she was.
After failing to get in contact with her daughter over the next few days, Fuoco contacted police.
According to Fuoco, the last update she received was from a friend of DiDonato’s named Ben, who alleged the Mob Wives star was in Las Vegas. Ben claimed the reality TV star asked for money in order to obtain a plane ticket to Florida.
Fuoco told TMZ Ben purchased a ticket for DiDonato, but she never made the flight to Florida.
Us Weekly has reached out to DiDonato’s team for additional comment.
In her last social media post before her reported disappearance, DiDonato reflected on her mindset as 2024 came to an end.
“Not bad for 44 I love me some me,” she wrote via Instagram in December 2024. “44 sitting on 24’s still. (it’s not my bday…I’m just feelin myself, dropped 10 lbs…hit that goal weight) .”
In her post, DiDonato said she couldn’t “believe I made it this far.”
“Getting older is a blessing,” she added. “I’m embracing my age because to me it’s a badge of honor to have made it to 44.”
In another post, DiDonato documented her experience at a gun range. “If you stay ready…you never have to get ready,” she shared via Instagram in June 2024. “(It’s been awhile…not so bad for it’s being some time, practice makes perfect) #newtoys.”
Related: See Us Weekly’s Top 29 Reality TV Moments of the Year
Disney/John & Joseph Photography; Disney/Andrew Eccles The past year has been chock-full of memorable reality TV moments — and Us Weekly has narrowed down the best of the best. Several tears were shed on shows such as Vanderpump Rules and Love Island USA, while things got heated in the Bravo universe on The Real Housewives […]
Fans were first introduced to DiDonato when she appeared on season 5 of Mob Wives. VH1 described the cast member as a real estate agent and DJ manager who is a self-admitted “phenomenal cook.”
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During the show, DiDonato feuded with Natalie Guercio after accusing her of being a “rat.” She also questioned Drita D’Avanzo’s integrity in a particularly memorable clip.
“I like her. I think she’s a cool chick,” she said in a confessional. “I just want to know what the f— is going on in her mind.”
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