Cryptocurrency

Plume has already seen more than 80 RWA projects spanning collectibles, alternative assets, synthetics, luxury goods, real estate, DeFi and more all building on the network in testnet alone. Plume, the first modular EVM Layer-2 built to bring any real-world asset (RWA) on-chain, announces its $10M seed round led by Haun Ventures with participation from Galaxy Ventures, Superscrypt, A Capital, SV Angel, Portal Ventures, Reciprocal Ventures, and others. Notable angels include founders and executives of leading projects such as Anthony Ramirez of Wormhole Labs, Calvin Liu of EigenLayer, Zon of Initia, Andrew Kang of Mechanism, Jeff Feng & Jayendra Jog of Sei Network, Adam Lawrence of rwa.xyz, Austin King & Tyler Tarsi of Omni, Martin Quensel from Centrifuge, and more.The RWA industry is one of the fastest growing verticals in crypto today but there remains a critical gap — to date there has not been a permissionless blockchain equipped with full-stack RWA infrastructure to deploy any asset class compliantly. Plume was founded to solve this challenge of real-world asset integration by providing the necessary infrastructure for traditional financial participants to engage, while also offering innovative products that appeal to the crypto-native community. By integrating asset tokenization and compliance into its chain along with RWA specific chain level modifications, Plume simplifies the deployment process and offers a dynamic ecosystem for cross-investment and diversification. The robust DeFi ecosystem on Plume enables users to do everything with RWAs – from earning yield, borrowing/lending, trading, and speculating with leverage.In testnet alone, Plume has already seen rapid growth with more than 80 RWA and DeFi projects building on its private testnet with everything from collectibles, alternative assets, synthetics, luxury goods, real estate, borrow/lend protocols, perpetual DEXs, and more. For media inquiries, users can contact Phil LeRoy at (310) 260-7901 or phil(at)melrosepr(dot)com.About PlumePlume is the first modular EVM L2 blockchain dedicated for all real-world assets (RWAs) that integrates asset tokenization and compliance providers directly into the chain. Plume’s mission is to simplify the convoluted processes of RWA project deployment and offer investors a blockchain ecosystem to cross-pollinate and invest in various RWAs. In addition, Plume enables RWA composability through its thriving DeFi applications and provides access to high-quality buyers to increase liquidity for all tokenized RWAs. To learn more about Plume, visit https://www.plumenetwork.xyz/ContactsCEOChris YinPlume [email protected] LungPlume [email protected] article was originally published on Chainwire More

In an unprecedented fusion of innovative science and advanced technology, a leading biotech company has unveiled an ambitious project to bring back the extinct Dodo Bird. Embracing the spirit of this fearless and curious bird, the company is also introducing the MeDoDo Coin.Historically, the Dodo Bird was known for its fearless and inquisitive nature, often following humans out of sheer fascination. Inspired by this behavior, the MeDoDo Coin symbolizes the unwavering love and support fans offer their favorite artists, mirroring the Dodo Bird’s curious devotion. The MeDoDo Coin operates on the BEP-20 standard. This unique cryptocurrency aims to create a vibrant ecosystem where fans can connect with and support their beloved artists in ground-breaking ways.In an exciting development, MeDoDo is finalizing talks with “The Plu9,” the world’s most anticipated and largest hip-hop metaverse. Designed by the visionary behind the phenomenally successful “Grand Theft Auto 5” (GTA 5), which grossed over $10 billion for Sony (NYSE:SONY) PlayStation, “The Plu9” will serve as the launch platform for this new digital ecosystem.BLVD United, exclusively distributed by Universal Music Group (AS:UMG), led by Managing Partner Damuer H. Leffridge, is spearheading the project. Leffridge has a storied history of collaborating with superstars like Chris Brown, Wiz Khalifa, YG, and Eric Bellinger. Notably, BLVD United was instrumental in the triumphant return of Billboard and Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award-winning multi-platinum group B2K, which achieved significant acclaim, including a nomination for Billboard Tour of the Year 2020.Additionally, Leffridge piloted the affiliate sales and marketing efforts of the Zondervan published Audie Award-winning audio Bible, “The Bible Experience.” The project features a constellation of stars, including three Oscar winners, five Golden Globe winners, seven Emmy winners, and twenty-three Grammy winners. Led by Academy Award-winning actors Forest Whitaker, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Denzel Washington, along with Angela Bassett, Blair Underwood, and Samuel L. Jackson, establishing Leffridge’s expertise and significant presence in the industry.Get ready to connect with music superstars, top producers, Hollywood icons, and your favorite industry legends from around the world in a groundbreaking way. The MeDoDo Coin and its exciting projects are poised to transform fan interaction and support, taking engagement to unprecedented levels.About BLVD UnitedDriven by innovative projects across various media platforms BLVD United stands at the vanguard of the entertainment industry and a cutting-edge entertainment powerhouse with deepened industry experience complimented with a proven track record of success. BLVD United features an award-winning creative team of comprising industry veterans and celebrated artists.ContactMedia RelationsQ. WilliamsBLVD [email protected] article was originally published on Chainwire More

“Satoshi era” refers to the period when Bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, was active in the community, roughly between 2009 and 2010. Bitcoin mined during the early years (2009-2011) is considered part of Bitcoin’s foundational history. Transactions involving these coins are rare and often attract considerable attention. This is often because old Bitcoin miners act as a source of liquidity and distribution.The transfer was notable not only for its size but also because it involved coins that had been held for roughly 14 years. The motivation behind moving such a significant amount of Bitcoin after a prolonged period can vary. Some potential reasons include: the holder might seek to capitalize on current market prices or to fund new ventures or investments. Sometimes, old addresses move small amounts to test modern transaction capabilities and security before deciding on larger moves.It is also possible that the owner might be moving their holdings to enhance security, utilizing modern wallets with advanced security features compared to older ones. The movement might be part of a broader market strategy, such as preparing for a large sale through over-the-counter (OTC) markets.According to Moreno, the latter scenario might be the case. He speculates that the coins likely went to an OTC desk or custodian, given that they were forwarded to several other new addresses almost immediately.At the time of writing, BTC was down 0.5% in the last 24 hours to $69,681. At current prices, the value of the transferred 2,000 BTC would be worth nearly $130 million.This article was originally published on U.Today More

Given the SEC’s prior approval of a Bitcoin ETF, denying an Ethereum spot ETF would require the SEC to present new arguments. Bernstein believes there is a reasonable chance of an Ethereum spot ETF approval by May, with a near-certain probability over the next 12 months.”The regulatory setup for Ethereum is similar to Bitcoin, and the success of Bitcoin ETFs has set a precedent that asset managers are unlikely to relinquish easily,” Bernstein analysts noted. “We estimate a 50% likelihood of approval by May and a near-certain probability within the next year.”As the Bitcoin trade gains momentum, Bernstein analysts suggest it may be time to shift focus to Ethereum. While Bitcoin’s price has tripled from its 2023 low, Ethereum has doubled. Ethereum, which currently boasts a market cap of around $350 billion, is well-positioned for similar institutional adoption due to its staking yield dynamics, environmentally friendly design, and institutional utility in building new financial markets.Ethereum futures have been trading as a digital commodity on the CME for the past 2.5 years, with an Ethereum futures ETF live since October 2023. Major asset managers such as Blackrock (NYSE:BLK), Fidelity, and Grayscale are advocating for an Ethereum ETF. Institutions are not only interested in launching ETH spot ETFs but also in leveraging Ethereum to build transparent and open tokenized financial markets. According to Bernstein , this extends beyond asset gathering to “transforming financial markets” and launching “accessible, global asset management products” on Ethereum’s decentralized ledger. “Ethereum holds significant strategic value to institutions as the leading tech platform for financial market transformation, unlike Bitcoin, which is viewed more like digital gold,” Bernstein stated.While competitors such as Solana, SUI, and Aptos position themselves as faster, more integrated blockchain designs, Ethereum has opted for a scalability roadmap driven by an open ecosystem of faster chains built on top of Ethereum, known as roll-ups.Despite criticism for fragmentation and complex user experiences, this open ecosystem allows applications to build dedicated chains, offering speedy and customized user experiences.”As Ethereum’s scalability roadmap unfolds, it will further solidify its position as the backbone of decentralized financial applications,” Bernstein analysts concluded. More

This capital boost has benefited nearly every DeFi sector, across both major and niche markets, making previously inaccessible financial primitives available on-chain.The Yield sector, after a 148.6% increase to $9.1 billion this year, is now the eighth largest DeFi market by TVL. On-chain interest rate derivatives platform Pendle has seen incredible growth this year, up 1962% to $4.8 billion. This surge is thanks to the popularity of yield-bearing assets and the increased rate volatility driven by liquid restaking and speculative point systems. According to Binance’s research team, stablecoins are on the rise too, with the circulating market cap reaching $161.1 billion this year, the highest in nearly two years. Ethena has capitalized on a market gap for a more capital-efficient yield-bearing stablecoin, surging 2730.4% to a $2.4 billion market cap. Elsewhere, money markets have grown this year, with on-chain TVL up 47.2% to $32.7 billion. The demand for more flexible lending products, such as those that can incorporate long-tail assets as collateral, has fueled interest in modular lending. The report cites Morpho Blue and MetaMorpho, which attracted billions in deposits in just a few months.Other highlights show that prediction markets printed a new peak this cycle, with TVL hitting a record $55.1 million after a 57.7% rise YTD. Historically thriving on political events, and with U.S. elections in sight, Polymarket is booming again, with average monthly volumes soaring from $6.1 million in 2023 to $42.0 million in 2024.The market bounce has pumped up on-chain derivatives, the report notes, propelling average daily volumes from $1.8 billion last year to $5.4 billion this year. Hyperliquid has capitalized on this trend to increase its market share to 18.9%, making it the second largest by trading volume, trailing only dYdX. “2024 has marked a turning point for DeFi, with substantial capital commitments underscoring the robustness of the sector,” said Binance Research analysts. “The distribution of this capital across nearly every DeFi sub-sector highlights the diversification of the market, moving beyond just decentralized exchanges (DEXes) as primary drivers.”Despite this influx of on-chain liquidity, the sector’s public market valuations have yet to catch up with the wider crypto market. However, the steady flow of billions into DeFi shows its promise to meet ambitious revenue forecasts, such as the projection of $231.2 billion by 2030, the research concludes. More

U.S. rate jitters sparked strong overnight gains in the dollar, which pressured crypto prices across the board.Bitcoin slipped 0.35% in the past 24 hours to $69,390 by 09:05 ET (13:05 GMT). The world’s biggest cryptocurrency settled back into a trading range seen for most of the past two months, after a brief breakout earlier this week.World no.2 token Ether hovered around two-month highs hit earlier this week, retaining a bulk of gains made on hype over the potential approval of a spot Ether ETF for U.S. markets. The Securities and Exchange Commission is set to make a decision on the matter as soon as Thursday or Friday.Ether rose around 5.5% over the past 24 hours to $3,878.84. The token marked a strong rally this week after reports on Monday said the SEC had asked certain exchanges to fine-tune their filings for spot Ether ETFs.While the move did mark some progress towards a spot ETF approval, it did not guarantee their approval. The SEC is now set to decide on applications for a spot Ether ETF from VanEck, ARK Investment Management and seven other issuers later on Thursday or Friday. According to QCP Capital, the approval of spot ether ETFs in the U.S. could potentially drive a rally of up to 60% in the second-largest cryptocurrency in the coming months.The forecast mirrors the market reaction seen after spot bitcoin ETFs were approved in January, said the Singapore-based firm in a Thursday broadcast on Telegram. Bitcoin surged from $42,000 to over $73,000 within two weeks of the ETFs beginning to trade on January 11, as per CoinGecko data.”With Friday implied volatility above 100%, the market is expecting fireworks,” QCP said.”VanEck’s ETF has been listed by the DTCC. We think approval is now highly likely with trading expected as early as next week,” it added.Implied volatility measures the market’s expectation of future price fluctuations for a financial instrument.Broader cryptocurrency markets unwound a bulk of gains made earlier this week, as fears of high for longer U.S. interest rates ramped up following some hawkish signals from the Federal Reserve.The minutes of the Fed’s late-April meeting showed increasing concerns among policymakers over sticky inflation, with some members even signaling they were prepared to hike rates to quell inflation.A slew of Fed officials also warned this week that the bank had little confidence that inflation was easing steadily towards its 2% annual target. While the chances of another rate hike are dim, any stickiness in inflation is likely to delay the Fed’s plans to begin trimming rates. High for long rates bode poorly for crypto markets, given that the sector usually thrives in low-rate, high-liquidity markets. Altcoin prices mostly fell on Thursday. SOL shed 2.5%, while XRP lost 1%. Among meme tokens, SHIB fell 0.5%, while DOGE climbed 0.3%. More

Orderly Network has partnered with Quickswap, the leading DEX on all Polygon chains, to launch QuickPerps: Falkor, a next-generation decentralized Perpetual Exchange. This integration unlocks a new level of functionality for DeFi traders on Polygon PoS, with key benefits powered by Orderly’s innovative omnichain vaults:A Perfect Match for DeFi GrowthPolygon PoS’s fast network, cheap fees, and large user base (over 400k daily active users) create the perfect environment for DeFi to thrive. Orderly’s robust infrastructure, combined with Quickswap’s reach and Polygon PoS’s scalability, positions this collaboration as a major step forward for omnichain trading and DeFi on Polygon PoS.Orderly Network is a combination of an orderbook-based trading infrastructure and a robust liquidity layer offering spot and perpetual futures orderbooks. Unlike traditional platforms, Orderly doesn’t have a front end; instead, it operates at the core of the ecosystem, providing essential services to projects built on top of it.Orderly Network’s DEX white-label solution is carefully crafted to save builders time and capital while granting access to our bootstrapped liquidity. Picture having the best features of CEXs while keeping settlements on-chain and maintaining full self-custody.With Orderly, anyone can create a trading application thanks to our seamless plug-and-play experience leveraging our liquidity and composability.Looking ahead, Orderly Network’s grand vision is to create an omnichain protocol, connecting traders from both EVM and non-EVM chains within the same orderbook.For more information, users can visit Orderly Network’s: Official Website | Twitter | Telegram | Discord | LinkedinContactChief Vibes OfficerDrew PiersonOrderly [email protected] article was originally published on Chainwire More

MANTRA, a Layer 1 blockchain solution for Real World Assets (RWA), today announced a strategic investment from Laser Digital, Nomura’s digital asset subsidiary.This additional investment, extending the recent funding round, aims to accelerate MANTRA towards its goal of becoming the de-facto RWA Layer 1 blockchain for Middle East and Asian markets and marks a collaboration with Laser Digital, bringing their complementary expertise and pertinent experience of RWA tokenization to the partnership. Additionally, Laser’s footprint in the Middle East is firmly established, having been granted a Virtual Asset Broker-Dealer license and a Management and Investment Services license from Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority last year and has In-Principle Approval by the FSRA of Abu Dhabi Global Market.About MANTRA MANTRA aims to be the world’s leading RWA L1 blockchain, designed to adhere to and enforce real world regulatory requirements. By accelerating the adoption of tokenized RWAs, MANTRA has the potential to unlock the US $16 trillion RWA economy with a regulatory-ready blockchain. As a permissionless chain, MANTRA empowers developers and institutions to seamlessly participate in the evolving RWA tokenization space by offering advanced technology modules, compliance mechanisms, and cross-chain interoperability.For further information, please visit https://www.mantrachain.io/Website | X | LinkedIn | Telegram | Medium | InstagramAbout Laser Digital Laser Digital is a digital asset business redefining the frontier of digital finance. Backed by Nomura, Laser Digital delivers scalable, robust opportunities across trading, asset management, and ventures. The team works at higher risk management standards, compliance, and commercial viability, all driven by a belief in more responsible engagement in digital assets. With an open and dynamic culture, Laser Digital has the freedom to adapt to market needs, to move swiftly to capitalisation, and to share learnings with clients and partners – bringing greater confidence to the institutional market for the benefit of all. For more information, please visit: https://www.laserdigital.comContactMarketing LeadChristoph [email protected] article was originally published on Chainwire More