El Salvador President Nayib Bukele says his country will continue accumulating Bitcoin ( BTC ) despite rumors suggesting otherwise. El Salvador first adopted BTC as legal tender in 2021, but recent pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) related to a recently approved $1.4 billion loan agreement has forced the Central American country to pull back on some of its Bitcoin evangelism. Recent amendments to El Salvador’s BTC legislation make the acceptance of Bitcoin voluntary and shed the asset of its “currency” status, though it still is considered “legal tender” in the country. As part of the conditions tied to El Salvador accessing the $1.4 billion loan facility, the IMF also wants the country to halt public sector acquisitions of BTC, dissolve the Fidebitcoin trust fund by July 2025 and cease operations of its Chivo wallet system. Bukele pushed back against those conditions this week. “’This all stops in April.’ ‘This all stops in June.’ ‘This all stops in December.’ No, it’s not stopping. If it didn’t stop when the world ostracized us and most ‘Bitcoiners’ abandoned us, it won’t stop now and it won’t stop in the future. Proof of work > proof of whining.” The country’s National Bitcoin Office (ONBTC) has also continued purchasing one BTC a day, with holdings totaling 6,102.18 BTC at time of writing. Don't Miss a Beat – Subscribe to get email alerts delivered directly to your inbox Check Price Action Follow us on X , Facebook and Telegram Surf The Daily Hodl Mix Disclaimer: Opinions expressed at The Daily Hodl are not investment advice. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency or digital assets. Please be advised that your transfers and trades are at your own risk, and any losses you may incur are your responsibility. The Daily Hodl does not recommend the buying or selling of any cryptocurrencies or digital assets, nor is The Daily Hodl an investment advisor. Please note that The Daily Hodl participates in affiliate marketing. Generated Image: Midjourney The post President Nayib Bukele Says El Salvador Will Continue Accumulating Bitcoin Despite IMF Pushback appeared first on The Daily Hodl .
The recent turmoil surrounding RedStone’s airdrop has sent shockwaves through the crypto community, prompting urgent reactions from major platforms like Binance. In light of significant community pushback, RedStone has revised
The world of startup development is undergoing a seismic shift, fueled by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. Imagine a scenario where budding entrepreneurs can bring their visions to life with codebases almost entirely crafted by AI. This isn’t science fiction; it’s the reality for a stunning quarter of the startups in Y Combinator’s (YC) current cohort. This revelation underscores a monumental change in how new ventures are being built, potentially reshaping the future of tech innovation and even influencing the fast-paced world of cryptocurrencies and blockchain development. The Rise of AI-Generated Code in YC Startups Y Combinator, a name synonymous with successful startups like Airbnb, Dropbox, and Stripe, is witnessing a groundbreaking trend. Jared Friedman, a managing partner at YC, recently disclosed that an impressive 25% of the startups in their Winter 2025 (W25) batch boast codebases that are a staggering 95% AI-generated code . This isn’t just about using AI for minor code snippets; it’s about fundamentally changing the development process. Friedman clarified that this 95% figure meticulously distinguishes between AI-written code and human-typed code, excluding elements like library imports. Consider this: Highly Technical Founders: These aren’t non-technical individuals outsourcing development. Friedman emphasized that these founders are “highly technical, completely capable of building their own products from scratch.” Dramatic Shift: Just a year ago, these same founders would have painstakingly coded their products manually. Now, AI is the primary architect of their code. Efficiency Unleashed: This shift signifies an unprecedented level of efficiency in the early stages of startup development. This development is particularly relevant to the crypto space, where rapid iteration and technological agility are paramount. Imagine the implications for blockchain projects, DeFi platforms, and NFT marketplaces if development timelines could be drastically reduced using AI coding tools. “Vibe Coding”: Is This the Future of Development? The concept of “vibe coding” is gaining traction, and it’s intrinsically linked to the rise of AI-generated code . As discussed in a YouTube video featuring YC leaders like Garry Tan, Harj Taggar, and Diana Hu, “vibe coding” essentially means using natural language and intuitive instincts to guide AI in generating code. Andrej Karpathy, a prominent AI figure, described it as coding with Large Language Models (LLMs) without getting bogged down in the nitty-gritty of traditional coding syntax. Think of it like this: Intuitive Interface: Instead of writing lines of code, developers can describe what they want to build in plain English. Leveraging LLMs: Powerful AI models translate these natural language instructions into functional code. Focus on Logic, Not Syntax: Developers can concentrate on the core logic and functionality of their applications, leaving the complexities of coding syntax to AI. For the cryptocurrency sector, this could mean faster prototyping of decentralized applications (dApps), smart contracts, and other blockchain-based solutions. The barrier to entry for building in the crypto space could be lowered, potentially fostering greater innovation and wider participation. Challenges and Caveats of AI Coding: Are We Ready? While the prospect of AI-generated code is exhilarating, it’s crucial to acknowledge the challenges. Reports and studies have highlighted potential pitfalls, including: Security Vulnerabilities: AI-generated code isn’t always secure. It can inadvertently introduce security flaws, making applications vulnerable to attacks. Outages and Errors: Bugs and errors are still a reality. AI can make mistakes that lead to application outages or malfunctions. Debugging Demands: Developers often need to spend considerable time debugging and refining AI-generated code. Diana Hu from YC rightly pointed out that even with heavy reliance on AI, the ability to read code and identify bugs remains paramount. She emphasized the need for “taste and knowledge” to discern between good and bad AI-generated code. Garry Tan echoed this sentiment, stressing that classical coding training is still essential for the long-term sustainability of products built with AI. What happens when a startup with 95% AI-generated code scales to millions of users? The debugging capabilities of current AI models are not yet robust enough to handle complex issues independently. Human expertise remains indispensable. Developer Tools and the Future Landscape The excitement surrounding AI-powered coding is palpable in the venture capital world. Startups focused on developer tools that leverage AI are attracting significant investment. Companies like Bolt.new, Codeium, Cursor, Lovable, and Magic have collectively raised hundreds of millions of dollars in recent funding rounds. This influx of capital underscores the belief that AI is not just a passing trend but a fundamental shift in software development. Garry Tan’s assertion, “This isn’t a fad. This isn’t going away. This is the dominant way to code. And if you are not doing it, you might just be left behind,” is a powerful statement. It signals a potential paradigm shift where developers who embrace AI tools gain a significant competitive advantage. For the cryptocurrency and blockchain industries, adopting these developer tools could mean faster development cycles, more efficient resource allocation, and ultimately, a quicker path to bringing innovative crypto solutions to market. Actionable Insights: Navigating the AI-Driven Development Era So, what are the key takeaways for developers, entrepreneurs, and investors in the age of AI coding ? Embrace AI Tools: Don’t resist the change. Explore and experiment with AI-powered coding tools to enhance your development workflow. Sharpen Code Review Skills: Focus on developing strong code review and debugging skills to effectively manage AI-generated code. Balance AI with Human Expertise: Recognize that AI is a powerful tool, but human oversight and classical coding knowledge remain crucial for building robust and scalable applications. Invest in AI Literacy: For startups and established companies alike, investing in AI literacy for development teams is becoming increasingly important. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the latest advancements in AI coding tools and best practices for leveraging them effectively. Conclusion: A Revolutionary Leap Forward The fact that a quarter of YC startups are building on codebases predominantly generated by AI is a clear indicator of a revolutionary shift in the tech landscape. While challenges remain, the potential benefits of increased efficiency, faster development cycles, and lower barriers to entry are undeniable. As AI continues to evolve, its role in software development, including the dynamic world of cryptocurrency and blockchain, will only become more profound. The era of AI-assisted coding is not just dawning; it’s rapidly accelerating, promising to reshape how we build and interact with technology. To learn more about the latest AI market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping AI features.
From network tokens to meme coins, a16z crypto has laid out a framework to help businesses navigate the evolving crypto landscape. What is a cryptocurrency? According to Wikipedia’s definition, it is a digital currency designed to work through a computer network that is “not reliant on any central authority, such as a government or bank, to uphold or maintain it.” And while at the very beginning in 2009 there was one and only cryptocurrency out there, called Bitcoin ( BTC ), things have changed significantly since then. Now, there over 12 million different tokens, per data from crypto price aggregator platforms. But how to differ them? There are memecoins, utility tokens, security tokens, and many more. No wonder crypto has become so complex. “So, whether you’re building a blockchain-based project, investing in tokens, or simply using them as a consumer, it’s essential to know what to look for. It’s important not to confuse, for instance, memecoins with network tokens.” a16z crypto To help sort the crypto things out, Miles Jennings, Scott Duke Kominers, and Eddy Lazzarin from a16z crypto created a framework for understanding the seven categories of tokens they see entrepreneurs building with most often. Below is a breakdown of these categories. Network tokens Network tokens are used to keep a blockchain or smart contract protocol running. Basically, their value comes from how the network works. They usually have a clear purpose, like helping with network operations, forming consensus, upgrading the protocol, or rewarding certain actions within the network. As a16z crypto explains, these networks, where the tokens live, usually have features like “programmatic buybacks, dividends, and other changes to the total token supply via token creation or burning to introduce inflationary and deflationary pressures in service of the network.” Network tokens depend on trust. And in this aspect a16z crypto says these tokens “are similar to both commodities and securities.” “Recognizing this, both the SEC’s 2019 Framework and FIT21 provided for network tokens to be excluded from U.S. securities laws when those trust dependencies are mitigated through decentralization of the underlying network.” a16z crypto These tokens are used to launch new networks, distribute ownership or control, and keep the network secure. The brightest examples are Bitcoin, Ethereum ( ETH ), Solana ( SOL ), Uniswap ( UNI ), and Dogecoin ( DOGE ). Security tokens While network tokens might seem like securities, security tokens are actually digital versions of traditional securities, like company shares or corporate bonds. They can also have special features, like giving profits interest in an LLC or rights to future settlement payments from lawsuits. While securities give holders specific rights, titles, or interests, and the issuer often controls the asset’s risk, these tokens will still be under U.S. securities laws, as a16z crypto points out. Even though these tokens aren’t as common as network tokens or memecoins, they’ve still been used to raise money for business ventures. For example, Etherfuse Stablebonds and Aspen Coin gave people fractional ownership in the St. Regis Aspen Resort. How to define a token | Source: a16z crypto Company-backed tokens Company-backed tokens are tied to an off-chain application, product, or service run by a company or centralized organization. Like network tokens, company-backed tokens may use blockchain and smart contracts (e.g., to facilitate payments). However, they primarily serve off-chain operations rather than network ownership. As a result, a company has more control over the issuance, utility, and value of the token. Although these tokens don’t provide a defined right or title like traditional securities, they still have trust dependencies akin to securities. “Their value is inherently dependent upon a system that is controlled by a person, company or management team.” a16z crypto For this exact reason, company-backed tokens could be subject to U.S. securities laws when they attract investment, the analysts warn. Historically, company-backed tokens have been used to circumvent securities laws in the U.S., acting as proxies for equity or profits interests in companies. For instance, examples include ( FTT ), which was a profit interest in the notorious FTX exchange. Binance Coin ( BNB ) is another example of a company-backed token that transitioned into a network token after the launch of BNB Chain. You might also like: ‘Stop trying to fake innocence’: Binance founder slammed for mentioning Ronaldinho’s shady token launch Arcade tokens Arcade tokens are primarily used within a system and are not meant for investment, a16z crypto explains. These tokens often serve as currencies within virtual economies, like digital gold in a game , loyalty points for a membership program, or credits for digital products. What makes arcade tokens unique is that they are designed to discourage speculation. They may have an uncapped supply — meaning an unlimited number can be minted — and/or limited transferability. As a16z crypto points out, these tokens may even “expire or lose value if unused, or they may only have monetary value and utility within the system in which they are issued.” As a rule, arcade tokens don’t promise financial returns, which makes them relatively safe from U.S. securities laws. Examples include FLY, the loyalty token for the Blackbird restaurant network, and Pocketful of Quarters, an in-game asset that received relief from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2019. Collectible tokens One of the most well-known types of tokens are collectible ones. They can represent things like a work of art, a music piece, or even a concert ticket stub. But for the public, they’re more commonly known by a different name — NFTs , or non-fungible tokens. And while NFTs might seem like another speculative bubble, these tokens may actually have utility within specific contexts. “A collectible token may function as a license or ticket to an event; could be used in a video game (like that sword); or could provide ownership rights with respect to intellectual property.” a16z crypto Because collectable tokens generally relate to finished goods and don’t rely on third-party efforts, they are usually excluded from U.S. securities laws, a16z crypto notes. The well-known NFTs are probably Bored Ape Yacht Club and CryptoPunks . Asset-backed tokens Asset-backed tokens get their value from a claim on underlying assets. For example, commodities, fiat currency, or even digital assets such as cryptocurrencies. These tokens may be fully or partially collateralized, and they serve various purposes, such as acting as stores of value or hedging instruments. However, unlike collectable tokens, which derive value from the ownership of unique goods, asset-backed tokens function more like financial instruments. Per a16z crypto, the “regulatory treatment of asset-backed tokens, however, depends on their structure and use.” Examples include fiat-backed stablecoins like Circle’s USD Coin ( USDC ), liquidity provider tokens like Compound’s C-tokens, or derivative tokens like OPYN’s Squeeth. Memecoins And then, we’ve got memecoins – probably the most well-known ones. These are like the peak of internet chaos. They don’t really do anything useful and are mostly all about memes or whatever community hype is going on. Their fundamentals? Forget it. It’s all about speculation and whatever the market feels like, which means they’re super easy to manipulate or get rug-pulled. Because of how wild they are, memecoins are “generally excluded from U.S. securities laws,” as a16z crypto says, noting though that they’re still “subject to anti-fraud and market manipulation laws.” What makes them stand out? They’ve got zero purpose or real use, and their prices can swing like crazy, which makes them pretty much a no-go for investment. Some famous ones include Pepe ( PEPE ), Shiba Inu ( SHIB ), and the new Official Trump ( TRUMP ) memecoin linked to U.S. President Donald Trump. Read more: a16z crypto outlines top 5 trends shaping crypto’s future in 2025
Bitwise Asset Management has made its decentralized finance (DeFi) debut via an allocation with Maple Finance. The firm’s decision to wade into DeFi will grant it access to on-chain credit markets with regulatory compliance at the heart of the partnership. Bitwise Makes First DeFi Allocation Through Maple Finance Maple Finance has announced a partnership with Bitwise that will see the asset management firm access on-chain credit. According to a press release , Bitwise entered the DeFi space via an institutional allocation with Maple Finance in a pioneering move for the crypto index fund manager. The partnership will see Bitwise lean on Maple’s regulatory-compliant infrastructure to access “yield-generation opportunities” in the DeFi ecosystem. Bitwise’s allocation with Maple provides a measure of structure and transparency in the “Wild West” of DeFi as it enters into unknown terrain. The move is expected to signal Bitwise’s transition away from traditional fixed income toward on-chain lending markets. “Across all our active solutions at Bitwsise, we’ve always sought to take advantage of crypto-native investments that generate dynamic uncorrelated returns,” said Bitwise Head of Alpha Strategies Jeff Park. Bitwise’s decision to partner with Maple is not a flash in the pan. Park cites Maple’s experience in the space with institutional capital, particularly its risk management frameworks or institutions. Maple has a streak of issuing overcollaterized loans backed by cryptocurrencies. “Maple’s deep expertise and battle-tested infrastructure position Bitwise and our clients well to access the opportunities with confidence and scale,” said Park. Bitwise’s Deepens Its Position In The Cryptoverse Bitwise, the largest crypto index fund manager in the US is sizzling with activity in recent weeks. The company has filed an S-1 for an Aptos ETF with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The insitution’s plan is to provide regulated APT exposure to investors, tracking the value of the layer 1 blockchain. The fund manager says it will donate 10% of its ETF earnings toward the open-source development of Bitcoin . The firm has rolled out a raft of crypto-based ETFs, inching forward with a potential launch for a Dogecoin ETF. The registration of the legal entity for the memecoin-based ETF is fuelling speculation for Dogecoin price to reach $6 . The post Bitwise Ventures Into DeFi With Maple Finance Partnership appeared first on CoinGape .
Solana has demonstrated remarkable resilience in its decentralized exchange (DEX) trading volumes, recently rivaling the established Ethereum ecosystem amid recent market fluctuations. In a recent analysis by asset manager VanEck,
In a recent address, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized the potential implications of tariffs as a singular economic adjustment rather than a continuous measure. The remarks come in light
Today, hundreds of millions of people own bitcoin and other tokens hosted on blockchains worth trillions of dollars. Increasingly, though, blockchains host far more than tokens. In fact, blockchains are our future tech stack, and they can host sophisticated Web apps too, which live fully-onchain, just like tokens. These apps are implemented entirely from network-resident code (i.e. smart contract software and its evolutions). This has huge potential: by the end of 2025, more than 5 billion people will own internet-connected smartphones with Web browsers. So what might drive them to create and use fully-onchain web apps, which can sport seamless Web3 functionality? I believe a new blockchain revolution is imminent, thanks to advancing AI and “self-writing app” technology. This relates to an important emerging trend called “vibe coding.” Vibe coding involves software engineers using tools with integrated AI that can write and fix software code on their behalf, making them much more productive. The self-writing apps paradigm takes this much further, by enabling non-technical users to create, own and update apps simply by instructing AI over chat. For reasons I will explain, blockchain is in a unique position to help bring this revolutionary functionality to the world. In the future, an individual will be able to create a personal branding website, or something like a custom wedding planning app for a family member getting married, just by talking to AI. An entrepreneur without technical staff or money will be able to create a new kind of e-commerce website, or build a sharing economy app with Web3 rails. And, an enterprise will be able to create sophisticated CRM functionality, for an infinitesimally small fraction of the investment in time and money that is currently required. All just by talking, without the need for software engineering or systems administration skills. In this new development paradigm, everyday users will issue instructions to AI over chat, and simply refresh their web browser moments later to interact with their new or updated app. Apps living on blockchains have a number of valuable features. They are sovereign and censorship-resistant, because they live on a public network, they are tamperproof, which means they are secure without depending on cybersecurity, incredibly resilient, and can seamlessly integrate powerful web3 functionalities because they live on-chain. In addition, blockchain technology solves major problems involved with having AI build solo on traditional IT. For example, the code that runs on traditional IT must be written carefully to avoid introducing security holes, and the whole platform is sensitive to security configurations, from cloud accounts, to operating systems running on cloud instances like Linux, to hosted platform software such as databases and web servers. This means traditional IT infrastructure must often be further protected by cybersecurity systems such as firewalls and anti-malware. Failover , and backup and restore, are another concern, and service providers must be trusted. Trusting AI to build solo on traditional IT is a stretch, because even a single mistake can lead to a cyberattack that results in data exfiltration, or ransomware encrypting data. Blockchains make it far easier for AI to build solo in many different ways. For example, the network-resident code blockchains host is “serverless,” greatly simplifying the coding tasks AI must perform, allowing code to be produced faster. On the Internet Computer network, code can also serve secure interactive web experiences directly to end users, and can store and process massive amounts of data efficiently, and even be used to build things such as a fully-onchain social network (e.g oc.app) or an important enterprise application. At DFINITY, we are great believers in self-writing apps running on public blockchains, which we term the “self-writing internet,” and have been developing supporting technologies for some years. For self-writing apps to reach their maximum potential, it must be possible not only for users to create them by talking, but also to continue updating and improving them in production, so they can talk until they have what they need, or a design that is optimal. Unless users can continue updating apps running in production, the total market addressed by the self-writing app paradigm will reach only a tiny fraction of its tremendous potential. DFINITY has been developing a programming language framework called Motoko for usage by AI, as well as humans. When a user updates an app by adding or changing functionality, the AI must also describe how to update the structure of data inside the app, so that none is lost. When the AI tries to install an update, the framework is able to detect if a mistake has been made that would cause even a small amount of data to be lost unintentionally, so that it can ask the AI to try again. We believe the self-writing internet will democratize and decentralize tech on blockchain, and are excited that a new platform called Caffeine.ai will soon be released. Just by interacting with Caffeine over chat, users will create, own and update sovereign apps on the Internet Computer, and the World Computer more broadly, which for us is the amalgamation of all blockchains that can host tokens and smart contract software. In the future, it will be possible to say “build me a personal Google Photos, which I can share with my family and friends, where we can add comments and emoji reactions to photos,” or “build me a remittance system so I can pay my international contractors using stablecoins.” On blockchains, human imagination, rather than technical skills, will increasingly be the limit when creating web apps. The utility unlocked will drive massive adoption of blockchain – although, oftentimes, users may not be aware that blockchain lies behind their game-changing experiences. I have long talked about a “blockchain singularity” occurring where decentralized networks become a major new tech stack. I think this is how we get there, and the future is almost here.
Solana trading volumes briefly topped the entire Ethereum ecosystem’s in February.
The $1.5 billion hack of Bybit — the largest in crypto history — has put the entire industry on high alert. The attack, reportedly carried out by North Korea's Lazarus Group, resulted in the theft of over 401,000 ETH, reinforcing the reality that no exchange is safe from sophisticated cyber threats, and any platform can be at risk. Bybit’s response is critical. The positive takeaway is that Bybit has re-established a 1:1 asset backing for its clients and closed the “ether gap.” However, this temporary situation — where users shoulder the burden of centralized exchange (CEX) security failures could drive staking participants toward self-custody, keeping only the bare minimum on exchanges for transactions. While the full fallout of this breach is still unfolding, it may serve as a catalyst for both retail and institutional staking participants to rethink their strategies. Here’s how the hack could reshape staking. Potential Staking Losses The hack resulted in the theft of approximately 400,000 ETH, which is nearly $1 billion in losses at an average price of $2,600 per ETH. Beyond the immediate financial hit, the Ethereum staking yield — hovering around 4% annually — means a loss of roughly 16,000 ETH in yearly staking rewards. For perspective, if these stolen ETH were spread out across 100 stakers, each would have lost 160 ETH in rewards. This is a significant blow, particularly for retail investors who may lack the financial resilience to absorb such losses. Declining Staking Share on Centralized Exchanges The Bybit hack may be a turning point for the crypto industry, highlighting the risks of staking on centralized platforms. The trend is already visible in recent data: in the last six months, the amount of staked ETH on centralized exchanges has dropped from 8,597,984 ETH in September 2024 to 8,024,288 ETH in February 2025, representing a 6.67% decline. This change comes amid growing concerns about security and transparency on centralized platforms. Additionally, following the hack from Feb. 20 to Feb. 23, staked ETH on CEXs fell by 0.56%, while on-chain staking (excluding CEXs) increased by 0.31%. This suggests a shift in the staking landscape, with users increasingly moving their assets away from centralized exchanges to more secure, non-custodial staking solutions or hardware wallets. This change could have long-term implications for the crypto market. Centralized exchanges, which have long dominated the staking ecosystem, may see their influence wane. As stakers migrate to decentralized alternatives, CEXs’ roles in governance, reward distribution, and network upgrades could diminish. In the long-term, this may result in the reshaping of the staking market, with decentralized alternatives taking center stage. Institutional Adoption at Risk High-profile hacks like Bybit's inevitably make institutional investors more cautious about entering the crypto market. When auditors evaluate staking products, including ETH ETFs, billion-dollar security breaches can prompt legal and compliance teams to hit the brakes on crypto allocations. This stagnation could push back the timeline for achieving new price highs and delaying broader adoption. Given the rising threat of hacks, it is crucial for both retail and institutional investors to embrace audited and certified self-custody solutions. Securing assets through non-custodial wallets and decentralized platforms can significantly mitigate the risks posed by centralized exchanges. At the same time, exchanges need to work to rebuild trust by enhancing their security measures, conducting regular audits, and offering insurance schemes for users affected by breaches. Moreover, the entire crypto community — including developers, exchanges, regulators, and users — needs to come together to balance innovation with security. This collaboration is essential for the long-term viability of the industry. By strengthening the overall security infrastructure, we can create an environment where both retail and institutional participants can confidently engage with the crypto market.