Startup funding in the crypto and tech space just hit a record high in Q1! Sounds like fantastic news, right? Well, buckle up because while the numbers look amazing on the surface, a deeper dive reveals a less rosy picture for the future, especially as we look towards 2025. Is this a fleeting moment of exuberance before a potential downturn? Let’s unpack the latest PitchBook report and see what’s really going on in the world of venture capital and startup funding . Is Record Startup Funding a Mirage? On the face of it, the numbers are undeniably impressive. Startups globally raked in a whopping $91.5 billion in venture capital during the first quarter of this year, according to PitchBook. That’s not just a small bump; it’s an 18.5% leap from the previous quarter and the second-highest quarterly investment figure in the last decade! Check out these key highlights: Massive Growth: Q1 saw an 18.5% increase in venture capital compared to the last quarter. Decade Highs: This is the second-strongest quarter for startup investment in ten years. Headline Number: $91.5 billion poured into startups in just three months. However, before you start popping champagne bottles, let’s hear from Kyle Stanford, PitchBook’s lead U.S. venture capital analyst. He’s been watching this market for 11 years, and he’s currently sounding the alarm bells. Why? Because beneath the surface of these record numbers, there are some serious concerns brewing, particularly about the 2025 outlook . Why is the 2025 Outlook So Awful Despite Record Funding? Stanford’s pessimism isn’t about the present; it’s about what he sees coming down the pipeline in 2025. The Silicon Valley playbook relies on a cycle of investment, growth, and exits – ideally through IPOs or major acquisitions. These exits generate returns for investors and founders, who then reinvest that capital back into the startup ecosystem. It’s a virtuous cycle when it works. The expectation was that 2025 would be the year of significant exits. But, as Stanford points out, several factors have thrown a wrench into these plans: Market Volatility: The stock market is experiencing significant turbulence, partly due to geopolitical factors and economic uncertainties. Recession Fears: Concerns about a potential recession are looming, fueled by global economic policies. IPO Hesitancy: Startups are wary of launching IPOs in a depressed market where stock prices are vulnerable. As Stanford bluntly put it to Bitcoin World, “Liquidity that everyone was hoping for doesn’t look like it’s going to happen with everything that’s gone on the past two weeks.” We’re already seeing the impact, with companies like Klarna and Hinge reportedly reconsidering or postponing their IPO plans due to the current market turbulence. The Uneven Distribution of Venture Capital: OpenAI’s Mammoth Round Another critical point Stanford raises is that the headline startup funding numbers are masking some underlying weaknesses. A huge chunk of the Q1 investment – a staggering 44% of the $91.5 billion – went to a single company: OpenAI, with its massive $40 billion funding round. Let’s break down where the money actually went: Category Percentage of Total Q1 Funding OpenAI (Single Company) 44% Top 9 Other Companies (>$500M Rounds) 27% Remaining Startups 29% As you can see, a significant 71% of the total venture capital in Q1 was concentrated in just ten companies. While these are undoubtedly innovative and impactful businesses, this concentration highlights a critical issue: many other startups are likely facing a much tougher fundraising environment. “Those deals are really masking the challenges many founders are going through,” Stanford warns. Down Rounds and Startup Shutdowns: What’s on the Horizon? For a while now, analysts and investors have been predicting a shakeout in the startup world, ever since the era of zero interest rate policies (ZIRP) ended in 2022. While some startups have indeed failed, many others managed to survive by cutting costs and benefiting from a surprisingly resilient economy. However, this might be a temporary reprieve. The concern is that 2025 outlook remains bleak. If a recession hits, these startups, already operating on tight margins, could face a severe revenue crunch. This could lead to: Down Rounds: Startups forced to raise funding at valuations lower than previous rounds. Acquisitions at Discounts: Companies being acquired for significantly less than their perceived worth. Startup Shutdowns: Ultimately, some startups may be forced to close down completely. Stanford emphasizes that startups were pinning their hopes on a 2025 market recovery. Instead, a potentially worsening economy could accelerate the demise of many struggling businesses. The record startup funding in Q1 might be a last hurrah before a more challenging period. To learn more about the latest AI market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping AI features.
The collaboration prevented a significant loss of funds for Ethereum users. Authorities utilized advanced techniques to identify and warn potential victims. Continue Reading: Authorities Collaborate to Stop Ethereum Fraud Ring, Saving Millions The post Authorities Collaborate to Stop Ethereum Fraud Ring, Saving Millions appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency and blockchain, efficiency is king. Imagine applying that same principle to Artificial Intelligence. Microsoft researchers have just dropped a bombshell, announcing a revolutionary new AI model that’s not just powerful, but also incredibly efficient. Dubbed BitNet b1.58 2B4T, this groundbreaking model is designed to run smoothly on CPUs, even the ones in your everyday devices like Apple’s M2 chips. What does this mean for the future of AI and its potential intersection with crypto? Let’s dive deep into this exciting development. Unveiling BitNet: The Hyper-Efficient AI Model Microsoft is making waves with its latest creation, BitNet b1.58 2B4T. But what exactly is a “bitnet,” and why should you care? Think of bitnets as the streamlined athletes of the AI world. They are designed for maximum performance with minimal resources. Here’s the breakdown: Compressed Models for Lightweight Hardware: Bitnets are essentially compressed AI models. This compression is key because it allows them to run on hardware that isn’t necessarily top-of-the-line, like standard CPUs. Quantization for Efficiency: Traditional AI models often use complex “weights” – the internal settings that guide the model’s learning. To make these models more versatile, these weights are often “quantized.” Quantization reduces the number of bits needed to represent these weights, making the model lighter and faster. The 1-bit Innovation: BitNet takes quantization to the extreme. Instead of using the typical range of values for weights, it compresses them down to just three: -1, 0, and 1. This radical simplification is what makes BitNet models incredibly memory and computationally efficient . Imagine the implications for applications in the crypto space! Faster, leaner AI could power more responsive and accessible decentralized applications, improve blockchain analytics, and even enhance security protocols without requiring massive server farms. BitNet b1.58 2B4T: A New Milestone in AI Accessibility Microsoft’s BitNet b1.58 2B4T isn’t just another bitnet; it’s the largest one yet, boasting 2 billion parameters. Parameters, in this context, are essentially the same as the “weights” we discussed earlier. Here’s why this is significant: Scale and Performance: This model, trained on a massive dataset of 4 trillion tokens (think 33 million books!), demonstrates that even at a large scale, the efficient AI model approach of BitNet holds strong. Outperforming Similar Models: According to Microsoft researchers, BitNet b1.58 2B4T isn’t just holding its own; it’s outperforming traditional AI models of similar size. It surpasses models like Meta’s Llama 3.2 1B, Google’s Gemma 3 1B, and Alibaba’s Qwen 2.5 1.5B on key benchmarks. Speed and Memory Advantage: Perhaps the most impressive aspect is speed. BitNet b1.58 2B4T is reportedly twice as fast as other models of its size in some tests, all while using significantly less memory. This is a game-changer for deploying AI in resource-constrained environments. For crypto enthusiasts, this opens up possibilities for integrating sophisticated AI functionalities directly into wallets, decentralized exchanges, and other platforms, without the need for heavy infrastructure. Think about faster transaction processing, more intelligent smart contracts, and enhanced user experiences, all powered by lightweight AI . The CPU Advantage: Democratizing AI Processing The ability of BitNet b1.58 2B4T to run on CPUs is a core part of its appeal and a potential paradigm shift. Why is running on a CPU so important? Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness: CPUs are ubiquitous. They are in our laptops, desktops, and even smartphones. Unlike GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), which are often specialized and expensive, CPUs are readily available and more affordable. This drastically lowers the barrier to entry for running advanced AI models. Wider Deployment Opportunities: Because CPUs are so common, BitNet models can be deployed across a much wider range of devices. This is crucial for applications that need to be accessible to a broad user base, including many within the cryptocurrency community who may not have access to high-end hardware. Energy Efficiency: CPUs are generally more energy-efficient than GPUs for certain types of tasks, especially when dealing with models like BitNet that are designed for efficiency. This aligns with the growing focus on sustainability in both AI and crypto spaces. Imagine a future where running complex AI algorithms is as commonplace as running any other software on your computer. BitNet on CPU brings us closer to that reality, making sophisticated AI more accessible to everyone, not just those with access to powerful GPU clusters. Challenges and the Path Forward for BitNet and AI Accessibility While BitNet b1.58 2B4T is a significant step forward, there are challenges to consider: Framework Dependency: To achieve peak performance, BitNet b1.58 2B4T currently requires Microsoft’s custom framework, bitnet.cpp. This framework has hardware limitations and, notably, does not yet support GPUs, which are the dominant force in AI infrastructure. Compatibility Hurdles: The reliance on a specific framework and limited hardware compatibility presents a challenge for widespread adoption. For BitNet to truly take off, broader hardware support and potentially more versatile frameworks are needed. Performance Trade-offs: While BitNet is efficient and fast, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t “sweep the floor” with all rival models in terms of raw performance. It holds its own and excels in efficiency, but in scenarios where absolute top performance is paramount and resources are abundant, other models might still be preferred. Despite these challenges, the promise of AI accessibility through models like BitNet is undeniable. The future likely holds further developments in bitnet technology, including: Expanded Hardware Support: Efforts to broaden compatibility to include GPUs and a wider range of CPUs are crucial. Framework Development: Creating more open and versatile frameworks that support bitnets could accelerate adoption and innovation. Optimization and Scaling: Continued research into further optimizing bitnet architectures and scaling them to even larger and more complex models will be key to unlocking their full potential. BitNet: A Glimpse into the Future of Lightweight AI Microsoft’s BitNet b1.58 2B4T is more than just a technical achievement; it’s a glimpse into a future where AI is more democratized, accessible, and efficient . By proving that large-scale AI models can run effectively on CPUs, BitNet challenges the conventional wisdom that powerful AI requires massive computational resources. For the cryptocurrency world, this breakthrough could pave the way for more integrated, responsive, and user-friendly decentralized applications. As AI continues to evolve, innovations like BitNet will be instrumental in shaping a future where AI is not just powerful, but also sustainable and within reach for everyone. To learn more about the latest lightweight AI trends, explore our article on key developments shaping AI features.
The crypto market has faced a turbulent start to 2025, with an alarming **18.6% decline** in its total market capitalization amid escalating recession fears. This downturn has culminated in a
COINOTAG News reported on April 17th that recent market trends reveal significant shifts in cryptocurrency investments. According to Farside monitoring, there was a net outflow of $8.2 million from ETHE,
As Bitcoin’s demand shows signs of recovery, concerns arise from ETF outflows and miner behaviors that may stifle upward momentum. Despite a brief resurgence in Bitcoin’s 30-day apparent demand, market
PEPE’s price action has been relatively quiet in the past few weeks. The meme coin has been quietly going through a continued wave of selloffs amidst the volatility in the wider crypto market. However, an interesting technical analysis shows that the chart structure of PEPEUSDT is pointing to a massive move to the upside, one that could send the token soaring by as much as 796% before the end of 2025. As the broader crypto market continues to move sideways, crypto analyst MasterAnanda identified a short-term higher low forming around support levels, which could act as the launchpad for a major PEPE price breakout. Short-Term Higher Low Points To Strong Accumulation Zone The bullish outlook on PEPE is based on the repeat of a similar price formation that played out in 2024 before its run to new price highs and eventually its current all-time high of $0.00002803. According to the price chart shared by the analyst on the TradingView platform, PEPE initially traded in a descending channel between May to September 2024 before eventually breaking out of the channel. After breaking out of the channel, PEPE went on a brief uptrend and another downside which led to the creation of a lower low, before eventually going on an extended rally that peaked in December 2024. Related Reading: PEPE Price Breaks Ascending Triangle To Target Another 20% Crash Notably, it seems the same structure is showing up again on the PEPE price chart, specifically on the daily candlestick timeframe. In the analysis, MasterAnanda marks April as the period where PEPE bottomed out within a descending channel. Since then, two distinct highs and two clear lows have shaped what appears to be a reversal structure. Most notably, a new higher low is beginning to form a pattern that, according to previous price action, could precede a bullish wave. The analyst labels this as a important stage, especially for spot traders who are positioning for long-term growth. Although there could be weakness in the short term, which could result in one last shakeout or another downside wick, the analyst noted that this shouldn’t worry spot investors. It may offer a final opportunity to accumulate before momentum builds toward a new cycle high. On the other hand, leveraged traders are advised to proceed with caution and risk management, given the potential volatility during the build-up to the breakout. Fibonacci Levels Show 480% To 796% Rally Target The chart highlights a significant confluence around Fibonacci extension levels, with the 1.618 Fib level suggesting a possible 480% move and the more ambitious 2.618 extension pointing to a 796% upside. Interestingly, MasterAnanda noted that the numbers are huge. Related Reading: Analyst Says PEPE Price Must Break This Resistance Level For 150% Surge Toward ATHs Although these targets are just projections, they align with the previous rally seen in late 2024. If this prediction structure holds, the next rally could push PEPE beyond the 1.618 Fib level at $0.0004264, surpassing all prior highs and printing a new all-time high in 2025. At the time of writing, PEPE is trading at $0.00000708, down by 4.7% in the past 24 hours. Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from Tradingview.com
With Q2 underway, the hunt for the top cryptos to buy is intensifying. Momentum is shifting, and despite all the chatter, a few projects are starting to break away from the rest. BlockDAG, Hyperliquid, Sui, and Avalanche aren’t just holding on—they’re actively building and gaining attention for it. In a market full of hype cycles and fading trends, these four are hitting real milestones that could shape the story going into 2025. Let’s take a closer look at what they’re doing right. 1. BlockDAG (BDAG): A Fast-Rising Star Backed by Numbers BlockDAG (BDAG) is quickly becoming one of the top cryptos to buy , and its performance speaks volumes. The project has already raised over $214 million in its presale—all without relying on VC funding. Its token price has surged from $0.001 in batch 1 to $0.0248 in batch 27, delivering a 2,380% gain to early buyers. What sets it apart? BlockDAG uses a directed acyclic graph (DAG) structure instead of a traditional blockchain. That design enables multiple transactions to run at the same time, offering faster speeds and better energy efficiency. Paired with a more streamlined version of Bitcoin’s mining method, it’s built for performance. The network is already live in beta, giving developers a head start to test apps. On the security side, an audit by Halborn is complete, and Certik is working on another, reinforcing trust as the ecosystem expands. As the mainnet nears and listings on up to 10 major exchanges get closer, many analysts believe a $1 price in 2025 is realistic. Some even project more beyond that. BlockDAG may not be mainstream yet, but it’s checking all the boxes for serious long-term potential. 2. Hyperliquid (HYPE): Building Speed & Strength for DeFi Hyperliquid (HYPE) is carving out a space in DeFi with a custom-built Layer-1 chain using the HyperBFT consensus mechanism. It’s designed to process decentralized finance operations with speed and efficiency, and the growing numbers prove it’s working. The project now holds over $160 million in total value locked—a strong signal of early adoption. HYPE tokens were distributed via a well-received airdrop to loyal users last year. Today, the token trades around $12.28 with a market cap of roughly $4.1 billion. Analysts believe HYPE could reach $27.34 if adoption picks up and on-chain activity remains steady. That upside has put it on watchlists as one of the top cryptos to buy going into 2025. 3. Sui (SUI): Built for Web3, Backed by Major Players Sui (SUI) is a next-gen Layer-1 network built by former Meta engineers using the Rust language. It aims to deliver fast, scalable solutions for Web3 developers. It’s already caught the attention of major players like a16z, Binance Labs, Franklin Templeton, and Coinbase Ventures, giving it a strong foundation to grow. SUI currently trades at about $1.97 and carries a market cap of over $6.2 billion. Depending on future adoption, some forecasts point to a price of $11.50 in 2025, while more conservative estimates hover closer to $2.06. Either way, Sui’s technical depth and backer support make it a solid contender among the top cryptos to buy this year. 4. Avalanche (AVAX): Focused on Gaming & Growing Fast Avalanche (AVAX) has built a reputation for fast, efficient blockchain performance, and it’s now diving deep into the gaming world. Its subnet architecture allows for tailored chains, and that’s proven especially useful for hosting games like Shrapnel, Spellborne, Bloodloop, and Off the Grid. Backed by investment heavyweights like Pantera Capital, a16z, and Coinbase Ventures, Avalanche is also home to an expanding memecoin ecosystem. AVAX is currently priced around $16.34, with a market cap of approximately $6.79 billion. Analysts see potential for the token to hit $22 in 2025, particularly if the gaming push pays off. This unique angle keeps Avalanche in the discussion as one of the top cryptos to buy this cycle. Why These 4 Projects Stand Out From Avalanche’s push into gaming to Sui’s Web3 focus and Hyperliquid’s DeFi speed, each project on this list is solving real problems—and doing it with momentum. These aren’t just whitepapers and promises; they’re building live systems and attracting growing user bases. But one name rises above the rest: BlockDAG. It’s hitting major milestones fast—a working beta network, over $214 million raised in presale, and strong security audits, all without outside funding. With a 2,380% price jump already locked in and more batches selling out quickly, BDAG is gaining traction as the top crypto to buy now . If you’re looking for real growth potential instead of just buzz, these four projects deserve attention—but BlockDAG is shaping up to lead the charge. The post Here’s Why Analysts Are Watching BlockDAG, Hyperliquid, SUI, & Avalanche as the Top Cryptos to Buy appeared first on TheCoinrise.com .
A widely followed crypto analyst says one Solana ( SOL ) competitor may be gearing up for a breakout. In a new thread, crypto trader Michaël van de Poppe tells his 783,000 followers on the social media platform X that Sei ( SEI ) may increase more than 100% its current value if it breaks through a key resistance level. “SEI starts to show momentum. The Bitcoin pair has a strong bullish divergence on the higher timeframes and the USD pair faces a crucial resistance. Breaking through $0.20 opens up a continuation towards $0.30-$0.35.” Source: Michaël van de Poppe/X SEI is trading for $0.17 at time of writing, down 2.4% in the last 24 hours. Next up, the analyst says that Bitcoin ( BTC ) is in a consolidation phase that may lead to an explosive move to the upside. “Bitcoin is stuck in the final range. Another test of $87,000 and we’ll likely break upwards to the rally of a new all-time high.” Bitcoin is trading for $83,800 at time of writing, flat on the day. Lastly, the analyst says that Ethereum ( ETH ) may be kicking off an uptrend if the price of gold peaks, based on ETH’s historic inverse correlation with the precious metal. “A good start of the week, as ETH is +4% against Bitcoin. The ultimate question whether it will sustain or not, last months it has been giving back the returns in the days after. What to monitor? Gold peaking or not. If that’s the case, then we’ll see more strength on ETH.” Source: Michaël van de Poppe/X The analyst also says that ETH’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicator is flashing bullish, having entered oversold territory. The RSI is a momentum oscillator used to determine whether an asset is oversold or overbought. The RSI’s values range from zero to 100. A level between 70 and 100 indicates that an asset is overbought. The 0 to 30 level range indicates that an asset is oversold. “It’s been a bear market for 1,225 days for ETH, as, in this period, gold did a 2x. The lowest RSI on the weekly candle for ETH as well.” Source: Michaël van de Poppe/X ETH is trading for $1,589 at time of writing, down 2% in the last 24 hours. Follow us on X , Facebook and Telegram Don't Miss a Beat – Subscribe to get email alerts delivered directly to your inbox Check Price Action 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 Crypto Trader Says Solana Competitor Starting To Show Bullish Momentum, Updates Outlook on Bitcoin and Ethereum appeared first on The Daily Hodl .
In every market cycle, there’s one question investors chase: what’s the next big crypto that actually delivers? While some projects float on hype, a few are building with purpose. Right now, three names are dominating that discussion: Polkadot, SUI , and BlockDAG . Polkadot’s long-term roadmap is packed with promise, but monthly forecasts reveal volatility—some even hint at sub-$1 levels. SUI crypto? It just took a 20% nosedive and is now scraping its lowest level in six months. Meanwhile, BlockDAG is pulling off something the others aren’t: real-time traction . With over 1 million users actively mining on the X1 app , and presale returns already clocking a 2,380% gain , BDAG is converting momentum into actual value. Fast. Polkadot Price Forecast: Innovation Is There, but Can the Price Keep Up? Polkadot’s roadmap for 2025 is packed: DOT 2.0, Elastic Scaling, and new cross-chain features that aim to boost utility. Some analysts forecast a rise to $10–$12 by year-end, but these predictions depend on major adoption and sentiment shifts. Still, the Polkadot Price Forecast isn’t without risk. Monthly projections reveal volatility, with some dipping below $1 , even under optimistic models. It’s not a question of vision—Polkadot has that in spades. The real challenge? Convincing the market to wait for long-term returns while faster-moving tokens rewrite growth expectations overnight. SUI Crypto Drops 20%—Signal to Buy or Warning to Bail? SUI crypto just plunged 20% in 24 hours, falling below $2 and marking a new low not seen since October 2024. With an RSI of 31.69 and a near-oversold Money Flow Index , the usual indicators flash “buy”—but this time, the charts aren’t convincing. A descending channel is forming, and the Bull Bear Power indicator shows bears firmly in control. If SUI breaks below the 0.236 Fibonacci level, it could collapse toward $1 or even $0.45 . Oversold doesn’t always mean upside—sometimes, it’s just the calm before another drop. BlockDAG’s 1M+ Miners Aren’t Guessing—They’re Banking Daily BDAG Yields While others wait for catalysts, BlockDAG is generating action. Its X1 Miner App is now used by over 1 million people —not for test runs, but for real, daily BDAG mining. No fancy rigs. No high-power setups. Just a phone and up to 20 coins a day —mined quietly and effortlessly. But this isn’t about the app’s simplicity. It’s about what it taps into: a Layer 1 network that’s already delivered a 2,380% presale surge , with price targets of $1 in 2025 , $20 in 2027 , and $30 in 2030 . Every phone tap is stacking coins that could soon be worth serious money. So far, $214 million has been raised without a single VC. Over 19.2 billion BDAG tokens have been sold, and users still have a direct entry point through their smartphones. It’s crypto mining for the masses—no wallets, no gas, just download, tap, and stack. This isn’t experimental. It’s smart accumulation before BlockDAG’s mainnet goes live and BDAG hits exchanges. Because once liquidity opens, daily taps become daily yield , and each mined coin becomes part of a bigger payday. One Delivers, Two Wait for a Comeback Polkadot is preparing for long-term gains, but its path depends on adoption and patience. SUI crypto has hit oversold territory—but without technical strength, any rebound is uncertain. Both have potential, but neither are generating value right now. BlockDAG, on the other hand, is already producing results . With over 1 million daily miners, a $214M presale, and an ecosystem scaling faster than expected, it’s turning attention into action—and action into earnings. With projected price levels of $1 in 2025, $20 in 2027, and $30 in 2030 , every BDAG mined today could represent massive future profits. For those holding back, each unmined day is another missed chance. For those mining now? It’s already started paying off. The verdict? BlockDAG doesn’t just want to be the next big crypto —it’s already moving like it. Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network Website: https://blockdag.network Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu Continue Reading: SUI Crypto Crashes 20%, Polkadot Faces $1 Risk—BlockDAG Surges With 1M+ Miners & 2,380% ROI