Top Altcoins to Buy and Hold for Long Term: Qubetics, Bittensor TAO, and Arbitrum

IoTeX Integrates with Fireblocks for Enhanced Security and Accessibility IoTeX, the leading blockchain platform for decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN), has partnered with Fireblocks, an enterprise platform specializing in digital asset operations on blockchain technology. This collaboration aims to make native IOTX and IoTeX-based assets more accessible to institutional investors and enterprises globally. By leveraging Fireblocks' cutting-edge infrastructure, which includes MPC technology and Intel SGX, institutional users can securely store, manage, and transfer IOTX tokens, ensuring seamless operations at scale. For centralized exchanges and wallet providers, integrating with Fireblocks offers the tools needed to support IoTeX's expanding ecosystem. This integration is expected to enhance liquidity, driving the adoption of IoTeX-based assets among a wider range of users and institutions. Raullen Chai, CEO of IoTeX, highlighted the significance of this partnership in bringing institutional-grade security and accessibility to IoTeX's ecosystem, fostering new liquidity channels and adoption for their tokens.

The landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure is evolving, with a strong emphasis on three key pillars: computing power, algorithms, and data. Initially, the focus was on enhancing computing power, leading companies to invest heavily in GPUs and data centers. Notably, Web3 mining firms like Coreweave transitioned to AI data centers, while distributed computing platforms such as IO and Aether gained traction. As advancements reduced computing bottlenecks, the spotlight shifted towards edge capabilities and the role of blockchain in incentivizing user participation through token mechanisms, marking a significant evolution in AI infrastructure. As the AI industry progresses, the emphasis has now turned toward algorithms and models, with innovations like DeepSeek V3 prompting critical discussions about cost reduction in AI-Generated Content (AIGC) production and the feasibility of privacy-preserving distributed computing frameworks. Despite the limited current applications of crypto projects in this area, the potential for growth remains substantial. However, the data layer presents a significant challenge, as the availability of high-quality, well-structured data for effective model training is in question. Projects like Grass, aimed at rescraping internet data, highlight the need for clean training data and breaking down data silos to facilitate sharing while maintaining privacy. Roam, a pioneering Web3 project, is addressing these challenges by creating a global open wireless network that transforms private data into AI-ready datasets. Supported by industry alliances, Roam's innovative Global WiFi OpenRoaming™ + eSIM Top-Up product incentivizes user participation and ensures seamless connectivity. By breaking down barriers to private data access, Roam enhances data sharing while prioritizing security and privacy. This initiative not only empowers AI agents to operate across various devices but also lays the groundwork for a new era of AI integration with the Internet of Things (IoT), signaling a transformative shift towards a silicon-based civilization where AI and humanity coexist harmoniously.

Starpower, a startup that develops decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePINs), has raised $2.5 million in new financing, bringing its total funding to $4 million. Framework Ventures led the round. Solana Ventures and Bitscale Capital provided additional support, according to a release shared with The Block. Starpower is creating a decentralized network of energy sources, including storage batteries and electric vehicles, to help meet power needs. Its protocol amassed 1.5 million registered wallets and over 16,000 activated devices, in addition to $1 million in revenue, the release continues. The firm intends to use the funds to continue building its decentralized platform and increase efforts to improve user adoption. Start your day with the most influential events and analysis happening across the digital asset ecosystem. Enter Email Also receive The Scoop, The Funding, and our weekly Data & Insights newsletters By signing-up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy “Starpower envisions a future where decentralized energy solutions address the real-world challenges of renewable energy volatility and the growing energy demands of AI," said Laser Ding, CEO and Co-Founder of Starpower. "By integrating advanced batteries (DeSci) into a resilient, decentralized network, Starpower ensures stable, scalable energy while alleviating pressure on the power grid." Starpower previously raised $1.5 million in pre-seed funding led by the DAO Alliance.

Nosana is making significant strides in the decentralized computing landscape with its innovative GPU-based compute grid designed specifically for AI inference tasks. By leveraging underutilized consumer-grade GPUs, Nosana offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional cloud providers, boasting savings of up to 2.5 times. In 2024 alone, the network completed 985,000 jobs, driven by a surge in demand following the onboarding of 1,000 new nodes. With 29.7 million NOS tokens staked, valued at approximately $92.4 million, the project is gearing up for its mainnet launch scheduled for Q1 2025, which will fully operationalize its GPU compute grid. Initially launched in 2021 to provide decentralized automation services for developers, Nosana pivoted towards AI inference in response to the explosive growth in AI demand post-ChatGPT. This strategic shift was motivated by the realization that the need for AI computational resources was outpacing supply, leading to high costs. By creating a marketplace where individuals can rent out their idle GPU power, Nosana not only addresses this demand but also allows GPU owners to earn passive income. The project’s focus on AI inference positions it uniquely in the decentralized computing sector, aiming to provide accessible and affordable resources for AI developers and researchers. Nosana's ecosystem is further strengthened by partnerships with various organizations, enhancing its GPU marketplace's capabilities. Collaborations with companies like Matrix One and PiKNiK illustrate the versatility of Nosana's network in handling diverse computational tasks. As the project prepares for its mainnet launch, the NOS token will play a crucial role in facilitating transactions and governance within the network. With a dynamic staking rewards system in place, Nosana is poised to attract and retain node operators, ensuring the sustainability and growth of its decentralized compute grid in the competitive AI landscape.

The blockchain industry is currently experiencing significant fluctuations, particularly highlighted by the latest price analysis of Filecoin (FIL). Despite positive market signals and technical support, FIL struggles to maintain upward momentum, currently priced around $5.14. The analysis indicates a mix of highs and lows, with stability found near $4.85. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 56 suggests a cautiously optimistic outlook, although challenges from major cloud storage firms and regulatory uncertainties remain. The resistance level at $8.42, linked to the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement, is critical for any potential price recovery. Investors are watching these developments closely, hoping for a resurgence in Filecoin's market performance. In parallel, the Web3 ecosystem is expanding rapidly, bridging the gap between decentralized and traditional finance. Partnerships, such as that between Pyth Network and Revolut, showcase how decentralized frameworks can enhance the financial sector by providing real-time data to blockchain applications. This evolution encourages traditional financial institutions to explore decentralized markets, paving the way for broader adoption. As the Web3 ecosystem matures, advancements in data sharing, security, and decentralized finance (DeFi) are becoming more practical, solidifying a robust foundation for future growth. A standout player in this evolving landscape is Web3Bay, which is revolutionizing e-commerce by integrating blockchain technology with a user-centric approach. The platform has successfully raised over $630K and sold 175 million of its 3BAY tokens at an attractive price of $0.0039675. Web3Bay emphasizes community governance, allowing token holders to participate in decision-making processes as it transitions towards a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO). This community-focused model not only empowers users but also enhances the value of transactions through discounts. With plans for NFT marketplaces and cross-chain interactions, Web3Bay is poised to redefine the future of decentralized e-commerce, making it a promising opportunity for those interested in digital asset trading.

The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a significant surge in activity, particularly with the introduction of Bitcoin and Ethereum Spot ETFs. Major financial players like BlackRock, VanEck, and Fidelity are injecting substantial liquidity into the market, which has shown resilience despite challenges faced in 2024. Nate Geraci, co-founder of the ETF Store and the ETF Institute, emphasizes the growing interest in digital assets and predicts a bright future for crypto ETFs. He highlights that these financial products provide investors with easier access to complex markets, enhancing their investment portfolios. As we look ahead to 2025, Geraci forecasts a positive trajectory for crypto ETFs, driven by shifting political trends and potential leadership changes at the SEC. With pro-crypto figures like Paul Atkins likely to succeed Gary Gensler, the landscape for crypto ETFs could become more favorable. Geraci anticipates the launch of an Ethereum Spot ETF that includes staking, which could reignite interest in Ethereum. Additionally, he predicts that crypto index ETFs from Bitwise and Grayscale will gain approval, expanding the range of financial products available in the sector. The integration of traditional finance with decentralized finance is also noteworthy, as seen with the emergence of crypto indices like the Meme Index, catering to various investor profiles. Geraci suggests that Vanguard may reconsider its stance on crypto ETFs in 2025, potentially capitalizing on market opportunities. Furthermore, he predicts the approval of Solana and XRP Spot ETFs, fueled by optimism surrounding regulatory developments. As the regulatory environment evolves, particularly with Donald Trump’s anticipated presidency, the U.S. could solidify its position as a global cryptocurrency hub, making 2025 a pivotal year for crypto ETFs.