As we push into 2025, the crypto market is gearing up for a potential transformation, especially with Bitcoin’s halving being right around the corner. Investors are looking for something more substantial than the usual speculation. Projects that not only have hype but real use cases and solid models are coming into the spotlight. Let's take a look at the cryptos that could make waves this coming year, focusing on startup banking and crypto payroll solutions for those of us with our feet in both the crypto and startup worlds.
Shifting Priorities in Crypto Markets
Gone are the days of hopping from one hyped coin to the next. Retail traders are now keen on options that promise high rewards for the long term, emphasizing projects that are driven by real-world applications. In this climate, the upcoming bull run seems like it will shift from the usual suspects to those looking to be useful and innovative, especially in lending, payroll solutions, and small payments.
Potential Top Gainers
Cold Wallet (CWT): The Cash Back Option
Cold Wallet stands out by offering real utility while also presenting enticing token rewards. The platform provides cashback in $CWT tokens in return for swaps, gas fees, and bridging, with all these features operational since the presale. Currently, in Stage 16 out of 150, Cold Wallet is priced at $0.00942 per token, drastically undercutting its launch price of $0.3517. That's a 37x upside before considering any price increases post-launch. It's already fetched over $5.7 million and found a home on CoinMarketCap, painting it as a challenger in the startup banking and crypto payroll solutions arena.
Solana (SOL): Real and Behind the Hype
More than just a backup to Ethereum, Solana is maintaining its pole position as a leading blockchain. Its swift speeds and low fees keep attracting projects in NFTs, DeFi, and real-world applications. Institutional backing is also filtering back, which should boost the project’s position further. Its developer activity continues robustly, and the total value locked is growing steadily. Solana is definitely one to watch as heavyweights with capital focus in on it for newly caught projects.
Kaspa (KAS): New Proof of Work
Kaspa is emerging as a fast, scalable Proof of Work project, thanks to its blockDAG setup. It’s poised to win some interest for sticking with the decentralization mantra amidst Ethereum's shift to Proof of Stake. Miners and small-cap backers are starting to recognize KAS, courtesy of its speedy block confirmations and smooth propagation. As discussions of censorship resistance gain traction, perhaps Kaspa is about to get another wave of crypto love as the market evolves.
Ethereum (ETH): Always there and still a Titan
Despite being critiqued for charging higher fees than smaller tokens, Ethereum remains the bedrock of DeFi and Layer 2 solutions. The EIP-4844 (Proto-Danksharding) implementation has reduced rollup fees, boosting Ethereum’s scalability. Its shift to staking and deflationary supply, backed by an unmatched developer community, ensure it stays a titan in the crypto universe. While not always a moonshot, ETH is integral to any comprehensive investment strategy as these time frames move.
Why This Matters
The startup and small business sectors will need crypto teams and those focusing on tight pay protocols. Having crypto payroll solutions will matter deeply, especially when those who depend on the paycheck get paid later than they should.
Crypto Treasury Management
Effective crypto treasury management could be crucial to the success of startups. Think diversifying holdings and keeping up with regulatory standards, which can help wield crypto assets effectively. Doing this will not just protect funds but also position them for growth.
Managing Salary Volatility
Those implementing crypto payroll solutions will need to keep a keen eye on the volatility of cryptocurrencies. Using stablecoins for salaries and automating processes can reduce price fluctuation exposure and ensure pay stability. Not only that, stable payments help us reach those in developing regions.
Summary
This juxtaposition of hype versus real substance often hinges on timing but, more fundamentally, on working products, models and pricing. Cold Wallet, Solana, Kaspa and Ethereum could all experience growth in this emerging market. With Bitcoin's halving close, and altcoin interest resurfacing, marrying extensive research with strategic timing could be key for investing and working. This is an opportune moment for those projects built for future sustainability.
