Royalty (ROY) news

Who is Roman Novac? The Crypto Millionaire’s Rise, Scandals, and Mysterious Death

The story of crypto millionaire Roman Novac is a striking example of the volatile fortunes and complex risks embedded in the world of cryptocurrency. Once hailed for his charismatic persona and innovative vision, Roman Novac’s extraordinary journey—from rapid wealth accumulation to high-profile scandals and a sensational murder—offers vital lessons for investors and entrepreneurs navigating the crypto industry today. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Novak’s rise as a crypto millionaire, his business practices, allegations of fraud, and the controversial circumstances surrounding his death. Who is Roman Novac? Roman Novac is a Russian crypto millionaire who rose to prominence in the evolving digital asset landscape. Born in St. Petersburg in 1987, the crypto millionaire cemented his status by launching the Fintopio app, an innovative platform designed for fast cryptocurrency transfers. Roman Novac actively flaunted connections with powerful figures, claiming ties to Telegram founder Pavel Durov and notable Middle Eastern investors. Success quickly translated into a luxurious lifestyle. The crypto millionaire Roman Novac frequently shared glimpses of his wealth on social media, posting images of luxury cars, lavish estates, and global travels with his family. His public persona was carefully curated to reinforce his clout and success in the crypto arena. How Rich Was Crypto Millionaire Roman Novac? The fortune amassed by crypto millionaire Roman Novac was substantial. By 2024, it was widely reported that Roman Novac controlled nearly $500 million, derived from both his own holdings and sizeable investments from entrepreneurs across the Middle East, China, Russia, and beyond. Fintopio attracted significant capital by offering discounted app bonds and promising returns through exclusive tokens such as TON. Operating as a crypto millionaire, Roman Novac enticed investors with offers such as buying tokens at a steep discount in exchange for locking their assets within the platform. Claims of association with tech elites like Pavel Durov and Arab royalty further built trust among investors. However, many discovered too late that the crypto millionaire had constructed a house of cards. After securing investor funds, Roman Novac disappeared, leaving employees unpaid and investors at a loss—exposing the underlying risks for those entrusting funds to charismatic crypto millionaires without thorough due diligence. How Did the Crypto Millionaire Roman Novac Get Murdered? The Disappearance In early October 2025, Novak and his wife Anna disappeared under suspicious circumstances in the UAE. Relatives in Russia alerted authorities after losing contact with the couple. Anna’s father traveled to Dubai to bring their daughters back to Russia, while reporting the pair’s disappearance to the police. According to Russian and UAE investigators, the last known sighting of Novak and Anna was on October 2, when a personal driver transported them to the Hatta region, near the Oman border. They were supposedly en route to an “investment meeting” arranged at a rented villa, lured by individuals posing as serious business interests. After switching to another vehicle, the couple vanished without a trace. Phone tracking data later showed brief signals in Oman and then Cape Town, South Africa, but by October 4, all contact ceased. Kidnapping and Murder Authorities report that Novak and his wife were kidnapped and held for extortion. The perpetrators demanded either an enormous ransom or privileged access to Novak’s cryptocurrency wallets, but Novak was reportedly unable or unwilling to comply. When it became clear the attackers would not be paid, the couple were brutally murdered and dismembered. Roman and Anna’s remains were found dismembered near the UAE city of Fujairah. Investigators established that eight Russian citizens were involved, including three principal organizers and five intermediaries. Surveillance footage, telephone records, and forensic evidence linked them to the crime scene. The suspects allegedly rented vehicles and properties specifically for the kidnapping and subsequent concealment of the murders. Russian authorities, in coordination with the UAE, detained seven suspects within Russia, with extradition procedures expected. The brutality of the crime shocked both the crypto community and the general public, particularly given Novak’s prior high-profile legal issues. Speculations Surrounding the Crypto Millionaire's Death The high-profile status of crypto millionaire Roman Novac and his reputation for evasion and deception gave rise to widespread speculations. Within the crypto community and among his associates, some argued that the crypto millionaire could have staged his own death to escape mounting debts and threats from aggrieved investors. Reports surfaced about signals from Novac’s phone briefly appearing in locations such as Oman and even Cape Town, South Africa, before going completely silent. Yet, forensic analysis and corroborated witness statements convinced most authorities that the murder was genuine. Some believe the motivation was straightforward revenge by scammed investors, while others see it as a failed attempt to seize control of the crypto millionaire’s digital assets. The mystery and controversy swirling around the demise of Roman Novac continue to captivate the crypto world. Conclusion The dramatic saga of crypto millionaire Roman Novac encapsulates both the extraordinary potential and significant perils of the cryptocurrency sector. From his roots in St. Petersburg to stardom as a crypto millionaire and ultimately to a tragic and violent end, Roman Novac’s story highlights the importance of transparency, ethical conduct, and investor caution in a rapidly developing market. The life and death of crypto millionaire Roman Novac serve as a cautionary tale—and a reminder of the real risks that lurk behind the promise of digital riches.

Aria Protocol (ARIAIP): Tokenizing Iconic Music IP as Real-World Assets

Aria Protocol is an onchain platform that tokenizes and monetizes iconic intellectual property (IP) as real-world assets (RWAs), making traditionally illiquid music rights accessible to a global audience. Founded by David Kostiner and backed by $15 million from Polychain Capital, Neoclassic, and Story Foundation, Aria Protocol (ARIAIP) is now available on Bitget! What is Aria Protocol (ARIAIP)? Aria Protocol is an onchain platform that tokenizes and monetizes iconic intellectual property (IP) as real-world assets (RWAs), making traditionally illiquid rights accessible to investors, creators, and fans. The traditional IP market is valued at $61 trillion, but access and liquidity are limited because these assets are locked in legal contracts or corporate entities, accessible only to major players. Ordinary people rarely participate in the value or earnings from music, films, patents, or other iconic works. Aria Protocol is the onchain infrastructure stewarded by the Aria Foundation, enabling investors to access and earn income from iconic intellectual property RWAs. Built on the Story Protocol blockchain (designed for IP management) and supported by Aria Protocol Labs Inc., the platform brings cultural assets (starting with music) onchain as liquid, fungible tokens. Core Innovation: Aria Protocol transforms intellectual property into tradable, income-generating tokens and makes the IP asset class accessible and liquid. The platform tokenizes and fractionalizes IP rights into affordable tokens (IPRWA tokens), allowing broader participation and distributed ownership. IP earnings (royalties from music catalogs) are brought onchain and distributed automatically to token holders. An onchain value chain from fundraising to trading and remixing opens passive income and creative opportunities. Investors can browse, invest in, and earn from curated IP assets via purchase or staking of IPRWA tokens like $APL, which are linked to royalty-generating assets. Token holders receive proportional royalty distributions and can trade tokens on decentralized marketplaces. Rights holders can make IP remixable, launching contests and enabling new income streams for creators, remixers, and token holders. Who Created Aria Protocol (ARIAIP)? Aria Protocol was founded by David Kostiner (Co-Founder and Chief IP Officer). The team operates under Aria Protocol Labs Inc., in partnership with the Aria Foundation. David Kostiner (Co-Founder and Chief IP Officer): David is the founding partner of Counsel LLP, with expertise in IP law, digital rights and music business innovation. Kostiner co-founded IODA (Independent Online Distribution Alliance), which was acquired by Sony Music. He is an authority on music copyright, licensing, and tech-driven entertainment finance. Core Team: The team includes music executives, IP lawyers, blockchain engineers, and product developers with backgrounds in entertainment, Web3 startups, and finance. Key contributions come from advisors and partners in entertainment and decentralized technology, with input from Story Protocol, Polychain Capital, and Neoclassic. The team brings expertise from digital music distribution, intellectual property law, blockchain infrastructure, and venture investment in crypto and entertainment. There is no single CEO publicly listed for Aria Protocol Labs Inc. Kostiner acts as a key executive and public spokesperson. What VCs Back Aria Protocol (ARIAIP)? Aria Protocol has raised $15 million through seed and strategic funding rounds, backed by investors in the crypto, IP, and entertainment industries. Funding Rounds: ● Seed and Strategic Rounds (2025): $15 million raised at $50 million post-money valuation ● Public Launch: November 2025 ● IP Acquisition Fundraising: $10.95 million raised in February 2025 via Stakestone's LiquidityPad to acquire rights in music IP portfolios, including songs performed by Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, BLACKPINK, and BTS ● Additional Strategic Investment: $500,000 from OKX Ventures and Selini Capital Notable Investors: ● Polychain Capital (lead investor) ● Neoclassic Capital ● Story Protocol Foundation ● OKX Ventures ● Selini Capital ● Bron Labs Major Partnerships Aria Protocol has partnerships spanning IP infrastructure, blockchain ecosystems, entertainment platforms, and digital art. Story Protocol: Aria is built on Story Protocol, a Layer 1 blockchain designed for IP management and programmable licensing. The Story Foundation is a tech partner and strategic investor, with Aria tokens integrated into the Story ecosystem and 10% of ARIAIP supply reserved for the Story IP community. Global Music IP Holders: Aria partners with rights holders and catalog owners to acquire music IP, launching income-generating tokens tied to songs performed by global artists including Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, BLACKPINK, BTS, and Jisoo. Stakestone & LiquidityPad: Collaborated in February 2025 for a $10.95 million fundraising event to acquire music rights, using Stakestone's LiquidityPad platform for decentralized capital formation. Sedition Art Platform: Partnership to expand onchain IP tokenization to visual arts, allowing digital artists to fractionalize and monetize their work using Aria's infrastructure. Binance Alpha and Bithumb: Listing and trading partners for the ARIAIP token, providing global exchange access and airdrops. Aria PRIME (Korean Music Partnership): Institutional arm with a $100 million initiative focused on Korean music IP, in partnership with local industry leaders. Chainlink: Integrates with Chainlink for onchain pricing, asset verification, and royalty distribution. How Aria Protocol (ARIAIP) Works Aria Protocol turns iconic music and creative IP into blockchain tokens, allowing anyone to invest in, earn from, and remix these assets. Blockchain Infrastructure Aria Protocol operates on the Story blockchain, a Layer 1 protocol engineered for intellectual property management and tokenization, and leverages Ethereum-compatible standards for its smart contracts and asset interactions. Story is a proprietary Layer 1 chain optimized for IP management, programmable licensing, and royalty automation. Smart contract deployments and asset standards are compatible with Ethereum, facilitating interoperability and cross-chain activity. Technical Architecture Aria uses a three-layer architecture: Layer 1: Story Protocol Foundation ● Story blockchain foundation for legal-enforced digital rights ● Integration with DeFi platforms and marketplaces supporting Ethereum-based assets Layer 2: Asset/Token Contracts ● IP Vault Contracts manage IP asset deposits, auctions, fractionalization, revenue tracking, and automated royalty distribution ● Programmable, upgradeable smart contracts ● On-chain rights management sets permissions for licensing, remixing, and revenue splits Layer 3: Ecosystem Apps/Tools ● UI/UX for creators, IP owners, and investors ● Developer SDKs and API endpoints for customization and deployment How It Works 1. IP Digitization: Songs and media rights are acquired by Aria. They become digital assets ("IP vaults") on the blockchain, with royalties and revenue managed onchain 2. Tokenization and Investment: Each IP vault is broken into thousands of blockchain tokens called IPRWA tokens (IP Real World Asset tokens), such as $APL. Users buy these tokens from Aria's platform or crypto exchanges to own a part of the underlying IP 3. Earning Royalties: When the song earns money (from streaming, licenses, etc.), Aria automates the collection and payout to token holders using smart contracts. Investors receive royalty payments to their wallets, based on how many tokens they own 4. Remixing and Licensing: Creators and fans can join remix contests or license the music/IP to create new works, with winners or contributors sharing future royalties through Aria's platform 5. Trading and Community: Token holders can buy/sell their rights through supported exchanges or within the Aria app, and use tokens to participate in governance or exclusive community events You can access the platform at ariaprotocol.xyz and explore documentation at docs.ariaprotocol.xyz. Aria Protocol Token (ARIAIP) and Economics The $ARIAIP token is a Story-native ERC-20 token used for governance, liquidity, community rewards, and powering the protocol's IP RWA ecosystem. Token Details ● Token Ticker: $ARIAIP ● Blockchain: Story Protocol Layer 1 (Story-native ERC-20 standard) ● Total Supply: 1,000,000,000 (1 billion tokens) Token Distribution ● Core Team: 21% (20% unlocked after 1-year cliff; 2-year linear vesting thereafter) ● Early Investors: 18% (20% unlocked after 1-year lockup; 2-year linear unlock thereafter) ● Ecosystem & Partners: 21% (33% unlocked at TGE; 3-year linear unlock thereafter) ● Community Growth: 21% (33% unlocked at TGE; 3-year linear unlock thereafter) ● Foundation: 10% (100% unlocked at TGE) ● Initial Liquidity: 9% (100% unlocked at TGE, includes community airdrop, CEX and DEX liquidity) Token Utilities ● Governance: Token holders vote on protocol upgrades, IP asset listings, fund flows, reward distribution, and community initiatives ● Staking for Rewards: Users stake $ARIAIP tokens to earn yield, protocol fees, and additional community rewards ● Royalty Distribution: Holders of IP RWA tokens receive royalty payouts from actual income generated by the underlying IP through smart contract-automated distributions ● Access to IP Vaults & Remix Events: $ARIAIP tokens unlock participation in remix competitions, exclusive licensing events, and special asset launches ● Liquidity Provision: Token holders supply liquidity to trading pairs or asset vaults, earning swap fees and protocol rewards ● Protocol Fee Payments: Some service or product modules may require $ARIAIP payments Why Aria Protocol? Traditional internet systems are inadequate for making IP assets liquid and accessible. Aria Protocol addresses these gaps with proven technology and ecosystem support: Programmable IP on Story: Aria is built on Story Protocol, using on-chain primitives for permissioning, licensing, and revenue splits. Story-native design allows automated licensing and royalty logic to execute transparently and composably across apps, enabling IP to function like DeFi assets. Audited IP Vault and Staking Mechanics: Core IP Vault contracts for tokenization, fundraising, and controlled distribution were independently assessed by Halborn. Staking contracts enabling time-locked participation and KYC-aware unstaking were also audited, supporting compliant yield workflows tied to IP tokens. Off-Chain to On-Chain Royalty Pipeline: Aria implements operational rails that import music royalty income into on-chain ledgers, addressing multi-source reconciliation and verifiable payout streams. Public disclosures highlight daily royalty distributions for its first IP RWA token, demonstrating live, recurring yield. Catalog-Scale, Culturally Significant Assets: Aria brings rights linked to hit songs from global artists like BTS, BLACKPINK, Justin Bieber, and Miley Cyrus on-chain, proving the model at scale with recognizable, revenue-generating catalogs. Remixable, Licensed Creativity: By pairing programmable licensing with contests and legal remixing, Aria turns IP from a passive right into an active creative market where derivatives share revenue via on-chain splits. Proven Leadership: Founded by David Kostiner, music IP expert and founding partner of Counsel LLP. Co-founded IODA (acquired by Sony Music). Authority on music copyright, licensing, and tech-driven entertainment finance. Institutional Backing: $15 million raised from Polychain Capital, Neoclassic, Story Protocol Foundation, OKX Ventures, and Selini Capital. Additional $10.95 million for IP acquisition. Strategic Partnerships: Story Protocol for L1 infrastructure, global music IP holders (Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, BLACKPINK, BTS), Stakestone & LiquidityPad for fundraising, Sedition Art Platform for visual arts, Binance Alpha and Bithumb for listings, Aria PRIME for Korean music ($100M initiative), Chainlink for pricing and verification. Developer Tools: Technical documentation at docs.ariaprotocol.xyz covering smart contract APIs, integration guides, and architectural details. Web app for investing, staking, and royalty management. Specialized remix and licensing modules. Aria delivers an audited trust layer for IP real-world assets that people and institutions can rely on at scale. Aria Protocol (ARIAIP) Goes Live on Bitget We are thrilled to announce that Aria Protocol (ARIAIP) is now listed in the Innovation and RWA Zone. Trade ARIAIP/USDT on Bitget! Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only. This article does not constitute an endorsement of any of the products and services discussed or investment, financial, or trading advice. Qualified professionals should be consulted prior to making financial decisions.

Camp Network (CAMP): Layer-1 Blockchain for Autonomous IP Management

Camp Network is a Layer-1 blockchain built to modernize intellectual property infrastructure and power the next generation of AI agents on verifiable IP. Founded by UC Berkeley graduates Nirav Murthy, James Chi, and Rahul Doraiswami in 2023, this platform has raised $30M from 1kx, Blockchain Capital, and other top VCs to give users control over their IP in an AI-native world. Camp Network (CAMP) will soon be available on Bitget! What is Camp Network (CAMP)? Camp Network is a Layer-1 blockchain designed to modernize intellectual property infrastructure and empower the next generation of AI agents by providing verifiable ownership of IP assets. The platform addresses challenges of ownership, sharing, and monetization of intellectual property in the AI landscape. Camp Network gives users control over their IP, ensuring ownership is respected in an AI-native world. The platform enables AI agents to train on user-owned IP assets across a global registry, making cross-border, transparent training possible. It allows all participants to monetize their IP. Core Innovation: Camp Network acts as an infrastructure layer unlocking new use cases around IP management, attribution, and collaborative monetization, especially in contexts where AI agents remix, reference, or build on existing media. The platform's core values center on Own (control over IP), Share (facilitate AI agent training with globally registered IP), and Monetize (ensure fair economic value capture for all IP stakeholders). Who Created Camp Network (CAMP)? Camp Network was founded by Nirav Murthy, James Chi, and Rahul Doraiswami all graduates of UC Berkeley with experience in finance, blockchain engineering, and crypto ventures. Nirav Murthy (Co-Founder & Co-CEO): ● UC Berkeley graduate (BS, Business Administration and BA, Economics) ● Investment Banking & Growth Equity Associate at The Raine Group, Brand Ambassador at CRV (Charles River Ventures) ● Web3 development, modular blockchain architecture, and data availability infrastructure for crypto networks ● Experience in both finance and technology James Chi (Co-Founder & Co-CEO): ● UC Berkeley graduate and former Investment Banker at Goldman Sachs ● Media and IP deals, bridging Wall Street finance with blockchain innovation ● Plays a pivotal role in strategic direction and ecosystem partnerships at the intersection of IP and AI Rahul Doraiswami (Co-Founder & CTO): ● UC Berkeley graduate, software engineer and previously at CoinList ● Blockchain engineering, smart contract development, and building scalable protocol layers ● Leads Camp's Proof of Provenance protocol and agent-based frameworks for decentralized IP management and automated royalty distribution Key Team Members: ● Drew Rasansky: Leadership role in product or business development ● Jiani Chen: Growth lead with experience at major blockchain foundations like Solana Camp Network currently has a team of around 18 members, blending backgrounds in high finance, crypto development, and growth strategy for blockchain platforms. What VCs Back Camp Network (CAMP)? Camp Network has raised $30 million across three funding rounds from prominent venture capital firms and crypto investors. Source - Bitget Wallet Funding Rounds: ● Pre-seed (2023): $1 million ● Seed round (April 2024): $4 million led by Maven 11 Capital ● Series A (April 2025): $25 million led by 1kx and Blockchain Capital Major Venture Capital Backers: ● 1kx (Series A lead investor) ● Blockchain Capital (Series A lead investor) ● Maven 11 Capital (led seed round) ● OKX Ventures (participated in seed and Series A rounds) ● HTX Ventures (seed round investor) ● Lattice Capital (Series A investor) ● Paper Ventures (Series A and seed participant) ● Hypersphere Ventures (participated in seed round) ● Inception Capital (seed investor) ● Moonrock Capital (seed round investor) Other Notable Participants: ● Protagonist, Beam, Eterna Capital, dao5, TrueBridge, AVID3 from seed and Series A rounds Camp Network's Series A round valued the company at up to $400 million and included both equity and token warrants, with larger VCs taking significant stakes to back its IP blockchain vision for the AI era. How Camp Network (CAMP) Works Camp Network is a blockchain platform that helps creators, developers, and businesses manage, share, and earn from their intellectual property. Layer-1 Blockchain Infrastructure Camp Network runs on its own Layer-1 blockchain, which acts like a public record book for IP. When a user creates something (music, art, code, stories), they can register it on Camp, proving ownership with a timestamp and identity. Proof of Provenance Protocol This system establishes clear, tamper-proof records of ownership and derivation for digital assets, allowing anyone to trace the origin and chain of attribution for IP registered on Camp's network. It ensures fair attribution and automated royalty payments when content is remixed, used by AI, or built upon by contributors. Global IP Registry All registered IP becomes searchable and accessible in one place, making it easy for others (AI agents, businesses, or fans) to discover, license, or collaborate on creative works. The platform maintains a worldwide, open-access repository of registered intellectual property. Permissioned AI Agent Training Camp enables users to set permissions on their IP for use in AI model training, providing granular control and transparent tracking over what data is available to agents, and how it is used and compensated. Automated Royalty Distribution With built-in smart contract features, Camp automates royalty payments and splits attribution among contributors enabling revenue sharing for multi-author projects, crowdfunding campaigns, and AI-driven media experiences. Modular Digital Identity Camp's modular identity framework lets users blend Web2 (social media) and Web3 (crypto wallet) credentials, providing flexible and privacy-preserving identity verification for creators, developers, and businesses working with IP. You can access the platform at campnetwork.xyz and explore documentation through their official resources. Camp Network Token (CAMP) and Economics The CAMP token is the core utility and governance asset for the Camp Network Layer-1 blockchain, enabling actions and incentives within its decentralized IP and AI agent ecosystem. Token Details ● Token Name: CAMP ● Token Symbol: CAMP ● Total Supply: 10,000,000,000 (10 billion) CAMP tokens ● Blockchain Deployment: Camp Network Layer-1 (Autonomous IP Layer), with EVM compatibility for interoperability Token Distribution Source - Chaincatcher ● Early Backers: 29% ● Ecosystem Growth: 26% ● Protocol Dev: 20% ● Community: 15% ● Foundation: 10% On day one (launch), approximately 21% of the total token supply is circulating, with the rest allocated across the above categories and subject to future unlocking schedules. Token Utilities ● Transaction Fees & Network Operations: CAMP is used to pay for registering, updating, and licensing intellectual property assets on-chain, as well as transaction fees and operational costs ● Creator Rewards & Royalties: Creators earn CAMP tokens as automatic royalties when their registered IP is used, remixed, or referenced by others, including when AI agents train on their content ● Staking & Network Security: Users can stake CAMP tokens to help secure the blockchain and participate in governance, voting on protocol upgrades or allocation mechanisms ● Community & Developer Incentives: Camp Network distributes CAMP to users who participate in testnets, contribute to development, engage in community campaigns, or help onboard new creators ● Marketplace Transactions: CAMP serves as the medium of exchange for licensing, buying, or selling IP assets and digital collectibles within Camp-powered marketplaces ● Governance & Voting: Token holders get voting rights in protocol governance, shaping future upgrades, feature launches, and fund allocation Why Camp Network? Traditional IP management lacks infrastructure connecting verifiable ownership, royalty distribution, and permissioning with the needs of AI-powered agents. Camp Network addresses these challenges with innovations: Proven Leadership: Founded by UC Berkeley graduates with experience in finance (Goldman Sachs, The Raine Group), blockchain engineering (CoinList), and crypto ecosystem building, combining high finance expertise with technical innovation. Strong Investor Validation: $30M raised from top-tier investors including 1kx, Blockchain Capital, Maven 11 Capital, and OKX Ventures, with Series A valuation up to $400 million. Technical Innovation: First Layer-1 blockchain optimized for IP management with Proof of Provenance protocol, automated royalty distribution, and permissioned AI agent training capabilities. Notable Partnerships: Collaborations with KOR Protocol (featuring Grammy-winning artists like Imogen Heap, deadmau5, Beatport), Minto Inc. for anime IP, OnePiece Labs for accelerator programs, and creative partnerships reaching over 5 million users. Live Ecosystem: Already operational with K2 public testnet, modular digital identity tools, developer toolkit, and community applications generating real engagement and creative works. AI-Ready Infrastructure: Focus on AI agent workflows, permissioned training data, and automated attribution solving the connection between IP and AI in the digital economy. The platform bridges traditional IP ownership with blockchain security and AI capabilities, creating new opportunities for IP management and AI integration. Camp Network (CAMP) Goes Live on Bitget We are thrilled to announce that Camp Network (CAMP) will be listed in the Innovation and Public Chain Zone. Check out the details below: Trading Available: 27 August 2025, 9:00 (UTC) Withdrawal Available: 28 August 2025, 10:00 (UTC) Trade CAMP/USDT on Bitget! Community Links: Website | Twitter | Discord | Telegram Follow Bitget X to win 1 BTC Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only. This article does not constitute an endorsement of any of the products and services discussed or investment, financial, or trading advice. Qualified professionals should be consulted prior to making financial decisions.

What Is the Internet Meme Frog Character That Became the Face of a Popular Cryptocurrency Token?

In crypto, memes don’t just make people laugh — they make millionaires. One unlikely star of this phenomenon is Pepe the Frog, a grinning green cartoon that’s gone from underground internet culture to the face of a multi-billion-dollar cryptocurrency. What started as a doodle in a comic book has evolved into PEPE, one of the most viral meme coins ever launched. Its success wasn’t just a fluke — it was a full-blown movement powered by internet nostalgia, FOMO, and a love for frogs. But Pepe wasn’t the only one to ride the meme wave. Since its explosive debut, a whole ecosystem of frog-themed tokens has hatched — each one with its own community, backstory, and crypto twist. Whether they’re honoring comic book characters, spawned by AI, or brought back from failed projects by die-hard fans, these frog coins have one thing in common: they’ve captured the internet’s attention. In this article, we’ll dive into the origins of PEPE and highlight the top 5 frog meme coins in 2025. Who Is Pepe the Frog? Source: X Pepe the Frog first appeared in 2005 in an indie comic called Boy’s Club by artist Matt Furie. Originally just a chill, bug-eyed frog with a knack for saying “feels good, man,” Pepe wasn’t created to go viral — but the internet had other plans. By the late 2000s, screenshots of Pepe’s laid-back attitude began spreading across MySpace, 4chan, and Reddit, and soon, Pepe became a full-blown meme machine. What made Pepe so sticky was his versatility. There was a Pepe for every emotion: Sad Pepe, Smug Pepe, Angry Pepe — you name it. He became the internet’s go-to reaction face. Despite a rocky period in the mid-2010s when some fringe groups misused his image, creator Matt Furie took active steps to reclaim his creation. Today, Pepe stands as one of the most enduring and recognizable faces in meme culture — which made him the perfect mascot when crypto came calling. Introducing Pepe (PEPE): The Meme Frog Turned Crypto Superstar By the time crypto developers were hunting for the next viral mascot, Pepe the Frog had already cemented his status as a meme legend. So in April 2023, when a mysterious team launched Pepe (PEPE) on the Ethereum blockchain, it instantly caught the attention of meme lovers and degens alike. The token had no presale, no taxes, no roadmap — just pure meme energy. And that was exactly the point. What happened next was internet history in the making. Within weeks, PEPE surged to over $1 billion in market cap, and at its peak, it reached over $10 billion. It dominated crypto X (Twitter), popped up in Elon Musk memes, and found itself listed on major exchanges like Bitget. Fueled entirely by community hype, viral memes, and nostalgic internet culture, PEPE didn’t just become another meme coin — it became the face of a whole new movement in crypto. The frog had officially arrived. Trade Pepe (PEPE) on Bitget now! Frogs, FOMO, and Fortunes: The Rise of Amphibian Tokens After PEPE's explosive rise, it didn’t take long for the crypto world to realize something big: frog memes were money — literally. Investors saw how fast PEPE went from joke to juggernaut, and soon, dozens of new frog-themed tokens started popping up, each trying to ride the wave. Some leaned into nostalgia, others into humor, and a few were just downright weird — but they all had one thing in common: frogs. So why frogs, and why now? It’s a mix of meme history, market timing, and community culture. Frogs like Pepe have been meme royalty for nearly two decades, especially on platforms like 4chan, Reddit, and X (Twitter). They’re instantly recognizable, emotionally expressive, and flexible enough to fit any meme trend — from smug to wholesome. Combine that with the meme coin playbook (zero taxes, locked liquidity, viral marketing), and you’ve got the perfect recipe for low-cap tokens with high upside and cult-like followings. In short: frogs are familiar, funny, and financially tempting. Top 5 Frog Meme Coins in 2025 (Besides PEPE) While PEPE remains the king of frog meme coins, it’s far from alone in the pond. A wave of frog-inspired tokens has splashed onto the scene, each bringing its own twist — from comic book lore to AI-generated origins. Here are five standout frog meme coins that have captured attention in 2025, whether through explosive growth, creative backstories, or passionate communities. 1. Brett (ETH) (BRETT) Brett (ETH) is a throwback to the roots of frog meme culture, based on a character from Matt Furie’s original Boy’s Club comic — the same series that introduced Pepe. Launched in 2023 on Ethereum, BRETT leans into comic-book nostalgia with a clean deflationary model and a capped supply of roughly 69 million tokens. No team allocations or presale made it feel fair and organic from day one, which helped build trust. 2. Turbo (TURBO) Turbo (TURBO) is what happens when AI meets meme coin mania. Created in 2023 by asking ChatGPT to design a meme coin on a $69 budget, Turbo quickly went viral for its unique backstory. The token launched with a massive supply of 69 billion, a fair launch, and no developer taxes — just good old-fashioned meme fuel. Turbo’s branding centers around speed, hype, and humor, and it’s resonated with a wide crowd of degens and casual traders alike. It’s currently one of the top-performing frog coins. 3. Book of Meme (BOME) A mix of art, tech, and meme magic, Book of Meme was launched in 2024 on Solana by digital artist Darkfarms, well-known in the Pepe art scene. The idea behind BOME is to create a decentralized archive of internet memes — sort of like a blockchain museum of meme culture. It uses IPFS and Arweave to store memes forever, while its visual style leans heavily on Pepe-themed illustrations. It’s a token for both traders and internet culture collectors. 4. Fwog (SOL) (FWOG) Fwog is crypto’s version of a comeback story. Originally born from the collapse of a failed project called Flog the Frog, the community rallied together and relaunched it in 2024 as FWOG on Solana — this time with no central dev team and complete transparency. With cute anime-style frog art and a firm belief in decentralized ownership, FWOG became a symbol of what meme coins could be when driven by their holders. It's beloved for its art, energy, and grassroots community. 5. Apu Apustaja (APU) Apu Apustaja , often just called APU, is based on a Finnish meme character known as the “Helper.” This soft, kind-eyed frog stands for wholesomeness in a sea of chaotic meme culture. APU launched in 2024, positioning itself as a transparent, community-first project with no shady tokenomics or anonymous teams. The coin emphasizes fairness, meme contests, and good vibes — and that tone has attracted a loyal following. APU has carved out a niche as the feel-good frog in the meme coin world. Conclusion What started as a simple comic book character has turned into a full-blown crypto phenomenon. Pepe the Frog didn’t just become the face of a meme coin — he sparked an entire movement of frog-themed tokens that continue to shape the meme coin landscape in 2025. From nostalgic icons like Brett, to AI-driven creations like Turbo, and community-first projects like FWOG and APU, each coin reflects a different slice of internet culture brought to life on the blockchain. For investors, frog meme coins represent the wild, unpredictable, and oddly brilliant side of crypto. They may not offer traditional utility, but they offer something else: viral potential, strong communities, and a unique way to tap into the cultural zeitgeist. As always, meme coins are high-risk and highly speculative — but if you're going to bet on a meme, betting on frogs might just be the most internet-native move you can make. Register now and explore the wonderful crypto world at Bitget! Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only. This article does not constitute an endorsement of any of the products and services discussed or investment, financial, or trading advice. Qualified professionals should be consulted prior to making financial decisions.

Magic Eden (ME): The Largest NFT Marketplace on Solana

What is Magic Eden (ME)? Magic Eden (ME) is a major player in the NFT space. It started as the largest NFT marketplace on the Solana blockchain, known for its fast transaction speeds and low fees. Over time, the platform expanded its reach, supporting NFTs on Ethereum, Polygon, and Bitcoin. Magic Eden helps users trade digital collectibles and launch their NFT projects. Whether you're an artist creating NFTs, a collector looking for rare digital assets, or an investor exploring new opportunities, Magic Eden provides a user-friendly platform to participate in this growing digital culture. With over 22 million monthly visitors, 8,000+ collections, and a secondary trading volume of $1.9 billion, Magic Eden has cemented itself as a hub for digital expression and ownership. Who Created Magic Eden (ME)? Magic Eden was founded in September 2021 by a group of visionaries: Sidney Zhang, Jack Lu, Zhuoxun Yin, and Zhoujie Zhou. These four entrepreneurs brought their unique experiences from industries like crypto, technology, and consulting to create something new. What VCs Back Magic Eden (ME)? Magic Eden has the support of some of the biggest venture capital firms in the crypto and Web3 space. These include Paradigm, Sequoia Capital, Electric Capital, Coinbase Ventures, Solana Ventures, Variant Fund, Kindred Ventures, Greylock Partners, Lightspeed Ventures, etc. How Magic Eden (ME) Works Magic Eden is designed to be simple and efficient for users. Here's a breakdown of its core features and how they work: 1. Buying and Selling NFTs Magic Eden makes it easy for users to buy and sell NFTs. The platform’s clean interface allows users to explore collections, filter NFTs by specific attributes, and find what they’re looking for. Transactions on Solana are particularly fast and inexpensive due to the blockchain’s design. 2. Minting New NFTs One of Magic Eden’s standout features is its Launchpad, which helps creators mint and launch new NFTs. Minting is the process of creating a digital token on the blockchain, and Magic Eden simplifies this for artists and developers. The Launchpad is selective, accepting fewer than 5% of applications, ensuring only high-quality projects are featured. This approach helps maintain the platform’s reputation and provides better exposure for creators. 3. Secondary Marketplace Magic Eden’s secondary marketplace is where users can trade NFTs after they’ve been minted. The platform holds over 90% of the market share for secondary NFT trading on Solana. Features like popular collection pages and attribute filters make it easier for traders to navigate and find valuable assets. 4. Multichain Support Although Magic Eden started on Solana, it now supports NFTs on Ethereum, Polygon, and Bitcoin. This multichain approach allows users to access a broader range of digital assets, including Bitcoin Ordinals and Ethereum-based collectibles. 5. Flexible Royalty System Magic Eden offers a flexible royalty system that benefits both creators and traders. This means that NFT creators can set royalties, earning a percentage of every resale of their work. The system ensures that everyone involved in the NFT’s lifecycle benefits fairly. 6. Low Fees The platform charges a uniform 2% transaction fee for secondary market trades. Combined with Solana’s low gas fees, this makes Magic Eden a cost-effective choice for NFT enthusiasts. ME Goes Live on Bitget Magic Eden is a hub for digital culture. With its robust features, high-quality standards, and support from leading investors, the platform is poised to grow even further. As the NFT space evolves, Magic Eden’s multichain capabilities and focus on innovation will keep it at the forefront of the industry. For anyone looking to explore the world of NFTs, Magic Eden offers a welcoming and efficient platform. With its low fees, user-friendly interface, and commitment to quality, Magic Eden is an excellent choice for anyone interested in the NFT space. So, why not take the first step and explore the magic of Magic Eden by trading the native token of Magic Eden, ME, on Bitget today? ME on Bitget Pre-Market ME is a part of Bitget Pre-Market , a platform where users can trade tokens over-the-counter before the token is listed for spot trading. Join now to get the best out of it! Start time: 22 November, 2024 Bitget Pre-Market offers flexibility in trading activities with two settlement options: ● Coin settlement, which uses a 'cash on delivery' method where a security deposit is forfeited if the seller fails to deliver. ● USDT settlement, a new option where trades are settled in USDT at the average index price at the last minute. To use Bitget Pre-Market, follow these simple steps: ● Step 1: Go to the Bitget Pre-Market page . ● Step 2: ○ For Makers: ■ Choose the desired token and click on ‘Post Order’. ■ Specify Buy or Sell, enter price and quantity, review details, then confirm. ○ For Takers: ■ Choose the desired token, pick ‘Sell’ or ‘Buy’, select the pending order, enter quantity, and confirm. Get ME on Bitget Pre-Market now! Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only. This article does not constitute an endorsement of any of the products and services discussed or investment, financial, or trading advice. Qualified professionals should be consulted prior to making financial decisions.

WEN (WEN): A Revolutionary Approach to Meme Coins on Solana

What is WEN (WEN)? WEN (WEN) is a meme coin on Solana that was born from the creative genius of @weremeow's poem 'A Love Letter to Wen Bros'. It also introduces Wen New Standard (WNS), a new framework for tokenized assets on Solana. How WEN (WEN) Works Fractional NFT Concept At the center of WEN is the fractional NFT concept. WEN tokenizes fractional ownership of @weremeow's poem. It’s like breaking down a masterpiece into tiny pieces, each representing a share of the whole - that's what WEN does with @weremeow's poem. In other words, instead of owning an entire NFT, holders of WEN tokens own fractions of the NFT representing the poem. This fractional ownership model democratizes access to valuable digital assets, allowing anyone to participate in the ownership and appreciation of cultural works. WNS Standard WEN is the first NFT minted on the Wen New Standard (WNS), a revolutionary framework for tokenized assets on Solana. WNS, built on Solana's native Token Extensions program, offers several key advantages: Lower Fees: Minting a WNS NFT costs a fraction of what other platforms charge, making it affordable for creators and collectors alike. Scalability: WNS is designed with scalability and versatility in mind, providing creators with a solid foundation for their projects. Limited Reliance on Third-Party Contracts: Unlike traditional NFT platforms, WNS minimizes reliance on third-party contracts, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities and ensuring a secure environment for users. Royalty Distribution One of the most innovative features of WEN is its implementation of royalties. Creators of NFTs minted on WNS receive royalties based on the sales of their assets. These royalties are stored in the metadata of the NFT and distributed automatically to creators whenever their work is sold or transferred. This ensures that creators are fairly compensated for their contributions and incentivizes ongoing participation in the ecosystem. Governance WEN is dedicated to decentralization and community-driven governance. Stakeholders from across the ecosystem are invited to participate in decision-making processes to ensure the platform's longevity and sustainability. Once development reaches a certain point, the governance program will be formalized, providing a framework for future growth and innovation. WEN Goes Live on Bitget WEN represents a new frontier in the world of community coins and fractional NFTs. By combining innovative technology with creative expression, WEN is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable digital economy. Whether you're a creator looking to monetize your work or a collector seeking unique cultural assets, WEN offers a platform where everyone can participate and thrive. Become a pioneer of fractional NFT with WEN by trading WEN on Bitget. The token is set to list on Bitget on March 6 with three exclusive events. How to Trade WEN on Bitget Step 1: Go to WENUSDT spot trading page Step 2: Enter the amount and the type of order, then click Buy/Sell. For detailed instructions on how to spot trade in Bitget, please read The Uncensored Guide To Bitget Spot Trading . Being built upon the Solana blockchain and integrating innovative features of fractional NFTs, WEN is likely to revolutionize the way we perceive and interact with digital assets. Whether you're an artist, developer, or collector, WEN provides the tools and infrastructure necessary to thrive in the NFT market. Trade WEN on Bitget now! Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only. This article does not constitute an endorsement of any of the products and services discussed or investment, financial, or trading advice. Qualified professionals should be consulted prior to making financial decisions.

NFPrompt (NFP): Decentralizing and Tokenizing AI Art

What is NFPrompt (NFP)? NFPrompt is the first AI-powered User-Generated Content (UGC) platform in Web3, designed to empower users to easily create AI art and mint it as NFTs. NFPrompt is set to redefine the intersection of AI and Web3, offering users an unparalleled creative and financial experience. How NFPrompt (NFP) Works Seedless Experience and Gasless Experience To cater to users unfamiliar with crypto and Web3 concepts, NFPrompt offers the Seedless Experience. This feature allows new users to log in and create without the need for a blockchain wallet, facilitating a smooth onboarding process. Additionally, NFPrompt offers a Gasless Experience, providing users with a 100% gas fee discount during specific campaign periods. This initiative encourages users to create more AI artworks without the burden of transaction fees, making the platform accessible to a broader audience. These two experiences allow different kinds of users to bring their artistic visions to life effortlessly. Creating, Buying, and Selling NFPs Creating NFPs on NFPrompt is a straightforward process, thanks to the user-friendly interface. Users can choose different AI generation models and explore various options for creating NFTs, including images, videos, profile pictures (PFPs), and music. The buying and selling process is equally user-centric. With a click of the "Buy Now" button, users can browse collections in the marketplace, make purchases, and complete transactions with ease. The platform ensures transparency by revealing the prompt used to generate the image when an NFT is bought, enhancing the connection between creators and collectors. NFPrompt Tokenomics The NFPrompt tokenomics is rooted in fairness and community involvement with dual-token models. NFP and cNFP are two native tokens of the platform. NFP The NFP token distribution follows a fair launch mechanism, aiming to provide equal opportunities to all community members, whether they are novice investors, contributors, venture capitalists, or market participants. The platform introduces a unique token mechanism, facilitating royalty fees for original creators when their prompts are reused, driving transactions and circulation of AI-generated NFTs. Creative collaborations with Web3 Projects introduce token incentives, encouraging community participation in AI-generated content creation campaigns. Holders of NFP token can propose changes in governance and participate in exclusive auctions. Staking NFP tokens provides entitlement to a percentage of total trading fees, with higher shares for longer lock-ins. NFPrompt aims to reward true supporters through airdrops, events, wallet activity, etc., to foster a robust ecosystem of creators, collectors, and enthusiasts aligned with the platform's economic incentives. cNFP cNFP, a synthetic token representing the native token NFP, plays a pivotal role in the ecosystem. Users can earn cNFP through various activities such as daily logins, minting NFTs, trading volume, and community engagement. These earned credits contribute to the project's governance token airdrop, aligning economic incentives and fostering community participation. NFP Goes Live on Bitget NFPrompt is a notable project that pushes the boundaries of what is possible at the intersection of AI and Web3. As the platform continues to gain momentum, it's poised to leave a lasting impact on the future of AI-generated art and decentralized creativity. Don't miss out on the opportunity to trade NFP tokens on Bitget and be part of a project that's shaping the future of AI-generated NFT art. NFP is listed on Bitget on December 27 . How to Trade NFP on Bitget Step 1: Go to NFPUSDT spot trading page Step 2: Enter the amount and the type of order, then click Buy/Sell. For detailed instructions on how to spot trade in Bitget, please read The Uncensored Guide To Bitget Spot Trading . NFPrompt's unique blend of user-friendly features, fair tokenomics, and community-driven governance positions it as a standout project in the Web3 space. The platform's commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and transparency sets it apart, creating a symbiotic relationship between creators and collectors. As NFPrompt continues to evolve, the prospect of a thriving ecosystem with active community engagement and a diverse range of AI-generated artworks comes into focus. The fair token distribution model ensures that contributors, including users, creators, collectors, and KOLs, all play a crucial role in the project's success. Trade NFP on Bitget now! Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only. This article does not constitute an endorsement of any of the products and services discussed or investment, financial, or trading advice. Qualified professionals should be consulted prior to making financial decisions.

Bitget KCGI 2023: Unleashing the World's Trading Titans

Fellow traders, we’re proud to announce this year’s King's Cup Global Invitational (KCGI), a trading extravaganza where the world's finest trading talents come together to showcase their skills and compete for the ultimate prizes! Hosted by Bitget, a leading global cryptocurrency trading platform, KCGI is the ultimate battleground for individuals and teams daring to prove their trading prowess in the dynamic and ever-evolving world of digital assets. A quick recap Last KCGI (Football Edition) attracted over 32,000 participants and just shy of 200 teams amid a bleak crypto winter. A total of 565,000 USDT was distributed as rewards, including 5 BTC when BTC was at rock bottom. This year, we have sweetened the deal by increasing our total prize by almost 400% and adding more contests games for everyone to join. Down with the gauntlet, up with the prize There are 4 major contests this year at KCGI: Spot Trading Contest, whose enrollment starts on August 18 and the main stage begins on September 1, is open to teams of 5 or more with a chance to share our 50,000 USDT prize pool; Demo Trading Contest, whose enrollment and main stage both begin on September 5, is open to individuals. You will be trading with 100,000 USDT in a demo account and get a chance to share our 20,000 USDT prize pool; Futures Copy Trading Contest, whose enrollment starts on September 1 and the main stage begins on September 15, is open to teams of 10 or more with a chance to share our ever-growing prize pool of up to 80,000 USDT. The more participants, the higher our prize pool; and Futures Trading Contest, whose enrollment starts on September 10 and the main stage begins on September 30, open to individuals and teams of 10 or more with a chance to share the crown jewel - our grand prize pool of up to 500,000 USDT (for individuals) and 2,000,000 USDT (for teams). This grand prize – over 2,650,000 USDT in total - will serve as an emblem of unmatched trading acumen, a symbol of success that will be remembered and revered among all crypto traders. …And more! KCGI should never be exclusively celebrated by traders. This year, we have added a roulette game open to everyone - earn free spins by finishing KYC, making deposits, trading, signing up for KCGI, and referring friends. In the heat of the battle, we will also be hosting a YouTube live session on October 26, 2023, where lucky participants will be drawn to share our special prize: the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max (if Apple is as consistent as we are), a Tesla Cyperquad, and an Airbus H135 helicopter! Tesla Cyberquad Airbus Helicopters H135 Stay tuned for more details about KCGI 2023, our live session, and our bountiful rewards! Some pep talk The road to victory will be filled with excitement, adrenaline, and high-stakes decision-making. All participants will be faced with ever-changing market conditions where they employ their honed strategies and instincts to stay ahead of the curve. But only the best of the best will emerge as champions, earning not only the grand prize but also the respect and admiration of their peers. So, gear up for the most thrilling trading competition of the year, where dreams will be realized and legacies forged. Join us in celebrating the spirit of competition and camaraderie as we embark on this exhilarating journey to crown the ultimate trading royalty at Bitget's King's Cup Global Invitational! Let the games begin!

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) Explained for the Investors, the Creatives, and the Curious

A Non-Fungible Token (NFT) is a cryptographic asset on a blockchain, with each token unique and irreplaceable. In this article, let’s strip away the NFT hype and understand the simple truth about how NFTs work. What are NFTs? Billions of dollars have been invested in NFTs across art, real estate and gold tokenized assets. What are NFTs indeed? Imagine there is a cryptographic asset, similar to Bitcoin, which also contains ownership details for easy identification and transfer between holders. The difference is, instead, adding a unique identifier to each unit. This means each unit of that asset is different from all the other units - this characteristic is named non-fungible. The definition of an Non-Fungible Token (NFT), in short, is a cryptographic asset on a blockchain with each token unique and irreplaceable. Non-fungible tokens have these properties: - NFTs can digitally represent any object in the real world from artworks, avatars, music, videos, in-game items, to event tickets, domain names, or even real estate. - An NFT has one owner at a time. - NFTs live and are secured by the Ethereum blockchain, each token minted has a unique identifier that is directly linked to an Ethereum address and this information is verifiable – that means no one can modify the record of ownership or re-create a new NFT into existence. - Unlike Bitcoin, 1 BTC is exactly the same as another 1 BTC, NFTs are not directly interchangeable with other tokens. The first purely digital NFT based artwork - Beeple’s ‘Everydays: The First 5,000 Days’ sold for over $69M. Source: Christie’s Understanding NFTs Since NFTs live on the Ethereum blockchain, you can trade NFTs in open marketplaces like SuperRare, Foundation, BakerySwap, OpenSea, etc. The real question here is, what do you actually ‘own’ when you buy NFTs? But first, let’s talk about the ownership of an NFT. Well, you can right-click on the above Beeple’s ‘Everydays: The First 5,000 Days’ and download the same digital file the owner paid almost $70 million for, as many times as you wish. However, NFTs are designed to give us more than just a digital file: ownership of the asset. Like the case of physical art collecting, anyone can buy a Monet print, but only one person has the ownership of the one definitive actual version. How can they prove that ownership? Well, let’s look deeper into NFT contracts. Simply input, each NFT contract includes (1) an ID of that token, (2) an owner (a blockchain public address); and (3) the transfer function. Examples of NFT contracts. Source: Anthony Day NFT contracts give the ability to transfer or claim ownership of any unique piece of digital data, trackable by the public ledger - Ethereum blockchain. So, back to the question ‘what do you actually ‘own’ when you buy NFTs?’ - the answer is: as you buy an NFT, you then own the exclusive right to edit a row in that two-column spreadsheet implemented in a smart contract on the Ethereum blockchain. Okay… but what does it mean to the creator and the investor of an NFT? As the creator of an NFT, you can easily prove you're the creator. You determine the scarcity of that NFT and can earn royalties every time it's sold. As the collector, you can easily prove you own an NFT as a way to support your favorite artists and projects. You can resell it at a higher price, or you can choose to hold it forever, resting comfortably knowing your asset is secured by your blockchain wallet. Non-fungible tokens are just like cryptocurrencies, in which you buy them and hope that the value goes up one day. As the investor, you need to do your own research. Among many NFTs art and collectibles projects popping up today, you should go through a couple of questions such as ‘Do you really like it?’, ‘Is the team behind the project trustworthy?’, ‘What about its rarity?’ before investing your money in NFTs. What are NFTs used for? The ideal scope for NFTs is anything unique that needs provable ownership. Though the NFT ecosystem is quite new, there are some good use cases below, and it’s quite likely that there are many upcoming exciting innovations with this promising technology. Maximizing earnings for content creators Perhaps, the biggest use case of NFTs lies in the digital content realm. In today's internet age, content creators see their rights and profits swallowed by platforms and the copy/paste issues. The more digital content is exposed and used the more value it gains. However, platforms, such as music streaming services, retain the majority of profits from sales, and the creators get exposure in return, but the exposure normally isn't enough to pay the bills. NFTs come and power a new fairer economy where creators handle their ownership baked into the content itself. When they sell their content, profits go directly to them. Even when the new owner then sells the NFT, the original creator can automatically receive royalties. Boosting mutually-beneficial business model in the gaming industry When applied in the gaming industry, NFTs can also be used to issue unique digital items and crypto-collectibles through DApps (decentralized applications). NFTs allow records of ownership for in-game items, fuel in-game economies, and bring a host of benefits to the players. What does this mean for the game developers and the players? For game developers (a.k.a the creators of the NFT), they can earn a royalty every time an item is resold by players. For players, unlike the regular gaming items, if a game is no longer maintained by its developers, the NFT items you have collected still truly remain yours. This could also mean that you can make a profit by selling it when you are done with the game or when that item becomes more desirable. NFTs x DeFi - A potent force for changes Another most obvious benefit of NFTs is making the current finance systems more efficient. NFTs when placed in the DeFi background can reinvent the whole current ​​infrastructure. Since NFTs represent the digital different asset types, ranging from real estate to lending contracts to artwork on a blockchain, removing the need for intermediaries and sophisticated finance systems. For example, you collateralise 5 ETH so you can borrow 1000 USDT. This guarantees that the lender gets paid back – if the borrower doesn't pay back the USDT, thanks to the smart contract function, the collateral will be automatically sent to the lender. Another example in the investing realm, considering a piece of land parceled out into multiple divisions, each of which is unique, located and priced differently, and represented with an NFT. A virtual reality platform on Ethereum - Decentraland has already developed new markets and forms of real estate investment solutions for its clients. Bonus: Well-known NFT projects and platforms Now that we understand the basics, let’s dive into some of the most well-known players in the NFTs world. OpenSea - The world’s first and largest decentralized digital marketplace for crypto collectibles NFTs Launched in 2017, with over 600,000 users, the house of over 6,600 collections and has processed over $10 billion worth of NFTs are some impressive highlights of OpenSea. You can find almost any NFTs category on OpenSea, from art, domain names, collectibles, music, you name it. CryptoPunks - The first Ethereum-based NFT experiment Built by Larva Labs and recently acquired by Yuga Labs, CryptoPunks is the collection of 10,000 unique 24x24 pixel art images, generated algorithmically. Most of the punks are punky-looking guys and girls, but there are also a few other types like odd-looking Aliens, Apes, and Zombies. With the limited supply and strong branding among the early adopters, it seems to be one of the best candidates for true digital antiques. CryptoPunks also owns one of the most expensive NFTs in history - Punk #5822, which sold for 8,000ETH worth close to $23.7 million at the time. CryptoKitties - The project taking NFTs to the mainstream The NFT’s history can be divided into two main phases: ‘before CryptoKitties’ and ‘after the Birth of CryptoKitties’ - CryptoKitties is one of the world’s first blockchain games. While some gaming players later labeled CryptoKitties not a real game, its story was cute, chill, and shareable at the time — who does not like the idea of buying a $1,000 digital cat and breeding it into a new cat of varying rarity? Decentraland- The virtual world’s one-stop-shop for the digital assets on Ethereum Though the Cryptokitties and CryptoPunks may sound trivial, there are some more serious business implications, and Decentraland is a good example. Decentraland is a decentralized virtual reality world where its users can develop and exchange digital assets such as pieces of virtual land, artwork, and NFTs. They are the pioneer in applying NFTs for land ownership and in-world assets. In 2018, their LAND NFTs saw more trading volume than any other NFT, led to a fund-raise of $25M, and kicked off a $10M land sale for parcels in their virtual reality metaverse. Disclaimer: All products and projects listed on this article are not endorsements, and are provided for informational purposes only.