Crypto Currency
$313M+ Raised! Is BlockDAG Ready to Outpace Solana in the Next DeFi Wave?
Solana became one of crypto’s headline names by offering speed above all else. Known by some as an “Ethereum killer,” its promise of over 65,000 transactions per second and minimal gas fees drew attention fast. But speed came with tradeoffs. Repeated outages, heavy validator control, and concerns about its growing size raised doubts about whether fast alone was good enough. Now, BlockDAG (BDAG) is stepping into that space. It isn’t just copying Solana’s strong points. It’s also responding to the flaws.
With more than $313 million already raised in its presale, a $600 million target in sight, and over 2 million users mining on its X1 app, BlockDAG is further along than many expect. For those watching what might shape the next DeFi phase, this Layer 1 is working to strike a better balance between speed, stability, and ease of use.
Looking Beyond Speed in the Layer 1 Race
Solana picked up momentum in 2021 and 2022, especially across NFTs and retail dApps. But the same fast design that made it popular also created problems. It ran on a Proof-of-History model that delivered speed but hadn’t been tested at scale. That led to breakdowns. Between 2021 and 2023, Solana went offline at least seven times.
This caused real concern. Apps couldn’t count on constant uptime. Some users lost access during outages. And confidence started to fade, especially for serious DeFi use.
BlockDAG takes a different route. It uses DAG to enable fast, parallel transactions but adds Proof-of-Work for deeper decentralization and network protection. This approach pulls from Bitcoin’s durability while offering speeds that reach 15,000 transactions per second.
Where Solana went all-in on speed, BlockDAG is focusing on reliable performance. The design aims to scale without cutting corners, keeping the network secure and steady even during heavy use.
How BlockDAG Is Building Before It Launches
What sets BlockDAG apart is how it’s preparing before going live. Many chains, like Solana, focused mainly on getting their mainnet out first. BlockDAG is doing it differently. Its testnet is already active, it works with Ethereum tools, and it has a no-code dApp builder that lets people create smart contracts without needing to code.
More than 23 billion BDAG coins have been sold already, showing strong interest well before its official launch. That early traction is similar to Solana’s early growth, but BlockDAG seems to be doing it in a more structured way, starting with tools, not adding them later.
Here’s a quick comparison:
- Solana grew after going live; BlockDAG is gaining ground before launch.
- Solana’s developers had to make their own tools; BlockDAG is giving them ready-to-use options.
- Solana dealt with slowdowns during peak times; BlockDAG is planning for high speed from day one.
This approach is why some analysts are starting to see BlockDAG as more than just another Layer 1. It could be a stronger base for running DeFi, dApps, and DePIN tools without facing technical problems.
Planning for Liquidity and Early Visibility
BlockDAG is also thinking ahead when it comes to liquidity. Unlike Solana, which leaned on grants and early-stage funding, BlockDAG is getting all its support from its community. Its $600 million crypto presale goal will help it:
- Add liquidity across more than 20 exchanges (5 already confirmed)
- Finish its core systems before going public
- Provide early support to developers through grants and tools
- Launch key DeFi features like a bridge, DEX, and lending tools before its listing
On top of that, BlockDAG is already getting attention beyond the crypto world. It has a partnership with Inter Milan and is planning a new campaign in the U.S. These kinds of moves are similar to Solana’s push into sports and apps for regular users, but BlockDAG is doing it earlier in its journey.
Could BlockDAG Reach Solana’s Market Level?
Solana is currently in the top 10 crypto projects with a market cap close to $70 billion. Could BlockDAG get there too? It’s still early, but the first signs are worth noticing. Take a look at how the numbers compare:
- Presale price: $0.0018 (ends June 20)
- Listing price: $0.05 (already confirmed)
- Estimated short-term price target: $1
- Longer-term outlook: Some analysts see potential for $4+ if progress stays on track
Reaching $1 could give BlockDAG a market cap around $50 billion, depending on how many coins are circulating. That would put it near Solana’s current level. Still, it’s not just about numbers. What really matters is how the rollout is handled.
BlockDAG already has a detailed six-week launch plan in place:
- Presale ends → Mining stops and staking ends
- Mainnet begins → Nodes and ASIC mining equipment go live
- DeFi features go online → Launchpad, DEX, and oracles are activated
- Coin goes public → 40% of coins are airdropped
In simple terms, the foundation is already there to grow, not just in tech and funding, but also in public interest.
Is This a New Kind of Layer 1?
Solana made a name for itself by focusing on speed first and worrying about decentralization later. BlockDAG is choosing a different path. It’s putting decentralization, strong developer tools, and steady growth at the center, while still aiming for high speeds and useful applications.
Solana won’t be pushed aside overnight. But history shows that projects which blend security and easy access and build strong user bases early tend to stay relevant. That’s what happened with Bitcoin. That’s what happened with Ethereum.
Now, BlockDAG might be on a similar path.
For people watching this space closely, it seems the chance to get in early is still available, but probably not for long.
Website: https://blockdag.network
Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network
Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial
Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu
Crypto
Coinbase’s x402 Launches ‘App Store’ for AI Agents
Coinbase is pushing deeper into the intersection of AI and crypto with the launch of a new marketplace designed specifically for autonomous agents.
Introducing Agentic.market
The new platform, called Agentic.market, acts like an app store for AI agents, allowing them to discover, evaluate, and use services without needing traditional API integrations.
Built on Coinbase’s x402 payments protocol, the marketplace aims to simplify how AI agents interact with online services and make payments.
What the x402 Protocol Does
The x402 protocol enables AI agents to:
- Make payments using stablecoins
- Access services programmatically
- Operate independently without human intervention
It is named after the HTTP “402 Payment Required” status code, reflecting its focus on enabling native internet payments.
A Marketplace for Autonomous Agents
Agentic.market provides two key layers:
- A web interface for humans to browse services
- A programmable layer for AI agents to integrate tools automatically
AI agents can:
- Search and compare services
- Access “skills” (predefined instructions for using tools)
- Execute transactions using built-in wallets
This allows agents to not only consume services, but also potentially offer services themselves.
Solving a Fragmentation Problem
According to Coinbase, one of the biggest challenges in the AI agent ecosystem has been fragmentation.
Until now, developers relied on:
- Word-of-mouth
- Disconnected platforms
- Manual integrations
Agentic.market aims to centralize this ecosystem, making it easier for agents to operate efficiently.
Growing Adoption of AI Payments
The x402 ecosystem is already seeing traction:
- Hundreds of thousands of AI agents active
- Hundreds of millions in transaction volume
This signals growing demand for machine-to-machine commerce powered by crypto.
Backed by Major Tech and Finance Players
The protocol has attracted support from major companies, including:
- Microsoft
- Amazon Web Services
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Stripe
- Circle
These companies are backing the development of the x402 Foundation, which will help govern the protocol.
The Bigger Vision: AI-Native Commerce
Industry leaders believe AI agents could soon dominate online transactions.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has predicted that AI agents may soon outnumber humans in online commerce, while Circle’s leadership expects billions of agents to transact onchain within a few years.
A Glimpse Into the Future
The launch of Agentic.market highlights a major shift:
- From human-driven apps → to agent-driven ecosystems
- From manual payments → to autonomous transactions
If adoption continues, platforms like this could become foundational infrastructure for the next phase of the internet.
Crypto Currency
Bitcoin Jumps Above $77K as Oil Drops After Strait of Hormuz Reopens
Bitcoin surged past $77,000 on Friday, while oil prices fell sharply, after Iran confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open during the ongoing ceasefire.
The announcement triggered a swift shift in global markets, signaling improving investor sentiment as geopolitical tensions eased.
Bitcoin Rallies on Easing Tensions
Following the news, Bitcoin climbed more than 3.7% in 24 hours, extending its weekly gains to around 5%.
The rally reflects a broader return of risk appetite among investors, who had previously pulled back amid uncertainty tied to the US, Israel, and Iran conflict.
Market watchers noted that investors who exited positions during the March volatility are now re-entering as conditions stabilize.
Oil Prices Drop Sharply
At the same time, oil markets reacted in the opposite direction.
Brent crude futures fell roughly 10%, dropping to around $85 per barrel after Iran’s foreign minister confirmed that commercial shipping would not be disrupted during the ceasefire period.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy route, and any threat to its operation typically drives oil prices higher. Its reopening helped ease supply concerns almost immediately.
Ceasefire Brings Temporary Relief
Iran’s foreign minister stated that the passage would remain fully open for commercial vessels throughout the ceasefire period.
US President Donald Trump also confirmed the development, reinforcing confidence in the short-term stability of the region.
However, the ceasefire is set to expire on April 22, meaning uncertainty still lingers over what could happen next.
Markets Show Signs of Recovery
The easing of tensions has boosted broader markets as well.
According to market commentary, the S&P 500 has added roughly $7 trillion in value over the past three weeks, reflecting renewed investor confidence across asset classes.
This improving sentiment is also supporting crypto markets, which often react strongly to macroeconomic and geopolitical developments.
Talks of Broader Deal Add Optimism
Additional optimism came from reports that US officials are considering a wider agreement with Iran.
The proposal could involve releasing up to $20 billion in frozen Iranian assets in exchange for Tehran scaling back its enriched uranium stockpile.
While discussions are ongoing, such a deal could further reduce geopolitical risks if finalized.
Uncertainty Still Remains
Despite the positive developments, risks have not fully disappeared.
The US naval presence in the region remains active, and officials have indicated that certain measures will stay in place until a broader agreement is finalized.
With the ceasefire deadline approaching, markets may continue to see volatility depending on how negotiations unfold.
Blockchain
Ramp Network Launches Multichain Wallet to Simplify Self-Custody
Fintech firm Ramp Network has introduced a new multichain self-custodial wallet aimed at reducing one of crypto’s biggest usability challenges, the need to rely on multiple third-party services for basic transactions.
The company says the wallet allows users to buy, sell, swap, and cash out digital assets within a single app, streamlining the overall experience.
All-in-One Crypto Experience
Unlike many wallets that depend on external providers, Ramp’s new product integrates its own on-ramp, off-ramp, and cross-chain infrastructure directly into the app.
This means users can complete key actions like trading or withdrawing funds without being redirected to other platforms.
Ramp says the goal is to simplify self-custody while still allowing users to retain full control over their assets.
Multichain Support at Launch
The wallet launches with support for Ether across eight networks, including Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, Linea, MegaETH, Optimism, Polygon zkEVM, and zkSync Era.
Ramp plans to expand support to additional networks such as Bitcoin, Solana, Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, Apechain, Avalanche, Celo, and Gnosis in future updates.
To facilitate transactions, the wallet uses USDC on the Base network as a core balance for payments and transfers.
Focus on Security and User Control
Despite offering an integrated experience, Ramp emphasized that the wallet remains fully self-custodial.
Users retain control of their private keys, with security features including passkeys and optional key export functionality.
The company said this approach aims to make non-custodial wallets easier to use without compromising ownership of funds.
Not Available in the EU Yet
The wallet will be available globally, except in the European Union.
Ramp Network is already registered as a Crypto Asset Service Provider under the EU’s MiCA framework, but additional regulatory approvals are required before launching the wallet in the region.
According to CEO Przemek Kowalczyk, those steps are expected to be completed in the coming months.
Competing in a Crowded Wallet Market
Ramp’s entry adds to a growing list of wallets offering integrated features, including MetaMask, Phantom, Best Wallet, and Exodus, which already support in-app swaps and asset purchases.
However, Ramp is positioning its product as more streamlined by reducing the number of intermediaries involved in each transaction.
Simplifying a Fragmented Experience
Kowalczyk said the company built its own infrastructure to eliminate friction points that typically occur when users switch between services.
By combining payments, trading, and cash-out features into a single system, Ramp aims to make the crypto experience more consistent and user-friendly while maintaining the core principle of self-custody.
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