Cryptocurrency
Forget about price! Polkadot Decoded 2023 says bear markets are for building
The Polkadot Decoded 2023 conference just wrapped up and this year more than 100 speakers and 100 blockchain projects were in attendance.
The beauty of crypto bear markets is they catalyze a realignment of perspectives and objectives.
All the hidden leverage is gone and most of the speculation is gone.
SBF is gone.
Do Kwon is gone.
Three Arrows Capital, Su Zhu, Kyle Davies and a handful of other hucksters and snake oil salesmen have been exiled.
And good riddance to all of them. Crypto doesn’t need hopium, messiahs, populists and dream peddlers. What we need are builders, fresh ideas, solutions that have product-to-market fit and some sort of realistic real world application.
That’s what I like about blockchain conferences. Especially during a bear market.
The buidl first mentality is the whole vibe of Polkadot Decoded. For the past two days, a tightly knit community of ecosystem siblings composed of developers, investors, ambassadors and a few curious journalists such as myself rendezvoused at the Øksnehallen conference center which is tucked away from the bustling, cobblestoned streets of central Copenhagen, Denmark.
The location is almost poetic given that it is a surprisingly quiet spot that is discreetly nestled within a thriving city center, and that ethos carried on through the conference events where the focus has been:
- Creating better interoperability between the projects in the Polkadot ecosystem;
- Making the blockchain more welcoming to builders; and
- Refining the cross-chain bridges that connect Polkadot to Ethereum, Cosmos and other blockchains.
Hardly anyone is talking about airdrops, token prices, memecoins, Bitcoin (BTC) hitting a new all-time high or any of the general conversational fodder that forms the bulk of most crypto discussions.
It’s bigger than a dollar sign
Rather than price, panellists discussed the challenges and occasional successes of helping TradFi and Web2 companies transition into Web3, the steps being taken to make the VC funding of projects more transparent, and the need for all the crypto jargon and rigamarole to be placed on the backend of DApps and the frontend UX to be more seamless.
Many folks even suggested that “blockchain,” “crypto,” and “Web3” should not be mentioned on projects’ websites, apps, roadmaps and so on.
According to Public Pressure CEO Giulia Maresca:
“I think it’s not about talking about the technology because mass adoptees don’t know how the phone or Google maps or any technology is working. We need to create products that are really easy for the user, but given the benefit that they are built on Web3 tech. It should be really easy for the user; it shouldn’t be complicated. We shouldn’t talk about wallets, or bridging or doing complicated crypto things. People get scared the minute you start talking about wallets. It should be as easy as using Instagram.”
Speaking of Web3 and the need for crypto to have a better product-to-market fit and connection to real-world assets, I moderated the opening panel at Polkadot Decoded, which focused on on-chain entertainment within music and film. It was an intriguing conversation, given that the general consensus among creators and builders is that music and film will be the most sticky when it comes to user growth, retention and mass application of NFTs within everyday life.
During the panel, Maresca explained why she believes that there is a natural synergy between creative industries and Web3 ideology:
“Web3 is a very socratic and creative space, and that aligns with the workflow and ideas of artists and creators.”
Maresca also firmly believes that phygital NFTs and experiences will gain a firm foothold in the areas of fashion design, the film industry and all aspects of the music industry.
Providing a real-world example of how fashion labels like Diesel were making entry to the Web3 space, Maresca explained:
“Diesel would like to be more into Web3, so we’ve helped them to build a really strong concept using music at the center of their strategy, so Diesel acting like a discovery label, discovering emerging and breakthrough artists to give voice to their art. And they’ve done a few drops with us already which were really successful, but we’re planning a big drop at the beginning of September that is going to be a phygital drop. So, I think now a big part of the future is phygital; it is giving experience, utilities, what the community wants, which is to have a VIP experience. They want something from the brand, not only the garments. They want to be part of the Diesel family. It’s a long process and lots of education to the C-level, but there are a lot of opportunities for brands to work with the music community, to fans, and to new fans.”
Ed Hill, senior vice president of media services at Beatport, emphasised that rather than being a mere buzzword, Web3 needs to become a tangible and actionable ideology within the corporate structure of the entertainment industry.
When asked about the disconnect between consumer desires, creators’ objectives and the products and experiences currently provided by the entertainment industry, Hill said:
“That’s a tough one to crack, but we have to go deeper and build better communities. If you look at YouTube and Facebook, those platforms are audience builders, and all anyone has cared about is views, and reach, and impressions and things like that. We have to go deeper into community building, and failure to do that is why younger audiences have been splitting away from traditional Web2 social media platforms, and I think, in time, if we build better, authentic communities from the ground up, that space between the corporate to creator to consumer gap begins to tighten.”
Related: New Web3 ID app lets users find each other based on proven interests
Community members are stakeholders, not just consumers
From my vantage point, and that of most conference attendees, crypto is about community, and the most viable projects tend to have a very grassroots approach where community members are stakeholders and their desires factor into the direction of the project. Historically, every time the crypto sector strays from this ethos and falls victim to the whimsy of money chasers and demagogues, investors and community members are essentially robbed of their agency within the project.
In order for corporations to transition into Web3 in an authentic way that bears fruit, creators, consumers and community members have to be viewed as more than a simple proletariat within a system purely focused on spinning up revenue and co-opting culture and turning creator IP into corporate marketing trinkets. Crypto media should take note too, but I digress.
Similar sentiments, which culminated with an optimistic take on the future of Web3, were expressed by Define Creative founder Finn Martin, who said:
“What gets me excited about Web3 is it offers all the tools and solutions to actually fix the problems that traditional Web2 has. By moving the assets on a chain, you can make it transparent for creators, you can give them direct revenue because, currently, the streaming model is broken. As a music creator, you own a fraction of a cent from each stream, and all of that can be addressed and solved via Web3.”
Blockchains should stop aspiring to be a jack of all trades
Generally, vast blockchain ecosystems tend to have a disjointed feel where a multiplicity of objectives and philosophies have investors and advocates feeling lost at sea. These projects tend to struggle with clearly defining their purpose, and this has a knock-on effect of impacting market fit efficacy.
They basically still struggle with the age-old crypto problem, which entails creating solutions for problems that aren’t actually problems for normal people. What stands out most to me at Polkadot Decoded 2023 is a unified goal of making the chain easier to use for builders, investors and users.
Regardless of whether the project is an AMM, DEX, lending market, blockchain-gaming startup, IPFS storage solution or a cross-chain bridge, each panel has made some reference to the need for composability, interoperability and turning the concept of Web3 from a thought to reality by building infrastructure for projects to thrive on.
Which is why I again emphasize the importance of getting out from behind the screen and TradingView token price action charts and into fellowship with the community at conferences. No man is an island, and there’s value in finding a safe space to socialize, ideate, test and refine one’s investment thesis and views on the evolution of blockchains.
Hat tip to Polkadot Decoded for having the right narrative on lock this year.
This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.
Cryptocurrency
Gate Launches xStocks Trading Section, Bridging Crypto Finance and Global Capital Markets
[PRESS RELEASE – Panama City, Panama, July 3rd, 2025]
In July 2025, Gate, a global leading digital asset trading platform, officially launched its xStocks trading section, covering both spot and futures markets. The initial listings include 8 popular tokenized stocks, such as COINX, NVDAX, CRCLX, AAPLX, METAX, HOODX, TSLAX, and GOOGLX, enabling global users to trade tokenized stocks directly with crypto assets like USDT. Gate Alpha has also rolled out support for xStocks, listing MSTRx, CRCLx, SPYx, NVDAx, TSLAx, and AAPLx, further expanding users’ access to on-chain assets and strategic trading options.
This initiative not only diversifies investment channels for crypto users but also marks a new phase in the convergence of crypto finance and traditional markets. Gate is now the first platform to launch a futures market for tokenized stocks, establishing a fully closed-loop trading infrastructure at the intersection of digital and traditional finance.
Removing Barriers: Connecting Global Users to Wall Street
Gate’s xStocks trading section adopts a compliant, asset-backed tokenization model. All tokens are fully collateralized and represent publicly traded U.S. stocks. These tokens are freely transferable and compatible across multiple blockchains and ecosystems.
Unlike traditional brokers that require regional accounts, complex KYC, and fiat settlement, Gate’s tokenized stocks services are globally accessible and require no KYC, allowing users to invest using USDT and other crypto assets. This borderless trading model significantly lowers entry barriers for global participants, offering a seamless path for cross-border capital movement and global portfolio allocation.
The platform also supports 24/7 trading, fractional investment, and on-chain liquidity, breaking down traditional time and regulatory constraints, and delivering a highly flexible, decentralized investment experience that links TradFi and DeFi.
World-First Futures Market for Tokenized Stocks, Redefining Derivatives Boundaries
As the first platform globally to launch the futures market for tokenized stocks, Gate enables users to apply leverage and execute two-way strategies on U.S. stocks, all under a USDT pricing system, empowering more dynamic risk and return management.
The trading infrastructure has been fully optimized for this launch, with upgrades to matching engines, pricing models, and risk control systems. Tailored to the liquidity profiles of U.S. stocks and the behavioral patterns of crypto-native traders, the system delivers high responsiveness, strong compatibility, and robust user experience across both spot and futures markets.
A Strategic Leap Toward the Next-Generation Crypto Exchange
Gate’s expansion into tokenized stocks represents a key milestone in its long-term strategy of bridging traditional and future finance. By building crypto-native infrastructure for traditional assets, Gate is redefining how users access and interact with global capital markets.
Dr. Han, Founder and CEO of Gate, stated: “Our mission isn’t just to add a new asset class, but to transform the relationship between users and assets. We aim to create a truly global, borderless investment platform that empowers everyone to access financial opportunities worldwide.”
In 2025, Gate completed a major brand upgrade and transitioned to the unified domain Gate.com, marking a new chapter in its global strategy. The platform currently ranks Top 2 globally in spot trading volume, with continued strength in derivatives, liquidity depth, and user activity, reinforcing its position as a leader in global crypto financial infrastructure.
As the digital transformation of global finance accelerates, Gate’s launch of tokenized stocks offers a model for the industry and demonstrates a pioneering approach to integrating decentralized infrastructure with traditional capital markets, propelling the platform toward its vision as the next-generation crypto exchange.
About Gate
Gate, founded in 2013 by Dr. Han, is one of the world’s earliest cryptocurrency exchanges. The platform serves over 30 million users with 3,600+ digital assets and pioneered the industry’s first 100% proof-of-reserves. Beyond core trading services, Gate’s ecosystem includes Gate Wallet, Gate Ventures, and other innovative solutions, while its global partnerships extend to top-tier sports brands like Oracle Red Bull Racing in F1 and Inter.
For more information, users can visit: Website | X | Telegram | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube
Disclaimer:
This content does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation. You should always seek independent professional advice before making investment decisions. Gate may restrict or prohibit certain services in specific jurisdictions. For more information, users can read the User Agreement via https://www.gate.com/user-agreement.
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Cryptocurrency
Bitcoin Price Shoots Toward $110K while Fartcoin and BONK Lead Meme Coin Gains: Market Watch
Bitcoin’s price is starting to heat up again, pushing towards the important $110,000 level and recording an increase of around 1.6% in the past 24 hours. This comes amid an even more impressive rally from certain meme coins such as Fartcoin and Bonk.
The total crypto market capitalization added around $50 billion during the day and is inching closer to $3.5 trillion. All of this happens as important regulatory changes are likely to take effect in the United States.
Bitcoin Price En Route to New All-Time Highs
At the time of this writing, BTC trades at around $109,500 which is around 2% below its all-time high achieved on May 22nd – about a month a go. And while we’re on the topic of statistics – the all-time low recorded on CoinGecko took place on July 6th 12 years ago. Since then, the cryptocurrency has returned the staggering 161,270% increase.
Anyways, back to the day-to-day news. BTC looks eager to take on its former highs and this is happening as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” proposed by Donald Trump’s administration passed both Senate and the House votes in the past 24 hours.
It doesn’t include any direct crypto regulations, but it does intend to alleviate taxes on retail users and also introduce (or re-introduce, to be more precise) the so-called 100% bonus depreciation rule, which will allow Bitcoin mining companies to write off their equipment immediately, potentially allowing them to ramp up operations and increase the network’s hash rate, which has historically been bullish for the price.
In other BTC-related news, the BlackRock IBIT ETF, which tracks Bitcoin’s price, is now generating more fees than their legendary S&P 500 fund – a clear indication of the pent up demand and the fact that investors are willing to pay premium fees for exposure.
Fartcoin, Bonk Lead Meme Coin Gains
As you can see in the heatmap below, it’s a sea of green in the altcoins market today. Most of them are charting notable increases. Even the large-caps are up a lot – ETH gains 5.8%, DOGE – 7.7%, ADA – 8.5%, HYPE – 5.5%, SUI – 11.6%, and so forth.
But the most impressive gains for the day come from two of the more polarizing meme coins – Fartcoin and Bonk. The latter is today’s best performer, gaining about 20%, while the latter is up by 17%. Right behind them is Celestia (TIA), which gained 16%.
It’s one of those days where the worst-performing cryptocurrencies are stablecoins (ironically, of course), with just Fasttoken (FTN) and Bitcoin Cash (BCH) struggling to gain and trade flat.
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Disclaimer: Information found on CryptoPotato is those of writers quoted. It does not represent the opinions of CryptoPotato on whether to buy, sell, or hold any investments. You are advised to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Use provided information at your own risk. See Disclaimer for more information.
Cryptocurrency charts by TradingView.
TL;DR
- Analysts see potential for further gains for XRP, with targets ranging from $2.80 to over $3.50 – while some even speculate on a parabolic rally similar to 2017.
- Despite the bullish outlook, XRP’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) nears 70, signaling potential overbought conditions and raising the chance of a short-term correction before any continued breakout.
What’s Next for XRP?
XRP has followed the overall resurgence of the cryptocurrency market in the last 24 hours, soaring to almost $2.30. Another factor that may have positively impacted its recent price performance is Ripple’s application for a license with the US national bank regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).
According to multiple analysts, its ascent has yet to reach new dimensions. The X user CRYPTOWZRD noted that XRP closed the day “bullish,” setting $2.80 as the next resistance target.
“The intraday chart was highly volatile and bullish. It is now testing the $2.2550 resistance target. A successful breakout and a close above this level will offer the next long opportunity,” the trader added.
World of Charts believes an XRP breakout and retest has already been confirmed. The analyst expects a move towards $3 in the coming days, followed by a pump beyond $3.50 sometime this month.
The X user Maxi is even more optimistic. The crypto enthusiast believes XRP could replicate its performance in 2017 when it experienced a staggering 1,200% surge in a matter of days. Nowadays, a spike of that magnitude would drive the token’s valuation to a new all-time high of $30.
At the moment, such a rally seems quite unrealistic, considering that XRP’s market cap needs to skyrocket above $1.6 trillion. Currently, Bitcoin (BTC) is the only cryptocurrency whose capitalization exceeds that mark, while Ethereum (ETH) is far below with $313 billion.
Observing Some Indicators
Despite the bullish predictions, there are some red flags popping up suggesting the asset could head in the opposite direction in the short term.
The Relative Strength Index, which measures the speed and magnitude of recent price changes, has climbed to almost 70. Such readings generally mean that the valuation has increased too rapidly over a short period of time, signaling that it might be time for a correction.
If you’re curious about more indicators that could hint at XRP’s next move, check out our in-depth article here.
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