Latest news with #NFT
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Whatever happened to NFTs?
In 2021, NFTs were everywhere, from pixelated punks to bored apes, they dominated headlines and drew billions in investment. By 2022, celebrities and brands were all in, buying JPEGs on the Ethereum network and even hyping metaverse real estate. But by June 2025, the hype has all but vanished. Floor prices have collapsed, trading volumes have plunged, and the NFT market is now a shadow of its former self. So, what happened to NFTs? Read more: Crypto live prices Yahoo Finance UK sat down with Nansen Research Analyst Nicolai Sondergaard, to find out whether the market is dead, what lessons were learned, and if NFTs left anything of real value behind. NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are unique digital assets stored on the blockchain, which signify ownership or authenticity of a specific item. They differ from cryptocurrencies like bitcoin (BTC-USD) in that they are indivisible and irreplaceable. Their uniqueness gave them value, especially in the world of digital art, music, collectibles, and gaming. Read more: Bored Ape Bar – Inside the $100,000 membership exclusive NFT club in London With the NFT boom, a new digital creator economy briefly flourished. Artists tokenised their work. Musicians experimented with fan-owned tracks. Enthusiasts traded memes. What began as a niche use of blockchain technology quickly turned into a global cultural movement, but also a speculative bubble. "Instead of being used for the potential that NFTs still have, they became memeified and, as such, were instruments for speculation," Sondergaard said. "This is the reason why many, to this day, still do not touch NFTs, they only see and remember the people that got rich quick and the ones that got burned." The collapse has been dramatic. According to analysis reported by NFT Evening, around 96% of NFT collections are now considered 'dead', meaning they show no trading activity, sales, or community engagement. For context, only 30% were considered inactive back in 2023, highlighting just how steep the decline has been. New NFT mints continue to fall month after month. As NFT Evening also reports, weekly trading volume on Ethereum-based marketplaces stands at around $90m, a fraction of the multi-billion-dollar peaks seen in 2021–2022. So, what caused the NFT craze to fizzle out so rapidly, and what does it reveal about how investors engage with hype-fueled technologies? According to Nicolai Sondergaard, the downfall wasn't due to a flaw in the underlying tech, but rather how it was used. 'They became memeified… traded for pure speculation. Many were fully unaware of what NFTs could be used for aside from minting a collection of pixels," Sondergaard said. The pattern reflects a broader trend in tech cycles that when the narrative is louder than the utility, markets can inflate quickly, and pop just as fast. Sondergaard said this dynamic created a lasting stigma: a tale of fast money, rug pulls, and disillusioned investors, as many people associate NFTs with overpriced monkey pictures and not with any meaningful utility. However, are any industries quietly using NFT technology today in ways the public might not notice, or has the entire concept has been shelved? Sondergaard pointed to several real-world use cases that continue to grow beneath the surface. For example, some communities like Bytexplorers use NFTs as gated passes to forums and events. 'Usually minting these NFTs is cheap, and ensures that people that are really interested join,' he explained. In real estate, platforms such as Propy enable people to buy property using NFTs, putting legal documents on-chain for transparent and secure transactions. The gaming industry, while still in its infancy with NFTs, is experimenting by granting players ownership of in-game items like skins, a move that reflects the thriving secondary markets for virtual goods in games like Counter-Strike. Additionally, in brand engagement, Adidas ( has leveraged NFTs to offer holders discounts and exclusive merchandise, creating new ways to connect with customers. Meanwhile, the music industry uses NFTs to streamline royalty payments, allowing artists to get paid more transparently while enabling fans to truly own music tracks. 'There are a few different real-world use cases that are still going today,' Sondergaard said. 'These don't make headlines, but they represent the core utility NFTs always had, verifiable, programmable digital ownership.' While Ethereum remains the dominant blockchain for NFTs, activity has shifted. According to a16z's State of Crypto 2024 report, the trend is moving away from high-volume secondary trading and toward 'low-cost social collecting experiences.' Two Ethereum Layer 2 networks, Base, from Coinbase (COIN), and Zora, are now seeing an increase NFT minting activity. Base, in particular, has averaged over one million daily active transacting addresses since late 2024. NFTs, as a market, are unquestionably in decline. But the underlying technology, the concept of unique digital ownership, continues to evolve and embed itself quietly into products and platforms. 'Ultimately,' Sondergaard said, 'when considering NFTs there is a need to distinguish memetic NFTs, which are traded for the pure purpose of profit, and the ones used to facilitate something else.' Read more: Why pension funds are buying bitcoin What we know about Elon Musk's controversial blockchain vision for US How AI could change the internetError in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
ArDrive Saves All NFT.NYC Artwork on World's First Permanent Cloud
Arweave based app ensures all creations are securely and immutably stored on permanent cloud ArDrive, the storage app of the world's first permanent cloud network built on the Arweave blockchain, has partnered with to permanently and immutably store creators' artwork, forever. Alongside OneHub, which helps creators connect with their fans to monetize their NFTs, the leading annual non-fungible token event - live in New York City 25-26 June 2025 - has given all artists submitting work to this year's show access to ArDrive. The decentralized storage app safely stores data on-chain in a way that proves the origin and ownership of a creators' work regardless of how it may be copied or misused, resisting current AI trends and placing power back in the hands of artists. Thanks to Arweave's 'pay-once-store forever' model, nothing stored through ArDrive and on can ever be lost. ArDrive recently saved NIke's NFT collections from oblivion after they disappeared from a centralized cloud provider earlier this year. Additionally, ArDrive and have also preserved the CrypToadz, Degenerate Ape Academy, and Solana Monkey Business NFT collections. Commenting on ArDrive's partnership with the app's founder Phil Mataras says: 'Preserving artwork permanently aligns with our mission to get forever data storage in the hands of everyone, and ensures creators own their work and legacies without compromise. We're proud to help protect artistic expression from the fleeting nature of Web2.' Notably, most digital art is not stored on-chain, making it susceptible to censorship, deletion, and loss. With over 18 million files permanently stored in the last five years, ArDrive has permanently preserved almost 2,000 pieces of art, which are now censorship-resistant, tamper-proof and verifiable, helping digital art to endure. Around 12 million users are projected to own NFTs by the end of 2025, and as the digital art ecosystem matures, permanence has become a critical missing layer. ArDrive is raising awareness of this issue through sponsorship of where it is giving creators the ability to permanently store and preserve their art for generations to come. About ArDrive ArDrive is the leading decentralized storage app on the world's first permanent cloud network built on Arweave. Designed for creators, developers, and everyday users, ArDrive makes it easy to store, organize, and share your most important files, forever. Whether you're preserving NFTs, AI datasets, or critical documents, ArDrive ensures your data is immutable, censorship-resistant, and accessible for generations to come. To learn more about ArDrive, users can visit and follow @ardriveapp on X About Supported by the Arweave permaweb, is the first permanent cloud network, enabling decentralized and censorship-resistant access to data, storage and domains that never disappear. By decentralizing access, ensures that information remains permanently available, tamper-proof, and free from centralized control. Its incentivized gateway network enhances reliability, while the Arweave Name System (ArNS) introduces self-sovereign, permanent domains that never expire and never need renewing. empowers developers, creators, and businesses to build on a truly resilient, open internet. Contact
Arabian Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Top 10 Crypto Exchanges in Dubai (2025): The Smartest Platforms for Trading in the UAE
Dubai has earned its reputation as the financial and technological capital of the Middle East—and when it comes to cryptocurrencies, the city is blazing ahead. With crypto-friendly regulations, tax-free gains, and strong government support for blockchain innovation, more people than ever are turning to secure, efficient crypto exchanges in Dubai to buy, sell, and hold digital assets. Whether you're an investor, trader, or curious beginner, choosing the right Dubai crypto exchange is essential for security, liquidity, and convenience. Here's our updated list of the top 10 exchanges dominating the UAE market in 2025. 1. Godex – Best for Fast, Anonymous Crypto Swaps in Dubai If privacy and simplicity are your priorities, Godex is the number one choice in Dubai. This no-KYC exchange lets users convert over 300 cryptocurrencies instantly—without registering or submitting ID. It's the perfect solution for traders who value confidentiality and want to avoid time-consuming account setups. ADVERTISEMENT Key advantages of Godex: 100% anonymous—no sign-up required Fixed rates with no slippage risk Unlimited transaction volumes Fast, secure swaps with 300+ coins No regional restrictions For users in Dubai who want a smooth, private trading experience, Godex offers the most streamlined option on the market. 2. Binance UAE – Global Leader with AED Integration Binance remains the world's most popular exchange and has customized services for UAE residents. Its integration with local banks allows AED deposits and withdrawals, making it one of the most convenient crypto exchanges in Dubai for both novice and advanced traders. Top features: Supports AED via local bank transfers High liquidity across hundreds of tokens Spot, margin, and futures markets Earn, staking, and card options Powerful trading tools and analytics Binance is ideal for serious investors who want access to the full range of financial products and deep market liquidity. ADVERTISEMENT 3. BitOasis – Licensed Exchange from the UAE BitOasis is Dubai's first and most recognized homegrown crypto platform. Regulated under the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), it offers a safe, legally compliant environment for trading crypto with AED. Why BitOasis is trusted: Regulated and compliant with Dubai law Local bank integration for AED transactions Beginner-friendly design BitOasis Pro for advanced users For UAE residents who want peace of mind and local credibility, BitOasis is a reliable option. 4. – Complete Crypto Banking Experience combines trading, payments, and rewards in a single app. With its crypto Visa card, staking options, and clean interface, it's become a go-to platform for users in Dubai who want a flexible and modern crypto lifestyle. Highlights: Spend crypto globally with a Visa card Passive income via staking and rewards Mobile-first interface DeFi and NFT access included is a smart choice for those looking to do more with their crypto than just buy and hold. 5. Rain – Regulated Simplicity for Gulf Region Traders Rain is a Bahrain-based exchange that serves Dubai residents with simplicity, transparency, and regulation. It's licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain and aims to make crypto accessible in the GCC. Rain's key features: AED deposits and withdrawals Full compliance with regional regulations Beginner-friendly dashboard Strong Arabic and English support Rain is perfect for cautious users or newcomers who want a safe, local entry point into crypto investing. 6. Kraken – Security and Depth for Professionals Kraken is a global exchange trusted by institutional and high-volume traders. While not Dubai-based, it's fully accessible in the UAE and offers unmatched security along with pro-level features. Why traders love Kraken: Deep liquidity and low spreads Supports over 200 crypto pairs Cold wallet asset protection Margin and futures markets available For experienced traders or crypto funds based in Dubai, Kraken offers the infrastructure needed for serious trading. 7. Bybit – Fast-Paced Trading with High Leverage Bybit has captured the attention of Dubai's active trader community with its clean UI and powerful derivatives trading. It allows up to 100x leverage and doesn't require KYC for basic accounts, making it appealing to high-risk, high-reward traders. Features of Bybit: Derivatives and futures with leverage Instant account creation Launchpad and staking products Strong mobile experience If you like to move fast and capitalize on market momentum, Bybit is a strong pick. 8. OKX – The Best of Trading and Web3 in One OKX delivers a seamless blend of centralized and decentralized crypto services. From traditional markets to DeFi, NFTs, and DApps, it has become popular with Dubai's tech-native users who want flexibility and innovation. What makes OKX unique: Spot and futures markets DeFi access with Web3 wallet NFT marketplace and DApps Low fees and frequent promotions OKX is for users who want to be ahead of the curve and explore the future of blockchain in a single ecosystem. 9. KuCoin – Altcoin Access with a Global Community If you're interested in investing in the next big project before it goes mainstream, KuCoin is your platform. With hundreds of altcoins and regular listings, it's favored by risk-tolerant users in Dubai looking for early opportunities. KuCoin's benefits: 700+ tokens supported P2P trading and fiat gateways Copy trading and lending options Frequent token sales and airdrops KuCoin is especially popular among younger, exploratory investors building diverse crypto portfolios. 10. MEXC – Performance and Value for Everyday Traders MEXC has built a strong reputation in the UAE for its fast trading engine, low fees, and wide selection of assets. It frequently features token launches and emerging projects, making it attractive for both beginners and altcoin hunters. What MEXC offers: Early access to trending coins Crypto ETFs and copy trading Mobile app with intuitive design High-speed execution with low latency It's a great alternative to larger platforms, offering speed, innovation, and accessibility. Final Thoughts: Dubai Is Ready—Are You? Dubai's crypto ecosystem is booming, offering a wealth of platforms for every type of trader—from anonymous swaps on Godex to institutional-grade tools on Kraken, or lifestyle-focused options like If privacy, speed, and simplicity are your top priorities, Godex remains the clear winner. For fiat integration and local compliance, BitOasis, Rain, and Binance UAE provide seamless experiences for UAE residents. Meanwhile, Bybit, OKX, and KuCoin empower more active and adventurous traders. The future of finance is already taking shape in Dubai. Pick your platform wisely—and start building your crypto journey today. Also published on Medium. Notice an issue? Arabian Post strives to deliver the most accurate and reliable information to its readers. If you believe you have identified an error or inconsistency in this article, please don't hesitate to contact our editorial team at editor[at]thearabianpost[dot]com. We are committed to promptly addressing any concerns and ensuring the highest level of journalistic integrity.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Long Island Capital Alliance Appoints Kyle Lawrence to Board of Directors
MELVILLE, NY / / June 24, 2025 / The Long Island Capital Alliance ("LICA"), Long Island's leading non-profit capital formation and business development organization, today announced the appointment of Kyle Lawrence to its Board of Directors. With this addition, LICA's Board has grown to 14 members. Kyle Lawrence, 46, is a Partner with the NY-based law firm Falcon Rappaport & Berman LLP ("FRB") where he is part of the leadership team of FRB's Corporate & Securities Practice Group and serves as Co-Chair of the Digital Assets Practice Group. His practice spans a wide range of corporate and securities matters, including mergers, acquisitions, private placements, joint ventures, corporate finance, licensing, and distribution arrangements. Mr. Lawrence regularly represents clients in industries such as telecommunications, food manufacturing, emerging technologies, retail, and software development. He also advises private issuers and principals on operations, compliance, and capital raising in securities transactions. "We are very pleased to welcome Kyle as the newest member of our Board," said Michael Lane, Chairman of LICA. "He brings a diversified range of corporate and securities law representation, with a focus on the emerging area of digital currencies. These professional attributes are vital to business formation on Long Island and represent needed expertise as we continue to expand LICA's regional presence and capabilities." Mr. Lawrence's experience in the Digital Assets Practice Group includes advising companies on blockchain, cryptocurrency, Web3, and NFT matters, focusing on the intersection of corporate and securities laws with these emerging technologies. He assists companies in launching tokens and cryptocurrency, as well as structuring onshore and offshore ventures. Mr. Lawrence earned a JD degree from Hofstra University after graduating from Tulane University with a BA in Political Science and English. He resides in Merrick with his loving wife, Carolyn, and his dog, Holly. Save the Dates - Upcoming LICA Events September 26, 2025 -- Health Care Capital Forum About Long Island Capital Alliance Since 1984, the Long Island Capital Alliance ( formerly known as Long Island Venture Group, has been promoting business growth on Long Island. LICA seeks to create a productive and business-friendly environment that will afford area businesses access to the resources necessary to compete successfully in today's markets. LICA serves as a focal point for the exchange of ideas among new and existing business enterprises, successful entrepreneurs, investors, and service providers. Through quarterly capital forums and special meetings, LICA brings together members of the region's business community and has been recognized as the place to turn to when small businesses need equity, debt, or other financing, or for investors to find an attractive investment opportunity. LICA's mission is to encourage economic development on Long Island by facilitating capital formation for a broad range of companies in various industries, from early stage to mature, middle market, closely held and publicly traded businesses. LICA accomplishes this primarily through education, networking, quarterly capital forums, periodic special educational meetings, and alliances with other regional organizations. LICA brings together members of the region's business community and serves as the finance arm for significant local business and organizations. The work of LICA in assisting dozens of local companies in raising over $150 million and providing business formation consultation would not be possible without the support of its sponsors. A total of 14 sponsors provide LICA, a non-profit organization, with financial contributions and in-kind services. Our sponsors contribute significant time and effort to the success of LICA. Please support them! For more information on LICA sponsors and next events, please contact LICA today or register online at * * * Contact: Jordan DarrowDarrow Associatesjdarrow@ SOURCE: Long Island Capital Alliance View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Little Pepe (LILPEPE) meme coin presale zooms past $1.3 million raised
Stage Two price: $0.0011 (sold out in just two days) USD raised: $1,325,000 Tokens sold: 1,250,000,000 Next stage price: $0.0012 for 1,000,000,000 tokens Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills Spotlight Wire Pregnancy (Presale): Multi-stage price increases reward early adopters Birth (Launch): Listing on major decentralised and centralised exchanges at $0.003 per token. Growth (Scaling): Full EVM compatibility, NFT marketplace, and Meme Launchpad for community coin launches. Visit the official Little Pepe website for detailed tokenomics, audit reports, and community channels. Head straight to the LILPEPE presale page and connect your MetaMask or Trust Wallet. Choose your allocation at the current stage price; hurry, only one billion tokens remain for Stage 3 at $0.0012. Stage Two of the Little Pepe (LILPEPE) presale demonstrated why the meme coin is worth considering. In under 48 hours, this 'New Born EVM Layer 2 Machine' ignited a frenzy, selling 1.25 billion tokens at $0.0011 apiece and raising $1.325 million. That's not just community hype— it's a clear signal that LILPEPE is rewriting the rules for how meme coins launch and investors who invested at $0.0010 are already enjoying 10% gains, while Stage Two participants secured a 172% upside at the $0.003 listing price. Compare that to the token's $0.003 listing: every $1 invested at $0.0011 becomes $2.73 on launch day— an instant payoff few projects can Pepe is celebrating with a massive giveaway, where 10 winners each grab $77,000 worth of $LILPEPE and receive live updates on Pepe isn't another ERC-20 riff on meme frogs. It's built on a dedicated Layer 2 blockchain called the Little Pepe Chain, which has near-zero gas fees, sub-second finality, and built-in anti-sniping bot protection. This equates to executable smart contracts, NFTs, and community-driven launchpads without the overhead of mainnet congestion. Community veterans and market architects who have steered past meme coin successes are quietly backing the project, ensuring strategic listings, viral marketing, and a fair launch environment. This combination of cultural cachet and blockchain chops has propelled Little Pepe past legacy players such as SHIB and DOGE in raw presale Pepe's roadmap unfolds in three phases— Pregnancy, Birth, and Growth:Analysts predict that LILPEPE could reach $0.23 by the end of 2025, delivering plum returns for those who join the presale influencers are enthusiastic. On-demand analytics platform CoinStats highlights LILPEPE's robust tokenomics: zero transaction tax, anti-snipingbot protection, and a phased presale designed for fairness. Some in the community think there will be a surge similar to that of DOGEin 2021. This is because there is no admission cost, and the plan is clear and focused on Stage 3 approaches, the competition intensifies: only one billion tokens remain available at $0.0012 before the price surges once more. On-chain activity is already spiking, indicating that seasoned traders and newcomers alike are clamouring for allocations. Following the presale, LILPEPE's roadmap promises major exchange listings, an NFT launchpad, and a complete Layer 2 EVM deployment— transforming memes into programmable, revenue-generating assets. Early buyers of LILPEPE at the presale Stage 2 are in for a bumper return once the token launches at $0.003, before it potentially rallies to $0.23 by the end of Pepe is integrating viral meme culture with a specifically designed Layer 2 blockchain. Stage 2's $1.3 million being sold out in 48 hours demonstrates the community's strong belief in this vision, and the financial benefits look to hop aboard the frog-themed rocket? Visit the presale page and secure your stake before Stage 3 closes. This isn't just the next meme coin—it's the next meme chain.
