Crypto Airdrops Distribute $4 Billion in 2024
Crypto airdrops have distributed around $4 billion in 2024, with major airdrops from Jupiter, Starknet, and Notcoin each valued at $1 billion. Other notable airdrops include those from Wormhole, Ether.fi, FriendTech, and Wen. These airdrops typically transfer control to the community via governance tokens. Historically, airdrops like Uniswap and Apecoin have been significant, with a total airdrop value of $34 billion, including 2024. Upcoming airdrops include ZKsync, Zeta Markets, EigenLayer, and LayerZero. (The Block)
Solana Labs Introduces Web3 Platform for Luxury Brands
Solana Labs has launched Bond, a Web3 gateway aimed at luxury brands to enhance customer engagement using blockchain technology. Bond offers tools for personalized customer experiences, secure data, and authenticating goods, helping brands build deeper connections and loyalty. The platform supports digital collectibles, luxury goods authentication, and digital product passports. Utilizing Solana's speed and scalability, Bond simplifies blockchain integration for brands. This move underscores Solana's role in Web3 infrastructure, with notable partnerships including PayPal, Visa, and Shopify. (Crypto Briefing)
Polygon Launches 1 Billion POL Grants Program
Polygon is launching a Community Grants Program to distribute 1 billion POL tokens, formerly MATIC, to developers over the next 10 years. Starting with 35 million tokens worth $23 million, the initiative aims to foster ecosystem growth by funding projects through two tracks: the General Grant Track and the Consumer Crypto Track. The program, backed by Polygon’s Community Treasury, will distribute around 100 million tokens annually. This effort aligns with Polygon's goal of becoming a community-governed network of chains. (CoinDesk)
McDonald's Metaverse and South Korea's NFT Classification
McDonald's launched the "My Happy Place" metaverse in Singapore, allowing users to create virtual burgers and engage with Web3 technologies. South Korea's Financial Services Commission classified mass-produced NFTs as virtual assets if used for payments. In the U.S., three individuals were charged in the "Evolved Apes" NFT scam for wire fraud and money laundering. NFT sales surged 18.9% to $147.3 million, driven mainly by Bitcoin-based collectibles. (Cointelegraph)
Circle Integrates Solana with Programmable Wallets and Gas Station Features
Circle announced its support for the Solana blockchain, integrating programmable wallets and gas stations in two phases. The first phase, launched on June 12, focuses on enabling automatic asset management and sponsored transaction fees. The second phase will extend support to NFTs and smart contract interactions. This integration aligns Solana with other blockchains supported by Circle, such as Ethereum and Polygon. Solana has seen increased activity and integrations, with active addresses reaching a peak of 41.5 million in May, and it continues to prepare for significant upgrades like Firedancer to enhance scalability and reliability. (Cointelegraph)
MetaMask Launches Pooled Staking for Ethereum
MetaMask has introduced pooled staking, allowing Ethereum holders of any amount to stake and earn rewards without the 32 ETH minimum requirement. This new feature, initially unavailable in the US and UK, supports network security by enabling more users to participate in staking through Consensys-operated validators. Using StakeWise's protocol, this service enhances Ethereum's decentralization and security. (Be in Crypto)
Tether to Invest $1 Billion in Startups by 2025
Tether plans to invest over $1 billion in startups by 2025, focusing on alternative financial infrastructure, AI, and biotech, according to CEO Paolo Ardoino. Through Tether Investments, the company aims to diversify beyond its USDT stablecoin, leveraging high profits and strategic investments to reduce reliance on major tech firms. Tether's investment strategy also includes developing a digital platform for bonds and equity issuance and supporting central bank digital currencies. (Crypto Briefing)
