Another crypto company is headed to Wall Street. Animoca Brands, a Hong Kong-based blockchain developer and investor, plans to list on the Nasdaq via a reverse merger with Currenc, which is a Singapore-based fintech company. The planned public listing is notable because Animoca stands out from other recent crypto offerings, including Circle and Gemini, because its business does not revolve around exchanges or stablecoins.  Instead, the firm’s focus is in altcoins, or cryptocurrencies other than mainstays ...

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of discovering early-stage crypto projects as significant investment opportunities, akin to investing in startups before they become successful [2] - It outlines various platforms and strategies for identifying promising projects in the cryptocurrency space for 2025 [2] Crypto Launchpads and Token Launch Platforms - Crypto launchpads are essential for new projects to raise funds and distribute tokens before major exchange listings, with platforms like Binance Launchpad and DAO Maker providing curated access to ICOs, IEOs, and IDOs [3][4] - Investors often need to stake native tokens or engage in promotional activities to earn token allocations, with launchpads vetting projects for legitimacy [4][5] Coin Listing Calendars and Aggregator Sites - Cryptocurrency aggregator websites like CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko are vital for tracking new projects, offering ICO calendars and insights into tokenomics and market interest [6][7] - These platforms help investors filter coins based on trading volume and launch date, but cross-checking against dedicated research is crucial to avoid scams [7] Blockchain Development Platforms and GitHub - Monitoring blockchain development platforms like GitHub allows investors to track real development activity and innovation signals, identifying projects before mainstream exposure [9][10] - Tools like Token Terminal assist in evaluating active blockchain projects through on-chain data and developer engagement metrics [11] Crypto Communities and Social Media Groups - Community-driven platforms such as Telegram and Discord are essential for discovering emerging projects, with active participation providing insider knowledge [12][13] - Industry influencers on social media can signal emerging trends, but independent verification of information is necessary to avoid biases [13] NFT, Gaming, and DeFi Ecosystems - Early-stage crypto projects often emerge from innovations in NFTs, gaming, and DeFi, with strong use cases and community support [14][15] - Participation in testnets or governance forums can lead to early access to tokens, enhancing long-term prospects [15] Evaluating Early-Stage Crypto Projects - Rigorous evaluation of projects is essential, focusing on whitepapers, tokenomics, team credentials, and community engagement [16][17] - Key factors include token supply mechanisms, staking rewards, and audit reports to ensure project viability [17] Where to Buy Early-Stage Tokens - Early-stage tokens can be purchased on decentralized exchanges like Uniswap and centralized exchanges like Binance, with P2P transactions offering alternative routes but higher risks [18][19] Balancing Opportunity and Caution in Early-Stage Crypto Investing - A comprehensive approach combining various sources and thorough research is necessary for navigating early-stage crypto investing [21][22]