- Memecoins gained popularity through viral marketing and celebrity endorsements.
- Many celebrity-backed tokens fail due to poor tokenomics and lack of long-term vision.
- DeFi is about building infrastructure, blockchains, oracles, and decentralized exchanges that power the crypto ecosystem.
Cryptocurrency is evolving fast, and 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year. As the market matures, memecoins, celebrity-backed tokens are fading, while decentralized finance (DeFi) is making a comeback. Let’s break down why memecoins are on the way out, and why DeFi is the future.
The Rise and Fall of Memecoins
Memecoins exploded in popularity thanks to viral marketing and celebrity endorsements. Coins like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu paved the way, and soon, every influencer seemed to launch their own token. According to Sasha Ivanov, founder of Waves, the memecoin hype is unsustainable. He predicts that within months, people will shift focus to projects with real utility. The temptation to make quick money through memecoins has created an unstable, extractive economy. Many celebrity-backed tokens fail because of poor tokenomics and a lack of long-term vision. Kanye West’s rumored token, for instance, would allegedly keep 80% of the supply, a strategy unlikely to attract serious investors.
The Return of DeFi
As memecoins lose steam, the market will naturally gravitate back to decentralized finance. DeFi offers real solutions: lending, borrowing, trading, and earning interest without middlemen. Ivanov notes that the crypto space was more exciting in 2016 when utility-driven projects dominated. He believes the industry will return to that mindset as people seek meaningful, long-term value. Experts like Ivanov predict the shift could start as early as April or May 2025. As celebrity memecoins crash and burn, cautious investors will look for more stable and valuable opportunities.

DeFi’s Bright Future
While it’s harder to build successful projects now due to market noise, DeFi continues to evolve. Platforms like Waves provide tools for developers to create tokens and build dApps, fostering genuine innovation. DeFi isn’t just about trading tokens. It’s about building infrastructure, blockchains, oracles, and decentralized exchanges that power the crypto ecosystem. When memecoins inevitably disappoint, investors will become more cautious. They’ll seek out projects with sustainable models and real-world applications, driving DeFi adoption.
Predictions from Sasha Ivanov
Bitcoin’s future has everyone talking, from crypto enthusiasts to financial giants. But what does Waves founder Sasha Ivanov think? Despite Arthur Hayes suggesting Bitcoin might dip back to $70,000, Ivanov remains skeptical. In his view, that kind of drop is unlikely unless a significant negative event occurs.
2025 Bitcoin Price Forecast
- Ivanov predicts Bitcoin will hover around $110,000 throughout 2025.
- He’s cautious, citing political instability as a factor that could dampen a major bull run.
2026: The Road to $200,000?
- A price tag of $200,000 could be possible if the “digital gold” narrative strengthens.
- Growing institutional adoption and Bitcoin’s fixed supply may fuel this rise.
Ivanov believes a $1 million Bitcoin is a real possibility, but only if governments start accumulating BTC as a strategic reserve asset.
The Crypto Shift Is Inevitable
The 2024 crypto shift is a natural evolution of the market. While memecoins provided excitement, their fleeting nature is giving way to the lasting potential of DeFi. As investors become more cautious and seek meaningful opportunities, decentralized finance will thrive, reshaping the crypto landscape for years to come.
Read Also: Ethereum Price Plunge Explained: Market Analysis After Bybit’s $700M ETH Buy
Disclaimer: The information provided by CryptopianNews is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile and speculative, and investing in them carries inherent risks. Readers are advised to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
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