In a striking twist that has the crypto world buzzing, VIRTUAL, the native token of the Base-based Virtuals Protocol, has rocketed up 207% in a mere month, leaving even bitcoin (BTC) in the dust. This explosive rise has been fueled by none other than the so-called “smart money”—the institutional and whale wallets that many investors look to for guidance. Over the past 30 days, VIRTUAL has hit the $1.66 mark, establishing itself as the top performer among the 100 largest tokens by market cap, according to CoinDesk.
Smart Money Moves
On-chain data from Nansen reveals a fascinating narrative: VIRTUAL isn’t just climbing in value; it’s capturing the lion’s share of trading activity among the smart money set. In the last month alone, these influential wallets have poured $14.2 million into VIRTUAL, with $8.56 million coming in just the past week. Comparatively, bitcoin has seen a modest 13% rise over the same four weeks, and its performance has been stagnant in the last seven days.
“VIRTUAL’s ascent underscores the increasing interest in AI-driven projects and the innovative financial structures they’re creating,” remarked crypto analyst Laura Shin. “The Genesis launchpad has certainly played a pivotal role in this surge.” This trend aligns with broader movements in the crypto space, such as the emergence of AI-Powered Court System Is Coming to Crypto With GenLayer, which highlights the growing integration of AI in blockchain applications.
Genesis Launchpad: A Game Changer?
The buzz around VIRTUAL is not just about price jumps—it’s the debut of the Genesis launchpad that has everyone talking. Launched two weeks ago, Genesis is an ingenious system devised to reward genuine contributors over speculators via a “proof of contribution” points system. Here, participants can earn Virgen points through activities like staking or engaging with AI projects.
“Since its debut, most tokens launched through it have doubled or more,” noted Bankless in a recent analysis on X. “This shows there’s still room for creativity in token design.” This innovative approach is part of a larger trend, as seen in AI Crypto Agents Are Ushering in a New Era of ‘DeFAI’, where AI is increasingly shaping the future of decentralized finance.
Genesis isn’t just a flash in the pan; it offers a suite of features designed to appeal to serious investors. From contribution-based allocations to automatic refunds when goals aren’t met, and transparent vesting schedules, the system has been described as a breath of fresh air for token launches. Yet, it’s not without its critics. Some argue that while innovative, the mechanism might not be entirely foolproof against manipulation.
A New Dawn or a Passing Phase?
The excitement around VIRTUAL and its novel approach to token launches raises an important question: Is this a new dawn for cryptocurrency, or merely a fleeting phase? The crypto market is notoriously volatile, and while the current momentum is promising, the long-term sustainability of such growth remains uncertain.
“What we’re seeing is a blend of technical innovation and market psychology,” said crypto strategist Alex Saunders. “The involvement of smart money suggests confidence, but the rapid pace of these gains does raise questions about whether this trend can continue.”
As May unfolds, all eyes will be on VIRTUAL and the broader implications of its success. Can the Virtuals Protocol maintain its trajectory? Will Genesis become a blueprint for future token launches? Only time will tell, but for now, the world watches with bated breath as VIRTUAL continues its remarkable ascent—an ascent that might just redefine the landscape of cryptocurrency.
Source
This article is based on: VIRTUAL Surges 200% in a Month as Smart Money Pours Into Virtuals Protocol
Further Reading
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
