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Crypto in 2024 felt like watching a teenager come into their own — a little chaotic, full of surprises, but undeniably promising. While Bitcoin crossing $100K grabbed the headlines, the real action unfolded elsewhere: from the rise of memecoins with actual personalities to crypto-AI mashups and prediction markets breaking into the mainstream.
After almost a decade of building, surviving bear markets, and riding bull runs, we can finally say: “We’re so back!”
Here’s our take on the biggest wins, lessons learned last year, and trends shaping the road ahead in consumer crypto.
Crypto went from niche to nearly universal awareness, with 93% of the world recognizing the term “crypto.” Despite skyrocketing awareness, only 17% actively used it. The user base seemed younger (18–34) and more diverse, with women accounting for 31% of users. Cultural moments like Base’s* Onchain Summer* sparked curiosity, with Google searches for “onchain” jumping 5x — because, let’s face it, onchain became the new online.
Developers thrived, too. Electric Capital’s 2024 Developer Report recorded a 39% annual growth in crypto developers since Ethereum’s launch, with 39,148 new devs joining the space last year.
And what actually drove the hype? Here are the key consumer use cases:
Payments: Stablecoins dominated cross-border transfers.
Trading: DEXs and DeFi — Pump.fun was probably the most successful, game-changing, and profitable web3 project in 2024.
Gaming: Play-to-earn models finally matured, leaving Ponzi vibes behind.
Collectibles: Platforms like Zora and DRiP Haus continued to thrive.
Social media: Apps like Warpcast, Dracula, Blackbird, Moshi, Surreal, PERMA, and Furrend made crypto actually fun.
Prediction markets: Polymarket’s $2B trading volume during election season was mind-blowing.
Memecoins officially graduated from funny jokes to cultural phenomenon. Projects like Pump.fun capitalized on emotional appeal, pulling in $2–$3M daily by December — that’s 100x Uniswap’s daily revenue.
Animal-themed memecoins stole the spotlight. Dog wif hat ($WIF) raised $690K to slap its logo on the Vegas Sphere, while Moo Deng, the pygmy baby hippo, became Thailand’s breakout pop star, and its Solana-based token soared 2,000x since summer. Beyond speculation, these coins embraced real-world impact, from innovative distribution models and community rallies to animal charity donations.
AI made launching crypto projects as easy as launching a meme page. Projects like Vana, Vaderai.ai, and Basegod.fun tokenized everything from AI agents to data and beyond.
Even Vitalik Buterin couldn’t stop raving about AI’s potential in blockchain: data ownership, monetization, and transparency.
AI agents aren’t chasing clicks; they’re chasing results. Instead of optimizing for likes or views, AI agents are delivering tangible outcomes like streamlining workflows, reducing inefficiencies, and optimizing resource allocation. In crypto, this could mean automated treasury management for DAOs, real-time smart contract auditing, or even automated trading strategies that react to market shifts.
Imagine a world where attention-seeking algorithms are replaced by real value creation. That’s where we’re headed.
Layer2s had another moment in 2024 (ZKSync, we see you), but the real magic? Simplified consumer user onboarding. Coinbase’s smart wallet removed the 12-word passphrase, making crypto access easier for beginners. Farcaster introduced Frames, mini-apps embedded in social posts, while Solana’s Blinks transformed blockchain actions into shareable links. Ethereum’s EIP-4844 upgrade made fees drop to pennies — perfect for keeping crypto seamlessly integrated into user experiences. Also, Bitcoin Ordinals onboarded tons of new users to the Bitcoin community.
A major shift is happening: it’s no longer about which chain to build on but about being chain-agnostic. Apps are where the real value lies.
The EU and Southeast Asia introduced clear and practical regulatory frameworks. Think crypto for securing loans, enabling ownership stakes, and integrating into everyday business. While it’s not all sunshine globally, progress is progress.
2024 brought its fair share of challenges:
Scams and fraud — because rug pulls are unfortunately still a thing.
Market volatility — not everyone wants their paycheck to swing with Bitcoin’s price.
Regulatory uncertainty continues in key markets.
However, there are significant opportunities:
Real-world utility: Digital assets can bridge the gap between online and offline experiences by providing tangible benefits like discounts, exclusive rewards, and token-gated perks. For example, NFTs could unlock physical experiences like VIP concert access or loyalty program enhancements.
Emotional connections: Memes, pop culture, and pets are powerful entry points for new users. Platforms that use emotional storytelling and community engagement can foster stronger brand loyalty.
Programmable incentives: Tokens are becoming more dynamic and interactive. If you’re a brand looking to integrate crypto into your customer engagement strategy, you’ll need programmable rewards, real-time distribution, and built-in revenue sharing to align user and business incentives and create sustainable ecosystems.
Targeted token distribution: The future isn’t blanket airdrops but smart, conditional ones rewarding active, engaged users — boosting retention and utility.
Education and simplification: Crypto concepts are still intimidating for many people. By simplifying onboarding experiences and using relatable analogies, platforms can attract and retain new users. Think of crypto not as “web3” but as a behind-the-scenes technology powering apps users already love.
Looking ahead, programmable rewards and dynamic token models will redefine how businesses align incentives with their audiences. Tokens are no longer speculative assets — they’re tools for crowdfunding, revenue sharing, and community building. As regulatory oversight increases, we’ll expect more transparent and innovative token models to emerge, signaling a maturation of the space.
If you’re a consumer crypto builder and building in a bull market, please avoid superficial trends and stay true to your original vision. You want to focus on solving real problems, building solid distribution channels, and obsessing over long-term user retention. The fundamentals are still the same.
2024 wasn’t just about headlines; crypto hit the streets (and luxury stores).
Luxury brands: Gucci, Balenciaga, Adidas, and more embraced crypto payments.
Institutional interest: MicroStrategy doubled down on Bitcoin.
NFT accessibility: Zora, DRiP, objkt, and Foundation (Rodeo) made minting mobile-friendly, driving affordable collections.
Great projects emerged last year, from Degen to Pump.fun. One of our favorite consumer projects, Blackbird, continued serving the masses and making people happy, while OGs like Friend.tech pivoted to stay in the game. Prediction markets like Polymarket saw record engagement, and fresh faces like Pump.fun kept the ecosystem pump and spicy.
Story Protocol: $80M Series B (let by A16z).
Farcaster: $150M Series A (led by Paradigm).
Monad Labs: $225M (led by Paradigm).
2024 wasn’t perfect, but it was pivotal. Clearer regulations, mainstream adoption, and innovative use cases set the stage for crypto’s next chapter. Founders, please avoid shiny distractions, solve real problems, and build for the long haul. Companies are built in bear markets and tested in bull markets. Build something that thrives in both.
The challenge for 2025? Building consumer crypto that’s practical, engaging, and here to stay. Let’s make it happen.
Want to see how far we’ve come? Check out our 2023 Consumer Crypto Report for 2023’s highlights and trends.
Crypto in 2024 felt like watching a teenager come into their own — a little chaotic, full of surprises, but undeniably promising. While Bitcoin crossing $100K grabbed the headlines, the real action unfolded elsewhere: from the rise of memecoins with actual personalities to crypto-AI mashups and prediction markets breaking into the mainstream.
After almost a decade of building, surviving bear markets, and riding bull runs, we can finally say: “We’re so back!”
Here’s our take on the biggest wins, lessons learned last year, and trends shaping the road ahead in consumer crypto.
Crypto went from niche to nearly universal awareness, with 93% of the world recognizing the term “crypto.” Despite skyrocketing awareness, only 17% actively used it. The user base seemed younger (18–34) and more diverse, with women accounting for 31% of users. Cultural moments like Base’s* Onchain Summer* sparked curiosity, with Google searches for “onchain” jumping 5x — because, let’s face it, onchain became the new online.
Developers thrived, too. Electric Capital’s 2024 Developer Report recorded a 39% annual growth in crypto developers since Ethereum’s launch, with 39,148 new devs joining the space last year.
And what actually drove the hype? Here are the key consumer use cases:
Payments: Stablecoins dominated cross-border transfers.
Trading: DEXs and DeFi — Pump.fun was probably the most successful, game-changing, and profitable web3 project in 2024.
Gaming: Play-to-earn models finally matured, leaving Ponzi vibes behind.
Collectibles: Platforms like Zora and DRiP Haus continued to thrive.
Social media: Apps like Warpcast, Dracula, Blackbird, Moshi, Surreal, PERMA, and Furrend made crypto actually fun.
Prediction markets: Polymarket’s $2B trading volume during election season was mind-blowing.
Memecoins officially graduated from funny jokes to cultural phenomenon. Projects like Pump.fun capitalized on emotional appeal, pulling in $2–$3M daily by December — that’s 100x Uniswap’s daily revenue.
Animal-themed memecoins stole the spotlight. Dog wif hat ($WIF) raised $690K to slap its logo on the Vegas Sphere, while Moo Deng, the pygmy baby hippo, became Thailand’s breakout pop star, and its Solana-based token soared 2,000x since summer. Beyond speculation, these coins embraced real-world impact, from innovative distribution models and community rallies to animal charity donations.
AI made launching crypto projects as easy as launching a meme page. Projects like Vana, Vaderai.ai, and Basegod.fun tokenized everything from AI agents to data and beyond.
Even Vitalik Buterin couldn’t stop raving about AI’s potential in blockchain: data ownership, monetization, and transparency.
AI agents aren’t chasing clicks; they’re chasing results. Instead of optimizing for likes or views, AI agents are delivering tangible outcomes like streamlining workflows, reducing inefficiencies, and optimizing resource allocation. In crypto, this could mean automated treasury management for DAOs, real-time smart contract auditing, or even automated trading strategies that react to market shifts.
Imagine a world where attention-seeking algorithms are replaced by real value creation. That’s where we’re headed.
Layer2s had another moment in 2024 (ZKSync, we see you), but the real magic? Simplified consumer user onboarding. Coinbase’s smart wallet removed the 12-word passphrase, making crypto access easier for beginners. Farcaster introduced Frames, mini-apps embedded in social posts, while Solana’s Blinks transformed blockchain actions into shareable links. Ethereum’s EIP-4844 upgrade made fees drop to pennies — perfect for keeping crypto seamlessly integrated into user experiences. Also, Bitcoin Ordinals onboarded tons of new users to the Bitcoin community.
A major shift is happening: it’s no longer about which chain to build on but about being chain-agnostic. Apps are where the real value lies.
The EU and Southeast Asia introduced clear and practical regulatory frameworks. Think crypto for securing loans, enabling ownership stakes, and integrating into everyday business. While it’s not all sunshine globally, progress is progress.
2024 brought its fair share of challenges:
Scams and fraud — because rug pulls are unfortunately still a thing.
Market volatility — not everyone wants their paycheck to swing with Bitcoin’s price.
Regulatory uncertainty continues in key markets.
However, there are significant opportunities:
Real-world utility: Digital assets can bridge the gap between online and offline experiences by providing tangible benefits like discounts, exclusive rewards, and token-gated perks. For example, NFTs could unlock physical experiences like VIP concert access or loyalty program enhancements.
Emotional connections: Memes, pop culture, and pets are powerful entry points for new users. Platforms that use emotional storytelling and community engagement can foster stronger brand loyalty.
Programmable incentives: Tokens are becoming more dynamic and interactive. If you’re a brand looking to integrate crypto into your customer engagement strategy, you’ll need programmable rewards, real-time distribution, and built-in revenue sharing to align user and business incentives and create sustainable ecosystems.
Targeted token distribution: The future isn’t blanket airdrops but smart, conditional ones rewarding active, engaged users — boosting retention and utility.
Education and simplification: Crypto concepts are still intimidating for many people. By simplifying onboarding experiences and using relatable analogies, platforms can attract and retain new users. Think of crypto not as “web3” but as a behind-the-scenes technology powering apps users already love.
Looking ahead, programmable rewards and dynamic token models will redefine how businesses align incentives with their audiences. Tokens are no longer speculative assets — they’re tools for crowdfunding, revenue sharing, and community building. As regulatory oversight increases, we’ll expect more transparent and innovative token models to emerge, signaling a maturation of the space.
If you’re a consumer crypto builder and building in a bull market, please avoid superficial trends and stay true to your original vision. You want to focus on solving real problems, building solid distribution channels, and obsessing over long-term user retention. The fundamentals are still the same.
2024 wasn’t just about headlines; crypto hit the streets (and luxury stores).
Luxury brands: Gucci, Balenciaga, Adidas, and more embraced crypto payments.
Institutional interest: MicroStrategy doubled down on Bitcoin.
NFT accessibility: Zora, DRiP, objkt, and Foundation (Rodeo) made minting mobile-friendly, driving affordable collections.
Great projects emerged last year, from Degen to Pump.fun. One of our favorite consumer projects, Blackbird, continued serving the masses and making people happy, while OGs like Friend.tech pivoted to stay in the game. Prediction markets like Polymarket saw record engagement, and fresh faces like Pump.fun kept the ecosystem pump and spicy.
Story Protocol: $80M Series B (let by A16z).
Farcaster: $150M Series A (led by Paradigm).
Monad Labs: $225M (led by Paradigm).
2024 wasn’t perfect, but it was pivotal. Clearer regulations, mainstream adoption, and innovative use cases set the stage for crypto’s next chapter. Founders, please avoid shiny distractions, solve real problems, and build for the long haul. Companies are built in bear markets and tested in bull markets. Build something that thrives in both.
The challenge for 2025? Building consumer crypto that’s practical, engaging, and here to stay. Let’s make it happen.
Want to see how far we’ve come? Check out our 2023 Consumer Crypto Report for 2023’s highlights and trends.
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