Flying Tulip Closes $208M Public Sale as FT Token Goes Live
Flying Tulip has completed its public sale, raising $208M as the FT token goes live. In total, $206M was raised across channels: $10M via CoinList, $67M through Impossible Finance’s Curated platform, and $129M directly through Flying Tulip.
Participants received FT wrapped in NFTs representing a redeemable 1:1 USDC claim, allowing holders to exit at par or convert their position into freely tradable tokens.
Spot trading and lending are rolling out first, with additional market infrastructure expected to follow shortly.
👉 x.com/flyingtulip_/status/2025902438461440103?s=20
Flying Tulip has completed its public sale, raising $208M as the FT token goes live. In total, $206M was raised across channels: $10M via CoinList, $67M through Impossible Finance’s Curated platform, and $129M directly through Flying Tulip.
Participants received FT wrapped in NFTs representing a redeemable 1:1 USDC claim, allowing holders to exit at par or convert their position into freely tradable tokens.
Spot trading and lending are rolling out first, with additional market infrastructure expected to follow shortly.
👉 x.com/flyingtulip_/status/2025902438461440103?s=20
Gemini Faces Strategic Reset After Crypto Rout and Executive Exodus
Gemini is restructuring after the crypto downturn, cutting up to 25% of staff, exiting the UK, EU, and Australia, and watching its stock fall 80% from IPO highs, shrinking its valuation from ~$4B to under $700M. Three top executives exited the same day as part of cost reductions.
👉 bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-22/winklevoss-gemini-gemini-gemi-risks-a-hard-landing
Gemini is restructuring after the crypto downturn, cutting up to 25% of staff, exiting the UK, EU, and Australia, and watching its stock fall 80% from IPO highs, shrinking its valuation from ~$4B to under $700M. Three top executives exited the same day as part of cost reductions.
Despite raising $425M at IPO, 2025 expenses may hit $530M vs. $175M projected net revenue, while global spot share dropped to 0.1%. The company is now pivoting to prediction markets, competing with Kalshi, Polymarket, Coinbase, and Robinhood Markets
👉 bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-22/winklevoss-gemini-gemini-gemi-risks-a-hard-landing
World Liberty Financial Alleges Coordinated Attack on USD1, Affirms Stablecoin Stability
WLFI reported a “coordinated attack” targeting its stablecoin USD1, alleging several cofounder accounts were hacked, influencers were paid to spread FUD, and large WLFI short positions were opened to exploit volatility.
👉 x.com/worldlibertyfi/status/2025951491287089384
WLFI reported a “coordinated attack” targeting its stablecoin USD1, alleging several cofounder accounts were hacked, influencers were paid to spread FUD, and large WLFI short positions were opened to exploit volatility.
WLFI stated that USD1 continues to trade at $1, emphasizing its full 1:1 backing and mint-and-redeem mechanism. The team urged users to rely solely on official channels for updates, reaffirming its long-term commitment to USD1's stability
👉 x.com/worldlibertyfi/status/2025951491287089384
Based Raises $11.5M Series A to Expand Web3 SuperApp with AI Commerce
Based, a web3 trading and payments “SuperApp” built on Hyperliquid’s infrastructure, has raised $11.5 million in a Series A round to develop AI-powered “agentic commerce.” The round was led by Pantera Capital, with participation from Coinbase Ventures, Wintermute Ventures, and Karatage, and included equity with token warrants plus a Pantera observer board seat.
👉 x.com/BasedOneX/status/2025918710775734376
Based, a web3 trading and payments “SuperApp” built on Hyperliquid’s infrastructure, has raised $11.5 million in a Series A round to develop AI-powered “agentic commerce.” The round was led by Pantera Capital, with participation from Coinbase Ventures, Wintermute Ventures, and Karatage, and included equity with token warrants plus a Pantera observer board seat.
ℹ️ Eight months post-launch, Based integrates trading, wallets, on/off-ramps, and a crypto-linked Visa card into a single mobile interface, serving 100K+ users with 30K monthly active users across five regions. The platform has generated ~$14M in revenue on $40B cumulative trading volume.
Its Based Cloud enables partners to launch custom trading frontends like HyENA, which has processed $1.5B+ in trading, while upcoming AI agents aim to broaden access to mainstream users by Q2 2026
👉 x.com/BasedOneX/status/2025918710775734376
Biggest hacks and exploits by funds lost this winter
More than $150M was drained in 25+ exploits this winter, with Step Finance and Truebit among the hardest hit. Most incidents were tied to protocol logic flaws, while private key compromises still caused some of the largest single losses.
More than $150M was drained in 25+ exploits this winter, with Step Finance and Truebit among the hardest hit. Most incidents were tied to protocol logic flaws, while private key compromises still caused some of the largest single losses.
❗️ Dear community, CryptoDiffer will hold an AMA Session with Oriole Insights
Join us for an Exclusive AMA Session in the CryptoDiffer Community Chat on Telegram
📅 Date – February 25
🕚 Time – 11:00 AM UTC
💰 Rewards – 20,000 $ORI + Exclusive Discord Roles for the best questions!
Join us for an Exclusive AMA Session in the CryptoDiffer Community Chat on Telegram
📅 Date – February 25
🕚 Time – 11:00 AM UTC
💰 Rewards – 20,000 $ORI + Exclusive Discord Roles for the best questions!
ℹ️ About. Oriole Insight highlights real-time community sentiment across tokens and macro trends, helping traders better gauge market positioning
Espresso (ESP) enters Korean market with new listings
Upbit and Bithumb has listed ESP for trading on KRW, BTC and USDT markets. Espresso is a decentralized infrastructure designed to improve scalability and privacy for blockchain networks.
👉 x.com/Official_Upbit/status/2026177665829618004?s=20
Upbit and Bithumb has listed ESP for trading on KRW, BTC and USDT markets. Espresso is a decentralized infrastructure designed to improve scalability and privacy for blockchain networks.
ESP Current Price: $0.1939
ESP Price Growth, 24H: +125%
Current FDV: $687M
👉 x.com/Official_Upbit/status/2026177665829618004?s=20
NEAR Unveils AI-Powered Near(.)com Super App
Near(.)com is designed to unify crypto, AI, and confidential transactions within a single interface. The platform focuses on simplifying blockchain usage while enabling private activity and AI-driven automation for mainstream users.
👉 x.com/NEARProtocol/status/2026031386466136199?s=20
Near(.)com is designed to unify crypto, AI, and confidential transactions within a single interface. The platform focuses on simplifying blockchain usage while enabling private activity and AI-driven automation for mainstream users.
🔎 Key features:
– AI-native design: integrates AI agents to help users manage assets and interact on-chain
– Confidential transactions: hides balances, transfers, and activity from public view
– Multi-asset support: manage BTC, stablecoins, and other assets in one place
– Abstracted UX: removes gas fees, chain switching, and complex wallet steps
👉 x.com/NEARProtocol/status/2026031386466136199?s=20
Step Finance shuts down after $29M security breach
The Solana-based platform said it was unable to secure financing or an acquisition to continue operating. The decision affects the parent entity and its integrated subsidiaries, including media outlet SolanaFloor and tokenized equities platform Remora Markets.
👉 x.com/StepFinance_/status/2025986934112145849?s=20
The Solana-based platform said it was unable to secure financing or an acquisition to continue operating. The decision affects the parent entity and its integrated subsidiaries, including media outlet SolanaFloor and tokenized equities platform Remora Markets.
👉 x.com/StepFinance_/status/2025986934112145849?s=20
Jane Street sued over insider trading that sped up Terra collapse
The lawsuit claims a Jane Street wallet withdrew 85M TerraUSD from Curve3pool minutes after Terraform pulled 150M UST, helping trigger the stablecoin's loss of its peg and a $40B market wipeout.
👉 coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/24/jane-street-faces-claims-of-insider-trading-that-sped-up-terraform-s-2022-collapse-ft
The lawsuit claims a Jane Street wallet withdrew 85M TerraUSD from Curve3pool minutes after Terraform pulled 150M UST, helping trigger the stablecoin's loss of its peg and a $40B market wipeout.
Jane Street is a top global market maker that plays a critical behind-the-scenes role in crypto and traditional markets, quietly enabling billions in daily trading volume.
👉 coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/24/jane-street-faces-claims-of-insider-trading-that-sped-up-terraform-s-2022-collapse-ft
Where value was lost this February: Top 10 Worst Performers
February saw massive value destruction, with some losing over 90% of their valuation. In total, billions in fully diluted value were wiped out as prices collapsed and investor sentiment weakened.
February saw massive value destruction, with some losing over 90% of their valuation. In total, billions in fully diluted value were wiped out as prices collapsed and investor sentiment weakened.
Chainlink’s Taylor Lindman Joins SEC Crypto Task Force as Chief Counsel
Taylor Lindman will succeed Michael Selig, bringing extensive crypto legal expertise into the SEC’s digital asset oversight. After five years leading regulatory engagement at Chainlink, he is now positioned to help shape how the SEC approaches crypto regulation.
👉 theblock.co/post/390889/chainlinks-taylor-lindman-joins-sec-as-chief-counsel-for-crypto-task-force
Taylor Lindman will succeed Michael Selig, bringing extensive crypto legal expertise into the SEC’s digital asset oversight. After five years leading regulatory engagement at Chainlink, he is now positioned to help shape how the SEC approaches crypto regulation.
👉 theblock.co/post/390889/chainlinks-taylor-lindman-joins-sec-as-chief-counsel-for-crypto-task-force
Ethereum Foundation stakes 70,000 ETH to fund its future
The decision follows the public release of the Foundation's treasury policy last year to manage crypto and fiat holdings in a way that balances long-term sustainability with Ethereum-aligned values such as decentralization, open-source access and user privacy.
👉 coindesk.com/business/2026/02/24/putting-the-treasury-to-work-the-ethereum-foundation-just-staked-70-000-eth-to-fund-its-future
The decision follows the public release of the Foundation's treasury policy last year to manage crypto and fiat holdings in a way that balances long-term sustainability with Ethereum-aligned values such as decentralization, open-source access and user privacy.
👉 coindesk.com/business/2026/02/24/putting-the-treasury-to-work-the-ethereum-foundation-just-staked-70-000-eth-to-fund-its-future
Top DeFi Protocols by TVL launched this winter
Bear market or not — new DeFi protocols continue to emerge and scale, with several projects already surpassing $100M in TVL just months after launch. Lending, RWA, and derivatives platforms are leading the trend as on-chain finance continues to expand.
Bear market or not — new DeFi protocols continue to emerge and scale, with several projects already surpassing $100M in TVL just months after launch. Lending, RWA, and derivatives platforms are leading the trend as on-chain finance continues to expand.
Meta & AMD Sign $100B+ AI Chips Deal. AMD Stock Surges 14%
Meta has signed a 5-year, $100B+ deal to secure 6 gigawatts of AI compute powered by AMD’s MI450 GPUs, one of the largest AI infrastructure agreements to date. The first gigawatt is expected to deploy later this year.
The structure mirrors AMD’s OpenAI partnership, as Meta maintains a multi-vendor strategy that also includes Nvidia.
👉 wsj.com/tech/ai/meta-and-amd-agree-to-ai-chips-deal
Meta has signed a 5-year, $100B+ deal to secure 6 gigawatts of AI compute powered by AMD’s MI450 GPUs, one of the largest AI infrastructure agreements to date. The first gigawatt is expected to deploy later this year.
AMD will grant Meta warrants for 160M shares (~10%) at $0.01, with the final tranche unlocking if the stock reaches $600. Shares rose 14% premarket on the news.
The structure mirrors AMD’s OpenAI partnership, as Meta maintains a multi-vendor strategy that also includes Nvidia.
⏮️ Meta spent $72B on AI infrastructure last year and plans up to $135B in 2026, targeting tens of gigawatts of compute this decade.
👉 wsj.com/tech/ai/meta-and-amd-agree-to-ai-chips-deal
Ondo Tokenized U.S. Stocks Go Live on Binance, Expanding Access to Hundreds of Millions
Ondo Global Markets has brought its tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs to Binance Alpha, expanding access to hundreds of millions of users. The model connects directly to NYSE and Nasdaq liquidity, targeting minimal slippage, instant settlement, and onchain composability.
👉 x.com/OndoFinance/status/2026305368238723147?s=20
Ondo Global Markets has brought its tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs to Binance Alpha, expanding access to hundreds of millions of users. The model connects directly to NYSE and Nasdaq liquidity, targeting minimal slippage, instant settlement, and onchain composability.
ℹ️ The platform has scaled to 200+ assets, recording execution differentials generally under 5 bps, and has surpassed $550M TVL and $11B in cumulative volume since launching in September 2025. Ten tokenized securities, including AAPLon, TSLAon, NVDAon, SPYon, and MSFTon, are now live on Binance Alpha.
👉 x.com/OndoFinance/status/2026305368238723147?s=20
Meta Plans Stablecoin Push Across Major Products in H2 2026
Meta is preparing to launch a dollar-pegged stablecoin later this year, using third-party providers and a new wallet to enable payments. The company has sent RFPs to potential partners, with Stripe, which acquired stablecoin specialist Bridge in 2025, a likely candidate.
The move aims to streamline cross-border payments, boost social commerce, and compete with “super app” rivals like X and Telegram. Meta plans to rely on third-party providers rather than issuing the coin directly, learning from its Libra/Diem experience.
👉 coindesk.com/business/2026/02/24/mark-zuckerberg-s-meta-is-planning-stablecoin-comeback
Meta is preparing to launch a dollar-pegged stablecoin later this year, using third-party providers and a new wallet to enable payments. The company has sent RFPs to potential partners, with Stripe, which acquired stablecoin specialist Bridge in 2025, a likely candidate.
The move aims to streamline cross-border payments, boost social commerce, and compete with “super app” rivals like X and Telegram. Meta plans to rely on third-party providers rather than issuing the coin directly, learning from its Libra/Diem experience.
ℹ️ Libra/Diem was Meta’s first attempt at a global stablecoin, announced in 2019 as Libra and later rebranded to Diem. The project faced heavy regulatory pushback in the U.S. and reputational challenges, leading to its shutdown in early 2022, with assets sold off and plans for a new approach shelved.
👉 coindesk.com/business/2026/02/24/mark-zuckerberg-s-meta-is-planning-stablecoin-comeback
Trojan Integrates Hyperliquid Perpetuals for Multi-Asset Trading
The platform becomes the first Solana terminal to offer tokenized stocks, precious metals, and commodities. Users can now trade BTC, gold, silver, uranium, and tokenized equities including TSLA, AAPL, AMZN, and GOOGL, with up to 50x leverage.
👉 x.com/TrojanOnSolana/status/2021636658920337486?s=20
The platform becomes the first Solana terminal to offer tokenized stocks, precious metals, and commodities. Users can now trade BTC, gold, silver, uranium, and tokenized equities including TSLA, AAPL, AMZN, and GOOGL, with up to 50x leverage.
Trojan says this upgrade is a step toward becoming a full-fledged onchain multi-asset exchange (OEX)
👉 x.com/TrojanOnSolana/status/2021636658920337486?s=20
Stripe Tops $159B Valuation, Expands Crypto & Blockchain Efforts
In its annual letter, Stripe announced a $159B tender offer to provide liquidity for current and former employees, with Thrive Capital, Coatue, and a16z funding most of it.
ℹ️ Latest Metrics, Acquisitions & Developments
– Business Metrics. 2025 total volume reached $1.9T, up 34% YoY. Revenue on track for $1B ARR. Stripe turned a profit in 2024, with net revenue at $5.1B (+28% YoY). Processes $1T+ in payments annually across 195 countries
– Acquired Bridge ($1.1B) for stablecoin infrastructure; conditional approval granted to become a federally chartered national bank
– Launched crypto features, acquired Privy and Valora wallets
– Opened Open Issuance, enabling companies to issue bespoke stablecoins via Bridge
– Co-developed Tempo, a payments-focused Layer 1 blockchain, launched public testnet Decemeber 2025
👉 theblock.co/post/391075/stripe-valuation-jumps-to-159-billion-on-back-of-tender-offer
In its annual letter, Stripe announced a $159B tender offer to provide liquidity for current and former employees, with Thrive Capital, Coatue, and a16z funding most of it.
ℹ️ Latest Metrics, Acquisitions & Developments
– Business Metrics. 2025 total volume reached $1.9T, up 34% YoY. Revenue on track for $1B ARR. Stripe turned a profit in 2024, with net revenue at $5.1B (+28% YoY). Processes $1T+ in payments annually across 195 countries
– Acquired Bridge ($1.1B) for stablecoin infrastructure; conditional approval granted to become a federally chartered national bank
– Launched crypto features, acquired Privy and Valora wallets
– Opened Open Issuance, enabling companies to issue bespoke stablecoins via Bridge
– Co-developed Tempo, a payments-focused Layer 1 blockchain, launched public testnet Decemeber 2025
⏮️ Earlier this month, Bridge got conditional approval from the OCC to become a national bank, allowing it to custody crypto, issue stablecoins, and manage reserves
👉 theblock.co/post/391075/stripe-valuation-jumps-to-159-billion-on-back-of-tender-offer
HK-Based Stablecoin Payments Firm RedotPay Eyes $1B U.S. IPO
Hong Kong-based stablecoin payments company RedotPay is reportedly considering a US IPO to raise $1B+, potentially valuing the firm above $4B. The company is working with JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and Jefferies, and a New York listing could happen as soon as 2026, though details remain fluid.
👉 bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-24/hk-based-redotpay-is-said-to-consider-1b-us-ipo
Hong Kong-based stablecoin payments company RedotPay is reportedly considering a US IPO to raise $1B+, potentially valuing the firm above $4B. The company is working with JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and Jefferies, and a New York listing could happen as soon as 2026, though details remain fluid.
⏮️ RedotPay raised $194M in 2025, including a December Series B, and has reached unicorn status. Its backers include Accel, Blockchain Capital, Circle / Coinbase / Galaxy Ventures, Goodwater, HSG, Pantera, and Vertex Ventures, and the platform had 6M+ registered users as of November.
👉 bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-24/hk-based-redotpay-is-said-to-consider-1b-us-ipo
Coinbase has opened stock and ETF trading to U.S. users
U.S. users can buy and sell traditional equities alongside crypto — 24 hours a day, 5 days a week with zero commission. Through a partnership with Yahoo Finance, users can also research assets and instantly execute trades, seamlessly linking discovery and trading.
👉 x.com/coinbase/status/2026303315382870364?s=20
U.S. users can buy and sell traditional equities alongside crypto — 24 hours a day, 5 days a week with zero commission. Through a partnership with Yahoo Finance, users can also research assets and instantly execute trades, seamlessly linking discovery and trading.
👉 x.com/coinbase/status/2026303315382870364?s=20