Gauntlet raises $125 million from SBI Holdings – Link
DeFi risk management platform Gauntlet secured $125M in exclusive financing from SBI Holdings. The deal came in above its 2022 Series B valuation of roughly $1B.
DeFi risk management platform Gauntlet secured $125M in exclusive financing from SBI Holdings. The deal came in above its 2022 Series B valuation of roughly $1B.
Matters because: It shows continued institutional demand for DeFi risk infrastructure and vault curation.
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Brave releases BAT roadmap 4.0 with unified wallet and stablecoin payment protocol – Link
Brave launched BAT roadmap 4.0 on July 9, adding a unified Brave Wallet and a new stablecoin payment protocol called BravePay.
• Unified wallet with traditional payments + self-custodied crypto
• BravePay, a privacy-focused stablecoin payment protocol
• Planned Brave Rewards payment cards
• Creator contribution protocol for AI content usage
Brave launched BAT roadmap 4.0 on July 9, adding a unified Brave Wallet and a new stablecoin payment protocol called BravePay.
• Unified wallet with traditional payments + self-custodied crypto
• BravePay, a privacy-focused stablecoin payment protocol
• Planned Brave Rewards payment cards
• Creator contribution protocol for AI content usage
Matters because: The roadmap expands BAT’s ecosystem beyond basic rewards and could support wider adoption.
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SEC proposes "Regulation Crypto" framework for easier capital raising – Link
The SEC is preparing a new crypto regulation proposal as early as July 2026. It would allow startups to raise up to $5 million with simple white-paper disclosures and projects up to $75 million in any 12-month period.
The SEC is preparing a new crypto regulation proposal as early as July 2026. It would allow startups to raise up to $5 million with simple white-paper disclosures and projects up to $75 million in any 12-month period.
Matters because: It would mark a shift from enforcement-heavy regulation toward a more structured capital-raising path for crypto startups.
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Circle receives federal banking charter approval – Link
Circle received final approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to establish a federally regulated national trust bank. The approval lets the USDC issuer custody its own reserves and hold digital assets for institutional clients.
Circle received final approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to establish a federally regulated national trust bank. The approval lets the USDC issuer custody its own reserves and hold digital assets for institutional clients.
Matters because: It brings stablecoins closer to traditional financial infrastructure and could accelerate institutional adoption of tokenized assets.
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Swift launches blockchain ledger with 17 major banks – Link
Swift launched a blockchain-based shared ledger with 17 banks, including Citi, HSBC, UBS, BNY, Standard Chartered, and Wells Fargo. The system enables 24/7 tokenized fund transfers while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Swift launched a blockchain-based shared ledger with 17 banks, including Citi, HSBC, UBS, BNY, Standard Chartered, and Wells Fargo. The system enables 24/7 tokenized fund transfers while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Matters because: It signals growing institutional adoption of blockchain infrastructure and gives Swift a direct answer to stablecoins and programmable payments.
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AI and measurement are becoming the default marketing priorities
The chart from IAB’s 2026 Outlook Study shows where marketer focus increased YoY in 2026 vs 2025.
The biggest move is generative AI use in media campaigns: 78% in 2026 vs 62% in 2025. A new focus area also appears around optimizing content for AI-generated answers at 73%, while cross-platform measurement rises to 72% from 64%.
That reads like a market that wants less guesswork and more proof. When budgets get tighter, visibility only matters if it can be found, measured, and repeated – which is the same pressure shaping Web3 marketing next.
Data source: IAB’s 2026 Outlook Study
Related read: Web3 Marketing in 2027: Adapting to bear market budgets
The chart from IAB’s 2026 Outlook Study shows where marketer focus increased YoY in 2026 vs 2025.
The biggest move is generative AI use in media campaigns: 78% in 2026 vs 62% in 2025. A new focus area also appears around optimizing content for AI-generated answers at 73%, while cross-platform measurement rises to 72% from 64%.
That reads like a market that wants less guesswork and more proof. When budgets get tighter, visibility only matters if it can be found, measured, and repeated – which is the same pressure shaping Web3 marketing next.
Data source: IAB’s 2026 Outlook Study
Related read: Web3 Marketing in 2027: Adapting to bear market budgets
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Daily news snapshot: Altcoins watchlist
1. DeXe (DEXE): +28.49%
• Market cap: $3.99 billion
• DEXE surged to $47.67 on strong ecosystem growth and record short liquidations.
Catalysts:
• The token has gained over 750% year-to-date.
• Total value locked across DeXe DAOs climbed to $2.55 billion.
• The move suggests renewed institutional interest in decentralized governance infrastructure.
2. DODO (DODO): +41.16%
• Market cap: $23.11 million
• DODO jumped to $0.0231, with 24-hour trading volume reaching $36.71 million.
3. Velvet (VELVET): +22.95%
• Market cap: $222.25 million
• VELVET rose to $0.528, with 24-hour volume of $22.90 million.
1. DeXe (DEXE): +28.49%
• Market cap: $3.99 billion
• DEXE surged to $47.67 on strong ecosystem growth and record short liquidations.
Catalysts:
• The token has gained over 750% year-to-date.
• Total value locked across DeXe DAOs climbed to $2.55 billion.
• The move suggests renewed institutional interest in decentralized governance infrastructure.
Matters because: The rally looks backed by both ecosystem growth and forced short covering, which can strengthen momentum.
2. DODO (DODO): +41.16%
• Market cap: $23.11 million
• DODO jumped to $0.0231, with 24-hour trading volume reaching $36.71 million.
Matters because: The move reflects renewed interest in decentralized trading and liquidity provision amid the altcoin recovery.
3. Velvet (VELVET): +22.95%
• Market cap: $222.25 million
• VELVET rose to $0.528, with 24-hour volume of $22.90 million.
Matters because: The protocol benefited from broader altcoin momentum and renewed interest in tokenized index funds and portfolio management.
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Uniswap protocol fees activated with governance proposals under voting – Link
Uniswap founder Hayden said protocol fees have been activated and UNI has been burned. Three governance proposals are now under voting:
• Robinhood Chain fees (v2/v3)
• v4 fees
• Fee bridge cleanup on multiple chains
Uniswap founder Hayden said protocol fees have been activated and UNI has been burned. Three governance proposals are now under voting:
• Robinhood Chain fees (v2/v3)
• v4 fees
• Fee bridge cleanup on multiple chains
Matters because: Fee activation may support UNI value and improve protocol sustainability.
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Robinhood Chain launches with $877M DEX volume in 24 hours – Link
Robinhood's Layer 2 network went live using ETH as its native gas token. About $141 million in ETH has already been bridged to the chain, and more than 500,000 wallet addresses are holding ETH there.
• DEX trading volume hit $877.56 million in 24 hours
• Volume surpassed Ethereum L1 and Base
Robinhood's Layer 2 network went live using ETH as its native gas token. About $141 million in ETH has already been bridged to the chain, and more than 500,000 wallet addresses are holding ETH there.
• DEX trading volume hit $877.56 million in 24 hours
• Volume surpassed Ethereum L1 and Base
Matters because: Fast adoption and heavy ETH activity could signal strong demand for tokenized stock services and support ETH demand.
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Generative AI is strongest at speed, not autonomy
Adobe’s 2026 AI and Digital Trends report shows that the clearest gains from generative AI experimentation are operational.
Organizations report the biggest improvements in producing more content faster, helping non-creative teams create assets, and lifting day-to-day productivity.
• Volume and speed of content ideation and production: 76%
• Ability for non-creative teams to generate content: 70%
• Employee productivity and efficiency: 69%
• Experimentation and innovation: 67%
• Revenue growth from marketing initiatives: 65%
Data source: Adobe 2026 AI and Digital Trends report
Related read: Neomarketing in the Age of AI: What Brands Can Actually Automate
Adobe’s 2026 AI and Digital Trends report shows that the clearest gains from generative AI experimentation are operational.
Organizations report the biggest improvements in producing more content faster, helping non-creative teams create assets, and lifting day-to-day productivity.
• Volume and speed of content ideation and production: 76%
• Ability for non-creative teams to generate content: 70%
• Employee productivity and efficiency: 69%
• Experimentation and innovation: 67%
• Revenue growth from marketing initiatives: 65%
Data source: Adobe 2026 AI and Digital Trends report
Related read: Neomarketing in the Age of AI: What Brands Can Actually Automate
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Long-term Bitcoin holders accumulate at all-time highs – Link
Multiple long-term holder indicators hit record levels: 17.7% of supply is held for at least 10 years, 16.75 million coins are with long-term holders, and their average holding cost is $50,000.
Multiple long-term holder indicators hit record levels: 17.7% of supply is held for at least 10 years, 16.75 million coins are with long-term holders, and their average holding cost is $50,000.
Matters because: Deep long-term conviction can point to a stronger price floor even if near-term volatility stays elevated.
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Treasury yields spike on Iran tensions and rate hike expectations – Link
U.S. two-year Treasury yields climbed to 4.24%, the highest since early 2025, as renewed Iran tensions pushed oil prices higher and increased speculation of Fed rate hikes. Market pricing now reflects nearly full expectation of a September hike, up from 66% a week ago.
U.S. two-year Treasury yields climbed to 4.24%, the highest since early 2025, as renewed Iran tensions pushed oil prices higher and increased speculation of Fed rate hikes. Market pricing now reflects nearly full expectation of a September hike, up from 66% a week ago.
Matters because: Higher yields and tighter rate expectations can put pressure on risk assets and weigh on crypto valuations if inflation concerns stick.
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Daily news snapshot: Altcoins watchlist
eCash (XEC): +13.95%
• Market cap: $121.1M
• eCash surged on increased trading activity on Robinhood Chain after its July 1 mainnet launch.
Catalysts:
• Broader retail interest flowed back into crypto as South Korean stock market declines pushed investors toward digital assets.
• Upbit recorded a 1,663% surge in daily trading volume.
ZEROBASE (ZBT): +19.93%
• Market cap: $35.2M
• ZEROBASE rallied on consistent liquidity and healthy trading volumes, holding in the $0.11–$0.13 range through the week.
Catalysts:
• Tight spreads were maintained despite macro volatility.
• The token traded steadily during broader market consolidation.
Allora (ALLO): +8.40%
• Market cap: $93.8M
• Allora gained as interest in RWA infrastructure continued to grow.
Catalysts:
• Market attention is rising around tokenization trends.
• Securitize surpassed $5 billion in tokenized assets.
• The overall tokenization market reached $34 billion.
eCash (XEC): +13.95%
• Market cap: $121.1M
• eCash surged on increased trading activity on Robinhood Chain after its July 1 mainnet launch.
Catalysts:
• Broader retail interest flowed back into crypto as South Korean stock market declines pushed investors toward digital assets.
• Upbit recorded a 1,663% surge in daily trading volume.
Matters because: The move looks tied to real trading activity and a retail rotation back into crypto.
ZEROBASE (ZBT): +19.93%
• Market cap: $35.2M
• ZEROBASE rallied on consistent liquidity and healthy trading volumes, holding in the $0.11–$0.13 range through the week.
Catalysts:
• Tight spreads were maintained despite macro volatility.
• The token traded steadily during broader market consolidation.
Matters because: Stable liquidity and sustained volume can help a small-cap token hold gains even in choppy markets.
Allora (ALLO): +8.40%
• Market cap: $93.8M
• Allora gained as interest in RWA infrastructure continued to grow.
Catalysts:
• Market attention is rising around tokenization trends.
• Securitize surpassed $5 billion in tokenized assets.
• The overall tokenization market reached $34 billion.
Matters because: ALLO is catching a broader tokenization narrative rather than a single isolated catalyst.
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U.S.-Iran tensions amplify oil and inflation pressure – Link
Escalating U.S.-Iran hostilities triggered reciprocal airstrikes and pushed Brent crude futures more than 3% higher to nearly $79 per barrel. Markets are watching for Strait of Hormuz disruptions that could lift energy prices, keep inflation sticky, and weigh on crypto risk assets.
Escalating U.S.-Iran hostilities triggered reciprocal airstrikes and pushed Brent crude futures more than 3% higher to nearly $79 per barrel. Markets are watching for Strait of Hormuz disruptions that could lift energy prices, keep inflation sticky, and weigh on crypto risk assets.
Matters because: Energy shocks can feed inflation and make Fed easing harder, which is typically negative for crypto.
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Clarity Act enters critical legislative window – Link
The U.S. Senate's CLARITY Act entered a crucial four-week window that will decide whether it can pass before Congress adjourns in August. President Trump called for Senate passage, citing competition with China on crypto and AI.
The U.S. Senate's CLARITY Act entered a crucial four-week window that will decide whether it can pass before Congress adjourns in August. President Trump called for Senate passage, citing competition with China on crypto and AI.
Matters because: The bill could improve regulatory certainty for U.S. digital asset markets if it advances in time.
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Morpho defies DeFi slowdown with 86% USDC deposit growth – Link
Despite overall DeFi TVL falling 42% year over year, Morpho's USDC deposits rose 86% to $2.8 billion. The data points to continued demand for yield-bearing stablecoin lending even as the broader market deleverages.
Despite overall DeFi TVL falling 42% year over year, Morpho's USDC deposits rose 86% to $2.8 billion. The data points to continued demand for yield-bearing stablecoin lending even as the broader market deleverages.
Matters because: Capital is concentrating in higher-quality lending venues even while broader DeFi activity weakens.
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Just published a new research note on bear market Web3 marketing budgets.
Here’s your TL;DR ↓
• In Q1 2026, Galaxy said crypto/blockchain VC deployment was about $4B, roughly 50% down QoQ.
• That is the bigger shift: budgets are still there, but they are getting far more selective.
• The article argues that 2027 marketing will move from buying attention to proving activation, retention, and trust.
• Referral, affiliate, CPA, and revenue-share deals should get more popular, but only brands with a strong offer will win good KOLs.
• Pure referral campaigns still need a trust layer – awareness, comparisons, community proof, and third-party mentions.
• Classic paid shilling looks weaker; contextual inclusion inside relevant reports, explainers, and workflows should do better.
• AI search adds another filter: brands need validation across Reddit, YouTube, LinkedIn, reviews, and comparison pages.
• My read: the winners will be the teams that build believable distribution, not just reach.
Read the full story here: Web3 Marketing in 2027: Adapting to bear market budgets
Here’s your TL;DR ↓
• In Q1 2026, Galaxy said crypto/blockchain VC deployment was about $4B, roughly 50% down QoQ.
• That is the bigger shift: budgets are still there, but they are getting far more selective.
• The article argues that 2027 marketing will move from buying attention to proving activation, retention, and trust.
• Referral, affiliate, CPA, and revenue-share deals should get more popular, but only brands with a strong offer will win good KOLs.
• Pure referral campaigns still need a trust layer – awareness, comparisons, community proof, and third-party mentions.
• Classic paid shilling looks weaker; contextual inclusion inside relevant reports, explainers, and workflows should do better.
• AI search adds another filter: brands need validation across Reddit, YouTube, LinkedIn, reviews, and comparison pages.
• My read: the winners will be the teams that build believable distribution, not just reach.
Read the full story here: Web3 Marketing in 2027: Adapting to bear market budgets
Green Dots Research
Web3 Marketing Trends 2027: Proof-Driven Distribution
Web3 marketing in 2027 will move from paid shilling to proof-driven distribution: referral deals, creator trust, contextual inclusion, AI search visibility, and campaigns people have a reason to repeat.
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Aave adopts Chainlink CCIP for its cross-chain mobile app – Link
Aave integrated Chainlink's Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) to power its new mobile app. CCIP scored highest on cross-chain security in Llama Risk's updated Aave Risk Framework and is said to introduce no new trust assumptions.
Aave integrated Chainlink's Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) to power its new mobile app. CCIP scored highest on cross-chain security in Llama Risk's updated Aave Risk Framework and is said to introduce no new trust assumptions.
Matters because: CCIP gives Aave a cross-chain path with a security-first framing, which matters for a major lending protocol.
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Fed rate hike expectations surge on inflation concerns – Link
Fed Governor Christopher Waller said the FOMC may need to raise rates in the near term if core inflation stays elevated. Markets now price about a 50% chance of a July hike, up from ≈10% days ago. Bitcoin is down 2%+ to around $62,380, while U.S. two-year Treasury yields rose to 4.29%.
Fed Governor Christopher Waller said the FOMC may need to raise rates in the near term if core inflation stays elevated. Markets now price about a 50% chance of a July hike, up from ≈10% days ago. Bitcoin is down 2%+ to around $62,380, while U.S. two-year Treasury yields rose to 4.29%.
Matters because: Higher-for-longer rates and renewed hike odds add pressure to BTC and the broader risk backdrop.
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How do you love the latest channel posting format?
Anonymous Poll
31%
Very insightful, love it!
10%
It's ok, though some news are not relevant for me
51%
I loved the old Stacy in Dataland more
7%
I don't read you much
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Daily news snapshot: Altcoins watchlist
1. Aave (AAVE): +5.8% (24h)
• Market cap: $12.4 billion
• Aave is benefiting from the UK's new capital gains tax deferral for DeFi lending positions and its adoption of Chainlink CCIP as default cross-chain infrastructure.
2. Chainlink (LINK): +4.2% (24h)
• Market cap: $18.7 billion
• Chainlink won major institutional integrations, including U.S. Department of Commerce data feeds, Central Bank of Brazil-HKMA settlement pilots, and Mantle's $2.5B CCIP migration.
• Active network wallets hit an all-time high of 900,000.
3. Solana (SOL): +3.1% (24h)
• Market cap: $89.3 billion
• Solana apps generated record $17M in weekly revenue and set a new $4.15B 24h DEX volume record.
• SBI Holdings launched a Japan-focused tokenization partnership, SBI Solana Global.
1. Aave (AAVE): +5.8% (24h)
• Market cap: $12.4 billion
• Aave is benefiting from the UK's new capital gains tax deferral for DeFi lending positions and its adoption of Chainlink CCIP as default cross-chain infrastructure.
Matters because: The mix of policy support and infrastructure upgrades is a constructive signal for DeFi lending adoption.
2. Chainlink (LINK): +4.2% (24h)
• Market cap: $18.7 billion
• Chainlink won major institutional integrations, including U.S. Department of Commerce data feeds, Central Bank of Brazil-HKMA settlement pilots, and Mantle's $2.5B CCIP migration.
• Active network wallets hit an all-time high of 900,000.
Matters because: Institutional usage and wallet growth suggest accumulation is happening even while price remains suppressed.
3. Solana (SOL): +3.1% (24h)
• Market cap: $89.3 billion
• Solana apps generated record $17M in weekly revenue and set a new $4.15B 24h DEX volume record.
• SBI Holdings launched a Japan-focused tokenization partnership, SBI Solana Global.
Matters because: The revenue and volume records reinforce Solana's lead in onchain activity and institutional tokenization narratives.
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