If Ethereum’s (ETH-USD) founder, Vitalik Buterin, were launching his project today, he would likely struggle to secure funding. According to Cointelegraph, the crypto industry has evolved from prioritizing technical innovation to favoring marketing-driven projects with influencer backing. The market is no longer about proving a revolutionary idea—it’s about building hype.
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Social Media Now Drives Crypto Investment
Ten years ago, crypto was dominated by engineers focused on decentralization, privacy, and financial access. Today, however, success often depends on having a massive social media presence rather than technical credibility. Cointelegraph highlights that in the current climate, “without a following, you’re nothing.” This trend forces tech founders to spend more time on X (formerly Twitter) than on actual product development.
White Papers Replaced by Hype and Airdrops
Gone are the days when a solid white paper and a minimum viable product were enough to attract investors. Now, potential backers prioritize engagement metrics, meme potential, and the possibility of an airdrop over the actual utility of a project. Cointelegraph argues that “short-termism” is a major barrier to meaningful innovation, turning crypto into a casino rather than a technological movement.
Is Crypto Trapping Itself in a Niche?
The current model of marketing and engagement may be preventing crypto from achieving mainstream adoption. It seems like most Web3 projects fail to create products that provide real-world value outside the existing crypto bubble.
At the time of writing, Ethereum is sitting at $2,723.79.
