In the fast-paced world of crypto, it's easy to get caught up in the hype. But a recent thread on X from @howdymerry, a seasoned player in the space with experience at places like Galaxy and Brookings, cuts through the noise. She points out that "half of the industry is in late stage collapse," and honestly, it's a wake-up call we've all been needing.

Let's break it down. The thread kicks off by highlighting how many big infrastructure projects in crypto—think layer-1 blockchains, DeFi protocols, and scaling solutions—are basically relics from the ZIRP era. ZIRP stands for Zero Interest Rate Policy, a time when central banks kept interest rates near zero, making cheap money flow everywhere. This led to a boom in venture capital (VC) funding, where startups raised millions without much scrutiny. Now, with rates higher and funding tighter, these projects are struggling to survive.

@howdymerry nails it: full-time jobs at these VC-backed giants often feel "performative," meaning they're more about looking busy than delivering real value. And associating your personal brand with a failing project? That's a big red flag. We've seen "team restructurings" left and right, which is often code for layoffs or pivots to stay afloat.

But it's not all doom and gloom. The thread shifts to empowerment: "its up to you to sift for quality and help markets become more efficient by coalescing value around quality." In other words, as investors and builders in the crypto space, we have the power to spot the gems and direct capital toward them. This is especially relevant for meme tokens, which often thrive on community vibes rather than bloated VC war chests. Unlike traditional infrastructure plays, memes can go viral organically, creating real engagement without the overhead.

Replies to the thread echo this sentiment. One user calls out "zombie companies" in crypto—projects that look alive but are just shambling along on old funding. Another asks how to pick teams worth backing, to which @howdymerry simply replies: "green asset thesis." This likely refers to betting on sustainable, revenue-generating assets that aren't just burning through cash. In meme token land, this could mean looking for projects with strong holder bases, clever marketing, and actual utility beyond the joke.

Other commenters chime in with optimism. One says the collapse is a "clean-out," weeding out the weak to make room for the strong. Another predicts that revenue-producing assets will dominate moving forward—think meme tokens tied to real-world applications or yield-generating mechanics. Even in the broader blockchain ecosystem, this shift could boost innovation in areas like decentralized social media or AI-integrated tokens.

For those of us at Meme Insider, this thread reinforces why we focus on curating knowledge about meme tokens. They're often more resilient in tough markets because they're driven by culture and community, not just investor dollars. If you're diving into blockchain tech or hunting for the next big meme, remember: quality over quantity. Sift through the noise, back projects with real traction, and help shape a more efficient market.

Curious about specific meme tokens weathering the storm? Check out our knowledge base on meme-insider.com for in-depth guides and the latest news. What's your take on the crypto collapse—reply below or hit us up on X!