With thousands of app tokens launching on Solana, the scene is getting wild and unpredictable. Yash, co-founder of SendAI and a big believer in AI agents and Solana, recently shared some sharp thoughts on navigating what he calls the Internet Capital Markets (ICM) meta. If you're into meme tokens or broader crypto apps, this breakdown could help you spot winners amid the chaos.
Understanding the Current Meta: From ACM to ICM
Yash kicks off by giving props to @believeapp, which he sees as a solid starting point for this trend. But he points out it's not full-on ICM—think equity tokenized on-chain—but more like Attention Capital Markets (ACM). Here's why:
No Real Equity Stake: These tokens don't give holders a cut of the app's revenue or direct integration. Instead, they're all about grabbing eyeballs. Attention drives trading volumes, which in turn boosts revenues. That's why these projects often chase hot narratives like AI agents to fuel speculation.
The Founder Factor: Yash estimates over 95% of these apps come from non-crypto founders eyeing quick gains. That's okay if they commit long-term and build in consumer crypto. He urges them to embed Solana wallets in their apps pronto, or risk just draining liquidity without adding value.
For meme token enthusiasts, this resonates because many memes start as attention plays too. But on Solana, the line between memes and functional apps is blurring fast, creating hybrid opportunities.
Investor Playbook: How to Evaluate App Tokens
If you're buying into these tokens, Yash advises treating it like a bet on attention potential. The key? Test the app yourself and dig into these factors:
Virality Mechanics: Look for built-in social sharing, referrals, or token rewards that could make it spread like wildfire.
Founder Commitment: Is this their full-time gig, or a side hustle? Background matters less than dedication.
Shipping Speed: Are they iterating based on user feedback, or just hyping the token post-launch? Yash suggests chatting with the founder if possible—skip the pure shillers.
Crypto Integration: Does the app genuinely use blockchain, or is it a repackaged Web2 flop farming crypto liquidity?
Longevity Features: Check for platform elements or retention hooks that could keep users coming back.
Launch Timing: Pre-launch hype is common, but actual launches often disappoint if reality doesn't match expectations.
This checklist is gold for anyone scouting meme tokens on platforms like Pump.fun or Raydium, where quick evaluations can make or break your portfolio.
The Future of ICM: Evolution and Opportunities
Yash is bullish on where this heads. While launchpads like Meteora DBC, Raydium Launchlab, and Pump stay permissionless, frontends will rise to curate quality. Expect niche-specific interfaces competing on:
Quality Filters: Weeding out the noise.
Integrations: Seamless tools for builders.
Builder Engines: Things like vibe-based coding with @devfunpump.
Just like centralized exchanges have tiers, these frontends will rank by adoption and curation prowess.
He also predicts a boom in research firms and newsletters—real analysts, not just alpha callers. They'll rate tokens like Moody's does bonds, building influence through solid reports.
The big leap? True on-chain equity via friendly jurisdictions, as hinted by Solana's @aeyakovenko. Owning a token could mean actual app equity from day one.
AI is a massive accelerator here, timing perfectly with the app surge. Yash loves how this mixes consumer focus with speculation, and he's all in on shaping it.
Why This Matters for Meme Token Builders and Traders
At Meme Insider, we're all about decoding meme tokens in the blockchain world. This ICM meta on Solana amps up the game, turning attention into capital and potentially real equity. Whether you're launching a viral meme or backing app tokens, Yash's insights highlight the need for substance beyond hype.
Solana apps season is here, blending attention capital markets with the promise of internet capital markets. Ready to send it? Dive in, but evaluate smartly to win big.