The crypto world just got a game-changer with the official launch of 1st, heralded in a recent tweet from the team. This isn't your typical decentralized exchange—it's the first private market DEX designed specifically for trading locked tokens, and it's built right on the Base chain.

What Makes 1st DEX Stand Out?

In the fast-paced realm of blockchain and DeFi (decentralized finance), locked tokens are common. These are tokens held by venture capitalists (VCs), teams, or early investors that can't be sold immediately due to vesting schedules—periods where tokens gradually unlock over time to prevent sudden dumps that could crash prices.

1st flips the script by allowing VCs to sell these locked tokens at a discount without flooding public exchanges. For everyday traders, this means snagging tokens below the current market (spot) price. The catch? The purchased tokens stick to the original vesting schedule, so you receive them bit by bit as they unlock. It's like betting on a project's long-term success while getting a sweet deal upfront.

This setup creates a triple win:

• Projects face less sell-off pressure on open markets, stabilizing their token prices.
• VCs get much-needed liquidity without waiting years.
• Retail investors access premium deals usually reserved for big players.

Built on Base, an Ethereum Layer 2 chain known for low fees and high speed, 1st ensures trades are instant and cost-effective. The team behind it? They're from Spring, a platform that's already facilitated over $350 million in raises across hundreds of VC groups and investors since 2021.

The Debut Project: AethirCloud

Kicking things off, 1st's first live project is AethirCloud, a decentralized cloud compute infrastructure powering AI and more. Their token, ATH, is now tradable on the platform. This means users can buy locked ATH tokens at a discount, following Aethir's vesting rules.

Aethir isn't just any project—it's focused on revolutionizing GPU cloud computing through blockchain, making high-powered resources accessible worldwide. Partnering with 1st, they've teamed up with market maker Peanut Trade to ensure smooth liquidity from day one.

Earn While You Trade: 1st Points Season 1

To sweeten the pot, 1st launched its Points system right at go-live. In Season 1, traders get a 3x multiplier on points earned. For every $1 traded on the DEX, you rack up 3 points. These points could unlock future rewards—though details are under wraps for now, it's a classic crypto incentive to boost early adoption.

Registering is simple: Head to 1st.app and connect your wallet. The launch timed perfectly at 7 AM EST on November 3, 2025, aligning with global users.

Why This Matters for Blockchain Practitioners

For those deep in the meme token and DeFi space, 1st opens doors to strategies previously off-limits. Imagine applying this to emerging meme projects with locked liquidity—buying in early at discounts could amplify gains as communities grow. While the debut is with Aethir, expect more projects to join, potentially including meme-heavy ones on Base.

This innovation tackles a core pain point in crypto: uneven access. By democratizing private markets, 1st levels the playing field, reducing dumps and fostering healthier ecosystems. As Base continues to boom with apps and users, tools like 1st could drive even more adoption.

If you're a trader eyeing discounted tokens or a project looking to manage vesting better, keep an eye on 1st's X account for updates. The future of private trading just got a lot more accessible. 🚀