In the fast-paced world of crypto, spotting the next big thing often comes down to betting on the right people. A recent X thread by @S4mmyEth has sparked buzz with a clever investment strategy: identify the faces in an old group photo from Binance Labs' inaugural cohort and allocate funds to their current projects proportionally. It's a reminder that behind every successful protocol are talented builders with proven track records.

The thread kicks off with a nostalgic photo of the group, challenging the internet to name them all. What unfolds is a who's who of crypto innovators, many now leading major players in decentralized finance (DeFi), AI, and beyond. For anyone diving into meme tokens or broader blockchain trends, understanding these connections can reveal hidden gems and emerging narratives.

The Investment Thesis Breakdown

@S4mmyEth's approach is straightforward yet genius—treat this photo like a treasure map. By crowdsourcing identifications, the thread uncovers a network of founders whose ventures have collectively shaped the industry. Here's a rundown of the key players highlighted:

• Jeff: Founder of Hyperliquid, a leading decentralized perpetual futures exchange. Known for its high-performance trading infrastructure, it's a go-to for DeFi traders seeking low-latency execution.

• Garry Tan: Current CEO of Y Combinator, the iconic startup accelerator. His influence extends far beyond crypto, nurturing countless blockchain projects through YC's programs.

• Teck Chia: Former Binance partner, now founder of Dimension AI, pushing boundaries in AI-integrated blockchain solutions. This venture blends machine learning with decentralized tech, appealing to those eyeing AI-driven memes and utilities.

• Veronica Wong (@V_SafePal)​: CEO of SafePal, a popular hardware and software wallet provider. SafePal's focus on secure, user-friendly storage makes it essential for meme token holders managing volatile portfolios.

• Mark Miyashita: CEO of Supermove and Akio Labs, companies innovating in logistics tech and AI labs respectively. His work bridges traditional industries with blockchain, potentially influencing supply chain memes.

• Brian Wong: Co-founder of Deaux, with past roles in asset management. While his current focus is less public, his background suggests expertise in financial instruments that could tie into DeFi memes.

• Shao-Kang Lee and Yenwen Feng: Co-founders of Perpetual Protocol, a decentralized perpetual swaps platform. Their ties to Hyperliquid highlight the interconnected world of perp trading, a hotbed for leveraged meme plays.

• Injective Founders: Behind Injective Protocol, a layer-1 blockchain optimized for finance. Injective's ecosystem supports a variety of DeFi apps, including those that could host meme token launches.

• Leonad Tan and Yong Zhen Yu: Now at Consensys and MetaMask, key contributors to Ethereum's infrastructure. Their work on Linea, a zkEVM layer-2, enables scalable meme token ecosystems with low fees.

This crowd-sourced detective work not only revives memories of Binance Labs' early days but also underscores the alumni network's impact. Projects like Hyperliquid and Perpetual Protocol have seen massive growth, with market caps reflecting their innovation in perp trading—a space where meme tokens often thrive through hype and volatility.

Why This Matters for Meme Token Enthusiasts

While not every project here is purely meme-focused, the thesis aligns perfectly with the meme token ethos: community-driven discovery and betting on narratives. Many of these founders' ventures provide the infrastructure for meme launches, trading, and security. For instance, wallets like SafePal safeguard your dog-themed tokens, while platforms like Injective offer venues for rapid, low-cost deployments.

Allocating proportionally, as suggested, could mean diversifying across DeFi heavyweights and AI upstarts. It's a strategy that rewards research and network effects, much like spotting the next viral meme before it moons. Keep an eye on these builders—they're likely to influence the next wave of blockchain trends, including meme-integrated tech.

If you're building or investing in meme tokens, threads like this are gold. They connect dots between past collaborations and future opportunities, helping you stay ahead in the ever-evolving crypto landscape. What do you think—ready to allocate based on a photo? Dive deeper into similar insights right here on Meme Insider.