autorenew
Crypto Culture Shift: Old Guard Sells as Institutions Buy in 2025

Crypto Culture Shift: Old Guard Sells as Institutions Buy in 2025

The crypto world is undergoing a massive transformation, and a recent tweet from DeFi expert Ignas (@DefiIgnas) captures it perfectly. He's highlighting how the "Old Guard" – those early adopters who've been in the game since the wild days – are gradually cashing out, while big institutions are piling in. This shift could redefine everything from market volatility to the fun, meme-driven culture we all love.

Ignas quotes a post from @redhairshanks86, who shares their bull market strategy: no more fiat investments, slowly dollar-cost averaging (DCA) out, swapping between cryptos but keeping a "moonbag" – that's a small holding in case it skyrockets. Attached is a hilarious meme video parodying "Dance Monkey" with a woman walking in a park, repeatedly asking "ARE YOU A NORMIE?" via overlaid text and a tiny soldier figure. It's a cheeky nod to newcomers entering the space, often called "normies" in crypto slang.

This strategy reflects a broader trend. As Ignas points out, the influx of institutional money from TradFi (traditional finance) players might tone down the degen (degenerate gambler) narratives that drive wild price swings and meme token crazes. Instead, we could see more corporate voices, suits in PFPs (profile pictures), and a focus on real-world assets (RWAs), stablecoins, and payments infrastructure.

Why This Matters for Meme Tokens

Meme tokens thrive on hype, community-driven stories, and that "get rich quick" mentality. But with institutions prioritizing diversification and predictable flows tied to macroeconomics, the space might lose some of its chaotic charm. Bitcoin could be treated like digital gold, Ethereum like a tech stock – leaving less room for the risky, fun bets that birthed icons like Dogecoin or newer Solana-based memes.

Ignas notes potential downsides too: increased centralization as tokens move from scattered wallets to large custodians, which isn't ideal for decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). Yet, he admits even he's thinking more about portfolio balance these days.

Community Reactions and Future Outlook

Replies to the tweet show mixed feelings. Some like @beausecurity argue it's just cycle planning, with degens buying back in bears and institutions shaking out. Others worry about a "CT to LinkedIn migration" – Crypto Twitter turning professional. One user quips that OGs (original gangsters, or early adopters) are here forever, just more risk-averse.

For meme enthusiasts, this could mean adapting: focusing on memes with real utility or tying into institutional trends. As crypto matures, the "freedom money" ethos might evolve into a stable diversification tool, but the core innovation – blockchain's decentralized power – remains.

Check out the original thread on X here to join the conversation and see the meme video in action. What's your take on this shift? Will memes survive the suit invasion?

You might be interested