Crypto is entering a new era, and it's all about distribution. That's the big takeaway from a recent thread by Bits + Bips on X, where they introduce the concept of the "Onchain5" – a group of powerhouse firms poised to control the gateways to crypto adoption. If you're into meme tokens, this is huge because it means easier access, more users, and potentially explosive growth for your favorite memecoins.
Let's break it down. The thread argues that the next phase of crypto isn't just about building tech; it's about getting it into the hands of everyday people. The companies that nail this distribution will dominate. To make the Onchain5 cut, a firm needs massive reach, serious blockchain investments, seamless user experiences that hide the crypto complexities, and a business model that truly relies on digital assets.
The spotlight in this thread is on the first member: Coinbase. Yeah, the big name in crypto exchanges, but there's more to it than just buying and selling coins. Coinbase isn't just a custodian anymore; it's evolving into a full-blown onchain powerhouse.
With over $245 billion in assets under custody and 8.7 million monthly active users, Coinbase is already a giant. It's the only pure-play crypto company in the S&P 500, which gives it serious credibility. But the real game-changer is Base, their Layer 2 blockchain built on Ethereum.
Base is like Coinbase's secret weapon for distribution. It boasts $5 billion in assets, $150 million in revenue, and a whopping 200 million addresses. That's not just numbers – it means Base is turning Coinbase from a slow, traditional exchange into a dynamic platform for originating all sorts of onchain activities.
Think about what this means for meme tokens. Base has become a hotspot for memecoins because of its low fees and fast transactions. Projects can launch quickly, and users can trade without getting hammered by gas fees. The thread highlights features like gasless USDC payments, DEX trading for tokens not listed on the main exchange, and even onchain loans with $900 million originated so far.
For meme token creators and traders, this is gold. Base acts as a funnel, pulling in builders and users into the Coinbase ecosystem. You can swap tokens seamlessly, participate in DeFi without the hassle, and even use smart wallets that make everything feel like regular app usage – no seed phrases or confusing metamasks needed for newcomers.
The thread teases that Coinbase is building the rails for the entire onchain economy. But it leaves us hanging on the other four members of the Onchain5. Who could they be? Maybe giants like Binance, or tech players dipping into blockchain like Meta or Apple? We'll have to wait for the next installments in the series, as hinted in the thread.
In the meantime, for those of us at Meme Insider, this underscores why platforms like Base are crucial for meme tokens. They lower barriers, attract retail investors, and create viral opportunities. If you're a blockchain practitioner, keep an eye on these gateways – they're your ticket to scaling ideas into mainstream hits.
Check out the full thread on X for more details, and subscribe to Bits + Bips for updates on the Onchain5 series. As meme tokens continue to evolve, understanding these distribution dynamics will give you an edge in the onchain world.