Have you noticed Ethereum making waves again in the crypto world? A recent X thread from Abbas Khan, the Founder Success lead at the Ethereum Foundation, sheds light on a major cultural shift that's got everyone buzzing. Posted on September 28, 2025, the thread quotes a podcast clip featuring Luca Netz, the force behind Pudgy Penguins, discussing how the Foundation is now actively supporting builders. This isn't just talk—it's leading to real gains, especially for meme-driven projects like Pudgy Penguins NFTs, which are reportedly outpacing staked ETH returns.

Let's break it down. The thread starts by referencing a video from the "When Shift Happens" podcast hosted by MR SHIFT. In the clip, Luca Netz shares some insider alpha: the Ethereum Foundation is reaching out to builders with a simple question—"How can we support you?" For those new to the space, "alpha" means valuable, often exclusive insights that can give you an edge in crypto investing. Netz emphasizes that this isn't mere PR spin; it's a genuine 180-degree turn from the Foundation's past "ivory tower" vibe, where they seemed distant from the community.

Netz points out that Ethereum has the strongest security and has stood the test of time, making it the go-to for stablecoins—digital assets pegged to fiat currencies like the US dollar for stability. But he warns that this advantage might not last forever in the long term, say 5-10 years, as other chains could catch up. The real bullish signal? The Foundation's new focus on engaging directly with builders, which could spark more innovation across the ecosystem.

Tying this to memes, Netz highlights Pudgy Penguins as a standout example. These adorable, meme-inspired NFTs have been a "shining light" on Ethereum, even during tougher times. He recounts how, despite their success, the project received little acknowledgment from Ethereum insiders in the past. Now, with the cultural shift, things are changing. The podcast clip wraps up by suggesting that owning Pudgy Penguins NFTs could be a smarter bet than just staking ETH, as they've "massively outpaced the native currency."

Building on this, Abbas Khan adds his take: Since the video (originally from July 2025), the Founder Success team has helped over 30 teams with fundraising and go-to-market strategies. They've run accelerators and AI hackathons to onboard new builders and connected strong projects to Ethereum Layer 2 solutions, like Abstract Chain. Khan's bullish on Netz, Pudgy Penguins, and Abstract Chain, and he keeps his DMs open for any Ethereum founders needing a hand.

The thread sparked positive replies from the community. Users like @azeemk_ expressed excitement about checking it out, while @clairekart called it "boss." Others echoed the bullish sentiment on Abstract Chain and ETH overall. It's clear this shift is resonating, potentially fueling more growth in meme-related projects on Ethereum.

For meme token enthusiasts, this is huge. Pudgy Penguins isn't just cute artwork; it's a community-driven NFT collection that's evolved into a brand with real utility and value. By outperforming staked ETH—which involves locking up your Ether to earn rewards—this project shows how meme NFTs can deliver superior returns in a builder-friendly environment.

If you're diving into meme tokens or NFTs, keep an eye on Ethereum's evolving ecosystem. Projects like Pudgy Penguins (official site) are prime examples of how cultural changes at the foundation level can boost on-chain innovation. Check out the original thread for the full vibe and consider how this support could propel the next wave of meme magic on blockchain.