Hey there, crypto enthusiasts! If you’ve been keeping an eye on the meme token scene, you’ve probably heard whispers about $TIBBIR and its funky frog-themed Punks. This isn’t just another meme coin hype—it’s a fascinating story tied to Micky Malka, the mastermind behind Ribbit Capital, and a bold move to reshape crypto culture. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to digest, even if you’re new to the blockchain world.
The Man Behind the Vision: Micky Malka
Micky Malka isn’t your average investor. He’s a crypto OG who bought his first Bitcoin at just $9 and has since built Ribbit Capital into a $12 billion powerhouse. With a knack for spotting winners like Coinbase and over 30 other crypto unicorns, Malka’s long-term bets have paid off big time. But now, he’s doing something different—quietly steering the crypto world toward a future where tradition meets innovation.
$TIBBIR Punks: A Stealth Launch with a Twist
In January 2025, something intriguing happened. A token called $TIBBIR—cleverly “Ribbit” spelled backward—launched stealthily on Virtuals, built on Coinbase’s Base chain. No flashy announcements, no influencer hype—just code and a community that formed organically. The first image shows off these vibrant TIBBIR Punks, a colorful collection of pixelated frogs rocking shades and unique styles, blending the spirit of CryptoPunks with a fresh twist.
Onchain sleuths traced the deployer wallet back to Malka, hinting that this isn’t just a random launch. Paired with the mysterious Ribbita AI bot, it seems Malka is cooking up an AI-native ecosystem where these Punks might play a role. The stealth approach wasn’t a mistake—it was a test, proving that a community can grow without forced marketing.
CryptoPunks IP: A Nonprofit Turn
Malka’s influence doesn’t stop at $TIBBIR. He invested $25 million in the Node Foundation, which scooped up the CryptoPunks IP from Yuga Labs for around $20 million. Instead of keeping it corporate, the IP now belongs to a nonprofit endowment, ensuring these iconic NFTs remain public digital artifacts. This move harks back to crypto’s original values—open, permissionless, and for the community.
Why It Matters
So, what’s the big deal? The $TIBBIR launch and CryptoPunks acquisition signal a shift. Malka is blending NFT culture with AI and fintech, using the Base chain for scalability and Virtuals for programmable agents. It’s a bet on a decentralized future where meme tokens aren’t just jokes but part of a larger ecosystem. The Punks, with their nonprofit ownership, set a precedent for preserving crypto heritage.
What’s Next for $TIBBIR?
The community around $TIBBIR is buzzing, with some estimating its potential value in the billions. Whether it becomes a tokenized VC fund, a coordination layer for AI agents, or a governance token for a new protocol, one thing’s clear: Malka’s vision is about building ecosystems, not just cashing out. Check out the Ribbit Hole Telegram to join the conversation!
For blockchain practitioners and meme token fans, this is a goldmine of insight. Malka’s stealth strategy shows that less hype can mean more substance. So, keep an eye on those funky TIBBIR Punks—they might just be the face of crypto’s next big wave!