Recently, BSC News shared an exciting tweet pointing to a curated watchlist of early-stage projects on Core DAO. As a Layer 1 blockchain that's quickly gaining traction with over $300 million in total value locked (TVL) and more than 125 decentralized apps (dApps), Core DAO is blending Bitcoin's rock-solid security with DeFi innovations. If you're into crypto, especially areas like real-world assets (RWAs), NFTs, gaming, yields, privacy, and stablecoins, these picks could be worth keeping on your radar. Let's break them down one by one, with simple explanations of what they do and why they matter.

ASX Capital: Bringing Real Estate to DeFi

ASX Capital is all about connecting real estate cash flows to the DeFi world on Core DAO. Think of it as turning rental income from U.S. commercial properties into tradable NFTs that pay out in USDC monthly. You don't own the property outright—no voting rights or physical deeds—but you get a slice of the yields without the hassle.

Key perks include their $ASX token with zero buy tax and a modest 4% sell tax, where 1% goes back as USDC reflections. They do monthly buybacks and airdrops to NFT holders, plus a liquidity setup that helps stabilize prices. It's audited for safety and ties into Core's non-custodial BTC staking, letting you use CORE tokens to snag assets on platforms like Blockz.gg. This project is pushing BTCfi forward by mixing RWAs into the mix, perfect for diversifying your crypto portfolio.

Blockz.gg: Your Go-To NFT Marketplace on Core

If NFTs and digital collectibles are your thing, Blockz.gg is a marketplace built right on Core DAO. It lets you buy, sell, and trade NFTs and tokenized items, all backed by Bitcoin's hash power for extra security. You can sort collections by floor price, sales volume, or number of holders, and even lend or bid on assets to earn yields.

What stands out? Super low fees—under a penny per transaction—thanks to Core's EVM compatibility, which makes it play nice with Ethereum tools. It's got gamified features and community input on updates, like recent AMAs spilling the beans on their roadmap and cross-chain plans. Launched in 2025, it's an easy entry point for newbies dipping into BTCfi through NFT trading, and it boosts the whole ecosystem's utility.

BitFi: Earning Yields on Your Bitcoin Holdings

BitFi combines the best of centralized finance (CeFi) yields with DeFi perks on Core DAO. It's designed for folks—individuals or institutions—who want to earn on their Bitcoin without handing over custody. Their bfBTC token represents 1 BTC plus daily accrued yields, aiming for 5-8% APY through smart, risk-balanced strategies.

No big minimums here; you can start with as little as 0.0001 BTC, and there are zero entry fees. It's fully liquid, so you can trade it across Core's dApps. Partnerships with secure storage like Ceffu and being picked for Binance's MVB9 accelerator add credibility. If you've got idle BTC, this is a straightforward way to put it to work, aligning with Core's staking upgrades for the year.

Houdini Swap: Private Cross-Chain Swaps Made Easy

Privacy in crypto transactions? Houdini Swap has you covered on Core DAO. It's a cross-chain exchange that lets you swap assets across blockchains securely and privately. Their "Houdini Mode" uses audited protocols to keep things under wraps, minimizing exposure while you move funds.

Expect low slippage (meaning you get better rates) and fees, making it ideal for BTCfi users who value discretion. It works with a bunch of chains, fitting seamlessly into Core's ecosystem. In a world where DeFi privacy is a hot topic, this project fills a key gap, especially with Core's low-cost environment enhancing cross-chain liquidity.

Agora: Stablecoins for Seamless Fiat-Crypto Bridges

Rounding out the list is Agora, which issues AUSD—a USD-pegged stablecoin fully backed by collateral on Core DAO. Aimed at institutions, it's great for converting fiat to crypto without the usual headaches. You can buy it with zero fees via integrations like Ramp and Trust Wallet.

They're pushing proposals to support other stablecoins like Hyperliquid's USDH, teaming up with providers like Rain for fiat ramps and LayerZero for cross-chain moves. It's all about compliance and stability, helping bridge traditional finance with Bitcoin-powered assets. For DeFi users, this means smoother flows and peg reliability in the BTCfi space.

These projects, as highlighted in the BSC News tweet, show how Core DAO is evolving into a hub for innovative crypto tools. Whether you're staking BTC, trading NFTs, or seeking stable yields, there's potential here for growth—especially as the ecosystem expands in 2025. Keep an eye on updates from Core DAO and dive in if any catch your interest. Who knows, one of these could be the next big thing in blockchain!