If you're keeping tabs on the meme token scene, Berachain is one of those blockchains that's hard to ignore. With its bear-themed memes and innovative Proof-of-Liquidity (PoL) consensus—where validators provide liquidity instead of just staking—it's carving out a unique spot in the crypto world. Recently, Smokey The Bera, the project's co-founder and mascot, appeared on The Rollup podcast to chat about the ecosystem's top builders. This discussion couldn't have come at a better time, as Greenlane Holdings (NASDAQ: GNLN), a former cannabis accessories distributor, announced a whopping $110 million raise to pivot into a BERA-based Digital Asset Treasury (DAT).

The Big News: Greenlane's Crypto Pivot

Greenlane, traditionally known for vape devices and cannabis lifestyle products, is making a bold move into blockchain. They're using the fresh funds from a private placement—led by heavy hitters like Polychain—to build the first-ever BERA DAT. Essentially, this means integrating Berachain's native token, BERA, into their corporate treasury strategy. It's a fascinating blend of traditional business and crypto, especially given Greenlane's roots in "smokey" products that align perfectly with Berachain's meme vibe. As Smokey tweeted, the Berachain Foundation is thrilled to support this initiative.

This shift not only boosts BERA's real-world adoption but also highlights how meme-inspired chains like Berachain are attracting serious institutional interest. For blockchain practitioners, it's a reminder that memes can drive genuine utility and economic models.

Smokey's Take on Berachain's Builders

In a clip from the podcast shared by The Rollup, Smokey emphasized the importance of dedicated teams in the ecosystem. "What we've been trying to do is find the teams that are really locked in, are ride or die, and just simply believe in @berachain," he said. He then broke down some standout projects that are pushing Berachain forward. Here's a quick rundown, with simple explanations for those new to the space:

• Infrared Finance (@InfraredFinance)​: This is a liquidity staking protocol focused on making Proof of Liquidity more accessible and efficient. It partners with top DeFi platforms to manage DAT assets and validator economics, helping users earn yields while supporting the network's security.

• Kodiak Fi (@KodiakFi)​: Berachain's go-to liquidity platform, acting like a decentralized exchange (DEX) with Binance-level trading capabilities. It's already handling tens of millions in volume, making it easier for anyone to launch, trade, or provide liquidity for assets.

• Dolomite (@Dolomite_io)​: A next-generation lending protocol that supports a wide range of assets—more than your typical lending platforms. It's all about borrowing and lending in a seamless way, and notably, it facilitated the first Bera token listing on Binance.

• BeraBorrow (@beraborrow)​: Specializing in yield-bearing products similar to Yieldbasis, this project enables creative yield profiles. Think of it as a way to borrow against assets while earning interest in innovative ways, adding depth to Berachain's DeFi scene.

• PuffPaw (@puffpaw_xyz)​: Standing out with an insane $1.5 million in monthly revenue, PuffPaw ties into the "puff" theme—perhaps a nod to vaping or smoking memes. It's a high-performing project likely blending real-world assets (RWAs) with DeFi, generating serious income in the ecosystem.

Smokey didn't stop there. In a follow-up reply, he shouted out more "chads" like Origami Fi (@origami_fi), a yield optimization protocol; 0xHoneyJar (@0xhoneyjar), which focuses on liquidity farming and rewards; and Beradrome (@beradrome), a competitive arena for token battles or DEX features.

Why This Matters for Meme Token Enthusiasts

Berachain isn't just about cute bear memes; it's building a robust ecosystem where memes meet real tech. Projects like these showcase how PoL can create "infinite economic games," as Smokey has described in other interviews. For meme token holders and builders, this means more opportunities for airdrops, yields, and community-driven growth. If you're into Solana memes or Dogecoin vibes, Berachain offers a similar playful energy but with Layer-1 scalability.

As Greenlane's DAT move brings traditional finance into the fold, expect more buzz around BERA and its tokens like HONEY (a stablecoin) and BGT (governance). It's a prime example of how meme culture can evolve into serious blockchain innovation.

Stay tuned to Meme Insider for more updates on Berachain and other meme-powered projects. If you're building or investing in this space, these insights from Smokey are gold—dive in and see what the bear market has to offer!