As Q2 begins, crypto markets are showing signs of renewed optimism — and with it, fresh opportunities for strategic investment. While blue-chip tokens remain reliable, analysts are turning their focus toward emerging crypto gems that offer utility, innovation, and early-stage upside.
April 2025 presents a particularly strong window for investors looking to enter projects before they hit mainstream awareness. One standout name gaining rapid momentum is Kaanch Network, a utility-driven Web3 platform currently in presale. Many experts believe it could be among the top-performing altcoins of the year.
Not all low-cap tokens are hidden gems. Analysts look for projects that are:
Solving real-world problems
Building long-term infrastructure or tools
Backed by strong tokenomics
Supported by an active and growing community
Positioned in a sector with long-term demand (e.g., AI, DeFi, Web3 infra)
Let’s look at three such crypto gems to consider this April — with Kaanch Network at the top of the list.
1. Kaanch Network (KNCH)
Kaanch is building an infrastructure layer for Web3, focusing on data permission systems, decentralized access, and AI-integrated smart services. Its token powers access to tools, services, and infrastructure within the ecosystem.
Key strengths:
Real-world utility in identity, data, and developer infrastructure
Fast-moving presale with growing investor interest
Tools for both enterprises and dApp developers
Clear roadmap and transparent governance
Unlike typical speculative altcoins,Kaanch Network is rooted in problem-solving and platform development — making it a long-term contender for explosive growth.
2. COTI (COTI)
COTI is building a decentralized payments infrastructure designed to support scalable, fast, and low-cost transactions for enterprises. It’s a Layer-1 blockchain with a unique DAG protocol.
Why it’s a gem: COTI’s ongoing developments, including enterprise payment integration and treasury services, have positioned it as a quiet leader in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector.
3. Radix (XRD)
Radix is a smart contract platform built for DeFi, with a unique architecture that prioritizes scalability, security, and developer experience. The network aims to solve problems related to smart contract composability and security bugs.
Why it’s undervalued: With an upcoming release of its Scrypto programming environment and growing developer traction, Radix is gaining ground as a serious contender in the next wave of DeFi.
Analyst Perspective: Why April 2025 Matters
April represents a critical inflection point as macro conditions stabilize and builders continue to deploy real products. Projects like Kaanch that are still in early phases but show market alignment tend to outperform during these transitions.
Backed by actual development activity and a clear token utility model, Kaanch Network is already being called one of the most promising crypto gems of 2025.
Final Thoughts
Crypto investing in 2025 is about more than hype. It’s about spotting real builders and platforms before the broader market catches on. Kaanch Network, COTI, and Radix each fit that mold — but only one is still in presale and accessible at an early price point.
For those looking to position themselves early in a utility-first project, Kaanch Network’s presale offers a rare window of opportunity.
Bitcoin is stepping beyond its role as a store of value and into DeFi. BTCFi is bringing lending, staking, and yield opportunities directly to the Bitcoin network without middlemen. This shift not only unlocks new financial use cases for Bitcoin holders but also helps secure the network by keeping miners incentivized.
To understand where BTCFi stands today and where it’s headed, BeInCrypto spoke with industry leaders from 1inch, exSat, Babylon and GOAT Network. They shared insights on the current landscape, key challenges, and what’s needed for BTCFi to reach its full potential.
Key trends and explosive growth in 2024
The year 2024 marked a pivotal period for BTCfi, characterized by remarkable growth metrics. According toDefiLlama, the Total Value Locked (TVL) in Bitcoin-based DeFi protocols experienced an unprecedented surge, escalating from $307 million in January to over $6.5 billion by December 31, 2024, a staggering increase of more than 2,000%. This surge reflects a burgeoning interest and confidence in Bitcoin’s DeFi capabilities.
BTCFi’s growth is driven by a mix of institutional adoption, market performance, and technological advancements. The approval of Bitcoin ETFs has fueled institutional interest, pushing BTCFi’s total value locked (TVL) higher. Major exchanges like Binance and OKX are integrating BTCFi services, improving accessibility and liquidity. Bitcoin’s strong market performance, hitting an all-time high of $108,268 in December 2024 before closing at $93,429, has further boosted confidence.
Source: Glassnode
At the same time, innovations like Bitcoin-native assets, wrapped BTC, and staking solutions are expanding Bitcoin’s role in DeFi. Projects such as exSat, GOAT Network, Babylon and 1inch are leading the way with new protocols that enhance Bitcoin’s DeFi potential.
As BTCFi continues to evolve, one fundamental truth remains unchanged – demand for Bitcoin itself. Kevin Liu, co-founder of GOAT Network, encapsulates this sentiment: “All of us want more BTC, because it’s the king of all tokens. Whichever projects succeed in delivering real BTC yield will flourish, because they’re giving people exactly what they want. This is true now, and it will be true 3-5 years from now.”
Shalini Wood, CMO of Babylon, captures this shift, stating: “We’re seeing a shift where Bitcoin is no longer just something you HODL. Innovations in Bitcoin staking, lending, and trustless interoperability will define the next wave of BTCFi. BTCFi will evolve beyond traditional DeFi models, leveraging Bitcoin’s security to support sovereign applications, cross-chain liquidity, and more scalable, trust-minimized financial products. The goal is to carve out a distinct, Bitcoin-native approach that enhances security and decentralization across the entire crypto ecosystem.”
Tristan Dickinson, CMO exSat Network: “Enabling Bitcoin yield and DeFi-based strategies without sacrificing control of native Bitcoin is crucial. Bitcoin has fulfilled its original purpose as a store of value, evolving it into a tool for value creation requires meeting some very specific criteria: preserving native Bitcoin security, ensuring interoperability between ecosystems, and supporting complex smart contracts.
At the same time, regulatory developments in the U.S. are reshaping the BTCFi landscape. The prospect of a government-backed Bitcoin reserve lends legitimacy to BTC as a financial asset, potentially attracting institutional investors. However, as Sergej Kunz, co-founder of 1inch, points out, regulation remains a double-edged sword: “Some policies support innovation, while others could tighten controls on BTCFi. Clear regulations on existing DeFi and smart contracts will be crucial for its growth.”
The next phase of BTCFi will be defined by the balance between innovation and regulation. While Bitcoin’s decentralized nature makes it resistant to government interference, regulatory clarity could provide the stability needed for mainstream adoption. The question remains — will policymakers embrace BTCFi as a transformative financial force, or will they attempt to contain its potential?
How Much Starting Capital Do You Really Need?
The world of Bitcoin Finance (BTCFi) is evolving rapidly, offering opportunities for both institutional investors and everyday users. But how much capital do you actually need to get started?
Shalini Wood, emphasizes that “BTCFi is not just about individual participation—it’s about unlocking capital efficiency for Bitcoin at scale. BTCFi is designed to maximize security and reward opportunities while keeping Bitcoin’s core principles intact.” Platforms like Babylon, which holds “$4.4 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL),” are driving liquidity and accessibility.
One of the most significant advantages of BTCFi is its accessibility. Traditional finance often has high entry barriers, requiring investors to put down substantial capital to participate in meaningful ways. In contrast, BTCFi allows users to start with much smaller amounts, thanks to the efficiency of Bitcoin sidechains and second-layer solutions.
Sergej Kunz, highlights this shift, stating that “BTCFi platforms have low entry barriers, with some allowing participation with as little as $100 thanks to Bitcoin sidechains like Rootstock and Lightning-based protocols.” This means that retail investors, who may have previously been excluded from financial opportunities, can now leverage Bitcoin’s growing DeFi ecosystem without needing deep pockets.
This low entry threshold is particularly important in regions where traditional banking infrastructure is weak or inaccessible. BTCFi can provide people in emerging markets with new ways to save, earn yield, and access financial services without relying on intermediaries.
Kevin Liu, explains this philosophy: “The best BTCFi solutions won’t require users to be whales; rather, they’ll give both whales and guppies the opportunity to earn real BTC yield. A well-designed BTCFi-focused ecosystem will allot the exact same annual returns (by percentage) to a user who stakes $1 million, vs. another who stakes $100.”
This principle is crucial because it aligns with Bitcoin’s original ethos of financial fairness and open participation. In a world where traditional financial products often favor the wealthy with better interest rates and lower fees, BTCFi is aiming to level the playing field.
Ultimately, whether you’re a small investor or a deep-pocketed institution, BTCFi platforms are increasingly designed to accommodate all levels of participation, ensuring that Bitcoin’s financial ecosystem remains open and rewarding for everyone.
BTCFi: A Gateway to Earning Without Leaving Bitcoin
With the rise of Bitcoin Finance (BTCFi), crypto users now have more ways to earn from their BTC without relying on centralized platforms. “BTCFi is becoming more accessible, enabling users to lend, stake, and trade BTC without relying on centralized platforms,” explains Sergej Kunz. While APR programs and staking options on Ethereum or Solana may offer higher yields, he notes that “BTCFi allows users to earn on BTC without leaving the Bitcoin ecosystem, making it a strong alternative for long-term holders.”
Tristan Dickinson, highlights the rapid expansion of Bitcoin’s Layer 2 ecosystem: “Today, there are over 70+ Bitcoin L2 projects working to expand access to and from the Bitcoin ecosystem, but the ecosystem is immature. Basic DeFi instruments like staking are emerging, yet only a few players, maybe three to five, offer true staking with token and APY programs.”
He emphasizes that Bitcoin DeFi is on an inevitable growth trajectory: “First comes staking, then re-staking, followed by diversified yield, collateralized lending and borrowing, and eventually an explosion in structured financial products. Some projects are leading, others are following.”
exSat’s approach aims to accelerate this evolution by mirroring Bitcoin’s data while integrating it with DeFi innovations. “Creating a mirrored version of Bitcoin with identical (UTXO) data and similar partners is the first true scaling solution for the ecosystem. Combining the best parts of Bitcoin with the most powerful elements of DeFi is the only path to meaningful BTCFi growth,” Dickinson concludes.
As BTCFi continues to mature, its ability to offer decentralized yield opportunities without compromising Bitcoin’s core principles is positioning it as a compelling alternative for long-term BTC holders.
Kevin Liu, highlights the growing divide in user behavior: “We’ll likely see growth in both groups – people who simply buy BTC on centralized exchanges and either leave it alone or maybe ape into limited-time APR promotions on those CEXes, and people who watch centralized exchanges get hacked and/or appreciate the power of ‘not your keys, not your coins’ and thus seek out decentralized options.” As Bitcoin adoption increases, Liu predicts that more users will explore BTCFi solutions to generate yield without handing control of their assets to centralized exchanges.
With Bitcoin remaining “the single most powerful asset since it came into existence 16 years ago,” BTCFi is poised to attract both casual holders and those seeking decentralized earning opportunities, helping drive mass adoption in the process.
BTCFi vs. DeFi on Ethereum and Solana: Key Differences and Similarities
As Bitcoin Finance (BTCFi) continues to evolve, it is increasingly compared to the established DeFi ecosystems on Ethereum and Solana. While all three aim to provide financial opportunities beyond traditional banking, they differ in design, security, and user experience.
Ethereum has long been the dominant force in decentralized finance, known for its robust smart contract capabilities and extensive range of DeFi applications. “Ethereum has encouraged smart contract development and as many DeFi use cases as you can possibly imagine,” explains Kevin Liu. The ecosystem has fostered innovations in lending, automated market-making, and derivatives, making it the go-to platform for developers experimenting with new financial models. However, Ethereum’s strengths also come with challenges, high gas fees and network congestion can limit accessibility for smaller investors.
Solana, on the other hand, was designed with speed and efficiency in mind. Its high throughput and low fees make it an attractive choice for retail users and traders looking for fast execution times. “Solana stands out for its speed and low fees,” notes Sergej Kunz. This efficiency has allowed Solana’s DeFi ecosystem to flourish, with platforms like Raydium, Jupiter, and Kamino providing seamless trading and yield farming experiences. However, the trade-off comes in the form of higher hardware requirements for validators and periodic network outages, which have raised concerns about decentralization and stability.
Bitcoin, in contrast, follows a fundamentally different philosophy. It prioritizes security and decentralization above all else, which historically limited its ability to support complex smart contracts. “BTCFi is built on Bitcoin’s battle-tested PoW security, ensuring minimal trust assumptions and censorship resistance,” says Shalini Wood. Rather than trying to replicate Ethereum’s DeFi model, BTCFi is developing its own distinct approach, leveraging Bitcoin’s unparalleled security while introducing financial applications tailored for BTC holders.
“THORChain, Sovryn, and Stackswap are among the projects offering native BTC DeFi solutions, bridging the gap between Bitcoin’s security and Ethereum’s programmability,” adds SergejKunz. These platforms allow users to engage in decentralized trading and lending while keeping custody of their Bitcoin, avoiding the risks associated with wrapped BTC on other chains. As BTCFi infrastructure matures, it is expected to carve out its own niche, the one that remains true to Bitcoin’s principles while expanding its financial utility.
In the end, while Ethereum, Solana, and Bitcoin each offer unique strengths, BTCFi is proving that Bitcoin is no longer just a passive store of value. It is evolving into a fully functional financial ecosystem, leveraging its unmatched security to create decentralized applications that don’t compromise on decentralization or trust minimization.
Hedera remains under heavy pressure, marking yet another day of decline as traders continue to bet against the altcoin. It trades at $0.18 at press time, noting a 2% price drop over the past 24 hours.
With its long/short ratio signaling a surge in short interest, market sentiment has turned increasingly pessimistic.
Short Sellers Tighten Grip on HBAR
HBAR’s long/short ratio has dropped to 0.86, its lowest level in a month. This reflects a sharp increase in short positions among derivatives traders.
The long/short ratio measures the proportion of long positions (bets on price increases) to short positions (bets on price declines) in the market. A ratio below one means there are more short positions than long ones. This indicates that traders are predominantly bearish on HBAR and hints at a higher likelihood of continued downside movement.
Further, HBAR’s negative Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) on the daily chart supports this bearish outlook. This indicator, which measures how money flows into and out of the asset, is below zero at -0.10 when writing.
HBAR’s negative CMF reading suggests high selling activity, with its sellers dominating the market and looking to push prices lower.
HBAR Traders Brace for Volatility as Price Flirts with Key Support Levels
The growing demand for short positions highlights investors’ expectations of further downside, raising concerns about HBAR’s ability to hold above the critical support level formed at $0.17.
If it fails to hold, the token’s price could plummet to a multi-month low of $0.11, which it last traded at in November.
However, a resurgence in demand for the altcoin could invalidate this bearish projection. If buyers regain market dominance and increase demand, HBAR could rebound toward $0.22.
HBAR has recently experienced a significant price correction, pulling the altcoin to a critical support level. As the market conditions continue to show weakness, the price action has left HBAR vulnerable.
However, this downside movement might be offering short traders a chance to avoid heavy liquidation losses.
Hedera Traders Stand To Lose A Lot
The liquidation map indicates a situation of concern for short traders. Approximately $30 million worth of short contracts are poised for liquidation if the HBAR price rises to $0.18. This could cause massive losses for traders who are betting against the asset. However, the current price range near $0.157 has provided some relief as the market struggles to breach lower support levels.
If HBAR maintains its position above key levels, these traders may be spared the liquidation risk for now. Despite the challenging market conditions, this scenario actually provides a buffer for traders, helping them avoid significant losses.
The overall macro momentum for HBAR shows signs of potential downside pressure as the cryptocurrency approaches a Death Cross. The 200-day exponential moving average (EMA) is just over 3% away from crossing the 50-day EMA.
This technical formation, when confirmed, signals a possible continuation of the bearish trend and could push HBAR further down in the coming days.
The close proximity of these two EMAs has increased the chances of the Death Cross, which could result in further losses for HBAR holders. The market’s lack of substantial improvement and the growing uncertainty surrounding price action contribute to the likelihood of the Death Cross forming.
HBAR is currently trading at $0.157, holding just above the critical support level of $0.154. While it has managed to stay above this support for now, it remains vulnerable to falling through it if bearish sentiment intensifies. A break below $0.154 would likely trigger a deeper decline, with the next support level at $0.143.
If HBAR fails to hold the $0.154 support, a further drop could confirm the Death Cross formation. Should this scenario unfold, the price might continue downward toward $0.143, and further declines could follow, pushing HBAR toward $0.12 or lower.
On the other hand, if HBAR can bounce back from $0.154, a recovery rally is possible. Successfully flipping the $0.165 resistance into support could push the price toward $0.177. This movement would bring the liquidation scenario closer to reality, as short traders could face significant losses in a reversal.
