PI has staged a remarkable comeback after plunging to an all-time low of $0.40 on April 5. Amid a broader market recovery over the past week, the altcoin has seen a resurgence in demand, driving its price up 84% from its recent bottom.
With the bulls attempting to strengthen market control, PI could extend its gains in the short term.
Additionally, the histogram bars, which reflect the strength of that momentum, have gradually increased in size over the past few days, highlighting the growing demand for the altcoin.
When an asset’s MACD is set up this way, upward momentum is building, and buyers are gaining control. PI’s MACD crossover is a bullish signal, suggesting the potential for continued price gains as buying pressure increases.
In addition, PI’s positive Balance of Power (BoP) reflects the growing demand for the altcoin. As of this writing, the indicator is at 0.52.
The BoP indicator measures the strength of buyers versus sellers in the market, helping to identify momentum shifts. When its value is positive, buyers are dominating the market over sellers and driving newer price gains.
Is $1 Within Reach?
PI’s ongoing rally has caused its price to trend within an ascending parallel channel. This bullish pattern is formed when an asset’s price consistently moves between two upward-sloping, parallel trendlines.
It signals a sustained uptrend, with PI buyers gradually gaining control while allowing short-term pullbacks. If the rally continues, PI could exchange hands at $0.95.
A city-wide smart infrastructure initiative enters a new phase with a multi-million-dollar expansion and a growing Web3 footprint.
Târgu Mureș, located in central Romania, is actively using NeoTech’s AI-powered 3D mapping technology to modernize urban systems. This is not a new move; the partnership began back in 2022, with strong support from local officials.
Through NeoTech’s 2 cm-accurate 3D mapping, the city can model roads, buildings, public green spaces, and infrastructure assets in high fidelity. This data is already being applied to real-world planning, from simulating public works projects to visualizing zoning decisions.
In one notable use case, Târgu Mureș opened an international architectural competition using NeoTech’s 3D models. Architects worldwide used the digital twin to design a new parking structure entirely virtually without ever stepping foot in the city.
From Infrastructure to On-Chain Revenue
In collaboration with both the City Hall and Mureș County Council, NeoTech is now executing a seven-figure agreement to expand its digital twin infrastructure across the region, making it one of the most comprehensive municipal 3D mapping deployments in Eastern Europe.
The latest phase of the partnership will see over $100,000 in revenue reinvested directly into the NEOT token ecosystem. This approach connects physical infrastructure with digital economies, starting from a city contract to platform revenue to on-chain buybacks and token utility.
It’s a tangible demonstration of how Web3 technology can serve public sector goals while supporting tokenized ecosystems.
Political Support and Long-Term Vision
Mayor Zoltan Soos has been a supporter of the technology, noting the city’s ability to track investments, improve accountability, and forecast urban change, all through NeoTech’s interface.
“We are impressed by the results… We can follow in real time all the costs, budget and investments,” said the Mayor.
This kind of support highlights the growing institutional appetite for decentralized platforms that offer practical value.
What Sets NeoTech Apart
NeoTech combines LiDAR-based scanning, AI-powered processing, and blockchain-based asset tokenization, all into a single platform. Its sub-2cm digital twins are used not only by city governments but also by metaverse developers, real estate firms, and virtual tourism platforms.
Key features include:
Ultra-precise mapping for smart cities
NFT-based asset ownership for real-world locations
Tokenized infrastructure with built-in monetization
B2B marketplace for licensing digital assets
The company has already scanned over 500 cities across seven countries, with more deployments in progress.Unlike traditional GIS platforms that silo data, NeoTech enables shared access, tokenized ownership, and decentralized governance. Assets can be rented, traded, or used in metaverse applications, all tied back to verifiable real-world locations.
This model opens up new possibilities in areas like: urban planning, digital advertising, immersive simulations, AI training datasets, on-chain asset trading, etc.
Looking Ahead
With Târgu Mureș as a leading example, NeoTech is now in discussions with additional municipalities and private sector partners in Europe, the Middle East, and North America. The goal is to expand the smart city network and the on-chain economy that supports it.
As cities continue to explore new models for managing data, planning infrastructure, and engaging citizens, NeoTech offers a working blueprint.
About NeoTech
NeoTech is a leading AI-powered 3D mapping and RWA tokenization company with a strong foundation in enterprise geospatial solutions. Having worked with governments, municipalities, and businesses in Romania, NeoTech is now expanding into Web3 to bring real-world asset ownership to blockchain.
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.
Despite the strong performance last year, the market’s volatility has shifted the outlook for Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in 2025. A series of major sell-offs have wiped out nearly all the inflows the ETFs received earlier in 2025.
This downturn coincides with Bitcoin’s continued price decline, leaving the ETFs struggling to maintain their momentum as investor sentiment shifts.
Bitcoin ETFs Face Major Setback in 2025
According to a recent post by Bread & Butter on X (formerly Twitter), Bitcoin ETFs had a promising start to the year. Between January 1 and February 7, they saw cumulative inflows of $5.7 billion.
However, a substantial sell-off quickly followed, erasing $5.3 billion of those gains. As a result, net inflows for the year plunged to a low of $106 million.
Bitcoin ETF Inflows vs. Outflows in 2025. Source: X/Bread&Butter
In fact, the largest weekly net outflow was recorded in the final week of February, at $2.7 billion. That’s not all. Since the ETFs began trading, they have experienced outflows in three separate months. February stands out as the most significant, with a staggering $3.5 billion recorded as the largest monthly outflow to date.
Nonetheless, the post revealed a positive shift, noting that inflows into Bitcoin ETFs have resumed. Since March 14, the ETFs have recorded consecutive days of inflows, pushing the year-to-date net inflows to over $600 million.
As of the latest data, the daily total net inflow reached $165.7 million on March 20. Yet, this growth was uneven across the 11 ETFs.
Only four recorded inflows, with iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), leading at $172.1 million, followed by Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) with $9.2 million, Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF (BTC) with $5.2 million, and VanEck Bitcoin ETF(HODL) with $11.9 million.
Meanwhile, four ETFs saw zero flows, and three—Grayscale Bitcoin Trust(GBTC), Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB), and Franklin Templeton Digital Holdings Trust (EZBC)—experienced outflows, reflecting a mixed market performance.
“It remains to be seen whether this marks the beginning of a sustained rebound or just a temporary relief,” the post read.
This comes as Bitcoin’s price continues to navigate turbulent waters. The cryptocurrency has faced significant setbacks due to shifting macroeconomic conditions, leading to a notable decline.
According to BeInCrypto data, BTC has depreciated by 12.1% over the past month and 2.0% in the last 24 hours alone. At press time, it was trading at $84,147.
However, analysts suggest that the worst may be over. Arthur Hayes, former CEO of BitMEX, pointed to a potential bullish shift, citing his custom US bank credit supply index, which was moving upwards.
“Doesn’t mean we are done dumping but the odds are shifting more bullish,” he said.
Market observers have also compared Bitcoin to gold. They predict that BTC may follow a similar trajectory and emerge from its current “fakeout” phase. Others believe Bitcoin is in a bear trap that could soon end.
