The Chicago Mercantile Exchange’s (CME) strategic introduction of Ripple futures contracts has sparked speculations of the imminent launch of an XRP ETF. The notable surge in trading activity and significant gains posted by CME’s futures in its inaugural days have further fueled optimism within the Ripple community. Amid increased odds of an XRP ETF launch in 2025 on Polymarket, Bloomberg analysts’ prediction has once again come into the spotlight. Earlier, Bloomberg analysts Eric Balchunas and James Seyffert provided an optimistic outlook on the ETF approval, with odds at 85%. Polymarket odds indicate an 83% chance of Ripple ETF approval in 2025, with a significantly lower 21% probability specifically for July 2025. XRP ETF Odds Surge: Is SEC’s Approval Possible by June 17? According to crypto expert Brett, June 17, 2025, remains a crucial date for Ripple ETF approval. In an X post, the analyst stated that the review deadline for… Read More at Coingape.com
Ethereum (ETH) is down 5% in 24 hours amid a widespread crash across the broader cryptocurrency market. However, the ETH/BTC ratio has dropped to test the 2021 bull market support that catalyzed an over 4,000% rally. As this ratio rises, what does it mean for Ethereum price, and can the largest altcoin reclaim $4,000? Ethereum
Decentralized prediction platform Polymarket is reportedly on the verge of closing a $200 million funding round, a move that would catapult the company’s valuation past the $1 billion mark, according to a report from The Information. The fresh capital injection is expected to power Polymarket’s ongoing expansion efforts and regulatory alignment strategies, especially in light of its growing influence in global prediction markets.
Polymarket Funding Rounds
Polymarket made headlines earlier in 2024 with two major funding rounds in May, totaling $70 million. The $25 million Series A round was led by General Catalyst and included high-profile investors such as Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia and crypto investment giant Polychain. The subsequent $45 million Series B was spearheaded by Founders Fund, with Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin also backing the platform.
These funding rounds followed Polymarket’s initial seed round in October 2020, which raised $4 million and laid the groundwork for its rapid growth.
Round
Date
Amount
Lead Investors
Seed
Oct 2020
$4M
Polychain, others
Series A
May 2024
$25M
General Catalyst, Gebbia
Series B
May 2024
$45M
Founders Fund, Vitalik Buterin
Pending
June 2025
$200M+
Founders Fund (expected)
Surge in Popularity During 2024 U.S. Elections
Polymarket gained massive traction during the 2024 U.S. presidential election cycle, with more than $3.3 billion wagered on key political outcomes. The platform’s prediction markets—ranging from candidate withdrawals to vice presidential picks—drew intense attention and were even cited in mainstream media reports.
Notably, Polymarket’s odds often diverged from traditional polling, raising discussions about the platform’s influence and the potential role of high-stakes bettors. This discrepancy sparked wider debates about the predictive power of decentralized markets versus conventional methodologies.
Regulatory Focus and U.S. Market Ambitions
In a strategic regulatory move, Polymarket appointed former CFTC Chairman J. Christopher Giancarlo to lead its advisory board in May 2022. This signaled a clear pivot toward compliance and long-term ambitions of operating more openly within U.S. jurisdictions.
However, due to regulatory limitations, the platform has continued to operate offshore for U.S.-specific prediction markets, particularly around elections. Polymarket previously settled with the CFTC and has remained under watchful eyes as discussions on prediction markets and gambling laws evolve in the U.S.
What’s Next for Polymarket?
With a $200 million round on the horizon and major backers in tow, Polymarket is positioning itself not only as a leader in blockchain-based prediction markets but also as a potential regulatory pioneer. If the deal closes as expected, Polymarket will join the elite group of crypto unicorns, cementing its role in shaping the future of decentralized forecasting.
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Decentralized prediction platform Polymarket is reportedly on the verge of closing a $200 million funding round, a move that would catapult the company’s valuation past the $1 billion mark, according to a report from The Information. The fresh capital injection is expected to power Polymarket’s ongoing expansion efforts and regulatory alignment strategies, especially in light …
After an aggressive Bitcoin (BTC) accumulation spree since the start of the year, MicroStrategy and Metaplanet have racked up impressive gains. Recent disclosures indicate that MicroStrategy’s BTC holdings have resulted in US dollar gains of 5.1 billion, while Metaplanet is sitting on a $191 million gain in 2025 alone.
MicroStrategy And Metaplanet Record Impressive BTC $ Gains In 2025
MicroStrategy and Metaplanet are sitting on unrealized gains from their Bitcoin holdings since the start of the year. According to MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor in an X post, the software company has racked up over $5.1 billion in BTC $ Gain from its treasury operations in 2025 alone.
On the other hand, Tokyo-based Metaplanet has earned its fair share of BTC $ Gain in the same window. Metaplanet executive Dylan LeClair disclosed on X that the firm’s treasury operations have netted an impressive BTC $ Gain of $191 million year-to-date.
“Year to date, Metaplanet treasury operations have generated a BTC $ Gain of 191 million,” said Dylan LeClair.
For Metaplanet, a large chunk of the BTC $ Gain came from its Q1 Bitcoin purchases, dwarfing all other previous quarters.
Both firms have adopted an aggressive stance toward Bitcoin purchases in recent months. MicroStrategy’s latest purchase of 6556 BTC brings its holdings to $538,000, while Metaplanet added 145 Bitcoin to reach the 5,000 BTC milestone.
To fund their bitcoin accumulation spree, both firms have turned to stock and bond issuances in recent months. Despite the spike in BTC $ gains, MicroStrategy and Metaplanet will face steep tax liabilities if they decide to cash in their new gains.
A Strong BTC Rally Sends Prices Above $95,000
The spike in Bitcoin dollar gains for MicroStrategy and Metaplanet follows a remarkable price performance for Bitcoin in 2025. Astute treasure operations of stacking BTC across several price corrections saw both firms scoop Bitcoins at a discount in Q1.
Bitcoin price nearing $100K has triggered paper gains for the MicroStrategy and Metaplanet with executives firming their resolve to continue BTC accumulation.
At the moment, Bitcoin is trading at $95,000 after an impressive run over the last week, garnering an 11% increase. Over 24 hours, BTC has gained a modest 1%, but a 48% decline in transaction volume may signal a price correction in the near future.
Several reasons are in play for the Bitcoin price rally, including China increasing its gold holdings by five tonnes. Other factors include multiple tests on lower support levels and wading in of heavy institutional investors to BTC amid macroeconomic uncertainties.
