Cody Hurst Official Blog

Official guide to finding crypto gems

Introduction

In this ever-evolving market, opportunities are abundant, but finding the right path can be challenging, especially for those of us with disabilities. I firmly believe that in today's digital age, armed with the right knowledge, anyone can achieve success in crypto investing. As we approach the end of 2023, the crypto market is brimming with potential. If you've been cautious during the last bear market, now might be the ideal time to consider diving in. In this article, I'll share my criteria for identifying promising crypto projects – the hidden gems of the digital currency world.

Key Criteria for Identifying Promising Crypto gems:

• Fair Launched: A crucial aspect to consider is whether a crypto project had a fair launch. This means the project's tokens or coins were distributed in a manner that is equitable and transparent, without giving an unfair advantage to the creators or early investors. In a fair launch, there's no pre-mining or significant allocation of tokens to insiders before public availability. This helps prevent scenarios where a few hold a majority of the supply, which they could potentially dump on the market, negatively impacting other investors. Fairly launched projects tend to have a more even distribution of coins or tokens across wallets, and a high concentration of coins in any one wallet should be a red flag. A fair launch fosters trust and credibility in the project, as it suggests a level playing field for all participants.
• Proof of Work (PoW) vs. Proof of Stake (PoS): Understanding the consensus mechanisms of PoW and PoS is crucial in evaluating a crypto project's potential. PoW, used by Bitcoin, involves miners solving complex problems to validate transactions, requiring substantial computational power and energy. This process underpins network security, making PoW secure but energy-intensive. PoS, in contrast, selects validators based on their coin holdings and staked amount, offering a more energy-efficient and scalable solution, albeit with potential centralization concerns. Both have their merits and drawbacks, and understanding these can guide you in choosing projects with long-term viability.
• Project Age: Newer projects, especially those launched post-2021 crypto boom, often bring fresh perspectives and innovations, making them exciting prospects for investment.
• Exchange Listings: Projects listed on established centralized exchanges usually undergo stringent scrutiny, adding a layer of credibility and security.
• Doxxed Teams: Transparency in the team's identity often correlates with the project's reliability and commitment to success.
• Price Stability: Projects that maintain relative stability in price during market downturns are likely backed by solid fundamentals or strong community support. If the project you're looking at is down more than 85% from it's all time high, this may be a red flag.
• Market Cap: Projects with lower market caps can present high growth potential but also carry increased risks. A balanced approach is key.
• Solid Fundamentals: Focus on projects with strong technological foundations and practical applications. Sectors like Layer 0's, 1's and 2 technologies, gaming, and AI are particularly promising with layer 1's usually being the strongest.

Top gems for next bull run

1. Kaspa (KAS): Kaspa stands out with its innovative block DAG structure, facilitating simultaneous block additions and significantly boosting transaction speed and scalability. This positions Kaspa as a potential game-changer in overcoming traditional blockchain limitations.
2. Games for a Living (GFAL): established in 2021 by industry luminaries like Manel Sort, Trip Hawkins, and others with a combined 140 years of experience, is at the cutting edge of gaming innovation. Merging creativity with advanced technology, GFAL is redefining gaming experiences by integrating Web3 features for frictionless, accessible, and immersive play. Central to its ecosystem is the $GFAL token, used for in-game transactions, minting NFTs, and offering unique perks to its users. By focusing on quality and leveraging blockchain technology, GFAL is creating a unique gaming environment that enhances traditional gameplay with the benefits of modern tech, making it a standout in the evolving world of interactive entertainment.
3. Hello Labs: HELLO Labs is revolutionizing the intersection of crypto and entertainment, creating a vibrant Web3 ecosystem centered around producing and distributing exclusive TV shows and games. At the forefront of their lineup is "Killer Whales," a business reality series akin to Shark Tank, showcasing the potential of blending traditional entertainment with innovative blockchain technology. Central to this ecosystem is the $HELLO token, a utility token designed to streamline transactions within HELLO Labs. Token holders can use $HELLO to access HELLO TV content, including individual episodes or entire seasons. Additionally, in the HELLO Arcade, users can use $HELLO tokens for credits in games like Doge Dash and Dash of the Dead, enhancing their gaming experience with in-game items, rewards, and bonuses. As HELLO Labs continues to grow and explore new frontiers in Web3 entertainment, the $HELLO token remains a pivotal element of their ecosystem, promising a unique and integrated entertainment experience.
4. Neon EVM: Neon EVM: a pioneering smart contract platform on Solana, is redefining blockchain efficiency and security. Solana, known for its rapid growth and unique proof-of-history consensus mechanism, timestamps blocks for enhanced security and swift transaction processing. Despite occasional downtimes affecting Neon EVM, the Solana team is actively working on robust solutions, with significant improvements expected in the next six months. Neon EVM's performance, thoroughly tested across various use cases, now supports production-level development, attracting notable Ethereum-based projects like Curve and Sobal. With over 200 projects lined up for its mainnet launch, including top-tier DeFi protocols, wallets, and DAO tools, Neon EVM is poised for substantial growth. Future plans include developing interoperability with Solana smart contracts, full ecosystem compatibility, integration with major Ethereum tools and services, and an early grants program, all cementing its position as a versatile and innovative Layer 1 platform.
5. Mintlayer: Mintlayer is revolutionizing the space by bringing NFT transactions to the Bitcoin blockchain. This integration of Bitcoin's security and NFTs' versatility opens up new avenues for applications and use cases in the crypto world.

Things to keep in mind

• Meme Coins: While not typically considered serious investments, meme coins can be driven by hype and sometimes offer significant short-term gains. However, they are highly speculative and should be approached with caution.
• Gaming in Crypto: The gaming sector within crypto is rapidly growing. Projects that integrate blockchain technology into gaming platforms are particularly interesting, offering a blend of entertainment and investment potential.
• AI in Crypto: AI is an emerging field in crypto. Projects that leverage AI technology could play a significant role in the next bull run, though it's important to be cautious and discerning, as the hype can sometimes overshadow substance.
• Avoiding Bad Fundamentals: Be wary of projects in sectors like DEXs, NFTs (with some exceptions), and those focused on overly niche areas like borrowing/lending, fitness, launchpads, gambling, climate change or healthcare. While there may be exceptions, these areas often carry higher risks or less potential for substantial returns or any returns for that matter.

Conclusion:

This guide is a starting point for your journey into the nuanced world of crypto investing. Staying informed, conducting thorough research, and understanding each project's unique aspects are crucial steps towards making successful investments. The crypto market is filled with opportunities for growth and innovation, and with the right approach, you can be well-positioned to capitalize on them. Happy investing!