“Memes Are Main Pillar in Web3”: Industry Experts Debate IP and Investment Opportunities at MemeX Festival

“Memes Are Main Pillar in Web3”: Industry Experts Debate IP and Investment Opportunities at MemeX Festival

The MemeX Festival, held on February 18, 2025, during Consensus HK 2025, brought together blockchain enthusiasts, investors, and meme lovers to explore the fascinating intersection of meme intellectual property (IP) and investment opportunities. Here’s the most interesting moments from the meme coins discussion.

MemeCore, a leading EVM-based Layer 1 blockchain, hosted an event to connect Web2 and Web3 projects and boost brand visibility. The festival attracted more than 2,000 registrations, marking a significant moment for blockchain and meme communities.

A panel discussion called “Crypto Meme Magic: The Intersection of Meme IP and Investment Opportunities” was among the festival’s key events. I moderated the panel. Industry experts Thomas Kay (head of international business, WEEX Global), Christian Oertel (global expansion lead, Conflux Network), Larry Lundy (chief business officer, Hashpower X) and Tasso Lago (founder, Financial Move) discussed memes’ role in the blockchain ecosystem.

Christian brought up some real-world examples. “At Conflux, we’re working with IPs like McDonald’s in China,” he said. “The catch is, it’s mostly NFTs for now.” Still, he’s optimistic—look at Pudgy Penguins or Doodles. Those projects turned memes into IP through NFTs and token drops. It’s a glimpse of what’s possible.

Thomas added another layer. “IP is so recognizable,” he said. “People see your project and instantly know it’s you.” He shared some wild stats from WEEX Global: when Trump Coin launched, user activity tripled, and trading volume shot up tenfold. That’s the kind of impact meme IP can have—I was blown away.

How I’d Invest in Memes

The panelists had some great takes on meme coin investing. Tasso keeps it practical: “I check the charts first, then see if the meme’s building an ecosystem.” He’s a fan of Shiba Inu’s approach—engaging new projects and showing long-term promise. I think that’s a smart way to play it.

Larry loves Dogecoin’s versatility. “It’s one of the original proof-of-work minables,” he said. “A victimless way to move liquidity in and out.” He’s got a point—its emotional pull makes it a unique bet. “Memes are culture, and they’re business,” he wrapped up. I couldn’t agree more.

Where Memes Are Headed in Web3

As we wound down, we looked ahead. Christian called memes a “social phenomenon.” “You feel the full cycle of emotions and share it with thousands of strangers,” he said. “There’s something mystical there.” I feel that too—it’s what keeps me hooked.

Thomas doubled down on community. “The most activity in crypto right now? It’s in the meme space,” he said. “It’s a top driver for growth and engagement.” He’s spot-on—memes are where the energy is.

I closed things out with my own take: “Meme is a main pillar in Web3. It’s a door opener and the biggest community driver.” It’s why I’m so passionate about this at MemeCore.

My Final Thoughts

Hosting the Crypto Meme Magic panel was a blast. It showed me—again—how transformative memes are in blockchain. They onboard newbies, pump liquidity, and build communities like nothing else. The future? I think it’s about memes evolving into ecosystems, creating lasting IP, and linking Web2 to Web3.

With their mix of humor, culture, and investment potential, memes aren’t going anywhere—they’re here to shape the crypto world.

 

Source: https://yellow.com/news/memes-are-main-pillar-in-web3-industry-experts-debate-ip-and-investment-opportunities-at-memex-festival

 

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

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Crypto Meme Magic: The Intersection of Meme IP and Investment Opportunities

Crypto Meme Magic: The Intersection of Meme IP and Investment Opportunities

The MemeX Festival, held on February 18, 2025, during Consensus HK 2025, brought together blockchain enthusiasts, investors, and meme lovers to explore the fascinating intersection of meme intellectual property (IP) and investment opportunities. Hosted by MemeCore, a leading EVM-based Layer 1 blockchain, the event aimed to bridge Web2 and Web3 projects, enhance brand visibility, and solidify MemeCore’s position as a hub for meme-related initiatives. With over 2,000 registrations, the festival was a landmark event for the blockchain and meme communities.

One of the highlights of the festival was the panel discussion titled “Crypto Meme Magic: The Intersection of Meme IP and Investment Opportunities.” Moderated by Anndy Lian, Managing Director of MemeCore and a best-selling author, the panel featured industry leaders who shared their insights on the role of memes in the blockchain ecosystem. The panelists included Thomas Kay (Head of International Business, WEEX Global), Christian Oertel (Global Expansion Lead, Conflux Network), Larry Lundy (Chief Business Officer, Hashpower X), and Tasso Lago (Founder, Financial Move).


The Power of Memes in Crypto

Anndy Lian opened the discussion by emphasizing the unique role memes play in the crypto space. “I’m quite a meme advocate,” he said. “Not because I love the graphics, but because I love the community behind it.” This sentiment set the tone for the panel, highlighting how memes are more than just humorous images—they are powerful abilities for community building and engagement.

Thomas Kay, representing WEEX Global, echoed this view, stating, “Meme is the main retention ability in the crypto space right now. It’s one of the easiest ways for new users from Web2 to enter Web3.” He pointed out that memes are not just about entertainment; they are a gateway for onboarding new users into the blockchain ecosystem. “It’s inevitable that memes will continue to be one of the biggest drivers in the future,” he added.

Christian Oertel of Conflux Network admitted that he was initially skeptical about memes. “A couple of years back, I didn’t believe in memes,” he said. “We were working on Layer 1 blockchain scalability, changing the world, and then someone launched a meme with no fundamentals.” However, his perspective shifted as he realized the potential of memes to attract retail users and foster community engagement. “Memes are the best entry point into the Web3 world,” he concluded.


Memes as Cultural and Economic Drivers

Larry Lundy, Chief Business Officer at Hashpower X, took a broader view, describing memes as cultural integrators and economic enablers. “Memes are the highway,” he said. “They lower the barrier of entry by providing a safe and fun environment.” He highlighted the historical significance of meme tokens like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu, which have not only driven liquidity in the crypto market but also created a cultural phenomenon. “Without meme tokens, we wouldn’t have the large influx of liquidity in Web3 and DeFi,” he explained.

Lundy also emphasized the emotional connection that memes create. “The driving motivation for investment in memes is emotional,” he said. “People invest because they like it, and that emotional attachment creates a strong community.” He likened memes to collectible items like baseball cards and comic books, where value is determined by community perception.

Tasso Lago, a prominent crypto influencer and angel investor from Brazil, shared a similar perspective. “At first, I didn’t like memes because there was no utility,” he admitted. “But now I see that memes can build communities and evolve into businesses.” He cited Shiba Inu as an example of a meme token that has successfully built an ecosystem and engaged with new projects and features. “Memes drive users,” he said. “They are the pillar of growth in crypto.”


The Role of IP in Meme Coins

The discussion also touched on the potential of meme IP to create lasting value. Anndy Lian noted that meme IP is becoming increasingly attractive as a business model. “When you talk about IP, it’s very generic right now,” he said. “But if you look at the great grandfather of meme coins, it would be Dogecoin.” He suggested that meme IP could be a powerful ability for branding and community building.

Christian Oertel highlighted the challenges and opportunities of integrating meme IP into blockchain networks. “From Conflux’s perspective, we’re working with IPs like McDonald’s in China, but the restriction is that you can only do NFTs,” he explained. Despite these limitations, he expressed optimism about the future of meme IP, citing examples like Pudgy Penguins and Doodles, which have successfully created IP through NFTs and token drops.

Thomas Kay added that meme IP is a significant driver of user engagement. “The beauty of IP is that it’s so recognizable,” he said. “It’s easy for people to look at one of your projects and immediately know it’s you.” He shared data from WEEX Global, showing that Trump Coin, a meme token, had a massive impact on user activity. “On the day Trump Coin launched, user activity tripled, and trading volume increased tenfold,” he revealed.


Investment Strategies in Meme Coins

When it comes to investing in meme coins, the panelists shared diverse strategies. Tasso Lago emphasized the importance of community and ecosystem development. “When I look at a meme to invest in, I first look at the charts,” he said. “Then I try to understand if the meme is building an ecosystem.” He praised Shiba Inu for its efforts to engage with new projects and features, calling it a good example of a meme token with long-term potential.

Larry Lundy highlighted the versatility of meme tokens like Dogecoin, which is built on Litecoin’s infrastructure and operates as a minable commodity. “Doge is one of the original proof-of-work minables,” he said. “It provides a victimless environment for liquidity entry and exit.” He also pointed out that the emotional appeal of memes makes them a unique investment opportunity. “Memes are culture, and memes are business,” he concluded.


The Future of Memes in Web3

As the panel discussion drew to a close, the speakers reflected on the future of memes in the Web3 space. Christian Oertel described memes as a social phenomenon that brings people together. “You get the full cycle of emotions and share it with thousands of people you don’t know,” he said. “There’s something mystical about it.”

Thomas Kay emphasized the role of memes as community drivers. “In the whole crypto space right now, the most activity happens in the meme community,” he said. “It’s one of the main drivers for growth and engagement.”

Anndy Lian concluded the session by reiterating the importance of memes in the blockchain ecosystem. “Meme is one of the main pillars in the Web3 space,” he said. “It’s a good door opener and the biggest community driver.”


Final Thoughts

The Crypto Meme Magic panel at the MemeX Festival showcased the transformative power of memes in the blockchain ecosystem. From onboarding new users to driving liquidity and fostering community engagement, memes have become a cornerstone of the Web3 space. As the panelists highlighted, the future of memes lies in their ability to evolve into ecosystems, create lasting IP, and bridge the gap between Web2 and Web3. With their unique blend of humor, culture, and investment potential, memes are poised to remain a driving force in the crypto world.

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

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Geopolitical risks and economic opportunities: A market overview on global trends

Geopolitical risks and economic opportunities: A market overview on global trends

The article covers the complexity of current market conditions, the ongoing geopolitical and economic risks, and the potential for growth in certain sectors, including Bitcoin, as of January 27, 2025.

Key points:

  • Global markets remain cautious as geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty weigh on sentiment.
  • President Trump’s tariffs and sanctions on Colombia, tied to immigration policy, add to global unease.
  • Markets rebounded last week after Trump avoided immediate tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, easing fears of a trade war.
  • The Federal Reserve is expected to pause rate cuts, while tech earnings will be a major focus for US equities.
  • Chinese economic data, due soon, will test global sentiment.
  • US equities dipped, Treasury yields fell, the dollar weakened, and gold prices rose.
  • Bitcoin dropped 1.2 per cent but saw a rise in trading volume and market cap, signalling strong momentum despite short-term challenges.

Global risk sentiment and market rebound

Global markets are treading carefully as uncertainty continues to dominate the financial landscape. President Trump’s decision to impose tariffs and sanctions on Colombia, citing its role in obstructing his immigration goals, has added another layer of tension. This move highlights the administration’s willingness to use economic measures to achieve political ends, which has left investors wary of further disruptions.

Despite these concerns, markets managed to stage a recovery last week. Fears of an immediate trade war were eased when Trump held off on imposing tariffs on key trading partners like Mexico, Canada, and China. This decision provided some relief to investors, who had braced for a more aggressive stance. However, the underlying risks remain, and the potential for future trade conflicts continues to cast a shadow over global sentiment.

US economic developments and federal reserve outlook

In the US, all eyes are on the tech sector as earnings season kicks off. The performance of major technology companies will be critical, as this sector has been a driving force behind market gains in recent years. Strong results could help stabilise equities, while weaker-than-expected numbers might amplify concerns about the broader economy.

Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve is widely expected to hold interest rates steady in its upcoming meeting. This pause in the rate-cutting cycle reflects a cautious approach to monetary policy, as the Fed navigates a mixed economic environment. Investors will be closely watching for any signals about future policy moves, as these could have significant implications for both domestic and global markets.

Chinese economic data and asian market trends

Outside the US, attention is turning to China, where key economic activity data is set to be released. This data will offer valuable insights into the health of the Chinese economy, which has been grappling with slower growth and ongoing trade tensions. A strong reading could boost global sentiment, while weaker numbers might deepen concerns about the global recovery.

Asian markets have been mixed in early trading, reflecting the region’s sensitivity to both local and international developments. As investors digest the implications of US policies and await Chinese data, volatility is likely to remain a key feature of the market in the near term.

Market performance: Equities, bonds, and commodities

US equities saw a slight decline, with the MSCI US index down 0.8 per cent. However, the Real Estate sector stood out, gaining 1.2 per cent as investors sought defensive plays. Treasury yields also fell, with the 10-year yield dropping to 4.62 per cent and the two year yield slipping to 4.27 per cent. These moves suggest a cautious approach by investors, who are seeking safer assets amid ongoing uncertainty.

The US dollar continued its recent pullback, falling 0.6 per cent, while gold prices rose 0.6 per cent, nearing US$2,800 per ounce. Gold’s upward momentum reflects its appeal as a safe-haven asset in times of uncertainty. In the oil market, Brent crude remained below US$80 per barrel, with geopolitical tensions and OPEC+ dynamics adding to the complexity. President Trump’s pressure on Russia to resolve the Ukraine conflict and his demands for lower crude prices have further complicated the outlook for energy markets.

Bitcoin performance and market sentiment

Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, experienced a 1.2 per cent drop over the past 24 hours, trading at US$107,098.75. Despite the decline, trading volume surged by 13 per cent to US$83.05 billion, and market capitalisation rose by two per cent to US$2.09 trillion. These figures suggest that while Bitcoin is facing short-term challenges, there is still strong underlying momentum in the market.

Technical indicators paint a cautiously optimistic picture. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 60.68, signalling mild bullish strength while staying below the overbought level of 70. Additionally, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) shows a bullish crossover, with the MACD line at 2,474.87 above the signal line at 1,732.52. Resistance is expected at US$106,251, with support at US$102,693. While Bitcoin’s price remains volatile, the broader market sentiment appears to be leaning toward further gains in the near term.

Conclusion

Global markets are navigating a complex web of risks and opportunities, shaped by geopolitical tensions, economic data, and central bank policies. While last week’s rebound in equities provided some relief, the underlying uncertainties—ranging from US trade policies to Chinese economic performance—continue to weigh on sentiment.

In the cryptocurrency space, Bitcoin’s recent dip highlights the challenges facing digital assets in today’s environment. However, strong trading activity and bullish technical indicators suggest that the market still has room to grow. As investors monitor these developments, staying adaptable and informed will be crucial for navigating the road ahead.

 

Source: https://e27.co/geopolitical-risks-and-economic-opportunities-a-market-overview-on-global-trends-20250127/

 

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

j j j