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  • Weekly Recap: Mastercard To Launch New Stablecoin Cards With MoonPay To Push Mainstream Crypto Adoption, GOAT and MOODENG Now on Binance Alpha

Weekly Recap: Mastercard To Launch New Stablecoin Cards With MoonPay To Push Mainstream Crypto Adoption, GOAT and MOODENG Now on Binance Alpha

Embark on your crypto adventure in Week 27, May 2025 (May 12 - May 18)!

Date

Project

Category

Raise

Funds and Investors

14 May

Hedra

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Social Media

$32.00M

Series A

Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) (Lead)

a16z speedrun

Index Ventures

Abstract Ventures

15 May

Gnosis HQ

(Prev. Headquarters)

Data Service

Tax & Accounting

$14.95M

M&A

Gnosis

16 May

Perpl

Perpetuals

DEX

$9.25M

Undisclosed

DragonFly Capital (Lead)

Ergonia (Lead)

HashKey Capital

CMS Holdings

Mirana Ventures

Brevan Howard Digital

Breed VC

L1 Digital (L1D)

17 May

KYD Labs

E-commerce

$7.10M

Seed

a16z CSX (Lead)

Techstars

Finality Capital Partners

Ambush Capital

Metaplanet Accelerates Bitcoin Accumulation with New $21 Million Bond Issue

Tokyo-based investment firm Metaplanet is intensifying its Bitcoin strategy, announcing a new $21.25 million zero-coupon bond issuance just two days after acquiring $53.4 million worth of Bitcoin. All proceeds from the bond sale will be used to purchase additional BTC, reinforcing Metaplanet’s position as Asia’s largest public Bitcoin holder and the 11th largest globally.

The company’s aggressive accumulation mirrors moves by global firms like MicroStrategy and signals growing institutional adoption of Bitcoin as a treasury asset. Investor enthusiasm is evident, with Metaplanet’s stock surging over 1,600% in the past year. The firm is also expanding internationally, launching a U.S. subsidiary to raise further capital and pursue strategic partnerships in the digital asset sector.

Metaplanet’s bold approach reflects a broader trend of companies seeking to hedge against inflation and fiat currency risks by allocating reserves to Bitcoin, leveraging low-cost capital to build long-term financial resilience. 

Mastercard To Launch New Stablecoin Cards With MoonPay To Push Mainstream Crypto Adoption

Mastercard has announced a major partnership with MoonPay to enable stablecoin payments at over 150 million merchant locations worldwide. Through this collaboration, fintechs and enterprises can issue Mastercard-branded cards linked directly to users’ stablecoin balances, allowing cardholders to spend USDT, USDC, and other stablecoins just like traditional debit or credit cards. Transactions are instantly converted to local currency at the point of sale, making crypto spending seamless for everyday purchases.

The initiative leverages Iron’s API-driven stablecoin infrastructure, recently acquired by MoonPay, to streamline payments for both consumers and businesses. This move is expected to boost stablecoin utility and mainstream adoption, bridging the gap between digital assets and traditional finance. Mastercard’s executive vice president Scott Abrahams highlighted that the partnership “redefines how money moves globally,” while MoonPay’s CEO Ivan Soto-Wright called it a new era for crypto payments.

The partnership comes amid surging demand for stablecoins, with 120 million wallets globally holding these assets but only about 20 million transacting monthly. By making stablecoin spending as easy as using a Mastercard, the companies aim to unlock broader use of digital assets in daily life and accelerate the global adoption of crypto payments

Solana Meme Coin Launchpad Landscape Shifts as Pump.fun Loses Ground

The Solana meme coin launchpad scene is undergoing rapid change as Pump.fun, once the dominant platform with over 98% market share, now faces serious competition. Its share has dropped to 57.5% as new players like LetsBonk (17.9%), Believe (12.9%), and LaunchLab (5%) attract both developers and users with innovative features and better incentives.

Recent hit meme coins such as LAUNCHCOIN and GOONC have launched on these rising platforms, not Pump.fun. Believe’s total launched token market cap has soared from $1.5 million to over $200 million in just a month, thanks to its SocialFi approach and strong community engagement. LetsBonk, meanwhile, is gaining recognition for its high token “graduation” rate, indicating quality projects.

Pump.fun’s decline is attributed to a lack of innovation, higher fees, and reputation issues, with 98% of its tokens flagged as scams or pump-and-dumps. While Pump.fun still leads in volume, the competition is driving the ecosystem toward more user-friendly, secure, and innovative launchpads. The era of a single dominant platform is over, and the Solana meme coin space is more dynamic than ever.

Binance Lists NXPC: MapleStory Universe Token Now Live for Trading

Nexon has launched the Enhanced Reward Experience Event for MapleStory N, running from May 17 to May 31, 2025, to thank players and accelerate early character growth. During this limited-time event, players will enjoy increased NESO rewards from boss battles and find more Honor EXP items and EXP Coupons in regular hunts, making leveling faster and more rewarding. MapleStory N, the first full release in Nexon’s MapleStory Universe, blends classic 2D gameplay with blockchain features like gasless transactions and tradable assets on Avalanche’s Henesys network. The game’s Reward Experience 2.0 system emphasizes meaningful, limited-edition rewards, while NESO and NXPC tokens power its player-driven economy. Nexon is also developing MapleStory N Mobile, MapleStory N Worlds, and a web3 SDK, further expanding the franchise’s blockchain ecosystem

Pixel Race Club Launches Season 0 with Leaderboard and NFT Bonuses

Pixel Race Club has launched Season 0, its first competitive event, marking the game’s web3 debut on the Abstract Portal. Running from May 12 for about two weeks, players can join free browser-based kart races, earn digital rewards, and climb a new leaderboard. Connecting an Abstract Global Wallet lets racers earn XP, with NFT holders gaining bonus perks like extra bombs per race. Top players will win Safari Racer NFTs, unique Discord roles, and exclusive cosmetics, while all participants’ results may unlock future benefits.

Season 0 introduces several major updates:

  • Abstract XP: Players now earn XP every time they race, with additional bonuses for holding Abstract NFTs.

  • New Desert Map: A fresh track featuring hidden paths adds variety and new challenges.

  • NFT Buffs: Safari Racer NFT holders can now carry five bombs per race instead of three, providing a strategic edge.

  • Imaginary Ones Collaboration: Exclusive rider and kart skins are available through this special partnership.

  • Leaderboard Overhaul: The new, simplified point system makes it easier for everyone to track their progress and compete.

These updates bring more excitement to the game, offering fresh ways for players to compete, strategize, and personalize their racing experience. More maps, tournaments, and NFT staking are planned as Pixel Race Club continues to evolve.

GOAT and MOODENG Now Available on Binance Alpha

Binance has added two trending Solana-based memecoins, GOAT and MOODENG, to its Alpha pre-listing pool as of May 11. This move allows users to trade both tokens via the Binance app, though they are not yet available on the exchange’s main spot market. The announcement sparked immediate rallies, with MOODENG surging over 60% and GOAT gaining 27% in value. The addition underscores strong ongoing interest in memecoins, but Binance has cautioned users about the high risks and volatility associated with these assets.

Deadzone: Rogue Makes a Bold Entrance into Early Access

Deadzone: Rogue Makes a Strong Early Access Debut

Deadzone: Rogue, the latest roguelite shooter from Prophecy Games, has made a notable impact since its Early Access launch on April 29, 2025. The game quickly drew over 100,000 players in its first week and climbed into Steam’s Top 10 Global Sellers, with more than 200,000 wishlists prior to release. Early reviews on Steam are overwhelmingly positive, with players praising its fast-paced multiplayer action and replayable roguelite structure.

Set aboard a derelict spaceship haunted by rogue AI and biomechanical enemies, Deadzone: Rogue offers procedurally generated levels, allowing players to tackle missions solo or in teams of up to three. The Early Access version features two zones, over 30 weapons, and extensive customization through perks and augments, ensuring each run feels unique. Gear and upgrades carry over between sessions, rewarding strategic experimentation.

Prophecy Games is actively engaging its community through Discord, encouraging feedback and suggestions to shape ongoing development. Regular updates bring new content and gameplay improvements, with plans for a third zone, additional weapons, and future console versions. Currently available on Steam and Epic Games Store, Deadzone: Rogue stands out as a promising Early Access title, driven by its dedicated player base and transparent development approach.

GOAT Gaming’s First AlphaGOAT Pro AI That Plays and Earns

GOAT Gaming has introduced Amy, its first AlphaGOAT Pro AI agent, signaling a major leap in web3 gaming innovation. Amy stands out from traditional bots by blending automation with personality-she plays games, hosts raffles, interacts with users on Telegram and X, and even roasts or rewards players based on their performance. All of Amy’s activities, from earnings to event management, are transparently tracked on-chain, and she regularly partners with brands and launches community challenges.

Launched in June 2024 by Mighty Bear Games, GOAT Gaming has quickly become a leading Telegram-based web3 gaming hub, surpassing 5 million active users and 3 million on-chain transactions. The platform offers quick, rewarding mini-games and allows players to earn Crowns, which can be swapped for USDT. With the February 2025 rollout of AlphaGOATs, users can now deploy AI agents like Amy to automate gameplay, generate content, and passively farm rewards. Each AlphaGOAT also unlocks $GG tokens, the platform’s upcoming cryptocurrency, which can be earned faster through active play or AI assistance.

GOAT Gaming recently raised an additional $4 million, bringing total funding to $15 million to fuel further AI development, new games, and developer tools. The AlphaAI toolkit will soon let creators integrate their own games into the GOAT ecosystem, expanding opportunities for both players and developers. Amy, now live at AgentAmy.ai, exemplifies this new wave of interactive, earning-focused AI agents, offering players a glimpse into the future of competitive, social, and rewarding web3 gaming.

Metamask Co-founder Dan Finlay Said The Most Popular Ethereum Wallet Is Still Considering A Token Launch

MetaMask, the world’s most popular Ethereum wallet, may finally be preparing to launch its long-awaited token, according to co-founder Dan Finlay. In a recent podcast, Finlay hinted that a $MASK token is still on the table, but stressed that any official launch would be announced directly in the wallet or on the official website to protect users from scams.

The idea of a MetaMask token has circulated since 2021, with the team emphasizing that it would support real community ownership and progressive decentralization-not just hype. Finlay noted that improved regulatory conditions in the U.S. make a launch more feasible, but legal caution remains a priority.

With over 30 million monthly active users, any MetaMask token launch would be one of crypto’s largest. As competition heats up among wallets, a well-designed token could help MetaMask maintain its lead and set a new industry standard for utility and governance. For now, users are advised to ignore unofficial rumors and watch for any official updates inside the MetaMask app.

Doodle's Token, $DOOD, Plunges 50% After Launch, Team Remains Unfazed As They Outline Future Plans

$DOOD, the native token of the iconic Doodles NFT collection, has seen its price plummet by more than 50% since launching on May 9, 2025. After debuting at $0.01057, $DOOD now trades at $0.00610, with its market cap falling from over $100 million to just $47.66 million. The sharp decline follows a major airdrop that distributed 43% of the token’s 10 billion supply to Doodles holders and new community members, resulting in heavy selling pressure.

Despite the disappointing market performance, the Doodles team remains optimistic about $DOOD’s future. Austin Hurwitz, head of strategy and business development, explained that such volatility is common after large airdrops and expects the token to find its way into the hands of long-term supporters. Currently, more than 157,000 wallets hold $DOOD, reflecting ongoing community interest.

Looking ahead, $DOOD is positioned as a core utility and rewards token within the Doodles ecosystem and the broader DreamNet protocol, which runs on Coinbase’s Base chain. The team envisions $DOOD powering content creation, collaboration, and community-driven governance, as well as serving as a currency in the Doodles shop. As DreamNet expands, $DOOD is expected to play a pivotal role in enabling new tools, features, and interactive experiences. While the token’s initial price action has disappointed early investors, the Doodles team encourages patience, emphasizing $DOOD’s long-term vision and utility as the DreamNet ecosystem develops.

Frank DeGods Steps Away from DeGods: A Quiet Exit from a Loud Space

Frank DeGods, real name Rohun Vora, has stepped down as the public face and leader of the DeGods and y00ts NFT projects, signaling a major transition for one of the most high-profile brands in Web3. Announcing his departure on X, Vora clarified that he is not fleeing controversy or legal issues, stating, “I’m not on the run. There are no investigations. I’ve never done anything illegal.” Instead, he cited the growing burden of his public persona and the need for the project to evolve beyond his identity.

Since founding DeGods in 2021, Vora’s “Frank DeGods” persona became synonymous with the project’s rapid rise during the NFT boom, but also drew criticism and controversy, especially in recent months. His exit comes amid broader scrutiny of crypto influencers, particularly those linked to the “LA Vape Cabal”-a group recently accused of questionable practices around memecoin launches like LIBRA and Hawk Tuah. While no formal charges have been filed, the controversies have led to a quieter presence from many involved.

Vora has handed over leadership to longtime community members @pastagotsauce and @0x_chill, hoping fresh stewardship will revitalize DeGods as the NFT market matures. The project’s community remains strong, but faces the challenge of sustaining relevance as speculative hype fades. Vora’s decision reflects a wider trend of NFT founders stepping back to allow projects to grow beyond their original creators, emphasizing the importance of sustainable, community-driven leadership in the next phase of Web3.

Pi Network has taken a major step toward decentralization by shutting down its central node, a move timed with the start of Consensus 2025 in Toronto. The project’s core team confirmed the closure and teased an imminent source code release, aiming to address long-standing criticism over centralization and lack of transparency. While Pi Network’s mobile mining app boasts over 100 million downloads, the project has faced skepticism due to closed mainnet access, restricted coin transfers, and concentrated token holdings by the core team.

The shutdown of the central node is seen as both symbolic and substantive, shifting reliance to Pi’s Improved Proof of Stake (IPoS) protocol. The team promises that, with open-source code, the community will be able to audit the system and verify its security and fairness. However, questions remain about validator selection and the large supply of PI controlled by the core team.

With a series of major announcements expected this week-including a new ecosystem reveal and a speech from co-founder Dr. Nicolas-the Pi community is watching closely. While the project’s token has seen a modest price uptick, broader legitimacy, such as a Binance listing, remains elusive. If Pi Network follows through on its promises, it could finally transition from a speculative mobile app to a credible Layer-1 blockchain. For now, cautious optimism prevails as the crypto world awaits concrete action.

Aevo, a prominent decentralized derivatives exchange, has officially resumed its monthly AEVO token buybacks, following the community’s approval of the AGP-2 governance proposal. This decision marks a strategic effort to bolster the value of AEVO and further align the interests of the platform’s users and token holders.

Under the new buyback program, Aevo will use surplus revenue-funds remaining after operational expenses and insurance allocations-to purchase 1 million AEVO tokens from the open market each month through July 2025. All buybacks will be executed transparently on-chain. Importantly, the repurchased tokens will remain under DAO control and will not be distributed, burned, or otherwise utilized until a separate governance proposal determines their fate, ensuring ongoing community oversight.

The buyback initiative is designed to create a value loop for AEVO holders. As Aevo’s trading activity increases and generates more fees, a portion of that value is returned to the community through buybacks. This mechanism can provide price support, reduce circulating supply, and boost confidence among both current and prospective holders. However, the effectiveness of the program will depend on market conditions, execution quality, and Aevo’s ability to maintain strong revenue streams.

Aevo’s move highlights its commitment to sustainable growth and transparent, community-driven tokenomics. By directly linking platform success to token value, Aevo is setting a standard for responsible DeFi governance. As the DeFi sector matures, such initiatives are likely to become increasingly important for projects seeking long-term credibility and user trust.

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See you same place same time next week!

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ChainPlay team