249.16K
1.00M
2024-05-20 07:00:00 ~ 2024-06-20 11:30:00
2024-06-20 16:00:00
Total supply1.00B
Resources
Introduction
LayerZero is an omnichain interoperability protocol designed for lightweight message passing across chains. LayerZero provides authentic and guaranteed message delivery with configurable trustlessness. It is a "blockchain of blockchains" that enables other blockchain networks to communicate directly and in a trustless manner.
Blockchain interoperability protocol LayerZero has finalized a $110 million acquisition of cross-chain platform Stargate, following an intense, last-minute bidding battle that drew rare multi-protocol competition in the DeFi space. Stargate’s community voted on August 24 with a 95% majority to greenlight the LayerZero Foundation’s $110 million acquisition proposal . The proposal, one of the most heavily participated votes in Stargate Finance’s history, saw over 7.5 million veSTG tokens cast by more than 15,000 addresses. As part of the agreement, Stargate Finance DAO will be dissolved, with governance and operations shifting under the LayerZero ecosystem. The Stargate DAO has approved our acquisition of Stargate (STG). We’ve spent four years building the rails to reinvent how value moves. Today, we accelerate our network effects. LayerZero is better money technology. Stargate is the interface for value transfer. pic.twitter.com/U1QI1308dV — LayerZero (@LayerZero_Core) August 24, 2025 Under the finalized terms, Stargate stakers will receive 50% of protocol revenue for the next six months, while the other half will fund ZRO token buybacks, aimed at reinforcing LayerZero’s native token. In addition, STG holders can swap their tokens for ZRO at a fixed rate of 1 STG = 0.08634 ZRO starting August 25. Securing approval was not without controversy. LayerZero’s initial offer faced pushback over concerns it undervalued Stargate’s revenue stream and effectively ended the protocol’s staking program. This opened the door for competitors, triggering a rare DeFi bidding war. Wormhole, Axelar, and Across Protocol quickly entered the fray, with Wormhole putting forward a $120 million all-cash proposal promising faster payouts for token holders. Despite the higher figure, Stargate’s community ultimately opted for strategic alignment with LayerZero over short-term financial gains. Stargate Foundation lead Angus Lamps said in response to the bids that the vote on LayerZero’s bid couldn’t be paused, and that Stargate had “been engaging with any parties” that sign a non-disclosure agreement and want to conduct due diligence. The acquisition also marks a return for Stargate. Originally incubated by LayerZero Labs in 2021 before being spun out as a DAO in 2022, the platform now re-enters the fold as part of LayerZero’s broader interoperability strategy. With the deal now complete, attention turns to how LayerZero will integrate Stargate’s cross-chain liquidity infrastructure and whether the consolidation will deliver long-term value for both ZRO token holders and Stargate’s long-standing community.
Key Takeaways: Main event brings leadership changes and key financial shifts. Tokens converted to LayerZero’s $ZRO. $ZRO experiences market volatility after the acquisition. LayerZero Acquires Stargate as DAO Approves $110 Million Deal LayerZero’s acquisition of Stargate was approved by nearly 95% of DAO members, marking a $110M deal that dissolves the Stargate DAO. $STG tokens are converted to $ZRO, indicating a shift in DeFi cross-chain governance. The acquisition of Stargate by LayerZero, approved by nearly 95% of Stargate DAO participants, represents a landmark $110 million deal within the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. The decision results in the conversion of $STG tokens to LayerZero’s $ZRO, marking significant changes in DeFi governance. Led by LayerZero Labs and its CEO, Bryan Pellegrino, the initiative sees all Stargate governance tokens converted to $ZRO, with LayerZero assuming full operational control. This shift includes a reallocation of protocol revenues and governance structures. Bryan Pellegrino noted, “Stargate is an immediate revenue-generating asset… [The deal is] a historic milestone accelerating value transfer across chains.” Impacts of the acquisition extend through the DeFi sector, as institutional interest in blockchain interoperability grows, evidenced by rival offers such as Wormhole’s $120M bid. The speed of the process attracted criticism from some stakeholders. Hart Lambur, Co-founder of Across, commented, “Rushing benefits no one.” This transaction prompts shifts in total value locked within DeFi platforms, as Stargate’s liquidity transitions to LayerZero. Analysts anticipate changes in liquidity provider strategies, reflecting new governance dynamics in cross-chain infrastructures. The transition also affects $STG and $ZRO market activities, with $ZRO experiencing volatility following the announcement. The deal sets a new precedent in decentralized protocol acquisitions, underlining DAO governance power in financial decisions.
TL;DR ZRO is down 7.5% and is now trading at $2.01. The bearish performance comes despite Stargate DAO approving LayerZero’s acquisition proposal. Stargate DAO approves LayerZero’s acquisition proposal The cryptocurrency market was volatile over the weekend, with massive gains recorded on Friday wiped out on Sunday. Bitcoin briefly dropped to the $110k region while Ether is now trading above $4,700 after setting a new all-time high of $4,953. The bearish performance affected LayerZero’s ZRO as the coin has now lost more than 7.5% of its value in the last 24 hours. Thanks to this bearish trend, ZRO is now trading at $2.01. The negative performance comes despite a massive development for the LayerZero ecosystem. LayerZero Foundation announced on Saturday that Stargate’s governance organization has approved its acquisition offer with nearly 95% of votes in favor. The Stargate DAO has approved our acquisition of Stargate (STG). We’ve spent four years building the rails to reinvent how value moves. Today, we accelerate our network effects. LayerZero is better money technology. Stargate is the interface for value transfer. pic.twitter.com/U1QI1308dV — LayerZero (@LayerZero_Core) August 24, 2025 The approval came despite Wormhole making a late $120 million cash offer. Furthermore, Across co-founder Hart Lambur and the Axelar Foundation both said they would make formal bids if the process was slowed. ZRO could top $2.6 if bullish momentum returns The ZRO/USD 4-hour chart is bearish and efficient as LayerZero has been underperforming, similar to the broader cryptocurrency market. The technical indicators are also bearish, indicating that the sellers are currently in control. The RSI of 54 shows that ZRO is heading into the negative territory if the sell-off continues. The MACD lines are also close to switching into the bearish region. If the sell-off continues, ZRO could drop to the Friday low of $1.85 over the next few hours. Failure to defend this support level could see ZRO retest the monthly low of $1.625. However, with the positive news coming from the LayerZero ecosystem, ZRO could bounce back and reclaim the first major resistance level at $2.38. An extended bullish run would see ZRO surpass its monthly high and hit $2.60.
Key Points: Wormhole bids $120M USDC for Stargate Finance, surpassing LayerZero’s offer. Deal impacts Stargate Financial ecosystem and market liquidity. Potential changes in cross-chain DeFi M&A strategies. Wormhole Proposes $120M Acquisition of Stargate Finance Wormhole Foundation has made a significant move with a $120 million cash bid to acquire Stargate Finance, outbidding rivals LayerZero. This high-stakes acquisition is unfolding in the cross-chain DeFi sector. The proposed acquisition reshapes DeFi mergers, emphasizing cash-based certainty over traditional token swaps, impacting market dynamics and stakeholder strategies significantly. The Wormhole Foundation has announced a proposed $120 million USDC acquisition of Stargate Finance, marking a pivotal step in cross-chain finance. This offer surpasses LayerZero’s previous $110 million ZRO token proposal by $10 million. Wormhole and LayerZero are the key players in this acquisition battle. Wormhole’s offer includes an all-cash deal that prioritizes detailed financial due diligence, with implications for Stargate’s governance processes. “STG holders deserve better… the deal should reflect not just treasury balances but also Stargate’s growth and codebase,” said the Wormhole Foundation in an official statement . Wormhole’s proposal significantly affected the market. STG tokens surged 4.1% to $0.18, while Wormhole’s token increased by 6.3% as investors reacted to the news. This highlights investor interest in the acquisition’s potential financial shift within the DeFi sector. Financially, the move toward an all-cash acquisition represents a shift in decentralized finance strategies by offering certainty and immediacy of value. This contrasts traditional token-based acquisitions in the industry. The acquisition could lead to broader impacts on DeFi protocols, influencing liquidity dynamics and cross-chain operations. It raises the stakes for how future mergers and acquisitions may be structured, potentially altering DeFi’s landscape. Potential outcomes include enhanced cross-chain liquidity infrastructure and possible regulatory scrutiny on financial governance across decentralized networks. Historical trends suggest this deal could redefine market valuation models for similar acquisitions in the DeFi space.
Cross-chain protocol LayerZero has announced the acquisition of multichain bridge Stargate Finance for $120 million worth of ZRO tokens. Stargate Finance DAO approved the deal with an overwhelming majority. The acquisition will see LayerZero and Stargate merge under one project, with ZRO becoming the official token for the two cross-chain protocols. 94% of Stargate Finance DAO approved the deal. The merger between marks a reunion of the two projects. Stargate Finance was created by the LayerZero team in 2021 but eventually spun out as a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO). The majority of Stargate DAO supported the LayerZero acquisition. Source: Stargate DAO Since then, Stargate has become one of the biggest multichain bridges in the crypto ecosystem, connecting around 50 blockchain networks and powering more than $70 billion in transactions. Per the press release, the deal represents a milestone as this is one of the first times that a DAO has been acquired at over $100 million. The deal almost did not happen with cross-chain bridge Wormhole making a late effort to hijack the acquisition. Wormhole Foundation claimed that the LayerZero offer for Stargate Finance was not compelling and undervalued the protocol business, adding that it was willing to submit a higher bid than the initial $110 million from LayerZero. The challenge led to LayerZero revising its offer, while Wormhole also asked for a vote pause of five business days to finalize its offer and get more insight into Stargate’s financials. There were further rumors that Across Protocol and Axelar showed interest in Stargate. See also ‘Alt season’ Google search tanks over 50% as most altcoins sink in the red However, most Stargate DAO members supported the LayerZero revised bid, which not only increased the bid’s value but also offered other incentives, including a revenue-sharing period for those who staked Stargate STG tokens. Deal to strengthen LayerZero dominance in the cross-chain ecosystem Meanwhile, the deal will further cement LayerZero’s position in the blockchain interoperability ecosystem. Data from Token Terminal shows that it has already controlled around 85% of the market share over the past 12 months, and several companies, including PayPal , BitGo, and Paxos, are using its services. With the deal, which will unite Stargate DAO and LayerZero under one umbrella, the cross-chain protocol now looks to expand further and strengthen its ecosystem. This move will further bring more value to the LayerZero community. Speaking on the deal, LayerZero Labs CEO Bryan Pellegrino stated that the team has been working on the infrastructure to enable cross-chain interoperability for years and Stargate’s return to help improve its services. He said: “Stargate’s return gives the LayerZero ecosystem a clear access point to the end-consumer, an immediate revenue-generating asset, and a clear focus on accelerating the velocity of value transfer.” Meanwhile, the deal now means Stargate DAO will be dissolved with STG tokens swapped for ZRO at a ratio of 1 STG to 0.08634 ZRO. The revenue generated from Stargate will also go towards the ZRO buyback. See also Nigeria deports foreign nationals convicted in crypto romance scams ZRO token down despite positive news Despite the positive development many in the LayerZero and Stargate community have welcomed, the ZRO token is down slightly in the last 24 hours. Its decline appears to be part of the broader drop across the crypto market, with major cap tokens such as Bitcoin and XRP also declining. However, ZRO’s decline is more pronounced given how it has struggled this year in general. It has been down 7.52% in the last seven days while it has lost 26% in three months. At $2.032, the token has already lost more than 61% of its value this year. Interestingly, STG is not doing much better. The token, which is trading at $0.1769, is down by 2% in the past seven days while losing more than 50% of its value year-to-date. Holders of both tokens will be hoping to see a resurgence in value for ZRO now that they are united under one ecosystem. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .
LayerZero secured a $110 million deal to buy Stargate, with 95% community approval after revising its offer. Rival bids came from Wormhole, Axelar, and Across, but Stargate moved forward with LayerZero’s proposal. The updated deal gives stakers half of Stargate’s revenue for six months and swaps all STG tokens for ZRO. LayerZero Stargate, a blockchain messaging protocol, has won a $110 million deal to buy Stargate, a cross chain platform it created in 2022. The Stargate community voted on Sunday, with 95% approving the deal after LayerZero tweaked its offer following complaints it wasn’t fair. Three other companies, Wormhole, Axelar, and Across, also showed interest, turning it into a last minute bidding war. Community Strength and Rival Offers Over 15,000 wallet addresses voted, with 94.76% (7.2 million STG tokens) backing LayerZero’s offer, while 5.24% (399,400 tokens) voted no, making it Stargate’s biggest vote ever, according to LayerZero’s CEO Bryan Pellegrino. Wormhole tried to outbid with a $120 million cash offer, promising stakers three times the projected revenue for six months, but their request to pause the vote was denied. Axelar and Across also wanted to bid but needed more time for a fair process, which Stargate’s lead, Angus Lamps, said wasn’t possible. The original deal upset some STG holders because it focused on buying back LayerZero’s ZRO token without clear benefits for them. LayerZero changed it to share half of Stargate’s revenue with stakers for six months, with the other half for ZRO buybacks. All STG tokens will now swap for ZRO at a rate of 1 STG to 0.08634 ZRO. Stargate’s tech, which uses liquidity pools for safer cross chain transfers compared to hack prone bridges, will return to LayerZero’s control, strengthening its role in blockchain interoperability.
Key Points: Stargate DAO approved LayerZero’s acquisition with 95% support. $110 million buyout converts STG to ZRO tokens. Stargate’s phased out, liquidity shifts to ZRO. LayerZero Acquires Stargate with DAO Approval LayerZero’s approval to acquire Stargate (STG) for $110 million by Stargate DAO with 95% support transitions ownership to LayerZero. The move involves swapping STG for ZRO tokens, impacting governance and utility tokens. LayerZero’s acquisition means significant changes for cross-chain interoperability, impacting liquidity and market dynamics. Immediate reactions from relevant stakeholders are anticipated over the transition period. LayerZero has gained approval from Stargate DAO to acquire Stargate (STG) in a $110 million deal. The transaction involves the swap of STG to LayerZero’s native ZRO token, starting Monday. This strategic move confirms LayerZero’s commitment to expanding its cross-chain ecosystem. Stargate DAO’s approval demonstrates strong community confidence in LayerZero’s capabilities as an interoperability provider. “We look forward to building on Stargate’s strong foundation and enhancing cross-chain capabilities.” The acquisition brings notable shifts, as the STG token will be deprecated in favor of ZRO, affecting asset distribution across platforms. Stargate currently manages over $348 million in TVL, highlighting significant industry influence. Analysts predict market responses as liquidity repositions to accommodate ZRO’s enhanced role in asset transfers. The buyout positions LayerZero to assume a more prominent role in cross-chain operations. Regulatory bodies, such as the SEC and CFTC, have not yet commented on the acquisition framework. Historical precedents, including the Yearn/Cream merger , show such transitions initially impact TVL and liquidity patterns, with stabilization likely post-swap. LayerZero’s future trajectory hinges significantly on successful stakeholder engagement and governance implementations. This shift may prompt advancements in cross-chain protocol efficiency, leveraging current assets and expanding operational capabilities through strengthened tokenomics. Predictive models suggest potential advantages from technological integration within LayerZero’s platforms.
LayerZero has finalized the acquisition of Stargate Finance in a $120 million transaction settled entirely in its native ZRO token. On August 24, the LayerZero Foundation confirmed that the deal will consolidate two of the industry’s most widely used platforms under one governance and token framework. Stargate DAO Members Vote 94% in Favor of LayerZero Acquisition The acquisition was approved through a community vote. More than 94% of Stargate DAO participants supported the move. Notably, turnout was unusually high, with over 15,000 members casting more than 7.5 million veSTG tokens. The Stargate DAO’s approval dissolves the organization and initiates the migration of STG tokens into ZRO at a fixed rate of 1 STG = 0.08634 ZRO. Both liquid and staked balances will be eligible for conversion. The Stargate DAO has approved our acquisition of Stargate (STG).We’ve spent four years building the rails to reinvent how value moves. Today, we accelerate our network effects.LayerZero is better money technology.Stargate is the interface for value transfer. pic.twitter.com/U1QI1308dV — LayerZero (@LayerZero_Core) August 24, 2025 LayerZero said Stargate will allocate 50% of its top-line revenue to holders for six months after the vote’s approval. The remaining half will support a buyback program designed to reduce the circulating supply of ZRO. However, once the six-month window ends, all future excess revenue will be directed to the buyback program, further cutting ZRO’s supply. Meanwhile, Stargate’s bridge will remain fully operational, ensuring users continue to access cross-chain transfers without disruption. LayerZero noted that the integration would expand Stargate’s product suite beyond bridging and stablecoin liquidity to include swaps, vaults, and other financial infrastructure. Stargate has been central to cross-chain liquidity since its launch in 2021. Originally developed within LayerZero before becoming a DAO, the protocol has processed more than $70 billion across 50 blockchains. Its reabsorption now marks one of the first nine-figure acquisitions of a decentralized organization. The deal highlights how tokenholder governance can deliver outcomes on par with traditional corporate transactions. LayerZero co-founder and CEO Bryan Pellegrino framed the deal as a natural extension of the company’s long-term roadmap. He said Stargate will serve as both an access point for end users and a revenue-producing asset. It will also help LayerZero accelerate the speed at which value can move across blockchains. Data shows ZRO climbed 4.7% to $2.17, while STG rose 4.9% to $0.19 immediately after the announcement. However, those gains later reversed, returning both assets to prior levels as of press time. ZRO Token Price Chart. Source: BeInCrypto Still, the temporary spike underscored renewed confidence in the combined platform’s role in advancing blockchain interoperability, despite broader volatility across digital assets.
Key Takeaways: Large token unlocks impact market conditions significantly. Short-term volatility expected for ZRO, KAITO, and SOON. Potential price pressures on directly affected tokens. Token Unlocks and Their Impact on the Market Major one-time token unlocks worth over $88 million for ZRO, KAITO, and SOON are set to occur from August 19 to 25, 2025. These unlocks may cause short-term price fluctuations and increased trading volumes, potentially affecting related cryptocurrencies. ZRO (LayerZero), KAITO, and SOON will each face major token unlocks exceeding $5 million this week, totaling over $88 million. This event may significantly influence their market movements in the next few days. Key leadership figures include Bryan Pellegrino for LayerZero and Hu Bing for KAITO. SOON remains less visible in terms of its leadership team’s public profile. No official statements have been released about the unlocks from any involved parties. The influx of tokens could lead to immediate market volatility. LayerZero, KAITO, and SOON might experience short-term price adjustments as the market assimilates the additional supply entering circulation. The token unlocks will likely create price fluctuations and increase trading volumes. Additionally, other cryptocurrencies such as SOL, DOT, and AVAX may witness collateral impacts from the market’s reactive conditions, as discussed in Intellectia . While major financial regulators have not commented on these unlocks, the perception of increased supply can influence investor sentiment and market dynamics. Historical trends suggest that token unlocks often lead to a temporary decrease in prices as the market adjusts. However, the long-term effects remain uncertain. Analysts are closely monitoring these changes for broader implications within the cryptocurrency sector. As noted by the crypto community, “It’s advisable to monitor industry commentary, as community channels reflect caution and speculation regarding potential market volatility linked to the unlock events.”
Major token unlocks for ZRO, KAITO, and SOON could trigger significant price fluctuations in the market, with a total value exceeding $88 million expected between August 19 and 25, 2025. Token unlocks impact market dynamics and investor sentiment. The tokens may experience short-term volatility as the market adjusts. Historical trends indicate that similar events often lead to temporary price drops. Understand the upcoming token unlocks for ZRO, KAITO, and SOON, which could greatly impact their prices and trading volumes. Stay informed to navigate potential market fluctuations. What is a Token Unlock? A token unlock is the release of previously locked cryptocurrency assets, allowing them to enter circulation. This process often leads to increased supply, which can affect market prices and investor behavior. How Do Token Unlocks Affect Prices? When large amounts of tokens are unlocked, the sudden influx can lead to immediate market volatility. For instance, recent analysis from Intellectia indicates that ZRO, KAITO, and SOON may face significant price adjustments due to their unlocks this week. Additional tokens can increase supply pressures, compounding existing market conditions based on trader sentiment. Frequently Asked Questions What are the potential effects of token unlocks on ZRO, KAITO, and SOON? Token unlocks for ZRO, KAITO, and SOON may lead to short-term volatility and price adjustments as the market absorbs the new supply. How should investors prepare for token unlock events? Investors should stay informed about upcoming unlocks and monitor market trends, as the perception of increased supply could impact prices. Key Takeaways Large token unlocks impact market conditions significantly.: The upcoming unlocks for ZRO, KAITO, and SOON could trigger short-term volatility. Short-term volatility expected for ZRO, KAITO, and SOON.: The influx of tokens is likely to create price fluctuations. Potential price pressures on directly affected tokens.: Investor sentiment may shift as the market adjusts to the new supply. Conclusion The imminent token unlocks for ZRO, KAITO, and SOON could significantly influence the cryptocurrency markets. As each unlock unfolds, investors should remain vigilant and informed about market reactions, potential volatility, and historical trends. This awareness can enhance decision-making in a rapidly changing environment. In Case You Missed It: Charles O. Parks III Sentenced for Alleged Cryptojacking Scheme Involving Ether and Other Cryptocurrencies
BlockDAG, a cryptocurrency project that claims to combine blockchain and Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) technology, is under fire for its prolonged fundraising phase. According to famous crypto sleuth ZachXBT , the fundraising has lasted over 1.5 years while raising significant funds—ranging from $214 million to $376 million, depending on which source you believe. ZachXBT slams BlockDAG for prolonged fundraising Concerns about BlockDAG’s legitimacy have been raised by quite a number of analysts, and Zach claims many community members have been tagging him to get him to investigate the project. Zach claimed this was why he was finally speaking up after all this time, because BlockDAG has had a lot of time to do damage. “I hope your team realizes that BlockDAG Network is a fake project/investment scam that has held a fundraising phase for 1.5+ years that’s supposedly ending ‘soon’ while regularly transferring investor funds to various exchange accounts and marketing fake numbers to increase retail fomo,” he wrote. See also Dubai's VARA regulator fines Fuze for AML failures The post was a response to a May 13 tweet from LBank. The tweet revealed the exchange’s plans to list BlockDAG’s token (BDAG), but it did not specify when it would happen — a vagueness that has become a unflattering characteristic of the project. Zach implied that Lbank may have been paid to list the token, as he revealed he received an offer in his X DM from BlockDAG itself. He shared a screenshot of the chat where he was offered USDT to promote the project with a pinned post that he would be required to keep up for a day. Is BlockDAG a scam? It depends on who you ask. While BlockDAG claims to be the next big Layer-1 blockchain, with its claims of nearly $300 million raised and major brand partnerships, there are several factors causing many to suspect the project may be more hype than substance. Some of the red flags that have been pointed out include how it has a big advertising budget but minimal GitHub activity, with near-empty repositories, and real infrastructure progress is hard to track. Elements of the whitepaper also appear very similar to Kaspa’s, forcing some to accuse it of recycling documentation rather than proposing true innovation. See also LayerZero (ZRO) and KAITO lead $411m token unlocks this week There has also been a surge of impersonator and scam fundraising sites, which security analysts say can drain wallets upon connection, with reports from X users who say they have been scammed. ZachXBT claims users have tagged him to intervene with BlackDAG. Source: @zachxbt Even Reddit users have sounded the alarm, with one user highlighting how ridiculous it is for a legit company to force anyone to pay a fee or tax just to withdraw money. “That’s just a scam to suck more money out of you,” the user wrote. All that is not to say BlockDAG does not tick some checkboxes in terms of at least appearing legitimate. There have reportedly been audit reports, a testnet, and hardware prototypes, things supporters highlight as signs of a serious project. However, without public on-chain fundraising proof, live token listings, or reusable code, investors are being cautious. Want your project in front of crypto’s top minds? Feature it in our next industry report, where data meets impact.
LayerZero and KAITO lead a massive $411 million token unlock wave scheduled for the coming week. ZRO unlocks 25.71 million tokens worth $52.44 million while KAITO releases 23.35 million tokens valued at $25.05 million. Major linear unlocks feature SOL, WLD, TIA, DOGE, TAO, and other projects releasing tokens continuously throughout the period. LayerZero and KAITO dominate major single token unlocks LayerZero leads the solo unlock group with 25.71 million ZRO tokens worth $52.44 million unlocked during the week. This accounts for 9.32% of the total supply scheduled for unlocking during the period. KAITO comes next with 23.35 million tokens worth $25.05 million going into circulation this week. The unlock affects 9.67% of KAITO’s unlock supply allocation this quarter. Cliff unlocks data: Cryptopolitan SOON rounds out the major single unlocks with 41.88 million tokens worth $11.49 million. The release affects 17.81% of SOON’s unlock supply, creating the largest percentage impact among major unlocks. The three major single unlocks combine for over $88 million in new token supply hitting markets simultaneously. These concentrated unlocks typically create short-term price volatility as markets absorb the additional supply. Linear unlock schedules create continuous market pressure As per Tokenomist data, Solana leads the linear unlock category with 506.47K SOL tokens worth $92.65 million being released gradually throughout the week. This daily unlock affects just 0.09% of the circulating supply due to SOL’s massive token base. See also BlackRock Bitcoin ETF hits $91.06B AuM TRUMP token follows with 4.89 million tokens valued at $44.01 million impacting 2.45% of circulating supply. Worldcoin adds 37.23 million WLD tokens worth $35.78 million affecting 1.98% of total circulation. Bittensor contributes 50.40K TAO tokens valued at $18.06 million while Dogecoin releases 96.54 million DOGE worth $21.66 million. TAO affects 0.54% of supply while DOGE impacts only 0.06% due to its large token count. Celestia unlocks 6.96 million TIA tokens worth $14.10 million. Other linear unlocks also involve 700K AVAX tokens worth $16.75 million and 3.01 million SUI worth $10.91 million. MORPHO releases 6.96 million tokens worth $13.77 million while ETHFI releases 8.46 million worth $9.82 million. Smaller linear tokens include DOT releasing 2.30 million tokens worth $8.95 million, IP releasing 2.32 million tokens worth $13.20 million, and JTO releasing 4.20 million tokens worth $7.15 million. ENS rounds off the agenda with 307.7K tokens worth $7.86 million. Smaller projects advance through varying unlock stages PlayZap leads the small unlock segment by a significant margin with a cost of $0.01002, as per CoinMarketCap data. The gaming platform is capitalized at $860,383 with 85.84 million PZP tokens in circulation. Completing the unlocking is at 77.91% with 2.31 million PZP tokens to be distributed in the next. See also BTCTurk exchange suffers $48M exploit Reddex does not show real-time price data but has a circulating supply of 45.28 million LQDX tokens. The project has 88.35% unlock progress representing nearly completion of its token unlock schedule. The upcoming unlock will release 10.42 million LQDX tokens representing 2.61% of total locked supply. KARRAT is trading at $0.05388 with a 5.43% decline in the day and $19.06 million market cap. The gaming infrastructure project has 353.68 million KARRAT tokens in circulation with 23.39% unlock progress realized. The upcoming drop adds 16 million KARRAT tokens into circulation. Rebase GG has 49.63 million current IRL tokens in circulation. Unlock progress is 34.95% and holds 14.01 million IRL tokens for the upcoming release. SatoshiVM is $0.1651 down by 3.72% and has a $1.16 million market cap. The platform has 7 million SAVM tokens in circulation with 71.52% unlock progress. The next unlock will release 468,395 SAVM tokens which represent 2.23% of total locked supply for the decentralized virtual machine project. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .
The crypto market is bracing for significant token unlocks in the third week of August 2025. Approximately $1 billion in new token supplies will hit the market. Three prominent projects, LayerZero (ZRO), KAITO (KAITO), and Soon (SOON), will release substantial token volumes, potentially driving market volatility and influencing short-term price dynamics. 1. LayerZero (ZRO) Unlock Date: August 20 Number of Tokens to be Unlocked: 25.71 million ZRO (2.57% of Total Supply) Current Circulating Supply: 111.15 million ZRO Total Supply: 1 billion ZRO LayerZero is an interoperability protocol designed to enable seamless communication across different blockchains. It supports censorship-resistant, permissionless development with immutable smart contracts. On August 20, LayerZero will release 25.71 million ZRO tokens, valued at approximately $51.9 million. These tokens account for 23.14% of the current circulating supply. ZRO Token Unlock in August. Source: Overall, the allocation includes 13.42 million ZRO for strategic partners, 10.63 million tokens for core contributors, and 1.67 million ZRO for tokens repurchased by the team. 2. KAITO (KAITO) Unlock Date: August 20 Number of Tokens to be Unlocked: 23.35 million KAITO (2.3% of Total Supply) Current Circulating Supply: 241.38 million KAITO Total Supply: 1 billion KAITO Kaito is an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Web3 information platform that aggregates and analyzes cryptocurrency market data from diverse sources like social media, governance forums, news and more. The KAITO token serves as a medium of exchange, governance tool, and incentive mechanism within the platform. On August 20, the team will unlock 23.35 million tokens, representing 9.68% of the current circulating supply. The supply is worth approximately $24.73 million. KAITO Token Unlock in August. Source: The team will split the unlocked tokens three ways. The foundation will receive 1.19 million tokens. Furthermore, the team will direct 7.16 million KAITO for ecosystem and network growth and 15 million tokens for long-term creator incentives. 3. Soon (SOON) Unlock Date: August 23 Number of Tokens to be Unlocked: 41.88 million SOON (4.32% of Total Supply) Current Circulating Supply: 235.06 million Total Supply: 969.9 million SOON is a high-performance Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) Rollup, designed to implement the Super Adoption Stack. It includes three main components: SOON Mainnet, SOON Stack, and InterSOON. The network will unlock 41.88 million tokens worth around $11.74 million. The unlocked supply accounts for 17.82% of the current supply in circulation. SOON Token Unlock in August. Source: SOON will allocate 26.67 million tokens to SOONer, a collection of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) built on the Solana (SOL) blockchain. Moreover, it will keep 8.30 million tokens for an airdrop to NFT holders. The team has earmarked 4.17 million SOON for the ecosystem, 2.22 million tokens for community incentives, and 520,830 tokens for airdrop and liquidity. In addition to these three, other major projects will release tokens during this period. Investors can look out for token unlocks from Avail (AVAIL), Pixels (PIXEL), Polyhedra Network (ZKJ), and IOTA (IOTA).
Key Points: LayerZero proposes a $110M buyback for Stargate, impacting prices. STG users have redemption rights. ZRO benefits from increased buybacks. LayerZero Announces $110M Buyback Plan for Stargate LayerZero Foundation announced a $110 million buyback proposal tied to Stargate, causing immediate price surges in STG and ZRO tokens upon release. This buyback proposal impacts the LayerZero ecosystem by realigning Stargate revenues with ZRO, boosting STG and ZRO market activity amid investor reactions. LayerZero proposes $110M buyback and STG to ZRO swap, causing price spikes. Proposal Overview The LayerZero Foundation has proposed a significant buyback and token swap. Following the proposal, both STG and ZRO experienced immediate price increases. The plan involves a substantial buyback pool and a STG→ZRO redemption mechanism. Stakeholders are carefully observing these changes. Key players involved in this initiative include LayerZero Labs and the LayerZero Foundation. Leadership is primarily from CEO Bryan Pellegrino and co-founders Ryan Zarick and Caleb Banister. LayerZero is restructuring governance and revenue allocation through a buyback and token swap proposal. “We’ve published a proposal for Stargate holders that would be executed by the LayerZero Foundation, including a redemption contract for STG→ZRO and a sizable buyback to support the transition.” — Bryan Pellegrino, CEO, LayerZero Labs Market Reaction and Financial Implications The proposal has generated significant market reactions, affecting STG and ZRO valuations. These changes impact stakeholders within the LayerZero and Stargate ecosystems. The initiative is seen as a strategic move to consolidate LayerZero’s token model. The financial implications are substantial with $110M allocated for redemption and buyback. This affects liquidity, pricing, and governance dynamics, particularly within the LayerZero infrastructure. Industry players are closely monitoring the transition’s impact on market behavior. Community Perspectives and Strategic Forecasts Key discussions in governance forums indicate diverse community perspectives on valuation and execution. Bryan Pellegrino has emphasized alignment of Stargate revenues to ZRO. The total value locked (TVL) in Stargate may be influenced by these developments. Industry experts forecast potential shifts in blockchain adoption and utilization based on historical precedents. The LayerZero model encourages consolidation of revenue streams around ZRO. Monitoring these shifts provides insights into future market dynamics.
The LayerZero Foundation has proposed acquiring cross-chain liquidity protocol Stargate in a $110 million deal that would see Stargate’s token (STG) swapped for LayerZero’s native token (ZRO). The announcement has boosted the prices of both assets but also triggered backlash from some STG holders. LayerZero unveiled the plan on Stargate’s governance forum on Sunday, describing it as a move to “accelerate” development and bring Stargate back under its umbrella. Stargate was originally launched by LayerZero in 2022 to enable native asset transfers between blockchains without relying on traditional, hack-prone bridges. The LayerZero Foundation has proposed an acquisition of Stargate (STG). Bring the Bridge Home. pic.twitter.com/OfB4eV2r96 — LayerZero (@LayerZero_Core) August 10, 2025 Under the proposal, STG would be exchanged at a rate of 1 STG for 0.08634 ZRO. The foundation argues that consolidating the two tokens would streamline operations, expand Stargate’s scope beyond bridging, and provide more liquidity for STG holders. The market reacted positively, with ZRO climbing over 23% in 24 hours to $2.44 and STG rising 16.5% to $0.198, according to CoinGecko. Still, both tokens remain far below their peaks—ZRO is down 67% from its December 2024 high of $7.47, while STG has fallen over 95% from its mid-2022 top of $4.14. LayerZero CEO Bryan Pellegrino said the merger would help the project “move faster” and deliver on its roadmap, while offering the Stargate community “a clear path forward with significantly more resources and a single unified direction.” However, several Stargate tokenholders criticized the deal, calling the exchange rate “unfair” and noting that ZRO does not offer STG’s revenue-sharing or staking benefits. Some suggested the offer should be significantly higher—potentially a 1:1 swap—given Stargate’s revenue potential. Others acknowledged the benefits of a unified token but still objected to the loss of staking rewards. The proposal is open for community feedback for the next seven days, after which Stargate’s decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) will vote on whether to approve the acquisition. Meanwhile, The Wyoming Stable Token Commission partnered with LayerZero to develop and distribute the state’s official stablecoin.
Key takeaways LayerZero’s ZRO outperformed the market, adding over 20% to its value in 24 hours. The rally comes after LayerZero submitted a proposal to acquire Stargate Finance. ZRO rallies on Stargate acquisition proposal ZRO, the native coin of the LayerZero ecosystem, is one of the best performers in the market over the last 24 hours. The coin added 22% to its value during that time, allowing it to hit the $2.5 mark for the first time since May. The rally was fueled by LayerZero’s proposal to acquire Stargate Finance (SGT). LayerZero Foundation proposed a $110 million acquisition of the Stargate bridge to the Stargate DAO. With the proposal now in place, STG token holders will soon vote on the proposal. If approved, the STG token would be discontinued, and holders could swap STG for ZRO. SGT also rallied by over 15% since the announcement, as the proposal already has a 70% approval threshold. The proposal stated that, “This offer is designed to accelerate both Stargate and LayerZero, giving Stargate the resources to ship on an aggressive roadmap that expands its prerogative outside of bridging, while tying an incredible, revenue-generating protocol that touches the end-consumer deeper into the LayerZero ecosystem.” ZRO targets $2.8 as bullish momentum remains The recent rally has seen the ZRO/USDT pair become bullish, with technical indicators pointing to potential upward movement. However, the pair is inefficient, suggesting that ZRO could temporarily dip to grab liquidity before rallying higher. The RSI of 79 shows that ZRO is heading into the overbought region if the rally continues. The MACD lines are within the positive territory, indicating that buyers are currently in control. If the rally persists, ZRO could target the next resistance level at $2.8 over the next few hours or days. An extended bullish trend could pave the way for ZRO to hit the $3 psychological mark. However, if the market undergoes a correction or retracement, ZRO could drop to the first liquidity region at $2.0. Failure to defend this liquidity zone would see ZRO retest the TLQ at $1.89.
LayerZero plans $110M Stargate buyout, swapping STG for ZRO at a fixed 0.08634 rate. Stargate DAO may dissolve, ending staking rewards as governance centralizes to LayerZero. Revenues shift to ZRO buybacks, cutting supply and ending direct yields for STG holders. LayerZero has moved to Stargate in a $110 million deal, aiming to retire the STG token entirely. The proposal would convert all circulating STG into ZRO at a fixed rate of 0.08634 ZRO per STG. This planned consolidation targets a single-token model to streamline governance, simplify operations, and integrate revenues into LayerZero’s broader ecosystem. STG Token Swap and DAO Dissolution The agreement values each STG at $0.1675, slightly above its current market price but below past highs. If approved, Stargate DAO will dissolve, ending its independent governance structure and staking rewards system. All future operational and strategic control will shift to the LayerZero Foundation. According to this mechanism, STG holders may exchange their tokens through the open redemption contract at the designated ratio. The LayerZero foundation has assured that any surplus Stargate revenue in the future will be used to buy back ZRO. This scheme may limit the supply in the open market, which could positively influence ZRO’s market performance. The vote will adhere to Stargate DAO guidelines, where 70% of the voting is required, and 1.2 million veSTG votes must be present. The program will commence with a seven-day community discussion followed by a three-day Snapshot vote. With approval, there would be instant conversion of operations, but with no disruption to Stargate bridge users. ZRO Integration and Revenue Redirection The integration will fold Stargate’s $70 billion-plus transaction volume into LayerZero’s core network operations. Stargate’s revenues, which recently generated $939,000 in quarterly payouts to stakers, will instead flow into LayerZero’s centralized treasury. The buyback plan aligns with strategies seen in other major projects, including Chainlink. LayerZero has stressed that this merger of the tokens will eliminate non-distributive functions and consolidate value in ZRO. The transition will remove the fixed-yield staking mechanism found on Stargate and expand the move into the LayerZero token economy. But STG holders will also no longer share direct revenue as part of their staking positions. The proposal has faced mixed reactions in the market, with some participants being excited by efficiency gains and some worried about the loss of valuation and yields. Though the proposed swap rate offers a minor premium, the opponents claim that it is too low, as it does not reflect well on STG’s continuous revenue potential. Discussions continue over whether additional incentives might balance the transition. Related: TRUMP Token Boosts Reach with its Move to TRON via LayerZero Consolidation and Strategic Implications The transaction is one of the biggest tokenized mergers in the ongoing blockchain infrastructure merger trend. The relocation is intended to enhance LayerZero as a cross-chain interoperability leader and dedicate resources. Its proponents view it as a means towards greater speed of execution and more aligned product development. Critics point to the centralization threat of breaking up a working DAO and centralizing decision-making under a single foundation. They caution that this can lead to a precedent of related governance rollbacks across other related protocols. The proposal’s result may change the future of multi-token and sub-DAO ecosystems. In the event of its approval, LayerZero will completely absorb Stargate, manage its revenues, and dictate the technical growth using one operation center. That ruling will reveal whether the market favors consolidation for efficiency or opposes it to protect decentralized governance. The post LayerZero to Acquire Stargate, Retire STG in $110M Token Merger appeared first on Cryptotale.
LayerZero Foundation has put forward a proposal to acquire all circulating Stargate tokens for roughly $110 million in ZRO, aiming to consolidate control over one of the most-used cross-chain bridges in the market. Summary LayerZero proposes $110M acquisition of all Stargate tokens, offering $0.1675 per STG. Deal would dissolve Stargate DAO, integrate governance under LayerZero, and use revenue for ZRO buybacks. STG rose 12% and ZRO 15% after the announcement; community vote requires 70% approval. The Aug. 11 proposal values Stargate (STG) at $0.1675, a slight premium to its pre-announcement price of $0.1637, and would dissolve the Stargate DAO in favor of a unified governance structure under LayerZero (ZRO). LayerZero buyout proposal details The plan would see all circulating and staked STG swapped for ZRO at a fixed ratio of 1 STG = 0.08634 ZRO, based on ZRO’s $1.94 market price at the time of the offer. After completion, STG would no longer play any operational role, and token holders would be able to use a fixed-rate contract to redeem their tokens indefinitely. All future Stargate earnings would go toward ZRO buybacks under LayerZero’s plan, gradually lowering the amount of stock in circulation. By going beyond bridging into new consumer-facing services, the integration aims to speed up product delivery. You might also like: Telos taps Stargate, Circle and BitGo to unlock liquidity and DeFi growth Stargate, launched in 2022, has processed over $70 billion in volume and introduced the Hydra system to streamline liquidity deployment across chains. Market and community reaction Following the announcement, STG surged 12% to $0.188 and ZRO rose 15%, increasing the deal’s estimated value to about $127 million. The proposal is now in a seven-day discussion phase on the Stargate DAO forum, after which STG holders will vote. Approval requires 70% support and a quorum of 1.2 million veSTG. While LayerZero says the acquisition will accelerate development and streamline governance, some STG holders argue the offer undervalues the bridge’s revenue potential and historical token price. If passed, the transaction would mark a significant consolidation in LayerZero’s control over its flagship bridging infrastructure. Read more: Cronos connects to 115 blockchains via LayerZero
What to Know: LayerZero proposes a $110M acquisition of Stargate Bridge, affecting governance. STG to ZRO token swap will unify cross-chain infrastructure. The move may alter liquidity flows in DeFi protocols. LayerZero Acquires Stargate Bridge in $110M Acquisition Proposal LayerZero Foundation has announced a $110 million acquisition proposal for the Stargate bridge, aimed at transitioning to a unified governance model through a token swap under LayerZero. This acquisition aims to consolidate cross-chain infrastructure, impacting token valuations, governance dynamics, and liquidity flows, reflecting confidence in the burgeoning DeFi ecosystem’s adaptability. LayerZero $110M Bid Highlights Strategic Expansion The LayerZero Foundation initiated the acquisition of Stargate Bridge with a $110 million proposal. This strategic move intends to execute a token swap, merging STG into LayerZero’s ZRO token. The proposal involves replacing the STG governance token, with LayerZero assuming control under CEO Bryan Pellegrino’s guidance. The objective is to centralize operations and enhance cross-chain utility. LayerZero Foundation will assume ownership and operation of all Stargate Finance duties. Stargate will continue without interruption; users of Stargate will not need to take action during the transition. — Bryan Pellegrino, CEO, LayerZero Labs Surge in STG and ZRO Tokens Post-Announcement The announcement saw a 12% increase in STG pricing, while ZRO marked a 15% gain. These spikes suggest a positive response from stakeholders and potential shifts in DeFi protocols. Financial implications include potential changes in cross-chain liquidity and the reallocation of revenue to ZRO buybacks. Social and business responses remain cautiously optimistic, pending further community engagement. Past Mergers Point to Possible Liquidity Volatility Past mergers, like Anyswap into Multichain , often result in significant liquidity adjustments. These historical trends suggest possible volatility during governance token phase-outs and infrastructure shifts. LayerZero’s integration could deepen liquidity pathways and expand protocol adoption. Historical data indicate potential for increased token utility and ecosystem growth within the decentralized finance landscape.
A proposal to merge LayerZero & Stargate has been put forward, with all STG tokens to be swapped for ZRO. The merger of these two projects could serve as a warning sign for other multi-token and sub-DAO models. What the LayerZero-Stargate Deal Means for Token Holders The LayerZero Foundation has officially proposed to acquire Stargate and the STG token. The estimated value is USD 110 million. Under the proposal, each STG token will become redeemable for 0.08634 ZRO through a fixed-rate redemption contract, based on ZRO’s market price of $1.94 at the time of proposal. If approved, STG will cease its operational role, and LayerZero will dissolve Stargate DAO. LayerZero stated that any excess revenue from Stargate will be used to buy back ZRO. This buyback strategy has recently been observed in several major projects, including Chainlink. In the long run, it could reduce ZRO’s circulating supply and alter its pricing/risk-return model. According to the announcement, the proposal will also include a public discussion phase, followed by a three-day voting period on Snapshot. It requires a high approval threshold of 70%, with a quorum calculated based on the veSTG. The proposal received both positive and negative views from the community. Some argue that managing two tokens simultaneously will cause the team to lose focus and become ineffective. Others argued that the LayerZero & Stargate merger is inevitable. However, from their operating model, concepts such as multi-token setups and sub-DAOs may not deliver as much value as previously thought. “Both projects have long been synonymous with each other. This proves: multi-token models; sub-daos and all of that bulls**t has always been inherently bearish for projects,” an X user commented. One objection focused on the issue of the rights of current STG holders. “The offers are not attractive at all. They do not offer any advantages to STG holders, and STG’s revenue sharing system is not available on ZRO. We will only be able to hold on to our tokens,” a user shared. Nevertheless, the dissolution of Stargate DAO and its integration into a larger foundation raises questions about centralized governance. Moreover, the swap mechanism, the redemption contract’s open period, and the benefits for veSTG/stakers could decide whether the LayerZero & Stargate merger deal is approved. ZRO & STG Price Performance. Source: The market reacted instantly following the merger announcement. STG and ZRO have surged sharply, currently trading at $0.1942 (+17%) and $2.44 (+22%), respectively. These short-term price movements reflect both merger expectations and the immediate reactions of market makers.
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