Return – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com Latest Crypto News Wed, 27 Aug 2025 22:05:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.7 https://i0.wp.com/earlybirdsinvest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cropped-New-Project-2024-12-17T235703.455.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Return – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com 32 32 240146708 Bitcoin faces critical resistance at $113,700, breakdown below $107k threatens return to 5 figures https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-faces-critical-resistance-at-113700-breakdown-below-107k-threatens-return-to-5-figures/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-faces-critical-resistance-at-113700-breakdown-below-107k-threatens-return-to-5-figures/#respond Wed, 27 Aug 2025 22:05:45 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-faces-critical-resistance-at-113700-breakdown-below-107k-threatens-return-to-5-figures/

Bitcoin (BTC) trades in a precarious position near $112,000, caught between key technical levels that could determine its next major directional move following a pullback from the $124,000 all-time high reached two weeks ago.

According to an Aug. 27 report by Glassnode, BTC faces immediate resistance at $113,700, which aligns with the three-month cost basis of recent investors.

Potential sell pressure

Any bounce attempt will likely encounter selling pressure from short-term holders seeking breakeven exits after being pushed into unrealized losses. The one-month cost basis sits higher at $115,600, creating an additional resistance layer that could cap recovery attempts.

More concerning for bulls, the critical support level rests at $107,000, representing the six-month cost basis threshold. As of press time, Bitcoin is priced at $112,206.57.

A sustained breakdown below this zone risks triggering fear among newer market participants and could accelerate downside momentum toward the $95,000-$93,000 region, where historical analysis suggests potential bottom formation.

The Cost Basis Distribution Heatmap reveals a thick cluster of supply between $93,000 and $110,000 that has been forming since December 2024. This accumulation zone has provided resilience above $110,000 but also represents the logical target area should selling pressure intensify.

Statistical analysis of four-year bands indicates prior bearish drawdowns typically found lows around one standard deviation beneath short-term holders’ cost basis, supporting the $95,100 projection.

Investors show indecision

The current market structure indicates that Bitcoin has experienced an 11.4% drawdown from its peak, which remains modest compared to historical mid-cycle corrections that typically exceed 25%.

The Relative Unrealized Loss stands at just 0.5%, far below the 30% levels typically associated with deep bear phases. This metric suggests that the broader market has yet to experience severe stress.

However, sentiment indicators point to mounting pressure. The Spent Output Profit Ratio hovers near neutral at 1.0, indicating that investors are neither realizing significant gains nor losses.

Perpetual futures markets have shifted decidedly bearish since July, with Cumulative Volume Delta showing sustained sell pressure across major exchanges, including Binance and Bybit.

Spot market sentiment has shifted from the strong buying pressure observed in April, which fueled the rebound from $72,000. Funding rates remain near 0.01% across exchanges, indicating a fragile equilibrium where even modest sell pressure could quickly shift sentiment bearish.

Bitcoin’s technical setup presents a binary outcome. Any relief rally faces formidable resistance at $113,700, while losing the $107,000 support opens the door to accelerated declines targeting the $95,000-$93,000 zone where substantial supply clusters await.

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]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-faces-critical-resistance-at-113700-breakdown-below-107k-threatens-return-to-5-figures/feed/ 0 55436 Crypto needs to return to first principles https://earlybirdsinvest.com/crypto-needs-to-return-to-first-principles/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/crypto-needs-to-return-to-first-principles/#respond Sat, 28 Jun 2025 15:04:14 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/crypto-needs-to-return-to-first-principles/

The following is a guest post and opinion of Rob Viglione, CEO of Horizen Labs.

In 2009, Bitcoin was born from a radical vision: a decentralized, transparent financial system designed to empower individuals over institutions.

Yet somewhere along the way, that vision was clouded by short-term profiteering, insider deals, and misaligned incentives.

To reclaim its transformative potential, crypto must return to its founding principles. That means embracing fair launches and sustainability-focused structures that align participation with long-term value creation.

We’ve Lost Our Way from Crypto’s Early Ideals

Bitcoin emerged as a reaction to centralized banking’s failures during the 2008 financial crisis. Satoshi Nakamoto’s creation was a masterclass in fairness, with no pre-mine and no insider allocations. Just a transparent proof-of-work system, where anyone with computing power could participate.

Then, early projects like Litecoin and Monero followed suit, prioritizing open access and community governance. The ethos back then was clear. Crypto was about democratizing finance, fostering trust through code, and building systems resistant to manipulation. This idealism fueled a movement that promised to reshape wealth and power dynamics.

Today, that early promise feels like a distant memory. Many newfangled projects prioritize insider enrichment over community empowerment. Some tokens allocate more than 30% of their supply to private investors and have no qualms about dumping tokens immediately post-launch. Other tokens have substantial unlocks for insiders, which undoubtedly create immense selling pressure down the road. And many token airdrops see recipients selling immediately, which can crash token value and network activity.

These cases highlight a troubling trend: tokenomics designed for quick exits rather than sustainable growth. When insiders hold disproportionate power, crypto begins to mirror the extractive systems it sought to replace.

Fair Launches and Sustainability Initiatives Offer a Path Forward

By eliminating pre-mines, private sales, and insider allocations, fair launches ensure everyone starts on equal footing. Bitcoin set the standard: Satoshi mined alongside others, with no tokens reserved for himself or others. Meanwhile, Yearn.Finance distributed 100% of its YFI token supply to users who were providing liquidity, with no team allocation at all. Uniswap’s UNI airdrop also rewarded early users without presales, which helped to foster decentralized ownership.

These are but a few examples of projects that prove fair launches can build vibrant, trust-based communities without relying on venture capital. Research from a 2021 Messari report also suggests fair launch tokens outperform others, with 296.46% average gains for fair launch tokens over 90 days compared to 112.41% for the top 1,000 assets.

Transparency is the cornerstone of a fair launch. Projects must publicly announce launch dates, tokenomics, and distribution rules well in advance, giving the market time for price discovery. Liquidity Bootstrapping Pools (LBPs) and retroactive airdrops can further enhance fairness by preventing bot-driven grabs and rewarding genuine contributions.

LBPs are designed to facilitate fair and transparent token launches with minimal capital requirements. They address the challenges of liquidity provision and price manipulation faced by new crypto projects, offering a dynamic alternative to traditional liquidity pools and centralized token sales. Meanwhile, retroactive airdrops are merit-based token distributions that prioritize public participants who have added value to a protocol in the past. Often, the qualifying criteria and snapshots are undisclosed, which reduces sybil attacks (where users game the system by creating multiple identities) and rewards honest users.

However, fair launches aren’t a panacea. They can struggle with funding, as seen when lean projects fail to scale due to resource constraints. Bots and whales can also dominate if participation is low, leading to volatility. But when executed well, fair launches align incentives and rebuild trust.

Building for the Long Haul

Fair launches are only half the equation. Sustainability requires structures that incentivize long-term contributions over speculative hype.

The crypto industry continues to wrestle with sustainability, as airdrops often fall short of fostering lasting ecosystems. When 40% of airdrop recipients dump a token immediately after receiving it, it’s obvious that the model isn’t working. These airdrops are easy to game with Sybil attacks, and they prioritize short-term buzz over genuine engagement, leading to price volatility and eroded trust. Without mechanisms to reward sustained contributions, airdrops risk creating fleeting hype rather than resilient networks.

Crypto grant programs like Horizen’s ZEN Sustainability Initiative can show the way. By reserving 2,000,000 ZEN (40% of the token supply) for ecosystem growth, Horizen funds projects that generate revenue and equity shares, ensuring resilience as emission reserves dwindle. Such initiatives mirror early crypto’s focus on community-driven value creation, channeling resources into research and builder innovation.

Grant programs also counter the funding challenges of fair launches. They foster symbiosis by rewarding builders who prioritize ecosystem health. And projects with transparent, community-focused funding models also see higher engagement and price stability over time. That’s because sustainability reserves and grants create a virtuous cycle where participation fuels growth, and growth reinforces trust.

It’s Time to Reclaim Crypto’s Promise

Crypto’s early days were defined by a bold rejection of centralized control. To honor that legacy, we must build systems that resist extractive pressures with deliberate design. Fair launches level the playing field, ensuring no one has an unfair advantage. Sustainability-focused structures also align incentives for the long haul, fostering ecosystems that endure.

The industry stands at a crossroads. We can continue down a path of insider deals and fleeting hype, or we can return to first principles, building with fairness and foresight. The choice is ours, and the stakes are high. Crypto’s potential to redefine finance hinges on trust — which can only be earned through transparent and fairly designed systems.

Let’s reject the temptation of quick profits and reorient our focus back to creating a truly decentralized future that lives up to crypto’s original ideals. The world deserves nothing less.

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]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/crypto-needs-to-return-to-first-principles/feed/ 0 44622 Bitcoin ETFs heat up with $1.7 billion inflows as Middle East tensions return https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-etfs-heat-up-with-1-7-billion-inflows-as-middle-east-tensions-return/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-etfs-heat-up-with-1-7-billion-inflows-as-middle-east-tensions-return/#respond Tue, 17 Jun 2025 13:47:36 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-etfs-heat-up-with-1-7-billion-inflows-as-middle-east-tensions-return/

Over the past seven trading days, spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $1.7 billion in total inflows, marking their strongest weekly streak in over a month.

The reversal from late May’s outflows culminated with escalating military tensions between Israel and Iran, indicating a shift in investor behavior toward Bitcoin in periods of geopolitical uncertainty.

Between June 10 and June 17, daily inflows averaged $244 million, with the largest daily inflow occurring on June 10 at $431.2 million.

Notably, BlackRock’s IBIT contributed nearly 80% of the week’s intake, while previously lagging funds such as ARKB and BITB, which also turned positive. This contrasts sharply with the outflows seen on May 29–30, when ETFs lost a combined $508 million.

spot Bitcoin etf flows june
Table showing the inflows and outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs from May 29 to June 16, 2025 (Source: Farside)

Bitcoin’s price remained remarkably resilient during this inflow wave. From June 10 to June 17, BTC rose from a low of $104,398 to over $108,000, briefly testing $109,000 before retreating slightly.

This stability came even as ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Iran were publicly dismissed and as regional media outlets reported growing military mobilization and civilian evacuations.

ETF inflows further spiked on June 13 and June 16 as news broke that Tehran was preparing for potential retaliation, with Trump calling on Iran to evacuate key sites.

The flows imply that institutional capital is stepping back into BTC exposure at elevated levels, possibly viewing Bitcoin as a speculative asset and part of a broader hedge strategy in a fragmented geopolitical landscape.

If the pattern holds, Bitcoin ETFs may continue to absorb capital in environments where traditional markets face regional shocks.

Latest Alpha Market Report
]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-etfs-heat-up-with-1-7-billion-inflows-as-middle-east-tensions-return/feed/ 0 42541 Bitcoin delivers 90% risk-adjusted return to 60/40 portfolios with 10% allocation, 2x gold’s risk efficiency https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-delivers-90-risk-adjusted-return-to-60-40-portfolios-with-10-allocation-2x-golds-risk-efficiency/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-delivers-90-risk-adjusted-return-to-60-40-portfolios-with-10-allocation-2x-golds-risk-efficiency/#respond Mon, 16 Jun 2025 23:40:58 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-delivers-90-risk-adjusted-return-to-60-40-portfolios-with-10-allocation-2x-golds-risk-efficiency/

Investors who added 10% in Bitcoin (BTC) to their “60/40 portfolio” strategies got a 90% risk-adjusted return in the past 12 months, outperforming gold’s 51% return in the same period.

On a June 16 post via X, the profile Ecoinometrics highlighted BTC’s performance through June 13 and charted the result against total return. A 60/40 portfolio is a strategy in which investors allocate 60% of the portfolio’s assets to equities and 40% to fixed-income instruments.

A pure equities index fund earned about 12% with a risk-adjusted ratio of 0.55. Adding bonds dropped the return to roughly 8% and left the risk metric near 0.45. Reallocating 10 bond points to gold pushed the ratio to 0.62 and lifted the return to 12%.

Meanwhile, the same substitution with Bitcoin drove the ratio past 0.80 and elevated the return to 14%. The publication only counted downside deviation, setting the risk-free rate to zero.

Fidelity sees portfolios evolving

Fidelity Digital Assets researcher Chris Kuiper and Fidelity Investments macro director Jurrien Timmer also highlighted the importance of Bitcoin in modern portfolio construction during a new episode of The Value Exchange. 

Kuiper said investors now confront deglobalization, persistent inflation, and policy uncertainty that undermine old allocation playbooks.

Timmer added:

“The status quo we’ve known for decades faces a transactional world order.” 

Both argued that portfolios may need fresh stores of value that operate outside sovereign systems.

Kuiper traced bonds’ nominal compound annual growth to just 1% to 2% over the past decade and noted real drawdowns that reached 55%. Timmer recalled 2022 when treasuries “went from being the port in the storm to bringing the storm.” 

Those outcomes prompted the pair to consider which macro assets could fill the hedging role that bonds once fulfilled. Their answer pointed to scarce digital assets, with Bitcoin foremost.

Bonds’ role weakening 

Kuiper labeled Bitcoin a network asset whose volatility often works in favor of holders. He cited internal modeling that shows price expanding 6x for every 40% rise in the network’s age. 

Timmer built on that framework, arguing that global money supply growth should lift demand for non-sovereign scarcity. Both researchers observed that institutional adoption, although difficult to quantify in real-time, continues to deepen liquidity and smooth execution.

Ecoinometrics’ comparison with gold reinforces that view. An allocation identical in size and funded from the same bond sleeve delivered a markedly lower upgrade to risk-adjusted performance despite gold’s long tenure as a hedge. 

Bitcoin’s outperformance on both axes of return and downside-adjusted risk aligns with the narrative that the asset class now commands consideration alongside precious metals and inflation-protected securities when investors assemble durable multi-asset portfolios.

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]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-delivers-90-risk-adjusted-return-to-60-40-portfolios-with-10-allocation-2x-golds-risk-efficiency/feed/ 0 42419 The world’s largest Bitcoin conference will return to Las Vegas in 2026 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/the-worlds-largest-bitcoin-conference-will-return-to-las-vegas-in-2026/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/the-worlds-largest-bitcoin-conference-will-return-to-las-vegas-in-2026/#respond Thu, 29 May 2025 11:55:35 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/the-worlds-largest-bitcoin-conference-will-return-to-las-vegas-in-2026/

May 28, 2025 – BTC Inc., a leading provider of Bitcoin-related news and events, is excited to announce that the Bitcoin Conference, the world’s largest and most prestigious gathering of the Bitcoin industry, will return to Las Vegas next year. Next year’s meeting will be held in Venetian Las Vegas from April 27th to 29th, 2026.

This announcement comes just after the highly successful Bitcoin 2025 event. It has come down to Las Vegas to attend valuable networking and community building events, experience cutting-edge technology showcases, and hear insights from policy leaders, business executives and celebrities in the Bitcoin industry.

“Bitcoin 2025 is the biggest event in Bitcoin history and has arrived at a pivotal moment for the industry,” said Brandon Green, Chief of Staff at BTC Inc.

“Our cities and states were pleased to hold a Bitcoin conference this year,” Gov. Joe Lombardo said. “Las Vegas is home to groundbreaking innovations and exciting new ideas and is the perfect forum for the 2026 Bitcoin Conference. We look forward to welcoming the meeting again next year.”

Tickets for Bitcoin 2026 can be purchased on the official conference website. Interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to secure spots early as demand is expected to be unprecedented.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, media enquiries, or Bitcoin Conference, please contact us or visit us. https://b.tc/conference/2026.

About Bitcoin Conference:

The Bitcoin Conference is the world’s largest and most influential gathering of Bitcoin experts, investors and thought leaders. Promising to promote Bitcoin adoption and industry innovation, the conference has grown into a global phenomenon since its founding in 2019. For more information, please see https://b.tc/conference/2026

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/the-worlds-largest-bitcoin-conference-will-return-to-las-vegas-in-2026/feed/ 0 38951 Bitfinex alpha | Bulls return to Bitcoin https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitfinex-alpha-bulls-return-to-bitcoin/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitfinex-alpha-bulls-return-to-bitcoin/#respond Mon, 19 May 2025 07:36:28 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitfinex-alpha-bulls-return-to-bitcoin/

May 12th Bitfinex alpha | Bulls return to Bitcoin

Posted on May 12, 2025
With Bitfinex Alpha
Maria Robsova

Bitcoin has regained its $100,000 mark for the first time in over three months, showing new strength after a 32% drop from its all-time high in January. Driven by macro tail winding. This eases tariff tensions and includes a disrupted shift in the Fed’s tone – breakouts coinciding with a wider risk-on shift, with BTC surpassing stocks.

Importantly, the capital turnover into Bitcoin appears to last, as reflected in the realisation cap reaching a new all-time high and ETF inflow of over $920 million over the past two weeks. Also, chain data confirms that over 3 million BTC returns to profit and a significant drop in coins held in losses. Coupled with rising spot volume and institution-driven ETF flow, Bitcoin is currently sitting on a structurally solid footing. As long as the macro conditions remain supportive, short-term dips are likely to be absorbed quickly, enhancing upward bias and adequately positioning potential new legs towards fresh heights.

In the meantime, the Federal Reserve has stabilized interest rates as concerns grew over both increased inflation and unemployment. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell highlights the uncertainty surrounding the economic outlook, noting that the Fed needs more data before deciding on further policy measures. Despite market expectations for interest rate cuts by July, the Fed is cautious and prioritizes price stability over quick response to slowing growth.

In the energy sector, crude oil prices have plummeted due to the shift to OPEC+ production targets, but US gasoline prices remain solid due to their tight refinement capabilities and seasonal demand. This difference, driven by the widening bottlenecks of refining and crack spread, suggests that these supply problems can be resolved and retail fuel costs can only be eased when oil prices are low.

Despite a decline in some commodities, such as British vehicles and US agricultural exports, the highly regarded US-UK trade agreement also offers limited economic relief. However, the transaction does not have a comprehensive scope and the wider trade challenges remain unresolved.

In addition to economic tensions, U.S. labor productivity fell for the first time in nearly three years, but units’ labor costs increased, exacerbated by tariffs and trade disruptions. Companies struggle with rising compensation costs and lower efficiency, which could lead to tougher margins and hesitant investments unless productivity recovers or trade tensions are alleviated.

The crypto sector remains political and regulatory hurdles, but it shows an increasing institutional and government interest in the crypto market. New Hampshire took a bold step into financial innovation and became the first US nation to enact laws that allowed investment in cryptocurrencies and precious metals. The move reflects the growing momentum at the state level regarding digital assets integration in the debate of evolving national policy.

Meanwhile, Washington’s legislative burglars continue. The US Senate narrowly failed to advance the Genius Act by voting 48-49, with three senators not voting and filed an allegation to reconsider the submission. This underscores the current challenges in reaching bipartisan consensus on laws focusing on key economic and innovation. In the private sector, BlackRock has deepened its regulatory involvement by meetings with the SEC and discussing the introduction of Crypto ETFs and refinement of options trading rules. The conference marks a significant development in Crypto Asset Regulation, with BlackRock advocating for staking Ethereum-based ETFs and a wider range of product features. It also reflects the changing tone of regulatory regulations as the SEC becomes more proactive in shaping the digital asset space.

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitfinex-alpha-bulls-return-to-bitcoin/feed/ 0 37062 Fortnite on iOS goes offline worldwide after Apple blocks U.S. App Store return https://earlybirdsinvest.com/fortnite-on-ios-goes-offline-worldwide-after-apple-blocks-u-s-app-store-return/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/fortnite-on-ios-goes-offline-worldwide-after-apple-blocks-u-s-app-store-return/#respond Fri, 16 May 2025 15:50:46 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/fortnite-on-ios-goes-offline-worldwide-after-apple-blocks-u-s-app-store-return/

The battle royale between Apple and Epic Games over Fortnite doesn’t appear to be ending anytime soon. 

After a judge ordered Apple to allow developers to link to external payment systems, Epic Games rushed to deliver Fortnite to the App Store after a five-year absence. Earlier this week, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said the game was awaiting approval through the usual review process, and even submitted it a second time after Apple appeared to be dragging its feet. On Friday, Apple made its decision.

Epic Games’ Fortnite X account states that “Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the U.S. App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union.” The company says Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it.

The issue is far more complicated than the judge’s ruling. Back in 2020, Apple suspended Epic’s developer account in the U.S. after it broke Apple’s terms by offering a link to buy V-Bucks outside of the App Store. So Epic resubmitted Fortnite to the App Store this week using its EU account, which Apple apparently didn’t appreciate.

It’s not clear what the next phase of this battle will be. As it stands, Fortnite is unavailable on iOS devices anywhere in the world, including the EU, where it’s delivered directly through the Epic Games Store. Apple allows “alternative app stores” in the EU after a ruling there forced the company to allow so-called sideloading.

Sweeney says that since all Fortnite apps must update simultaneously, they will all remain offline until Apple resolves the situation. He’s also spent most of today posting and reposting comments about the situation that support Epic and blame Apple. So it seems unlikely either company will give in anytime soon.

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/fortnite-on-ios-goes-offline-worldwide-after-apple-blocks-u-s-app-store-return/feed/ 0 36575 ‘Fortnite’ could return to the iPhone this week (if Apple doesn’t block it) https://earlybirdsinvest.com/fortnite-could-return-to-the-iphone-this-week-if-apple-doesnt-block-it/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/fortnite-could-return-to-the-iphone-this-week-if-apple-doesnt-block-it/#respond Thu, 08 May 2025 14:04:02 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/fortnite-could-return-to-the-iphone-this-week-if-apple-doesnt-block-it/

Almost five years after the game was removed from the App Store, triggering a legal dispute that rocked the mobile gaming world and has been grinding on ever since, Fortnite appears close to a return. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, says the popular game could be back on Apple’s platforms as soon as tomorrow.

Late last month, a judge severely reprimanded Apple and insisted that it comply with an earlier order to allow external purchase links in apps, the issue which caused the original bust-up with Epic. In light of this ruling, Sweeney pledged that the game would return to the U.S. App Store beginning “next week.” That week is now almost over, and in multiple appearances and social media posts since (as reported by AppleInsider), he has reiterated his hope and expectation that Fortnite will return to Apple’s mobile devices.

On May 3, Sweeney tweeted that Epic had spoken with Apple about Fortnite‘s restoration to the App Store, and (since the U.S. account was banned) planned to use a Swedish App Store account to submit it for approval. In an appearance Tuesday on the Channels podcast, meanwhile, he insisted he would “be very surprised if Apple took action to block it. I can’t imagine Apple blocking Fortnite at this point.”

Of course, we’ve heard this sort of thing before. At the start of 2023, we covered a cryptic tweet by Sweeney suggesting that the game would be back on the App Store by the end of that year. Perhaps he was referring to its reappearance on Apple devices in the EU, which happened in the second half of 2024, but was possible only because of the EU’s position on third-party stores—the game didn’t actually return to any official App Stores. Epic has been consistently bullish through this saga, but not always with good cause.

We await the latest developments. But if the game doesn’t come back to the App Store after all, do not fret. There remain ways to play Fortnite on the iPhone and iPad regardless.

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/fortnite-could-return-to-the-iphone-this-week-if-apple-doesnt-block-it/feed/ 0 35084 Crypto Theft: Loopscale Hackers Agree To Return Stolen $5.8 Million — For A Price https://earlybirdsinvest.com/crypto-theft-loopscale-hackers-agree-to-return-stolen-5-8-million-for-a-price/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/crypto-theft-loopscale-hackers-agree-to-return-stolen-5-8-million-for-a-price/#respond Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:55:06 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/crypto-theft-loopscale-hackers-agree-to-return-stolen-5-8-million-for-a-price/

Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

A cryptocurrency exchange reached an agreement with cybercriminals who hacked into millions, marking increased security issues in the digital currency industry.

Loopscale revealed on April 28 that the attackers involved in a recent $5.8 million heist committed to returning the majority of the stolen money in return for a reward payment.

Hackers Agree To 10% Bounty After Platform Hack

As reported in posts posted on X (formerly Twitter), Loopscale was able to negotiate successfully with the attacker who had compromised their system on April 26. The deal permits the attacker to retain 10% of the stolen cryptocurrency as a “bounty” and return the other 90% to the platform. This amounts to around 3,947 SOL (Solana tokens) for the attacker, and 35,527 SOL returns to Loopscale.

The firm appreciated the hacker for consenting to the settlement and assured that they would provide updates on when vault withdrawals would resume. They further assured that they would release a detailed analysis of how the attack occurred and what they learned during the process.

Technical Vulnerability Led To Multi-Million Dollar Theft

Reports indicate the hack was not a straightforward break-in but rather sophisticated manipulation of Loopscale’s pricing mechanism. The attacker manipulated the RateX PT token pricing mechanism, enabling them to withdraw around $5.7 million in USD Coin and 1,200 Solana tokens from platform vaults.

As of today, the market cap of cryptocurrencies stood at $2.93 trillion. Chart: TradingView

Upon finding the breach, Loopscale immediately suspended all withdrawals on their vaults and halted trading on their markets. The firm clarified that only users who had deposited funds in their USDC and SOL vaults were impacted by the attack, not the overall RateX collateral system.

Legal Immunity Provided As Part Of Negotiation Tactic

In response to the timeline provided by Loopscale, the company reacted swiftly to take care of the issue. They offered the attacker the bounty deal on April 27, the day following the hack. The 10% payment was complemented by dropping any legal pursuit against the hacker.

The site provided the hacker with a deadline of 6 AM EST on April 28 to react to the offer. The timeline closure did the trick, and the hacker accepted the proposal with an indication of willingness to refund the money in return for the reward as promised.

The Loopscale incident comes on the heels of another breach at Term Finance, raising alarm bells throughout the cryptocurrency industry. Tim Haldorsson, founder of Lunar Strategy, voiced serious concerns about whether potential returns in decentralized finance justify the mounting security risks investors face.

Record-Breaking Quarter For Cryptocurrency Security Breaches

The Loopscale attack is one of a disappointing trend of increasing cryptocurrency platform assaults. Security insiders say that more than $1.6 billion was stolen as a result of crypto hacks between the first three months of 2025, the worst quarterly period for security breaches in history.

The trend is that as the value and usage of cryptocurrency grow, platforms have more difficulty protecting user funds from increasingly sophisticated attacks. For some firms, direct negotiation with hackers has become a pragmatic, if contentious, way to recover stolen assets when conventional law enforcement approaches might be too slow or ineffectual.

Featured image from Telkom University, chart from TradingView

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/crypto-theft-loopscale-hackers-agree-to-return-stolen-5-8-million-for-a-price/feed/ 0 33291 Return $6.75 Million, Keep $750,000: KiloEx Makes Offer to Hacker https://earlybirdsinvest.com/return-6-75-million-keep-750000-kiloex-makes-offer-to-hacker/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/return-6-75-million-keep-750000-kiloex-makes-offer-to-hacker/#respond Wed, 16 Apr 2025 08:40:29 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/return-6-75-million-keep-750000-kiloex-makes-offer-to-hacker/

KiloEx, a decentralized trading platform, has reached out to the hacker responsible for stealing $7.5 million in crypto.

On April 15, the platform offered a deal to return 90% of the funds and keep 10%, worth $750,000, as a white hat bounty.

The team said they have been working with cybersecurity firms, law enforcement, and exchanges to investigate the attack. They have already identified wallet addresses connected to the theft and shared them publicly.

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According to KiloEx, steps are being taken to monitor and potentially freeze the stolen assets.

As part of the deal, KiloEx stated it would treat the case as a security test instead of a malicious act if the funds are returned. The platform also promised to publicly confirm that the matter is resolved and close the case without further action.

KiloEx invited the person responsible to reach out either by email or through an on-chain message. But if the offer is rejected, the platform made it clear that it will not let the matter drop. The platform warned:

Your identity and activities will be exposed to relevant authorities. We will pursue legal action relentlessly. The choice is yours. Act now to avoid irreversible consequences.

On March 24, Infini, a stablecoin payment platform, sued Chen Shanxuan and three unnamed individuals in Hong Kong. What happened? Read the full story.

Aaron S. Editor-In-Chief

Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.
With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.
Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.
Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.

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