Author: Michelle Lazo

Galaxy Digital Acquires CryptoManufaktur’s Assets

Galaxy Digital, a publicly traded crypto firm led by Michael Novogratz, has announced the acquisition of nearly all assets of blockchain node operator CryptoManufaktur LLC. This strategic acquisition will increase Galaxy’s Ethereum assets under stake by approximately 43%, bolstering its presence in the blockchain infrastructure sector.

Details of the Acquisition

The acquisition agreement with CryptoManufaktur, known as CMF, was revealed in a press release provided exclusively to CoinDesk. Although the financial terms were not disclosed, the acquisition includes CMF’s operations, engineering teams, and the operations associated with them. Thorsten Behrens, CMF’s founder, along with his three-person engineering team, will join Galaxy’s blockchain infrastructure team. This team specializes in providing staking and blockchain validator services to qualified investors, protocols, and digital-asset platforms.

CMF’s Background and Contribution

Founded in 2020, CMF initially focused on building infrastructure for the blockchain oracle project Chainlink. The company later expanded to operate automated proof-of-stake node deployment infrastructure on Ethereum. This acquisition brings approximately $1 billion of Ethereum assets under stake to Galaxy, increasing its total to $3.3 billion.

Strategic Expansion for Galaxy

Galaxy Digital has been actively expanding its blockchain infrastructure, supplementing its primary business lines of crypto trading and investment management. Michael Novogratz, Galaxy’s CEO, is a prominent figure in the crypto world and on business television networks like CNBC, partly due to his extensive background on Wall Street as an executive at Goldman Sachs and a former hedge fund manager at Fortress Investment Group.

Enhancing Blockchain Infrastructure Capabilities

“Galaxy is rapidly expanding its blockchain infrastructure and staking capabilities to provide enterprise-grade technical expertise and support to strategic corners of the digital-asset ecosystem,” stated Zane Glauber, head of Galaxy’s blockchain infrastructure team. “Our acquisition of CMF is an important milestone that significantly enhances our position as a leading technical partner to protocols and builders.”

Implications for the Crypto Market

The acquisition signifies Galaxy’s commitment to strengthening its infrastructure and staking capabilities, positioning itself as a key player in the digital-asset ecosystem. This move is expected to attract more qualified investors and digital-asset platforms seeking reliable and enterprise-grade blockchain infrastructure services.

Future Prospects for Galaxy Digital

With this acquisition, Galaxy Digital is set to enhance its technical expertise and capacity in the blockchain sector. The firm’s focus on expanding its staking and validator services underscores its strategic vision of becoming a dominant force in the digital-asset ecosystem. As the market for digital assets continues to grow, Galaxy’s robust infrastructure and expanded capabilities will likely drive its competitive edge and market share.

Conclusion

The acquisition of CryptoManufaktur’s assets marks a significant step in Galaxy Digital’s growth strategy. By integrating CMF’s Ethereum staking operations and expert engineering team, Galaxy is poised to further solidify its position in the blockchain infrastructure space. As the company continues to expand its technical capabilities and service offerings, it will play a crucial role in the evolving landscape of digital assets and blockchain technology.

Galaxy’s strategic acquisition of CMF not only enhances its staking portfolio but also reaffirms its commitment to providing cutting-edge infrastructure solutions to the digital-asset community.

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Solana Monkey Business Tops NFT Sales

Solana Monkey Business has emerged as a dominant force in the NFT market, achieving a daily sales figure of $971,164 on Thursday, according to data from CryptoSlam. This remarkable performance underscores the growing popularity and influence of Solana Monkey Business in the digital asset space.

Solana Blockchain’s Rise in the NFT Market

The Solana blockchain, home to the top-ranking Solana Monkey Business collection, saw a 4% increase in daily sales, reaching $3.23 million. This impressive growth propelled Solana to the top of the NFT market, placing it third in sales volume on Wednesday and breaking a two-day streak of Gods Unchained leading the market.

All-Time Sales and Market Position

Solana Monkey Business has accumulated an all-time sales volume of $208.9 million, positioning it close to the sector’s 30th spot, currently held by SATS, a BRC-20 NFT. The significant sales figures highlight the collection’s robust market presence and potential for further growth.

Competing Collections and Sales Figures

While Solana Monkey Business led the market, other notable collections also recorded significant sales. DMarket secured the second rank with a total sales volume of $573,154, involving 3,137 unique buyers and 2,841 sellers. Despite a slight dip from the previous day’s sales of $603,635, DMarket maintained a strong market position.

Ethereum’s Leading Position

Ethereum continued to lead all blockchains with a daily sales volume of $4.56 million. Within the Ethereum ecosystem, the Bored Ape Yacht Club, the NFT market’s second all-time leader in sales, secured the third position with a daily sales volume of $519,100.

Shifts in Market Leadership

Gods Unchained Cards, which had led the market for two consecutive days, fell to the fourth spot. The DogeZuki collection followed closely, securing the fifth position in daily sales.

Consistent Performers in the Market

Pudgy Penguins also made headlines with a daily sales volume of $428,658, maintaining its position in the top 10 daily sales list. The consistency of Pudgy Penguins highlights its steady demand and market relevance in the ever-evolving NFT landscape.

Future Prospects for Solana Monkey Business

The success of Solana Monkey Business and the overall performance of the Solana blockchain indicate a promising future for these digital assets. As the NFT market continues to expand, collections like Solana Monkey Business are likely to attract more investors and enthusiasts, further solidifying their market positions.

Conclusion

Solana Monkey Business has demonstrated its dominance in the NFT market with impressive sales figures, driving the performance of the Solana blockchain. With continued growth and strong market presence, Solana Monkey Business is set to remain a key player in the digital asset space. Other collections like DMarket, Bored Ape Yacht Club, and Pudgy Penguins also contribute to the vibrant and competitive NFT market, showcasing the diverse opportunities and dynamic trends within this sector.

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Solana Monkey Business Tops NFT Sales

Solana Monkey Business has emerged as a dominant force in the NFT market, achieving a daily sales figure of $971,164 on Thursday, according to data from CryptoSlam. This remarkable performance underscores the growing popularity and influence of Solana Monkey Business in the digital asset space.

Solana Blockchain’s Rise in the NFT Market

The Solana blockchain, home to the top-ranking Solana Monkey Business collection, saw a 4% increase in daily sales, reaching $3.23 million. This impressive growth propelled Solana to the top of the NFT market, placing it third in sales volume on Wednesday and breaking a two-day streak of Gods Unchained leading the market.

All-Time Sales and Market Position

Solana Monkey Business has accumulated an all-time sales volume of $208.9 million, positioning it close to the sector’s 30th spot, currently held by SATS, a BRC-20 NFT. The significant sales figures highlight the collection’s robust market presence and potential for further growth.

Competing Collections and Sales Figures

While Solana Monkey Business led the market, other notable collections also recorded significant sales. DMarket secured the second rank with a total sales volume of $573,154, involving 3,137 unique buyers and 2,841 sellers. Despite a slight dip from the previous day’s sales of $603,635, DMarket maintained a strong market position.

Ethereum’s Leading Position

Ethereum continued to lead all blockchains with a daily sales volume of $4.56 million. Within the Ethereum ecosystem, the Bored Ape Yacht Club, the NFT market’s second all-time leader in sales, secured the third position with a daily sales volume of $519,100.

Shifts in Market Leadership

Gods Unchained Cards, which had led the market for two consecutive days, fell to the fourth spot. The DogeZuki collection followed closely, securing the fifth position in daily sales.

Consistent Performers in the Market

Pudgy Penguins also made headlines with a daily sales volume of $428,658, maintaining its position in the top 10 daily sales list. The consistency of Pudgy Penguins highlights its steady demand and market relevance in the ever-evolving NFT landscape.

Future Prospects for Solana Monkey Business

The success of Solana Monkey Business and the overall performance of the Solana blockchain indicate a promising future for these digital assets. As the NFT market continues to expand, collections like Solana Monkey Business are likely to attract more investors and enthusiasts, further solidifying their market positions.

Conclusion

Solana Monkey Business has demonstrated its dominance in the NFT market with impressive sales figures, driving the performance of the Solana blockchain. With continued growth and strong market presence, Solana Monkey Business is set to remain a key player in the digital asset space. Other collections like DMarket, Bored Ape Yacht Club, and Pudgy Penguins also contribute to the vibrant and competitive NFT market, showcasing the diverse opportunities and dynamic trends within this sector.

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Ryan Selkis Steps Down from Messari

Ryan Selkis, the co-founder of blockchain analytics firm Messari, resigned as CEO on Friday following a series of politically charged tweets. Selkis, who had become a prominent figure in the crypto industry, announced his decision after facing backlash for his support of former President Donald Trump. Despite stepping down, he will continue to serve as an advisor to Messari.

Controversial Tweets and Backlash

Selkis briefly made his X account private on Thursday after telling a green card holder he hoped “we send you back.” The following day, he announced his resignation, acknowledging that his political rhetoric had put his team in harm’s way. “This week was the first week in 6.5 years that my politics and rhetoric put the team in harm’s way,” Selkis tweeted.

Rise in the Crypto Industry

Known for his brash personality, Selkis carved out a notable presence on social media and the conference circuit. He entered the crypto sector as a consultant before becoming a director at Digital Currency Group and later, managing director at CoinDesk. In early 2018, he co-founded Messari, aiming to compete with traditional financial services like Bloomberg.

Messari’s Growth and Achievements

Under Selkis’s leadership, Messari grew to become one of the most popular platforms in the crypto space. The firm raised $35 million in a Series B round in 2022 from Brevan Howard Digital, Point72, and Coinbase Ventures, valuing it at $300 million. Messari also organizes the New York-based conference Mainnet, where Selkis often conducted high-profile interviews.

Shift in Political Support

While Selkis previously supported President Biden, he became a vocal backer of Trump in recent months. Trump invited Selkis to speak at a Mar-a-Lago event in May, coinciding with Trump’s newfound support for crypto. Selkis used his influential X account, which boasts over 350,000 followers, to share his strong political opinions, including a tweet suggesting that “anyone that votes against Trump at this point can die in a fucking fire.”

Leadership Changes at Messari

Following his controversial tweets, Selkis had a “tough love” session with Messari’s leadership. He admitted to “running too hot” and acknowledged the need for change. Eric Turner, the chief revenue officer, will step in as interim CEO. “Messari would not be the company it is today, or what it will be in the future, without Ryan’s clear vision and devoted leadership,” the company stated on X.

Board and Team Reactions

Jeff Clavier, founder of venture firm Uncork Capital and a Messari board member, confirmed that the board and team decided Selkis should step down after his inflammatory posts. “From a company standpoint, there were things that were said that shouldn’t have been said,” Clavier explained. He noted that while Selkis might still be involved with Mainnet, his role as emcee is uncertain.

Conclusion

Ryan Selkis’s resignation as Messari CEO marks a significant shift in the crypto industry. His controversial tweets and subsequent departure highlight the challenges of balancing personal political views with professional responsibilities. As Eric Turner takes over as interim CEO, the industry will be watching closely to see how Messari navigates this transition and continues its growth trajectory.

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Ryan Selkis Steps Down from Messari

Ryan Selkis, the co-founder of blockchain analytics firm Messari, resigned as CEO on Friday following a series of politically charged tweets. Selkis, who had become a prominent figure in the crypto industry, announced his decision after facing backlash for his support of former President Donald Trump. Despite stepping down, he will continue to serve as an advisor to Messari.

Controversial Tweets and Backlash

Selkis briefly made his X account private on Thursday after telling a green card holder he hoped “we send you back.” The following day, he announced his resignation, acknowledging that his political rhetoric had put his team in harm’s way. “This week was the first week in 6.5 years that my politics and rhetoric put the team in harm’s way,” Selkis tweeted.

Rise in the Crypto Industry

Known for his brash personality, Selkis carved out a notable presence on social media and the conference circuit. He entered the crypto sector as a consultant before becoming a director at Digital Currency Group and later, managing director at CoinDesk. In early 2018, he co-founded Messari, aiming to compete with traditional financial services like Bloomberg.

Messari’s Growth and Achievements

Under Selkis’s leadership, Messari grew to become one of the most popular platforms in the crypto space. The firm raised $35 million in a Series B round in 2022 from Brevan Howard Digital, Point72, and Coinbase Ventures, valuing it at $300 million. Messari also organizes the New York-based conference Mainnet, where Selkis often conducted high-profile interviews.

Shift in Political Support

While Selkis previously supported President Biden, he became a vocal backer of Trump in recent months. Trump invited Selkis to speak at a Mar-a-Lago event in May, coinciding with Trump’s newfound support for crypto. Selkis used his influential X account, which boasts over 350,000 followers, to share his strong political opinions, including a tweet suggesting that “anyone that votes against Trump at this point can die in a fucking fire.”

Leadership Changes at Messari

Following his controversial tweets, Selkis had a “tough love” session with Messari’s leadership. He admitted to “running too hot” and acknowledged the need for change. Eric Turner, the chief revenue officer, will step in as interim CEO. “Messari would not be the company it is today, or what it will be in the future, without Ryan’s clear vision and devoted leadership,” the company stated on X.

Board and Team Reactions

Jeff Clavier, founder of venture firm Uncork Capital and a Messari board member, confirmed that the board and team decided Selkis should step down after his inflammatory posts. “From a company standpoint, there were things that were said that shouldn’t have been said,” Clavier explained. He noted that while Selkis might still be involved with Mainnet, his role as emcee is uncertain.

Conclusion

Ryan Selkis’s resignation as Messari CEO marks a significant shift in the crypto industry. His controversial tweets and subsequent departure highlight the challenges of balancing personal political views with professional responsibilities. As Eric Turner takes over as interim CEO, the industry will be watching closely to see how Messari navigates this transition and continues its growth trajectory.

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