Crypto Basics

How to Make Money in Crypto? - Unveiling the Secrets to 100x Returns

Learn how to make money in crypto and discover the secrets to get 100x returns in the crypto market with expert insights and strategies.
Token Metrics Team
7 Minutes
MIN

The cryptocurrency world has become a dynamic hub of opportunities for savvy investors looking to make substantial profits. With the right strategies and a keen eye for emerging trends, anyone can achieve mind-boggling investment returns. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the secrets to making money in crypto and uncover the path to 100x returns.

Who is Ian Balina?

Before we delve into the strategy, it's essential to understand the expertise and know the individual behind it. Ian Balina, the founder and CEO of Token Metrics, is a renowned figure in the crypto world. 

With a background in computer engineering and experience as a sales engineer at IBM and a consultant at Deloitte Consulting, Ian brings a unique blend of technical knowledge and business acumen. 

He turned $20,000 into over $5 million in less than 12 months using a data-driven approach. With his vast experience and proven track record, Ian's insights into the crypto market are highly sought after.

The 3-Point 100x Strategy

When making 100x returns in the crypto market, Ian Balina has developed a three-point strategy that forms the foundation of his approach. These three points are quality, tokenomics, and valuation.

Quality - The Key to Successful Crypto Investments - Investing in quality crypto assets is crucial for long-term success. By assessing the fundamentals and technology behind a project, you can determine its growth potential. Factors such as on-chain traction, active wallets, community size, and the team's background play a significant role in evaluating the quality of a crypto asset. Additionally, analyzing the code quality, developer activity, and security audits provides insights into the technological aspect of the project.

Tokenomics: Evaluating the Long-Term Value - Understanding the tokenomics of a crypto asset is essential to identify its long-term value. Factors such as supply and demand dynamics, economic incentives, and the token's utility within the ecosystem are crucial in determining whether it's worth holding for the long term. 

By assessing the balance between supply and demand and analyzing the market's perception of the asset, you can gauge its growth potential.

Valuation: Identifying Undervalued Gems - Finding undervalued crypto assets is the key to unlocking substantial returns. By comparing the fully diluted valuation (FDV) with the market capitalization, you can identify potential discrepancies. 

Additionally, analyzing the asset's valuation compared to its competitors within the sector provides valuable insights into its growth potential. Value investing principles, such as buying low and selling high, form the basis of this valuation strategy.

What is the 100x?

Before we dive deeper into the strategies, let's define what precisely a 100x return means in the crypto world. A 100x return refers to multiplying your investment by 100, resulting in a whopping 10,000% return. 

For example, turning $10,000 into $1 million or $1,000 into $100,000 would be considered a 100x return. Achieving such astronomical returns requires identifying crypto assets with tremendous growth potential and investing in them at the right time.

Solana: A 1000x Case Study

To illustrate the potential for 100x returns, let's examine the success story of Solana. Solana, a blockchain platform, delivered over 1000x returns to early venture capital (VC) investors. By analyzing the various funding rounds and the subsequent performance of Solana's token, we can gain insights into the strategies that led to such impressive returns.

Seed Round: Seeding the Path to Success

In March 2018, Solana raised over $3 million in its seed round for 4 cents per token. At this early stage, the project had only released version 0.1 of its whitepaper. 

Fast forward to the all-time high of Solana's token, which reached almost $260, and VC investors who participated in the seed round achieved an incredible 6500x return on their investment.

Additional Funding Rounds: Amplifying the Growth

Solana's journey continued with additional funding rounds, each contributing to the project's growth and increasing the potential for substantial returns. In June 2018, Solana raised $12 million at 20 cents per token shortly before launching its private test net. 

In July 2019, another funding round resulted in over $5 million raised at 22.5 cents per token, just before the public test net launch. Finally, in February 2020, right before the main net launch, an additional $2.4 million was raised at 25 cents per token.

Matic (Polygon): A Case Study in Launchpad Success

Another avenue to achieve 100x returns in crypto is through launchpads, which provide opportunities for retail investors to participate in early-stage projects. 

One such success story is Matic, now known as Polygon, which launched through the Binance Launchpad. By analyzing Matic's journey, we can understand how early investors achieved impressive returns.

Seed Investor Success: Reaping the Rewards

Seed investors who got in early on Matic received the tokens for 0.0079, which proved to be an incredible bargain. With the all-time high reaching almost 300x the seed price, seed investors who held their tokens experienced a staggering 3700x return. Turning $10,000 into $37 million showcases the potential for substantial gains through early-stage investments.

Retail Investors: Seizing the Opportunity

Retail investors who participated in the Binance Launchpad event for Matic also reaped significant rewards. With a launchpad sale price of 0.00263, retail investors achieved a remarkable 1100x return if they held their tokens until the all-time high. 

Even with a modest investment of $300, these retail investors saw their holdings grow to over $300,000, demonstrating the potential for 100x returns through launchpad participation.

How to Make 100x via Mining?

Mining cryptocurrencies can be another avenue to achieve 100x returns. By dedicating computing power to secure blockchain networks, miners are rewarded with newly minted tokens. One project that exemplifies the potential for significant returns through mining is Helium.

Helium: Mining the Path to Profits

Helium is a project that enables individuals to mine tokens by sharing their internet connection through specialized devices called hotspots. By participating in the Helium network, miners earn HNT tokens as a reward. 

With the all-time high price of HNT reaching almost $55, early miners experienced a remarkable 500x return on their investment. This showcases the potential for substantial gains through mining endeavors in the crypto market.

How to Make 100x in a Bear Market?

While the crypto market can be volatile, it's still possible to achieve 100x returns even in bearish conditions. One project that exemplifies the potential for significant gains during a bear market is Kaspa.

Kaspa: Profiting in a Downturn

Kaspa is a proof-of-work blockchain project that experienced a 100x return during a bear market. Despite the challenging market conditions, Kaspa's fair launch approach and favorable economics allowed early investors to achieve substantial returns. 

With the all-time low price of 0.00017 and the all-time high reaching $0.05, investors who held their positions saw their investments multiply by 100x.

Crypto Quality: Assessing Fundamentals and Technology

When investing in cryptocurrencies, it's crucial to assess the quality of the underlying projects. Evaluating the fundamentals and technology behind a crypto asset provides valuable insights into its potential for growth.

Fundamentals: The Foundation of Success

Examining the fundamentals of a crypto asset involves analyzing factors such as on-chain traction, active wallets, community size, and the team's background. By understanding the project's fundamentals, investors can gain confidence in its long-term viability and growth potential.

Technology: The Backbone of Innovation

The technological aspect of a crypto project is equally important. Assessing factors such as developer activity, security audits, and code quality provides insights into the project's technical robustness. A solid technological foundation indicates the potential for innovation and long-term success.

Crypto Tokenomics: Evaluating Long-Term Value

Understanding the tokenomics of a crypto asset is crucial for identifying its long-term value. By analyzing supply and demand dynamics, economic incentives, and the token's utility within the ecosystem, investors can assess whether the asset is worth holding for the long term.

Supply and Demand Dynamics: Striking a Balance

Analyzing the supply and demand dynamics of a crypto asset is essential to gauge its growth potential. 

A balanced supply and demand relationship ensures stability and sustainable value appreciation. Factors such as token issuance mechanisms and token utility within the ecosystem play a significant role in determining the asset's potential.

Economic Incentives: Driving Value Creation

Economic incentives within a crypto ecosystem are vital for driving value creation. By examining factors such as staking rewards, token burns, and revenue-sharing mechanisms, investors can gain insights into the potential for token appreciation. Projects with well-designed economic models attract long-term investors and create a strong foundation for growth.

Crypto Valuation: Finding Undervalued Gems

Identifying undervalued crypto assets is the key to achieving substantial returns. By comparing the fully diluted valuation (FDV) with the market capitalization, investors can identify potential discrepancies in the market's pricing. 

Additionally, analyzing the asset's valuation compared to its competitors within the sector provides valuable insights into its growth potential.

Finding the Margin of Safety

Value investing principles can be applied to crypto asset valuation. By identifying assets with a margin of safety, investors can capitalize on market mispricing and achieve significant returns. 

Buying assets below their intrinsic value provides a buffer against market fluctuations and sets the stage for substantial gains.

Injective Protocol vs. SEI Network: A Comparative Analysis

To illustrate the importance of valuation, let's compare two projects: Injective Protocol and SEI Network. By analyzing their respective valuations and market positions, we can gain insights into their growth potential.

Injective Protocol: Unleashing the Power of Decentralized Exchanges

Injective Protocol aims to revolutionize the decentralized exchange landscape. With a fully diluted valuation of $1.2 billion and a market capitalization of $400 million, there is room for growth. 

Analyzing the project's fundamentals, technology, and competitive landscape provides valuable insights into its potential for value appreciation.

SEI Network: Tapping into the Power of NFTs

SEI Network focuses on the non-fungible token (NFT) space, aiming to bring unique digital assets to the forefront. 

With a fully diluted valuation of $200 million and a market capitalization of $100 million, SEI Network is undervalued compared to its competitors. Assessing the project's fundamentals, technology, and market positioning provides valuable insights into its growth potential.

Best 100x Crypto Picks

Based on the strategies outlined and the analysis conducted, I am excited to share my 100x crypto picks. These picks represent projects that exhibit strong fundamentals, promising tokenomics, and the potential for significant valuation growth.

  • Solana (SOL): With its impressive track record of delivering 1000x returns to early VC investors, Solana remains a top contender for substantial gains.
  • Polygon (MATIC): Formerly known as Matic, Polygon achieved remarkable returns through its launchpad event on Binance. Retail investors who participated in the event experienced 1000x returns.
  • Helium (HNT): By participating in the Helium network and mining HNT tokens, early miners achieved impressive returns of 500x.
  • Kaspa (KAS): Despite a bearish market, Kaspa demonstrated the potential for 100x returns through its fair launch approach.

Conclusion

Making money in the crypto market requires strategic thinking, thorough analysis, and a willingness to take calculated risks. By focusing on quality projects, evaluating tokenomics, and identifying undervalued assets, investors can position themselves for substantial gains. 

However, it's essential to conduct thorough due diligence and stay informed about market trends and developments. With the knowledge and strategies outlined in this guide, you are well-equipped to navigate the crypto market and unlock the potential for 100x returns.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other advice, and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Conduct your due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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Token Metrics Team
Token Metrics Team

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Crypto Basics

The Best Cryptocurrencies to Mine in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

Token Metrics Team
5 mins
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Cryptocurrency mining remains a viable way to earn passive income in 2025. However, with advancements in blockchain technology, changing mining algorithms, and rising energy costs, selecting the best cryptocurrencies to mine has become more complex than ever. This guide explores the top cryptocurrencies to mine in 2025, providing valuable insights to help you make informed decisions.

What is Crypto Mining?

Cryptocurrency mining is the process of validating transactions on a blockchain network by solving complex cryptographic puzzles using computational power. Miners are rewarded with cryptocurrency tokens for successfully securing the network and verifying transactions.

There are three primary types of mining:

  1. CPU Mining – Uses a computer's central processing unit. This method is largely obsolete due to inefficiency.
  2. GPU Mining – Utilizes high-performance graphics processing units, making it ideal for mining altcoins.
  3. ASIC Mining – Employs specialized hardware for maximum efficiency, often used for Bitcoin mining.

Top Cryptocurrencies to Mine in 2025

With evolving blockchain technology, some cryptocurrencies remain profitable to mine, while others have become impractical. Here are the best choices for 2025:

1. Bitcoin (BTC)

  • Mining Reward: 3.125 BTC/block (post-2024 halving)
  • Mining Method: ASIC mining (SHA-256)
  • Profitability: Moderate to high, depending on electricity costs and mining difficulty
  • Why Mine? Bitcoin remains the most valuable and widely adopted cryptocurrency, making it a reliable long-term investment.

2. Kaspa (KAS)

  • Mining Reward: ~166 KAS/block
  • Mining Method: GPU mining (KHeavyHash)
  • Profitability: High due to its energy-efficient algorithm
  • Why Mine? Kaspa is gaining traction for its innovative blockDAG architecture, allowing faster transaction speeds and scalability.

3. Monero (XMR)

  • Mining Reward: 0.6 XMR/block
  • Mining Method: CPU & GPU mining (RandomX)
  • Profitability: Moderate, but offers privacy-focused transactions
  • Why Mine? Monero is ASIC-resistant, keeping mining accessible to individuals using consumer hardware.

4. Dogecoin (DOGE)

  • Mining Reward: 10,000 DOGE/block
  • Mining Method: GPU & ASIC mining (Scrypt)
  • Profitability: Moderate, depending on market price
  • Why Mine? Dogecoin maintains a strong community and high transaction volume, making it an excellent alternative to Bitcoin and Litecoin.

5. Ergo (ERG)

  • Mining Reward: 45 ERG/block
  • Mining Method: GPU mining (Autolykos 2)
  • Profitability: High for GPU miners due to its energy efficiency
  • Why Mine? Ergo offers smart contract functionality with an energy-efficient mining process, making it attractive for sustainable mining.

6. Ravencoin (RVN)

  • Mining Reward: 2,500 RVN/block
  • Mining Method: GPU mining (KawPow)
  • Profitability: Moderate
  • Why Mine? Ravencoin is ASIC-resistant, ensuring fairer mining opportunities for individual miners.

7. Litecoin (LTC)

  • Mining Reward: 6.25 LTC/block
  • Mining Method: ASIC mining (Scrypt)
  • Profitability: Moderate to high
  • Why Mine? Litecoin remains a stable, well-established cryptocurrency with faster transactions than Bitcoin.

8. Zcash (ZEC)

  • Mining Reward: 3.125 ZEC/block
  • Mining Method: GPU mining (Equihash)
  • Profitability: Moderate
  • Why Mine? Zcash offers strong privacy features and is supported by major exchanges.

How to Start Mining in 2025

Step 1: Choose a Cryptocurrency

Research the best coin for your hardware and profitability.

Step 2: Set Up a Mining Rig

  • CPU/GPU miners: Build a computer with multiple GPUs.
  • ASIC miners: Purchase specialized hardware.

Step 3: Install Mining Software

Popular options include CGMiner, NiceHash, and PhoenixMiner.

Step 4: Join a Mining Pool

Pooling resources with others increases chances of consistent rewards. Top mining pools include F2Pool, Slush Pool, and 2Miners.

Step 5: Monitor & Optimize

Track electricity usage, optimize settings, and stay updated on network difficulty.

Pros and Cons of Crypto Mining

Pros:

  • Passive income potential
  • Supports blockchain security
  • Can be profitable with the right setup

Cons:

  • High electricity costs
  • Hardware can become obsolete
  • Increased mining difficulty over time

Is Crypto Mining Still Profitable in 2025?

The profitability of mining depends on factors such as electricity costs, mining difficulty, and market prices. Bitcoin mining remains profitable for those with access to low-cost energy and high-performance ASIC miners. However, GPU mining is still viable for altcoins like Kaspa, Ergo, and Ravencoin.

With the increasing focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, miners should consider eco-friendly mining operations to stay competitive.

Final Thoughts

Crypto mining in 2025 continues to evolve, offering opportunities for individuals and businesses. Whether you choose to mine Bitcoin, altcoins, or privacy-focused cryptocurrencies, conducting thorough research and optimizing your setup is crucial for success.

If you're looking to get started with mining, make sure to consider hardware costs, electricity consumption, and long-term profitability before making your decision.

Crypto Basics

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Token Metrics Team
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The market never sleeps, and decisions based on lagging data can cost you profits. That’s why forward-thinking traders, developers, and institutions are turning to the Token Metrics AI API & SDK—a powerhouse of real-time, AI-powered intelligence engineered to give you a lasting edge.

🎯 Built for Real Crypto Alpha

The Token Metrics API and SDK empowers you to build AI-driven trading agents that capture market-leading alpha—no matter your size or experience level. The same AI engine that identified MATIC at $0.03 and SOL at $1 is now accessible to everyone via a simple, developer-friendly interface.

At the core of the platform lies a powerful value proposition:

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  • Autonomous Crypto Trading Agents – Build intelligent agents that execute optimized strategies across centralized and decentralized exchanges (CEXs and DEXs).

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🔧 What You Can Build

With over 20 high-performance endpoints and blazing-fast response times, the Token Metrics API lets you build smarter, faster, and more intelligent tools, including:

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Whether you're building a simple agent or a full-scale DeFi AI system, the API offers all the power you need to innovate.

🧰 Made for Builders

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🔥 Beat the Market with Intelligence

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✅ Ready to Get Started?

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👉 https://www.tokenmetrics.com/crypto-data-api

Crypto Basics

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Token Metrics Team
5 mins
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In a move that could fundamentally transform how crypto markets operate, Token Metrics has unveiled its highly anticipated AI-powered API and software development kit (SDK), providing the essential intelligence infrastructure that developers, traders, and institutions need to build their own high-performing trading AI agents.

The Intelligence Gap in Crypto Markets

For years, crypto market participants have faced a significant disadvantage against institutional players with proprietary AI systems. While most traders rely on lagging indicators and fragmented information sources, institutions leverage sophisticated algorithms and real-time analytics to capture alpha.

Token Metrics' CEO Ian Balina recognized this imbalance firsthand.

"What we've built is essentially the democratization of institutional trading advantages," Balina noted. "We're putting the same AI that spotted MATIC at $0.03 and SOL at $100 directly into an API that developers, traders, and funds can use to power their own trading agents."

Powering the Next Generation of Trading AI Agents

As trading agents and AI agents become mainstream in crypto, Token Metrics is positioning itself as the intelligence layer that fuels this trend. The API serves as the crucial foundation that enables users to build sophisticated AI trading agents without developing complex machine-learning models from scratch.

This API represents the culmination of web3 and AI technologies, helping brands and developers integrate advanced trading intelligence directly into their platforms, products, and services.

One API to Rule Them All: 20+ Intelligence Endpoints

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Building Different Types of Trading Agents

Token Metrics' API enables developers to create various specialized trading agents that are increasingly becoming essential in the crypto ecosystem:

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DEX Trading Agents

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Communication Channel Agents

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A Tokenized Ecosystem with DAO Governance

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Users can start with 500 free API calls monthly at zero cost, then unlock higher limits by staking TMAI tokens. This approach creates a self-reinforcing ecosystem where:

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Who's Building with the API?

The API has found traction across multiple segments of the crypto ecosystem:

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The Future of Crypto Is Agentic

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  1. Create an Account: Access the market-leading TMAI API with 500 free calls per month
  2. Explore Documentation: Comprehensive guides and tutorials help users integrate the API quickly
  3. Build and Scale: Develop trading agents that leverage Token Metrics' intelligence

The platform is currently accepting new API users, with a particular focus on developers building trading algorithms, portfolio management tools, and market intelligence dashboards.

Those interested in experiencing "the GREEN side of crypto" can visit Token Metrics Data API  to generate an API key and begin integrating this powerful intelligence layer into their trading systems today.

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