Research

Top Crypto Indices in 2025: The Best Ways to Invest in Crypto Without Picking Tokens

Explore the top crypto indices in 2025, including AI-powered strategies, passive HODL indices, and sector-based baskets. Learn how to simplify crypto investing with smart, diversified index portfolios.
Token Metrics Team
Top Crypto Indices in 2025: The Best Ways to Invest in Crypto Without Picking Tokens
MIN

Crypto investors in 2025 face an overwhelming number of choices. With thousands of tokens, rapidly shifting narratives, and constant market volatility, building and managing a profitable portfolio isn’t easy. But one solution is gaining traction among both beginner and seasoned investors alike: crypto indices.

A crypto index is a curated basket of tokens that provides diversified exposure to a specific segment of the crypto market. Instead of researching and buying individual tokens, you invest in a single index that tracks a group of assets—similar to how the S&P 500 or NASDAQ works in traditional finance.

In this article, we’ll cover the top crypto indices in 2025, explain what makes each one stand out, and explore how AI is revolutionizing index investing in the crypto space.

What Is a Crypto Index?

A crypto index is a portfolio of cryptocurrencies selected and weighted using a specific methodology. It can be passive—holding the top 10 tokens by market cap—or active, where an algorithm or AI rebalances the index based on market conditions.

Investing in a crypto index means you’re buying into an entire theme or strategy, not just a single token. This helps reduce risk, smooth out returns, and simplify the investing process.

Why Use Crypto Indices in 2025?

Here’s why crypto indices are more relevant than ever in 2025:

  • Diversification: Spread your capital across multiple tokens, reducing the impact of any single asset's volatility.
  • Automation: Many indices rebalance automatically, saving you time and effort.
  • Trend Exposure: Sector-based indices let you ride major trends like AI, DeFi, or Real World Assets (RWA).
  • Risk Management: AI-powered indices can reduce exposure or shift to stablecoins in bearish conditions.

Top Crypto Indices in 2025

1. Token Metrics AI Indices

  • Type: Actively Managed
  • Technology: AI-driven with over 80 data points per token
  • Themes: Memecoins, RWA, AI Agents, DeFi, Layer 1s
  • Frequency: Rebalanced weekly based on bullish/bearish market signals

Why It’s a Top Pick:
Token Metrics has pioneered a new generation of crypto indices that actively trade based on AI insights. Instead of static rebalancing, the AI identifies when to enter or exit tokens based on current momentum, volatility, sentiment, and technical indicators. These indices offer a smarter, automated approach to outperforming the market—especially in fast-moving sectors like AI tokens or memecoins.

2. Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund (BITW)

  • Type: Passive
  • Structure: Traditional investment vehicle (available via brokerage)
  • Assets: Top 10 cryptocurrencies by market cap

Why It’s a Top Pick:
BITW is ideal for investors looking for simple, long-term exposure to the largest and most established cryptos. It tracks the performance of the top 10 digital assets, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL). It's fully regulated and targets institutions or traditional investors entering crypto.

3. Phuture DeFi Index (PDI)

  • Type: On-chain, Passive
  • Focus: Decentralized Finance (DeFi) tokens
  • Access: Non-custodial, DeFi-native

Why It’s a Top Pick:
Phuture makes index investing seamless within DeFi ecosystems. Its DeFi Index provides exposure to high-utility tokens like AAVE, UNI, and CRV. Ideal for crypto-native users, it’s completely on-chain, composable, and doesn’t require intermediaries.

4. Index Coop – GMI (Bankless DeFi Innovation Index)

  • Type: Community-Governed, Thematic
  • Focus: Experimental and innovative DeFi projects
  • Governance: Managed by Index Coop and Bankless DAO

Why It’s a Top Pick:
GMI stands for “Going Mainstream Index” and aims to capture cutting-edge projects at the bleeding edge of DeFi innovation. It’s great for those bullish on next-gen financial infrastructure and looking for exposure to governance tokens, staking protocols, and experimental finance.

5. Crypto20 (C20)

  • Type: Tokenized Index Fund
  • Composition: Top 20 cryptocurrencies
  • Access: ERC-20 token (C20) represents index share

Why It’s a Top Pick:
Crypto20 was one of the first tokenized crypto index funds. It lets you invest in the top 20 cryptocurrencies through a single token, with auto-rebalancing and transparent weighting. It’s an easy on-ramp for beginners who want broad crypto exposure.

6. Token Metrics Global Market Cap Indices (HODL Series)

  • Type: Passively Managed
  • Available Indices: Top 5, 10, 25, and 100 by market cap
  • Strategy: Buy-and-hold portfolios for long-term investors

Why It’s a Top Pick:
These indices are designed for investors who believe in the long-term growth of the crypto market but don’t want to chase narratives. The HODL series is great for passive wealth accumulation with minimal trading activity.

Thematic Crypto Indices to Watch

If you’re looking to ride specific crypto narratives in 2025, these thematic indices are worth considering:

🔹 AI Tokens Index

  • Tracks top AI-focused crypto projects like FET, AGIX, and GRT.
  • Surging interest due to the AI boom in both tech and crypto sectors.

🔹 Memecoin Index

  • Includes high-volatility meme tokens like DOGE, PEPE, BONK, and WIF.
  • Great for traders who want to play high-risk, high-reward cycles.

🔹 RWA Index (Real World Assets)

  • Exposure to tokens that represent off-chain value: MKR, ONDO, XDC, etc.
  • Benefiting from institutional crypto adoption and tokenized finance growth.

🔹 Layer 1 Index

  • Tracks the performance of top blockchain platforms: ETH, SOL, AVAX, NEAR, etc.
  • Best for investors bullish on infrastructure plays.

How to Start Investing in Crypto Indices

  1. Choose a Platform – Token Metrics, Bitwise, Index Coop, or Phuture.
  2. Select an Index – Based on your interest: AI, DeFi, Memecoins, or Market Cap.
  3. Connect Wallet or Sign Up – Depending on whether it's on-chain or centralized.
  4. Fund Your Account – Typically via USDC, ETH, or fiat.
  5. Monitor Performance – AI indices may require weekly check-ins; HODL indices can be set and forgotten.

Final Thoughts: Crypto Indices Are the Smartest Way to Invest in 2025

Whether you’re a new investor or an experienced trader, crypto indices in 2025 offer one of the most efficient, diversified, and intelligent ways to grow your crypto portfolio. Platforms like Token Metrics lead the way with cutting-edge AI-powered indices, while more traditional players like Bitwise provide reliable exposure for institutional strategies.

By investing in an index, you’re not just buying a few coins—you’re gaining access to a curated, balanced, and often smarter portfolio that evolves with the market. And as AI and automation take over more of the investing process, index strategies are becoming even more powerful.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start investing strategically, now is the time to explore the best crypto indices available.

Build Smarter Crypto Apps &
AI Agents in Minutes, Not Months
Real-time prices, trading signals, and on-chain insights all from one powerful API.
Grab a Free API Key
Token Metrics Team
Token Metrics Team

Recent Posts

Crypto Basics

How to Find Early Stage Altcoins for 100x Returns in Jully 2025

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

In the fast-moving world of crypto, finding the right early-stage altcoin could be the difference between average returns and life-changing wealth. While most traders chase trends, the smart money hunts for undervalued gems before they explode. These are called moonshots—and in this guide, you'll learn exactly how to find them using Token Metrics, the #1 AI-powered crypto research and trading platform.

What Is a Moonshot in Crypto?

A moonshot is an early-stage cryptocurrency or altcoin with high upside potential—often capable of delivering 10x, 50x, or even 100x returns if discovered before the mainstream catches on.

Moonshots typically:

  • Have low market caps (often under $50M)
  • Are in emerging sectors (AI, DePIN, Layer 2s)
  • Are backed by strong fundamentals, narrative, or tokenomics
  • Haven’t yet been listed on major centralized exchanges

The term comes from the idea of a token’s price “shooting to the moon.” But finding these tokens is not easy—unless you're using a powerful discovery engine like Token Metrics.

Why Most Traders Miss Moonshots

Most traders rely on:

  • Social media hype
  • Influencer calls
  • Discord rumors
  • Price chasing

But by the time a token hits your Twitter feed or a YouTube video, it’s often too late. The early gains are already gone.

Token Metrics solves this problem using AI-driven data analysis. Instead of following the crowd, it helps you get in before the hype.

How to Find Moonshots on Token Metrics

Token Metrics has built an entire feature called Moonshots that curates high-potential altcoins for you, powered by machine learning and 80+ data points across fundamentals, technicals, and sentiment.

Here’s how you can start spotting moonshots in minutes:

How to Use Token Metrics to Find Moonshots

Step 1: Go to the Ratings Page

  • From the Token Metrics dashboard, click the Ratings tab.
  • This is the core engine where all tokens are ranked based on Trader Grade, Investor Grade, and recent performance trends.

Step 2: Click on the “Moonshots” Tab

  • Inside the Ratings page, select the Moonshots tab at the top.
  • This filters and displays tokens that the Token Metrics AI system has flagged as potential moonshots—before they pump.

Step 3: Review Key Metrics

Each Moonshot token includes vital data to help you evaluate:

  • Trader Grade (AI prediction score for short-term upside)
  • 24H volume and market cap (for liquidity context)
  • Date of entry (when the token entered Moonshots)
  • Live ROI (real-time performance since Moonshot call)

You can also switch to Past Moonshots to view how previous picks performed over 7 or 14 days. Many have seen 100%–900% gains within days of being listed.

Step 4: Choose a Token to Explore

  • Click on any token to open its Token Details Page.
  • Dive into real-time charts, trend metrics, fundamental scores, and top wallet holders.
  • You’ll also see its Investor Grade, team insights, and code audits—helping you build conviction before investing.

Step 5: Buy in Seconds

  • Ready to act? Just click the “Buy” button on the Moonshots page.
  • This opens an embedded swap widget, letting you purchase the token directly via on-chain swap—without leaving the platform.

Why Token Metrics Moonshots Beat Traditional Research

Traditional research is slow, noisy, and often biased. Token Metrics eliminates human emotion and surfaces tokens based on:

  • AI Trend Detection: Finds breakouts before they happen.
  • Multi-Metric Analysis: Combines on-chain, technical, fundamental, and sentiment data.
  • Proven ROI: Dozens of past Moonshots have delivered 10x to 50x gains—all transparently tracked.
  • Speed & Convenience: Real-time alerts and in-app swap make execution seamless.

Pro Tips for Moonshot Hunting

  1. Focus on Low-Cap Projects: The lower the market cap, the higher the upside (and risk).
  2. Look for Fresh Entries: New entries to the Moonshots list often offer the best risk-reward.
  3. Use Custom Alerts: Set alerts by price change, grade increase, or signal triggers.
  4. Check the Narrative: DePIN, RWA, AI, Layer 2s, and Gaming are trending in mid-2025.
  5. Join the Community: Token Metrics Discord and Telegram groups often share early insights and case studies.

Getting Started with Token Metrics Moonshots

Token Metrics offers a 7-day free trial, giving you full access to the Moonshots engine, Ratings, and Signals. Here’s how to start:

  • Sign up at tokenmetrics.com
  • Navigate to Ratings → Moonshots
  • Explore current Moonshot candidates
  • Click Buy when you're ready to invest

No more chasing pumps. No more gambling on unknown tokens. Token Metrics gives you data-backed conviction for every trade.

Final Thoughts

Finding early-stage altcoins with 100x potential used to require luck, insider info, or hours of deep research. In 2025, Token Metrics Moonshots makes it possible for everyday investors to compete with the pros using AI.

If you're serious about catching the next big breakout before the crowd, Token Metrics is the tool you need. Stop guessing. Start moonshot hunting.

Crypto Basics

How to Find New Altcoins Before They Moon in July 2025 – Token Metrics Method

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

The Ultimate Guide to Spotting Crypto Moonshots with Token Metrics

In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, discovering the next big altcoin before it "moons" is the difference between average gains and life-changing returns. With thousands of new tokens launching every year, the challenge lies not in finding tokens—but in finding the right tokens early. In 2025, retail and institutional investors alike are relying on advanced data, AI, and predictive analytics to uncover hidden gems. This is where Token Metrics has become the go-to platform for spotting moonshot altcoins before they take off.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to find new altcoins before they moon, using a proven, AI-powered method that’s already helped thousands of investors ride the next 10x, 50x, and even 100x wave.

What Is a Moonshot in Crypto?

A moonshot is a low-cap altcoin with the potential for explosive returns. These are often newer projects with market caps under $100 million, strong fundamentals, growing narratives, and clear upside potential. Moonshots aren't about blind hype—they're about data-backed asymmetric opportunities that reward early conviction.

The goal is to identify these tokens before they hit mainstream attention or listings on major exchanges.

Why Finding Altcoins Early Matters

If you bought Ethereum at $10, Solana at $0.50, or Polygon at $0.02, your returns would be astronomical today. The crypto market is uniquely positioned to reward early adopters. But with thousands of tokens to sift through, how can you realistically find tomorrow’s winners today?

The answer lies in using Token Metrics—a platform built to identify moonshots before they pump.

The 2025 Method: Using Token Metrics to Find Moonshots

Token Metrics has developed an AI-powered rating system that scans the market 24/7, analyzing over 80+ data points per token. Their Moonshots tab is designed specifically for users looking to spot early-stage altcoins before they break out.

Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of how to use Token Metrics to find the next altcoin moonshot:

Step 1: Go to the Ratings Page

Start from the main Token Metrics dashboard and click on the Ratings tab. This is the core area where tokens are ranked using AI-based Trader Grades. The ratings consider price performance, momentum, sentiment, volatility, volume, and dozens of other signals.

This tab is where the research begins, giving you a bird’s-eye view of tokens that are gaining traction.

Step 2: Click on the “Moonshots” Tab

Within the Ratings page, click on the Moonshots tab at the top. This is a specially curated view that filters for tokens meeting specific low-cap, high-upside criteria.

Token Metrics identifies these moonshots using proprietary algorithms that detect:

  • Undervalued tokens with rising volume
  • High potential sectors like AI, DePIN, RWAs, and new L1s
  • AI trend signals showing strong price trajectory and narrative strength

It’s like having a crypto hedge fund analyst at your fingertips—except it’s instant and always available.

Step 3: Review Key Moonshot Metrics

Each token listed in the Moonshots tab displays the following key information:

  • Trader Grade: A percentage-based score that reflects short-term trading potential
  • Change in Grade: Tracks momentum and recent upgrades
  • Market Cap: Helps you identify early-stage tokens under $100M
  • 24-Hour Volume: Indicates liquidity and market interest
  • Date of Entry: When the token was first flagged as a moonshot
  • Live ROI Since Moonshot: Real-time performance tracking to measure past picks

You can also toggle to Past Moonshots to evaluate how previous selections performed. Many tokens flagged here have posted 20–100x gains during previous cycles.

Step 4: Choose a Token to Explore

Click on any token that stands out to access its Token Details Page. This page provides a deep dive into each altcoin’s:

  • Live price chart with technical analysis overlays
  • Project fundamentals and whitepaper
  • Exchange listings and on-chain activity
  • Whale holders and top wallet addresses
  • AI-based Investor Grade for longer-term potential

This page allows you to perform your due diligence without having to leave the platform. You can compare token metrics across categories, assess community sentiment, and get a well-rounded view before investing.

Step 5: Buy in Seconds

Once you’ve identified a moonshot you’re ready to invest in, you don’t need to leave Token Metrics. Just click the Buy button directly from the Moonshots tab to open the integrated Swap Widget.

This feature allows you to execute trades instantly using your connected Web3 wallet (like MetaMask). You can swap from stablecoins like USDC or ETH directly into the altcoin of your choice, removing the need for centralized exchanges.

Bonus: Use Token Metrics GPT to Ask AI for Moonshot Picks

Token Metrics now includes Token Metrics GPT, an AI chatbot that helps you find tokens using natural language.

For example, you can ask:

  • “What are the best altcoins under $50M right now?”
  • “Which tokens have the highest ROI since being listed as a moonshot?”
  • “What moonshot tokens are trending in the DePIN sector?”

The AI will return data-backed answers in seconds, eliminating hours of research.

Tips for Finding New Altcoins Before They Moon

Here are a few extra tips to maximize your success:

  • Look at narrative trends: AI, DePIN, Modular Chains, RWAs, and SocialFi are hot in 2025.
  • Use Trader Grade momentum: Tokens with rising grades often front-run pumps.
  • Compare Past Moonshots: History doesn’t repeat—but it often rhymes.
  • Act early, not late: Buying before the crowd arrives is key to 10x+ returns.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Chase the Pump—Find It Before It Starts

Finding the next altcoin moonshot doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With tools like Token Metrics, you gain access to institutional-grade analytics, AI-generated picks, and real-time insights that help you get ahead of the market—not behind it.

The 2025 method isn’t about FOMO—it’s about strategic discovery. If you’re ready to stop chasing hype and start spotting moonshots like a pro, Token Metrics is the platform to start with.

Crypto Basics

Top 10 Crypto Venture Capital Funds for Investment in July 2025

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

Crypto venture capital (VC) is evolving rapidly, driving innovation across Web3, blockchain infrastructure, DeFi, AI, and tokenized assets. As the crypto market matures, venture capital firms that identify and back high-potential projects are shaping the future of finance and technology.

In 2025, savvy investors and founders alike are turning to leading crypto VC funds for capital, connections, and credibility. These firms are not just investors—they’re ecosystem builders.

Here are the 10 best crypto venture capital funds to watch and invest alongside in 2025, whether you’re a retail investor following their portfolio, a founder raising capital, or an institutional player tracking Web3 trends.

1. Token Metrics Ventures

Overview:
Token Metrics Ventures (TMV) stands at the intersection of AI-powered analytics and high-conviction early-stage investing. Leveraging proprietary on-chain data, predictive AI models, and investor-grade metrics, TMV identifies moonshot crypto projects long before they trend.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • TMV leverages data from the Token Metrics Research and Trading Platform, giving it an unparalleled edge in scouting high-alpha investments.
  • Backed successful early-stage tokens in DePIN, AI, and L2 rollup ecosystems.
  • Offers public transparency into portfolio performance through the Token Metrics Index.

Notable Investments:
Our notable investments are, Pixels, Vana, Andrena, Peaq, My Pet Hooligans, 0G Labs and Nillion. You can also add a link to our portfolio page.

Edge:
AI-first investing methodology that rivals traditional research firms, giving TMV a futuristic edge in discovering breakout assets before the herd.

2. Digital Currency Group (DCG)

Overview:
Founded in 2015, DCG is one of the earliest and most influential crypto-focused venture capital firms. DCG is the parent company of Grayscale, Foundry, and formerly CoinDesk.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Despite facing challenges in 2023–2024, DCG has restructured and returned with a sharper focus on Layer 2s, RWA tokenization, and institutional-grade infrastructure.
  • Its strategic relationship with Grayscale offers unique exposure to regulated crypto products.

Notable Investments:
Chainalysis, Circle, Fireblocks, and Coinbase (pre-IPO).

Edge:
Massive institutional network and historical pedigree as an early mover.

3. Multicoin Capital

Overview:
Multicoin Capital is a research-driven crypto VC fund focused on long-term bets in token economies, especially around smart contract platforms and DeFi.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Multicoin doubled down on Solana ecosystem plays and modular blockchain infrastructure in 2024–2025.
  • Actively invests in open-source middleware, oracle systems, and AI x crypto crossovers.

Notable Investments:
Solana, Helium, Render, and LayerZero.

Edge:
Deep thesis development, frequent publication of detailed investment memos, and contrarian bets that often pay off big.

4. Distributed Global

Overview:
Distributed Global focuses on building out foundational blockchain infrastructure, including scalability, privacy, and cross-chain interoperability.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Quietly involved in powering modular ecosystems like Celestia, EigenLayer, and Appchains.
  • Maintains a strong technical team with deep protocol-level insight.

Notable Investments:
StarkWare, zkSync, and Arweave.

Edge:
Strong technical due diligence and early backing of scalable blockchain solutions.

5. Dragonfly Capital

Overview:
Dragonfly Capital is a global venture capital firm that bridges crypto ecosystems between the U.S., Asia, and Europe.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Strong focus on liquidity provisioning, trading infrastructure, and multi-chain development.
  • Strong ties with centralized exchanges and DeFi protocols.

Notable Investments:
1inch, Amber Group, MakerDAO, and NEAR Protocol.

Edge:
Cross-border insight and the ability to scale projects globally across diverse regulatory landscapes.

6. YZi Labs (formerly Binance Labs)

Overview:
YZi Labs emerged in 2025 following the spinout and rebranding of Binance Labs. It retains the same DNA: a hyperactive investor in seed-stage Web3 startups with a strategic exchange distribution edge.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Despite regulatory shake-ups, YZi Labs has doubled down on AI x Web3, GameFi, and Real World Assets (RWA).
  • Still benefits from exchange-native insight and product-market fit validation via Binance listings.

Notable Investments:
DODO, Dune Analytics, Trust Wallet, and numerous Binance Launchpad tokens.

Edge:
Massive retail distribution power and exchange insights few others can replicate.

7. Coinbase Ventures

Overview:
Coinbase Ventures is the venture capital arm of Coinbase, one of the world’s largest and most regulated crypto exchanges.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Continues to back strategic ecosystem plays that align with Coinbase’s product roadmap and regulatory direction.
  • Focuses on identity, compliance tooling, and tokenized securities.

Notable Investments:
OpenSea, Compound, Alchemy, and BlockFi.

Edge:
Strong synergy with Coinbase product launches and listing potential for portfolio companies.

8. NGC Ventures

Overview:
NGC (Neo Global Capital) Ventures is a globally recognized fund based in Asia with a strong track record in infrastructure and protocol-level investments.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Focus on Asia-Pacific blockchain adoption trends.
  • Strong interest in DePIN, AI-powered consensus models, and zero-knowledge cryptography.

Notable Investments:
Algorand, Oasis, and Thorchain.

Edge:
Access to emerging Asian markets and strong strategic partnerships with local governments and enterprises.

9. The Spartan Group

Overview:
The Spartan Group is an Asia-based crypto VC and advisory firm, known for high-conviction investments in DeFi and Layer 1 ecosystems.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Expanded its portfolio into permissionless AI tools, modular consensus, and tokenized derivatives.
  • Maintains a boutique, high-touch approach to investments.

Notable Investments:
dYdX, Aave, Terra (before the collapse), and Pendle.

Edge:
Highly thesis-driven and nimble with an elite advisory network.

10. Polychain Capital

Overview:
Founded by Olaf Carlson-Wee, Polychain Capital is one of the largest crypto-native VC funds and remains a powerful force in the space.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Polychain continues to double down on privacy-preserving tech, zk rollups, and cross-chain solutions.
  • Early investor in bleeding-edge projects in cryptography, AI, and DAOs.

Notable Investments:
Filecoin, Avalanche, Tezos, and Compound.

Edge:
Massive AUM, strong LP network, and deep conviction in crypto’s long-term vision.

Conclusion: How to Leverage These Funds as an Investor

You don’t need to be a millionaire LP to benefit from the research and capital allocation of top crypto venture funds. Here’s how:

  • Track their portfolio: Use tools like Token Metrics, CryptoRank, and Messari to follow what these VCs are investing in.
  • Mirror their trades: Look for public tokens in their portfolios and evaluate entry points.
  • Join their ecosystems: Many funds support incubators and hackathons—ideal for developers and builders.

In 2025, VCs will be the kingmakers of crypto. By following their moves, retail investors can gain a massive edge in identifying the next moonshot projects before they explode.

Choose from Platinum, Gold, and Silver packages
Reach with 25–30% open rates and 0.5–1% CTR
Craft your own custom ad—from banners to tailored copy
Perfect for Crypto Exchanges, SaaS Tools, DeFi, and AI Products