21 May 2025, 09:17

From fame to federal probe: ‘Hawk Tuah’ star Hailey Welch breaks silence on HAWK

Hailey Welch, the face behind the viral Hawk Tuah meme, was briefly investigated by the FBI following the collapse of a Solana-based Hawk Tuah (HAWK) meme coin launched in her name. During a May 21 episode of her “Talk Tuah” podcast, Welch opened up about the federal probe for the first time, revealing that the FBI had shown up at her grandmother’s house after the token’s disastrous debut. “The feds came to granny’s house,” she said, recalling how her grandmother called her in a panic, saying, “The FBI is here after you, what have you done?” Welch said she immediately cooperated, turning over her phone and meeting with agents, who questioned her about her role behind HAWK. She described it as a full-blown “interrogation,” adding that she was eventually “cleared” and told she was “good to go.” She also revealed that the Securities and Exchange Commission got involved, requesting access to her phone for a few days. Welch complied and later learned that the SEC had closed the case without pursuing any charges or sanctions. Her lawyer, James Sallah, confirmed that outcome, stating that regulators found no wrongdoing and placed no restrictions on her future involvement with crypto. Welch had “no clue” about crypto On the podcast, Welch admitted that she had “no clue” about cryptocurrencies when she agreed to the project and said she “trusted the wrong people.” “I did not have enough knowledge about crypto to be getting involved with it. And I knew that, but I got talked into it, and I trusted the wrong people,” Welch said. She alleged that a company, whose name she withheld for legal reasons, was fully in control of her X account and posted promotional content on her behalf. Welch insisted she was only paid a flat marketing fee and “did not make a dime from the coin itself,” saying any earnings went toward legal and PR expenses. Despite her claims of limited involvement, blockchain sleuths and angry investors were unconvinced. The HAWK meme coin launched in early December and briefly hit a $500 million market cap before crashing over 90% within minutes. Analytics firm Bubblemaps flagged the token as highly centralized, revealing that insider wallets, allegedly linked to Welch’s team, controlled 96% of the supply and dumped large amounts during the launch window. A flurry of lawsuits As criticism mounted, Welch vanished from social media shortly after a tense interview appearance on December 5 with YouTuber Voidzilla. Her vague sign-off during the interview, “Anyhoo, I’m going to go to bed and see you guys tomorrow”, became infamous as she remained silent for nearly two weeks. She finally resurfaced on December 20, releasing a statement claiming she was fully cooperating with a federal lawsuit filed by Burwick Law on behalf of 12 US residents who allegedly lost a combined $151,000. Welch said she took the matter “extremely seriously” and wanted to help “uncover the truth” and “hold the responsible parties accountable.” While Welch avoided personal legal consequences, alleged HAWK token’s backers, including OverHere Limited, Clinton So, and Alex “Doc Hollywood” Schultz, faced a federal lawsuit accusing them of launching an unregistered security and misleading investors. OverHere later tried to shift blame onto Doc Hollywood, who has since locked his X account and disappeared from public view. Welch’s team has maintained that she did not personally profit from the token and cut ties with the LLC behind it. According to reports, she was never named as a defendant in the lawsuit. By early 2025, Welch confirmed that both the FBI and SEC had cleared her. Despite the fiasco, she has resumed public appearances and continues to host her “Talk Tuah” podcast, though with noticeably more caution around crypto-related ventures. The post From fame to federal probe: ‘Hawk Tuah’ star Hailey Welch breaks silence on HAWK appeared first on Invezz

21 May 2025, 09:10

'Days to Cover mNAV,' Emerges as The New Standard for Evaluating Bitcoin Equities

As bitcoin (BTC) continues to mature as an institutional asset, a growing number of public companies are integrating BTC into their treasuries, sparking renewed investor interest in so-called leveraged bitcoin equities (LBEs). But with valuations soaring, the key question remains: which companies are genuinely earning their premiums through consistent BTC accumulation, and which are simply coasting on reputation? A new metric, “Days to Cover mNAV,” is emerging as a sharp analytical tool to answer this. It measures how long it would take a company, at its current bitcoin stacking pace, to accumulate enough BTC to justify its market cap, based on its current multiple of net asset value (mNAV) and its daily BTC yield. The formula—Days to Cover = ln(mNAV) / ln(1 + BTC Yield)—accounts for compounding, providing a forward-looking, growth-adjusted view of a company’s valuation. The latest data points from an article by Microstrategist paints a revealing picture: Strategy (MSTR), the institutional leader, holds an mNAV of 2.1 but a low daily BTC yield of just 0.12%, resulting in a sluggish 626 days to cover its valuation. In contrast, upstarts MetaPlanet (3350) and The Blockchain Group (ALTBG) are compounding rapidly with 100-day average BTC yields near 1.5%, allowing them to support much higher mNAVs (5.08 and 9.4 respectively) in just 110 and 152 days. In addition, Semler Scientific (SMLR), with an mNAV of 1.5 and a yield of 0.33%, posts a competitive 114 Days to Cover. These figures, reinforced by the “Days to Cover mNAV” chart from October 2024 to May 2025, show a clear trend: faster accumulators are compressing their coverage times and catching up to more established players. MetaPlanet and ALTBG in particular have seen investor enthusiasm surge as they demonstrate the ability to turn BTC compounding into valuation upside. In a sector defined by speed and volatility, Days to Cover mNAV provides a clear, data-driven lens through which to evaluate long-term sustainability and upside potential.

21 May 2025, 09:00

Cardano Bulls Prepare For Liftoff, But Whispers Say This Low-Cap Coin Has More Room To Run

After a month of steady gains, Cardano bulls appear to be bracing for a decisive move upward. But amid the anticipation, murmurs across the crypto market are growing louder about a low-cap coin that may outperform even the biggest blue-chip tokens in the short term — FloppyPepe (FPPE) . With a radically different utility focus, unmatched community momentum, and an 80% presale bonus on the table, this low-cap coin is set to deliver massive returns for early investors as the bull run matures. Cardano Bulls Hold The Line Amid ADA’s Falling Wedge Breakout Cardano bulls are beginning to show renewed vigor after a technical breakout from a long-forming falling wedge — a structure widely regarded as a bullish reversal pattern. Now priced at $0.77, Cardano (ADA) has seen a 24.4% climb over the past 30 days, although it’s slightly down by 3.6% this week. On the 3-day chart, Cardano bulls are consolidating above the breakout line with analysts pointing to targets of $0.84, $1.00, and potentially $1.18 in the next rally phase. While this bullish structure has excited Cardano bulls, market dynamics suggest that capital is diversifying rapidly. Many retail and institutional participants are moving toward undervalued, high-utility, low-cap coins like FloppyPepe (FPPE) that promise significantly higher upside potential. FloppyPepe’s (FPPE) Low-Cap Edge And 80% Presale Bonus FloppyPepe (FPPE) is emerging as a breakout low-cap coin with serious upside potential. With its presale priced at just $0.0000002 and a limited-time 80% bonus using code FLOPPY80 , this presale offers a rare early-stage setup that could transform portfolios in days. While Cardano (ADA) is expected to stage a rally, Cardano bulls who’ve grown impatient with its slow upside are now rotating into this low-cap coin’s presale in search of faster gains. And for good reason: FloppyPepe’s (FPPE) stage-based pricing means each presale milestone pushes the token price higher. With supply rapidly vanishing and the next price tier approaching, the opportunity for Cardano bulls and early investors to lock in maximum upside is closer than ever. FloppyPepe (FPPE): A Low-Cap Coin With The Power Of Viral Utility FloppyPepe (FPPE) is advancing at the convergence of blockchain, AI, and culture. This low-cap coin has engineered a fully-fledged ecosystem powered by tools like FloppyX — an AI video bot engine capable of generating content on demand — and Meme-o-Matic, a meme creation AI tool that positions it at the bleeding edge of interactive crypto media. With these utilities—and an interactive AI bot already available for beta testing at floppypepe.ai —FloppyPepe (FPPE) is building a foundational architecture that transforms memes into viral, monetizable, and community-driven content streams. These integrations give the low-cap coin a technical edge that could sustain long-term demand. Security, And Transparency — An Extra Edge For The FloppyPepe (FPPE) Takeover FloppyPepe (FPPE) is fortified with an audited smart contract from SolidProof, multi-signature wallets, and bug bounty incentives. Its zero-tax structure, combined with 1% token burns, redistributions, and wildlife conservation donations, positions it as both deflationary and impact-driven. These characteristics sustain value retention, encourage long-term holding, and build brand goodwill. Moreover, plans for Tier-1 CEX listings, Uniswap debut, and global marketing blitzes amplify FloppyPepe’s (FPPE) potential to grow. Strategic alliances with influencers, educational campaigns, and referral-based growth mechanisms further signal long-term expansion. While Cardano bulls defend breakout zones, this low-cap coin is designing a runway for sustained dominance in the crypto market. FloppyPepe’s (FPPE) Moment Is Now — The Presale Is The Perfect Entry Before The Liftoff As Cardano bulls hold firm with eyes on the $1.00 target, savvy market watchers are quietly rotating into FloppyPepe (FPPE) for more explosive upside. The fusion of a meme-driven ecosystem, AI-powered technology, and viral presale momentum positions this low-cap coin on the verge of a breakout. With only a sliver of presale supply remaining—and an 80% bonus ( FLOPPY80 code ) still in play—this low-cap coin is advancing toward a price reset that could leave latecomers sidelined. For Cardano bulls and others tracking bullish reversals and alpha-generating plays, the time to strike is now, while FloppyPepe (FPPE) holds the $0.0000002 price level. Because by the time Cardano (ADA) makes its next surge, this low-cap coin might already be airborne. Join the FloppyPepe (FPPE) presale and community: Website | Whitepaper | Telegram | X (Twitter) The post Cardano Bulls Prepare For Liftoff, But Whispers Say This Low-Cap Coin Has More Room To Run appeared first on TheCoinrise.com .

21 May 2025, 08:38

SEC’s Peirce says NFT royalties do not make tokens securities

United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Hester Peirce said many non-fungible tokens (NFTs), including those with mechanisms to pay creator royalties, likely fall outside the purview of federal securities laws. In a recent speech, Peirce said NFTs that allow artists to earn resale revenue do not automatically qualify as securities. Unlike stocks, NFTs are programmable assets that distribute proceeds to developers or artists. The SEC official said that mirrors how streaming platforms compensate musicians and filmmakers. “Just as streaming platforms pay royalties to the creator of a song or video each time a user plays it, an NFT can enable artists to benefit from the appreciation in the value of their work after its initial sale,” Peirce said. Peirce added that the feature does not provide NFT owners any rights or interest in any business enterprise or profits “traditionally associated with securities.” SEC never prohibited NFT royalties Oscar Franklin Tan, chief legal officer of Enjin core contributor Atlas Development Services, told Cointelegraph that the recent remarks by Peirce on NFTs and creator royalties have been widely misunderstood. Peirce had clarified that NFTs that send resale royalties to artists are not necessarily securities, a view Tan says is legally sound but mischaracterized in some media reports. “So Hester Peirce said that an NFT that sends royalties back to the creator after a sale is not a security. This is correct, but the way some media reported this is completely out of context,” Tan told Cointelegraph. “The actual context is that this is not controversial, and it was never considered a security.” The lawyer said US securities law focuses on regulating investments and not compensating creators for their work. “The artist or creator is not an investor, not a passive third party in the NFT,” he said, noting that royalty payments are not considered investment income. Instead, Tan told Cointelegraph that this type of earning is “analogous to business income,” which the SEC does not regulate. He added: “The SEC never prohibited contracts where artists and creators get royalties from secondary sales of their work, not royalties from paper contracts or blockchain protocols.” Tan explained that the legal distinction becomes more complicated when NFTs promise shared profits from royalties to multiple holders beyond the original creator. Tan also urged regulators and market participants to apply traditional legal reasoning to new blockchain technologies. “Ask yourself, if this were done by pen and paper instead of blockchain, would there still be a regulatory issue?” he said. “If none, slow down.” Source: Oscar Franklin Tan Related: SEC charges Unicoin crypto platform over alleged $100 million fraud OpenSea calls on the SEC to exempt NFT marketplaces from oversight While NFT royalties may not have been a controversial SEC issue, NFT marketplaces are a different case. In August 2024, NFT trading platform OpenSea received a Wells notice from the SEC, alleging that NFTs traded on the marketplace could qualify as unregistered securities. On Feb. 22, OpenSea CEO Devin Finzer announced that the SEC has officially closed its investigation into the platform. The executive said that this was a win for the industry. Following the conclusion of the SEC’s investigation, OpenSea’s lawyers penned a letter to Peirce , who leads the SEC’s Crypto Task Force. OpenSea general counsel Adele Faure and deputy general counsel Laura Brookover said in an April 9 letter that NFT marketplaces don’t qualify as brokers under US securities laws. The lawyers said the marketplaces don’t execute transactions or act as intermediaries. The lawyers urged the SEC to “clearly state that NFT marketplaces like OpenSea do not qualify as exchanges under federal securities laws.” Magazine: NBA star Tristan Thompson misses $32B in Bitcoin by taking $82M contract in cash

21 May 2025, 08:15

Cardano Set to Launch Bitcoin DeFi Integration on May 27, Targeting DeFi Growth

Cardano to launch Bitcoin DeFi on May 27; Gambardello urges ADA holders to get ready. Hoskinson says Cardano aims to lead Bitcoin DeFi, tapping a $5.8B and growing market. Bitcoin DeFi may surpass Ethereum’s size; Cardano eyes massive gains from early lead. Crypto analyst Dan Gambardello has alerted Cardano holders to prepare for a major development and announced that the blockchain will roll out Bitcoin DeFi enablement on May 27. Gambardello advised ADA holders to lock in their positions ahead of what could be a major moment for the Cardano ecosystem. The announcement comes as Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has been actively promoting the blockchain’s role in Bitcoin decentralized finance. According to Gambardello’s alert, the May 27 launch could mark Cardano’s official entry into the growing Bitcoin DeFi sector. This could open new use cases and revenue streams for the ADA token. Cardano rolling out Bitcoin DeFi enablement on May 27 $ADA holders should lock in — Dan Gambardello (@cryptorecruitr) May 20, 2025 Hoskinson Outlines Bitcoin DeFi Strategy In recent public statements, Hoskinson has shared Cardano’s aggressive approach to capturing the B… The post Cardano Set to Launch Bitcoin DeFi Integration on May 27, Targeting DeFi Growth appeared first on Coin Edition .

21 May 2025, 08:14

Cardano and Ruvi AI: what their tech expansions mean for investors

Cardano (ADA), a leading sustainable blockchain platform, is trading at $0.73. Despite recent turbulence, Cardano continues to hold its reputation for scalability and eco-friendly innovation, positioning itself as a prominent player in decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 growth. While Cardano remains pivotal in blockchain advancements, Ruvi AI is capturing attention as a inventive force in the tech ecosystem. Enter Ruvi AI – transformative technology meets decentralization Ruvi AI stands out for its decentralized AI superapp, blending innovative intelligence with blockchain capabilities to power a community-driven ecosystem. By featuring trustworthy interactions and providing robust solutions, Ruvi is setting a new standard for blockchain-based innovation. Adding to its momentum, Ruvi has partnered with the prominent WEEX Exchange, enhancing its investment possibilities and strengthening its bid for global adoption. This collaboration underscores Ruvi’s focus on building sustainable and scalable solutions for the future. Ruvi’s presale garners investor attention Ruvi’s presale has been a breakout success, showing strong demand and significant returns for early participants: Phase 1 sold out within two weeks, delivering 50% gains to initial investors. The current token price stands at $0.015, with a 0.33% price increment scheduled for the next phase. Analysts project the token to reach $1, paving the way for exceptional ROI. The WEEX Exchange partnership further bolsters Ruvi’s presale, providing additional market confidence and opportunities. Unlocking investment opportunities Ruvi’s distinctive VIP tiers offer varied investment options designed to maximize returns. Here’s a breakdown of the opportunities: VIP Tier 1 ($480 investment with 20% bonus): Tokens received: 38,400 (32,000 base allocation + 6,400 bonus tokens). Value at $0.07 (end of presale): $2,688. Value at $1: $38,400. VIP Tier 3 ($1,650 investment with 60% bonus): Tokens received: 176,000 (110,000 base allocation + 66,000 bonus tokens). Value at $0.07 (end of presale): $12,320. Value at $1: $176,000. VIP Tier 5 ($9,000 investment with 100% bonus): Tokens received: 1,200,000 (double the base allocation). Value at $0.07 (end of presale): $84,000. Value at $1: $1,200,000. Leaderboard rewards for top investors Ruvi also offers competitive rewards for its top contributors: Top 10 Contributors: 500,000 bonus tokens, valued at $35,000 at $0.07 or $500,000 at $1. Top 50 Contributors: 250,000 bonus tokens, worth $17,500 at $0.07 or $250,000 at $1. Top 100 Contributors: 100,000 bonus tokens, equaling $7,000 at $0.07 or $100,000 at $1. Be part of the Ruvi revolution Ruvi AI is ready to redefine the limits of decentralized ecosystems. With its high-performance technology amd strategic partnerships like WEEX Exchange, Ruvi stands as a beacon for the future of blockchain and AI! Learn More Buy RUVI: https://presale.ruvi.io Website: https://ruvi.io Whitepaper: https://docs.ruvi.io Telegram: https://t.me/ruviofficial Twitter/X: https://x.com/RuviAI Try RUVI AI: https://web.ruvi.io/register The post Cardano and Ruvi AI: what their tech expansions mean for investors appeared first on Invezz