Coinstelegram

Recent on-chain insights suggest that the current crypto market environment is entering a fragile phase, with several indicators pointing to weakening demand despite improving network fundamentals.

According to data from Glassnode, Bitcoin’s present market structure closely resembles conditions last seen in mid-2022 — a period marked by systemic stress following the collapse of the Terra/LUNA ecosystem. At current price levels around $70,000, unrealized losses now account for roughly 16% of Bitcoin’s total market capitalization, highlighting the growing pressure faced by holders who entered at higher levels.

On-chain signals remain mixed. While fundamental activity across the network is showing signs of recovery — including stronger engagement and usage — capital flows continue to deteriorate. Measures tied to realized profits and losses indicate that profitability remains limited, suggesting that renewed activity has not yet translated into sustainable demand or capital inflows.

Market sentiment has also shifted decisively to the downside. Social indicators tracked on-chain point to one of the lowest levels of attention toward crypto in recent years, reinforcing the broader risk-off mood across digital asset markets.

ETF Outflows

ETF flows are also reflecting this cautious environment. Bitcoin ETFs have shown signs of weakness in recent sessions, although a brief improvement was observed today, with approximately $145 million in net inflows into Bitcoin ETFs and $57 million into Ethereum ETFs. While these inflows offer short-term relief, they have yet to alter the broader trend of subdued risk appetite.

Overall, the data paints a picture of a market caught between improving on-chain fundamentals and deteriorating financial conditions — a setup that historically has required either renewed demand or further price adjustment to restore balance.

Recent on-chain insights suggest that the current crypto market environment is entering a fragile phase, with several indicators pointing to weakening demand despite improving network fundamentals.

According to data from Glassnode, Bitcoin’s present market structure closely resembles conditions last seen in mid-2022 — a period marked by systemic stress following the collapse of the Terra/LUNA ecosystem. At current price levels around $70,000, unrealized losses now account for roughly 16% of Bitcoin’s total market capitalization, highlighting the growing pressure faced by holders who entered at higher levels.

On-chain signals remain mixed. While fundamental activity across the network is showing signs of recovery — including stronger engagement and usage — capital flows continue to deteriorate. Measures tied to realized profits and losses indicate that profitability remains limited, suggesting that renewed activity has not yet translated into sustainable demand or capital inflows.

Market sentiment has also shifted decisively to the downside. Social indicators tracked on-chain point to one of the lowest levels of attention toward crypto in recent years, reinforcing the broader risk-off mood across digital asset markets.

ETF Outflows

ETF flows are also reflecting this cautious environment. Bitcoin ETFs have shown signs of weakness in recent sessions, although a brief improvement was observed today, with approximately $145 million in net inflows into Bitcoin ETFs and $57 million into Ethereum ETFs. While these inflows offer short-term relief, they have yet to alter the broader trend of subdued risk appetite.

Overall, the data paints a picture of a market caught between improving on-chain fundamentals and deteriorating financial conditions — a setup that historically has required either renewed demand or further price adjustment to restore balance.

Affiliate Grand Slam (AGS) and AIBC took the stage at Dubai Festival Arena today for a joint press conference held ahead of the AIBC Eurasia Summit, where both brands unveiled their respective 2026 calendars and newly revamped websites.

The 2026 roadmap outlines an international tour strategy aimed at strengthening regional engagement while scaling global communities. Rome emerged as the flagship show for both, with AIBC also announcing two additional events this year: AIBC Eurasia and AIBC Manila.

All roads lead to Rome

A highlight of the upcoming global summit schedule will be AIBC World and AGS Rome – flagship events taking place at the Fiera Roma from 02 – 05 November. With 30,000 delegates, 300 speakers, eight halls and five stages, this is one of Europe’s largest gatherings to date.

The Blockchain Hub at AIBC World 2026

Throughout the three-days of the conference and expo, the AIBC pavilion will serve as a fully dedicated technology hub, spotlighting leading AI and blockchain companies while hosting a stage agenda delivering premium content focused on emerging technologies. The brand underlined its mission to connect innovators, enterprise leaders, investors, and policymakers in environments designed to accelerate technology adoption and open doors to cross-pollination opportunities with other verticals.

AGS Rome 2026 – Powering the world’s affiliates

AGS also outlined plans to expand its multi-vertical affiliate and performance marketing footprint at the Fiera Roma, where the brand will have a dedicated hall and conference stage. Designed to drive partnerships, deal flow, and measurable business outcomes, AGS Rome reflects the brand’s commitment to creating a premium meeting environment for affiliates, advertisers, platforms, and solution providers operating across the digital economy.

Newly redesigned websites launched

Both brands also officially launched newly redesigned websites. The updated platforms feature optimised user experiences, improved navigation, and expanded access to event information, partnerships, and community engagement tools. The digital upgrades are designed to support the rapid international growth of each platform and better serve their evolving audiences.

Dubai carries symbolic importance for both AGS and AIBC, as the brands first launched in the city in May 2021. Returning to Dubai Festival Arena for this milestone announcement reflects the region’s continued role as a global hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-border collaboration.

Additional details about tour destinations, event programming, and platform capabilities will roll out in the coming months as both brands prepare for their 2026 expansion.

Affiliate Grand Slam (AGS) and AIBC took the stage at Dubai Festival Arena today for a joint press conference held ahead of the AIBC Eurasia Summit, where both brands unveiled their respective 2026 calendars and newly revamped websites.

The 2026 roadmap outlines an international tour strategy aimed at strengthening regional engagement while scaling global communities. Rome emerged as the flagship show for both, with AIBC also announcing two additional events this year: AIBC Eurasia and AIBC Manila.

All roads lead to Rome

A highlight of the upcoming global summit schedule will be AIBC World and AGS Rome – flagship events taking place at the Fiera Roma from 02 – 05 November. With 30,000 delegates, 300 speakers, eight halls and five stages, this is one of Europe’s largest gatherings to date.

The Blockchain Hub at AIBC World 2026

Throughout the three-days of the conference and expo, the AIBC pavilion will serve as a fully dedicated technology hub, spotlighting leading AI and blockchain companies while hosting a stage agenda delivering premium content focused on emerging technologies. The brand underlined its mission to connect innovators, enterprise leaders, investors, and policymakers in environments designed to accelerate technology adoption and open doors to cross-pollination opportunities with other verticals.

AGS Rome 2026 – Powering the world’s affiliates

AGS also outlined plans to expand its multi-vertical affiliate and performance marketing footprint at the Fiera Roma, where the brand will have a dedicated hall and conference stage. Designed to drive partnerships, deal flow, and measurable business outcomes, AGS Rome reflects the brand’s commitment to creating a premium meeting environment for affiliates, advertisers, platforms, and solution providers operating across the digital economy.

Newly redesigned websites launched

Both brands also officially launched newly redesigned websites. The updated platforms feature optimised user experiences, improved navigation, and expanded access to event information, partnerships, and community engagement tools. The digital upgrades are designed to support the rapid international growth of each platform and better serve their evolving audiences.

Dubai carries symbolic importance for both AGS and AIBC, as the brands first launched in the city in May 2021. Returning to Dubai Festival Arena for this milestone announcement reflects the region’s continued role as a global hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-border collaboration.

Additional details about tour destinations, event programming, and platform capabilities will roll out in the coming months as both brands prepare for their 2026 expansion.

Today our guest is Alexey Nasybullin — founder of Lead Volume and organizer of major Web3 and iGaming conferences worldwide, including BWiGA.

In this conversation, we talked about what actually makes a conference successful today — beyond big names and flashy stages. Alexey shared what creates real value for attendees and partners, and why so many events end up missing the mark.

We also discussed where attention is really going right now — iGaming or crypto — and how that demand has shifted over the years. Alexey spoke about his own path in the industry, how many events his team runs each year, and what he’s building beyond conferences within the Lead Volume ecosystem.

– Alexey, hi! You’ve been organizing IT events for over 10 years. At what point did you realize that iGaming and Web3 are not just hype, but industries with real revenue, money, and sustainable business models? And which year was that for you?

Hello! In 2016, I held the largest SEO traffic conference in the CIS for the first time, and since then, I’ve worked closely with iGaming experts. Even back then, this niche was quite robust and developed. Over the past 10 years, some other verticals have already declined, while iGaming, on the contrary, has been developing rapidly.

In 2017, the crypto hype began, and I began inviting industry experts to conferences, organizing a separate crypto discussion room in Moscow and Astana. Also, since 2018, I’ve been organizing accelerators for blockchain startups. One of the winning gaming project ultimately went to China, where it received $3 million in investment. The crypto industry was purging itself of unnecessary people and maturing for several years. Since 2021, I’ve been organizing blockchain and CPA conferences in Turkey, and then in the Balkans.   – Could you please tell us in more details what you do at Lead Volume? It’s clear that your main focus is iGaming and Web3, but approximately how many events do you organize per year? And do you also participate in other events as partners or sponsors?   We typically host 2-3 conferences per year. This year, we’re planning two of our own events and three side events in different regions of the world: the Balkans, the Caucasus, Southeast Asia, and MENA. Currently, our focus is on iGaming and, to a lesser extent, crypto (due to the industry’s dire state during the crypto winter).

In addition, our marketing department provides various services for promoting iGaming and crypto projects, including lead generation, targeted traffic, SMM, content creation, and media outreach. We can attract traffic from virtually any region of the world by tailoring our advertising and creating content. It’s convenient that the audiences of iGaming and Web3 are largely similar.

As for participating in third-party events, I usually only attend them as a speaker, co-organizer, or partner. Lately, this has been less possible, as my own projects take up a lot of my time. Previously, I was a speaker at 10 different conferences, including in Dubai and Istanbul, and also was a presenter at two of the largest traffic conferences in the CIS.

– There are currently a huge number of events in Web3 and gaming, but opinions about their quality vary a lot. What do you think is the key to a truly successful event — both for organizers and for attendees? Is it strong speakers, the right audience, projects with real demand, or something else?   It’s true that there are more conferences, but few of them are held consistently for several years and remain interesting to audiences. Another important reason is the self-sufficiency of such events, which is very difficult to achieve. Because of this, many agencies decide to abandon event organizing—too much effort, stress, and money goes into it, and there may be no profit. I’ve been in this market for 10 years and have learned how to manage risks, control the roadmap, accurately calculate expenses and income, and work with sponsors and investors.

As for the quality of different events, each has its own standards. Formats can vary. Large events strive for mass participation. Smaller networking events emphasize C-level and deals during the conference. The quality of a conference also depends on the budget and the number of sponsors. Of course, the audience, the right location, and the date are important. My formula: time, place, people. A miscalculation in planning can cost a reputation and an entire business.   – Very soon you’ll be hosting the Belgrade iGaming Awards. Why did you choose Serbia as the location for the event and, more broadly, as a base for your iGaming activities? And if we look at the global picture, which region do you think currently dominates iGaming, and why?   The Balkans is well-developed in terms of iGaming, but lacks local conferences. The region is just beginning to develop its events scene. There’s still room for growth, making the Balkans a promising region. Next year, the first Expo 2027 will be held, along with numerous side events surrounding this unique international event. As for other regions, the Caucasus and Asia are developing well. European countries and North America remain the leaders. However, traffic statistics show that Asian countries are the most active in this area.   – Which projects most often win Awards: those with a strong product, or those that know how to market themselves well?   As a marketer and advisor to blockchain startups, I can say that a company’s market positioning and advertising are crucial. A product can take a long time to develop if it’s complex and innovative. During this time, competitors can succeed in marketing and reap all the profits. Without marketing, your exciting product may go unnoticed or be discovered too late. In any case, you need to immediately launch a PR campaign and promote your developing product and its unique features.   – How do you see the current market: are we in a phase of growth, cleansing, or rethinking Web 3?     Cleaning and rethinking. Web 3 is heavily influenced by various market and global political factors. Many companies cannot survive a long period without investment and cash infusions. The remaining projects dream of becoming leaders after the industry is cleaned up, bringing innovative ideas and profits to their investors. Many are now being repackaged as AI.   – We see many people moving from Web 3 into AI and iGaming. Do you see this as a signal that iGaming has greater potential right now, or is it simply a market cycle where each industry goes through its own phase?

Both of your assessments are correct. Right now, iGaming is more profitable than crypto. On the other hand, the crypto market is cyclical and will eventually recover, attracting new players and capital. Furthermore, iGaming is now actively integrating crypto payments. That’s why we, too, combine games and Web 3 in our operations—it’s the most successful combination right now. I recognized this trend last year when I launched Web3 and iGaming аwards.   – And finally, if we put events aside, how does your life look apart from events? Do you have other businesses?

We are currently launching our own development studio with experienced programmers capable of developing products in both blockchain and iGaming. I also have extensive experience in sports management and marketing, having worked in this industry for almost 10 years, including 7.5 years at a football club that participated in the 2009-2011 Champions League.

Therefore, I can pursue a career in this field as well. Furthermore, I hold a PhD in sociology in Europe. I’ve also been playing chess since I was 4 years old and was the European School Champion in 2000. Perhaps later I’ll become a teacher, professor, and even a chess coach. Diversity and versatility are always a wonderful thing!

Today our guest is Alexey Nasybullin — founder of Lead Volume and organizer of major Web3 and iGaming conferences worldwide, including BWiGA.

In this conversation, we talked about what actually makes a conference successful today — beyond big names and flashy stages. Alexey shared what creates real value for attendees and partners, and why so many events end up missing the mark.

We also discussed where attention is really going right now — iGaming or crypto — and how that demand has shifted over the years. Alexey spoke about his own path in the industry, how many events his team runs each year, and what he’s building beyond conferences within the Lead Volume ecosystem.

– Alexey, hi! You’ve been organizing IT events for over 10 years. At what point did you realize that iGaming and Web3 are not just hype, but industries with real revenue, money, and sustainable business models? And which year was that for you?

Hello! In 2016, I held the largest SEO traffic conference in the CIS for the first time, and since then, I’ve worked closely with iGaming experts. Even back then, this niche was quite robust and developed. Over the past 10 years, some other verticals have already declined, while iGaming, on the contrary, has been developing rapidly.

In 2017, the crypto hype began, and I began inviting industry experts to conferences, organizing a separate crypto discussion room in Moscow and Astana. Also, since 2018, I’ve been organizing accelerators for blockchain startups. One of the winning gaming project ultimately went to China, where it received $3 million in investment. The crypto industry was purging itself of unnecessary people and maturing for several years. Since 2021, I’ve been organizing blockchain and CPA conferences in Turkey, and then in the Balkans.
 
– Could you please tell us in more details what you do at Lead Volume? It’s clear that your main focus is iGaming and Web3, but approximately how many events do you organize per year? And do you also participate in other events as partners or sponsors?
 
We typically host 2-3 conferences per year. This year, we’re planning two of our own events and three side events in different regions of the world: the Balkans, the Caucasus, Southeast Asia, and MENA. Currently, our focus is on iGaming and, to a lesser extent, crypto (due to the industry’s dire state during the crypto winter).

In addition, our marketing department provides various services for promoting iGaming and crypto projects, including lead generation, targeted traffic, SMM, content creation, and media outreach. We can attract traffic from virtually any region of the world by tailoring our advertising and creating content. It’s convenient that the audiences of iGaming and Web3 are largely similar.

As for participating in third-party events, I usually only attend them as a speaker, co-organizer, or partner. Lately, this has been less possible, as my own projects take up a lot of my time. Previously, I was a speaker at 10 different conferences, including in Dubai and Istanbul, and also was a presenter at two of the largest traffic conferences in the CIS.

– There are currently a huge number of events in Web3 and gaming, but opinions about their quality vary a lot. What do you think is the key to a truly successful event — both for organizers and for attendees? Is it strong speakers, the right audience, projects with real demand, or something else?
 
It’s true that there are more conferences, but few of them are held consistently for several years and remain interesting to audiences. Another important reason is the self-sufficiency of such events, which is very difficult to achieve. Because of this, many agencies decide to abandon event organizing—too much effort, stress, and money goes into it, and there may be no profit. I’ve been in this market for 10 years and have learned how to manage risks, control the roadmap, accurately calculate expenses and income, and work with sponsors and investors.

As for the quality of different events, each has its own standards. Formats can vary. Large events strive for mass participation. Smaller networking events emphasize C-level and deals during the conference. The quality of a conference also depends on the budget and the number of sponsors. Of course, the audience, the right location, and the date are important. My formula: time, place, people. A miscalculation in planning can cost a reputation and an entire business.
 
– Very soon you’ll be hosting the Belgrade iGaming Awards. Why did you choose Serbia as the location for the event and, more broadly, as a base for your iGaming activities? And if we look at the global picture, which region do you think currently dominates iGaming, and why?
 
The Balkans is well-developed in terms of iGaming, but lacks local conferences. The region is just beginning to develop its events scene. There’s still room for growth, making the Balkans a promising region. Next year, the first Expo 2027 will be held, along with numerous side events surrounding this unique international event. As for other regions, the Caucasus and Asia are developing well. European countries and North America remain the leaders. However, traffic statistics show that Asian countries are the most active in this area.
 
– Which projects most often win Awards: those with a strong product, or those that know how to market themselves well?
 
As a marketer and advisor to blockchain startups, I can say that a company’s market positioning and advertising are crucial. A product can take a long time to develop if it’s complex and innovative. During this time, competitors can succeed in marketing and reap all the profits. Without marketing, your exciting product may go unnoticed or be discovered too late. In any case, you need to immediately launch a PR campaign and promote your developing product and its unique features.
 
– How do you see the current market: are we in a phase of growth, cleansing, or rethinking Web 3?
 
 
Cleaning and rethinking. Web 3 is heavily influenced by various market and global political factors. Many companies cannot survive a long period without investment and cash infusions. The remaining projects dream of becoming leaders after the industry is cleaned up, bringing innovative ideas and profits to their investors. Many are now being repackaged as AI.
 
– We see many people moving from Web 3 into AI and iGaming. Do you see this as a signal that iGaming has greater potential right now, or is it simply a market cycle where each industry goes through its own phase?

Both of your assessments are correct. Right now, iGaming is more profitable than crypto. On the other hand, the crypto market is cyclical and will eventually recover, attracting new players and capital. Furthermore, iGaming is now actively integrating crypto payments. That’s why we, too, combine games and Web 3 in our operations—it’s the most successful combination right now. I recognized this trend last year when I launched Web3 and iGaming аwards.
 
– And finally, if we put events aside, how does your life look apart from events? Do you have other businesses?

We are currently launching our own development studio with experienced programmers capable of developing products in both blockchain and iGaming. I also have extensive experience in sports management and marketing, having worked in this industry for almost 10 years, including 7.5 years at a football club that participated in the 2009-2011 Champions League.

Therefore, I can pursue a career in this field as well. Furthermore, I hold a PhD in sociology in Europe. I’ve also been playing chess since I was 4 years old and was the European School Champion in 2000. Perhaps later I’ll become a teacher, professor, and even a chess coach. Diversity and versatility are always a wonderful thing!

The latest Bitcoin correction has put significant pressure on the core investment thesis of Michael Saylor and his company Strategy.

During the recent market move, Bitcoin briefly dropped below the $70,000 level, directly impacting Strategy’s balance sheet. At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading around $69,403, marking its lowest price since October 2024 and reinforcing the growing bearish sentiment across the crypto market.

Unrealized Losses and Market Pressure

Strategy currently holds 713,502 BTC, valued at approximately $49.9 billion at current prices. With an estimated average acquisition price close to $76,000 per BTC, the company is now facing an unrealized loss of roughly $4.4 billion on its Bitcoin position.

This drawdown comes amid broader signs of market stress. Bitcoin ETFs have shifted from inflows to heavy outflows, with outflows reaching $544.9 million on February 4, signaling a clear reduction in institutional risk appetite.

Saylor’s Long-Term Bitcoin Thesis

Since 2020, Michael Saylor has positioned Strategy as a leveraged Bitcoin exposure vehicle. The company has consistently raised capital through convertible debt and at-the-market (ATM) equity offerings, deploying the proceeds into BTC accumulation. This approach — often referred to as a “Bitcoin flywheel” — has allowed Strategy to continue buying during both bull and bear market phases.

Despite the scale of the current unrealized losses, Saylor’s strategy remains unchanged. Strategy continues to treat Bitcoin as a long-term monetary asset rather than a short-term trade.

However, the approach has drawn criticism from more traditional investors. Market participants focused on equities, gold, and commodities frequently view Strategy’s Bitcoin-heavy balance sheet as an exceptionally high-risk allocation — especially during prolonged market downturns like the current one.

Strategy acquired its Bitcoin holdings at an average price of around $76,052 per BTC. Despite current market conditions, the company has continued to add to its position, most recently purchasing 855 BTC between January 26 and February 1, 2026, at an average price of $87,974 per Bitcoin.

The latest Bitcoin correction has put significant pressure on the core investment thesis of Michael Saylor and his company Strategy.

During the recent market move, Bitcoin briefly dropped below the $70,000 level, directly impacting Strategy’s balance sheet. At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading around $69,403, marking its lowest price since October 2024 and reinforcing the growing bearish sentiment across the crypto market.

Unrealized Losses and Market Pressure

Strategy currently holds 713,502 BTC, valued at approximately $49.9 billion at current prices. With an estimated average acquisition price close to $76,000 per BTC, the company is now facing an unrealized loss of roughly $4.4 billion on its Bitcoin position.

This drawdown comes amid broader signs of market stress. Bitcoin ETFs have shifted from inflows to heavy outflows, with outflows reaching $544.9 million on February 4, signaling a clear reduction in institutional risk appetite.

Saylor’s Long-Term Bitcoin Thesis

Since 2020, Michael Saylor has positioned Strategy as a leveraged Bitcoin exposure vehicle. The company has consistently raised capital through convertible debt and at-the-market (ATM) equity offerings, deploying the proceeds into BTC accumulation. This approach — often referred to as a “Bitcoin flywheel” — has allowed Strategy to continue buying during both bull and bear market phases.

Despite the scale of the current unrealized losses, Saylor’s strategy remains unchanged. Strategy continues to treat Bitcoin as a long-term monetary asset rather than a short-term trade.

However, the approach has drawn criticism from more traditional investors. Market participants focused on equities, gold, and commodities frequently view Strategy’s Bitcoin-heavy balance sheet as an exceptionally high-risk allocation — especially during prolonged market downturns like the current one.

Strategy acquired its Bitcoin holdings at an average price of around $76,052 per BTC. Despite current market conditions, the company has continued to add to its position, most recently purchasing 855 BTC between January 26 and February 1, 2026, at an average price of $87,974 per Bitcoin.

Today, our guest is Artem Onishchuk (Tema Ultra) — co-founder and CFO of A01K, the biggest trading community in CIS region, an entrepreneur and investor who has been working in crypto for more than 5 years.

In this interview, Artem shares his view on the current market: what’s really happening right now, why many people feel stuck, and where to look for opportunities during a prolonged cycle. We discuss where he’s investing today, how his team adapts education to the realities of the current market rather than past bull runs, and which approaches are no longer working.

– Artem, hi! Tell us—how did you get into crypto in the first place? What year was it, how did your journey start, and how did you eventually become a co-founder of A01K?

Hi. I came into crypto in 2019—that was when I bought my first crypto asset. At the time, I was working at the State Land Cadastre of Kyiv region, sitting in an office and doing an internship. Bitcoin was around $3,000 back then and almost immediately started going up. I made money, and that was the moment I realized I didn’t want an office life anymore and wanted to understand this space more deeply.

I started specifically with trading—scalping crypto. I also tried Forex, but scalping worked best for me, and that’s where I made my first real money. Scalping essentially helped me grow my deposit from almost nothing and build a solid amount over a couple of years.

Later, I became interested in expanding further—not just trading, but also investing, reinvesting, and participating in sales. I saw that others were getting good results, especially with airdrops—you could make serious money there as well. That’s how my life gradually became fully connected to both trading and crypto.

As for the community side: I have a partner, Sergey. He’s quite public and has a large audience. A big part of building A01K came from his public presence.

– How did that partnership and the creation of A01K actually happen?

It wasn’t an accident or pure luck—I was working toward it. Sergey and I met, started communicating, and over time it grew from a friendship into a partnership.

We started very small, step by step, and eventually built a full ecosystem. I and the other partners mainly handle operations—making sure everything is structured, running properly, that there are quality products, a strong team, and a clear direction for people to join.

Sergey, on the other hand, focused on visibility—making sure people actually heard about us. In many ways, the community was built through his public presence. In Ukraine, he was one of the first people to talk openly about crypto.

I personally heard about him completely by chance. We weren’t friends or connected in any way. At that time, crypto wasn’t really discussed in the media—not just in Ukraine, but across the entire CIS region.

– How is your ecosystem structured today? Besides trading and “classic crypto” activities like ICOs, retrodrops, and on-chain activity—are there other areas you’re developing?

Our two main directions are trading and crypto, but over time we’ve also developed sub-directions.

Right now, we’re actively growing GM Agency—a marketing agency where we help projects with marketing, PR, and KOL collaborations. We can close these requests quickly thanks to direct connections. We also have a small technical direction—a team that builds products and Telegram applications.

– You’ve said that the market has changed significantly compared to 2020–2022. How do you see the current situation? Where are people going now—classic trading or crypto directions like retrodrops and on-chain activity?

The market has definitely changed, but that doesn’t mean it’s worse—it’s just different. In 2021, there were many fast money stories. But there were also plenty of opportunities in 2024–2025—the market just operated under different rules. If ICOs were the main model in 2021, and almost everyone was abusing them, the market later matured.

In 2024, many of the biggest gains weren’t made by traders, but by people launching their own meme coins. These weren’t unreachable teams—just regular people who previously made money on Bitcoin and ICOs and then started building their own projects.

Many say, “That will never happen again,” but that’s not true—the form just changes. Onchain trading (“degen”) emerged as an alternative to the ICO model: the same upside, but with more complexity and psychological pressure. Right now, the market is in a phase of correction and consolidation, which is normal—most of the time, markets either go sideways or down.

In the end, those who win are the ones who stay flexible—who adapt and let go of outdated models. Crypto is very young, around 15 years old, and constantly changing. You can’t get stuck in what used to work.

– Crypto is extremely dynamic, with trends changing every few months. How do you adapt your education programs and explain to beginners what matters right now?

Trading is simpler in that sense—narratives and approaches change, but the fundamentals stay the same.

Crypto, on the other hand, is constantly evolving, so we have to be flexible and update education regularly. You can see this clearly in our academy updates. In 2024, we started with retrodrops, ICOs, investments, nodes, and NFTs—but later removed what stopped working.

Then we added degen trading and on-chain trading—how to find and trade meme coins. We constantly update the product: remove outdated content and add what’s relevant. Essentially, we evolve together with the market.

The latest major update was inter-exchange arbitrage, spreads, and funding rates. We added this block in spring and believe the timing was right—it’s now one of the most relevant and hyped narratives, especially among younger people in the CIS.

– What are you investing in long-term now, and are you speculating at all in the current market?

Right now, my portfolio is basically stagnant — and that’s fine. Occasionally, I enter position trades “on candles,” mostly to cover current expenses, but overall the market isn’t about active profits right now. I fixed most of my positions back in September, keeping only a small portion in BTC and ETH.

– Why did you decide to exit the market in September? What signals did you see?

There were three key reasons.

First—the chart. On higher timeframes, weakness was visible: price couldn’t break highs, there was no buyer. For me, that’s a strong signal—the chart rarely lies.

Second—fundamentals. A lot of positive news was coming out, but it stopped moving the price. Any news caused a small pump and was immediately sold off. That means the market was using news for distribution.

Third—crowd sentiment. Everyone was convinced the “altseason was just beginning.” There was euphoria everywhere—memes, BSC season, new listings, random assets doing multiples. That combination is a clear signal for me to exit.

Long-term, I’m looking at Bitcoin as an alternative to gold. The hype around gold at all-time highs looks suspicious to me—I wouldn’t be surprised if large players rotate out of gold into Bitcoin, which is simpler, more liquid, and has a fixed supply.

– Can October 2025 be considered the start of a bear market?

In my view, the bear market started back in September—when I exited. That was the last wave of euphoria, the final multiples, the peak FOMO. From September–October onward, we’ve essentially been in a bear market.

The question now is how long it will last. The world has accelerated, the halving effect is much weaker, and there’s a lot of liquidity in the system. I don’t think this bear market will be as long as previous ones. More likely, we’ll see constant local narratives and pumps—there won’t be a completely “dead” market with nothing to do.

– Are you looking at the stock market as a reference now? Do you use it as an indicator for crypto entries, or are you considering stock investments yourself?

Yes, right now I primarily watch the stock market. I might already be buying Bitcoin, but I want to see what equities do first. The S&P 500 and major indices are at all-time highs, while uncertainty is everywhere—Trump’s actions, the Fed leadership question, interest rate policy, unclear real inflation.

Markets don’t like uncertainty, especially at highs. Given geopolitics, trade wars, and economic risks, I believe a correction or even a flash crash is possible. That’s why I’m waiting. If stocks start correcting and pull crypto down, that’s when I’ll look for initial long-term entries. Long-term, Bitcoin is still my main focus — I’m just waiting for a better entry point.

– What principles helped you avoid blowing up after 2020–2021 and successfully go through the 2022–2023 bear market?

First — having a business helps a lot. People who rely only on crypto and pure speculation struggle psychologically in these phases. They immediately worry about income and survival. When you have a business, it still brings some revenue — not bull-market money, but enough to stay calm and avoid fear-based decisions.

Second — you always need something to do. In bear markets, we build: products, materials, projects. I believe the best thing to do in a bear market is to build. Some people study, some read, some build communities. When you’re busy, you’re not staring at charts asking, “Where should I put my money?” — which almost always leads to losses.

Third—long-term thinking. In 2022–2023, I bought Bitcoin at $16–20k. At the time, it didn’t bring any profit. But when I later closed those positions, they generated the biggest gains of the entire bull run. The same applies now: I can make moves that don’t bring income today, but I know that in 2–3 years, they’ll deliver the main result. That’s how this market works.

– What advice would you give to people who are in crypto now—either newcomers or those stuck in stagnation?

First—don’t be alone. When you’re alone with the market, it feels like you’re the only one struggling or doing something wrong. Talking to others — especially those who’ve already been through similar phases — helps a lot. Community is the foundation; it’s much easier to get through these periods together.

Second — if it gets really hard, it’s okay to take a break. A break doesn’t mean giving up. Many people resist this because of ego—it feels like stopping means the market “won.” But taking a pause for a month or two, switching focus to family, other activities, or learning is completely fine and often beneficial.

Overall, these phases are great for learning and rebuilding. When the market is flying, money comes easily and problems stay hidden. In stagnation, weaknesses become obvious—whether in product, marketing, or content. You start looking for new opportunities. Personally, in just a month and a half, I discovered two new directions I hadn’t noticed before. These markets teach you to think, adapt, and lay the foundation for the next cycle.

Today, our guest is Artem Onishchuk (Tema Ultra) — co-founder and CFO of A01K, the biggest trading community in CIS region, an entrepreneur and investor who has been working in crypto for more than 5 years.

In this interview, Artem shares his view on the current market: what’s really happening right now, why many people feel stuck, and where to look for opportunities during a prolonged cycle. We discuss where he’s investing today, how his team adapts education to the realities of the current market rather than past bull runs, and which approaches are no longer working.

– Artem, hi! Tell us—how did you get into crypto in the first place? What year was it, how did your journey start, and how did you eventually become a co-founder of A01K?

Hi. I came into crypto in 2019—that was when I bought my first crypto asset. At the time, I was working at the State Land Cadastre of Kyiv region, sitting in an office and doing an internship. Bitcoin was around $3,000 back then and almost immediately started going up. I made money, and that was the moment I realized I didn’t want an office life anymore and wanted to understand this space more deeply.

I started specifically with trading—scalping crypto. I also tried Forex, but scalping worked best for me, and that’s where I made my first real money. Scalping essentially helped me grow my deposit from almost nothing and build a solid amount over a couple of years.

Later, I became interested in expanding further—not just trading, but also investing, reinvesting, and participating in sales. I saw that others were getting good results, especially with airdrops—you could make serious money there as well. That’s how my life gradually became fully connected to both trading and crypto.

As for the community side: I have a partner, Sergey. He’s quite public and has a large audience. A big part of building A01K came from his public presence.

– How did that partnership and the creation of A01K actually happen?

It wasn’t an accident or pure luck—I was working toward it. Sergey and I met, started communicating, and over time it grew from a friendship into a partnership.

We started very small, step by step, and eventually built a full ecosystem. I and the other partners mainly handle operations—making sure everything is structured, running properly, that there are quality products, a strong team, and a clear direction for people to join.

Sergey, on the other hand, focused on visibility—making sure people actually heard about us. In many ways, the community was built through his public presence. In Ukraine, he was one of the first people to talk openly about crypto.

I personally heard about him completely by chance. We weren’t friends or connected in any way. At that time, crypto wasn’t really discussed in the media—not just in Ukraine, but across the entire CIS region.

– How is your ecosystem structured today? Besides trading and “classic crypto” activities like ICOs, retrodrops, and on-chain activity—are there other areas you’re developing?

Our two main directions are trading and crypto, but over time we’ve also developed sub-directions.

Right now, we’re actively growing GM Agency—a marketing agency where we help projects with marketing, PR, and KOL collaborations. We can close these requests quickly thanks to direct connections. We also have a small technical direction—a team that builds products and Telegram applications.

– You’ve said that the market has changed significantly compared to 2020–2022. How do you see the current situation? Where are people going now—classic trading or crypto directions like retrodrops and on-chain activity?

The market has definitely changed, but that doesn’t mean it’s worse—it’s just different. In 2021, there were many fast money stories. But there were also plenty of opportunities in 2024–2025—the market just operated under different rules.
If ICOs were the main model in 2021, and almost everyone was abusing them, the market later matured.

In 2024, many of the biggest gains weren’t made by traders, but by people launching their own meme coins. These weren’t unreachable teams—just regular people who previously made money on Bitcoin and ICOs and then started building their own projects.

Many say, “That will never happen again,” but that’s not true—the form just changes. Onchain trading (“degen”) emerged as an alternative to the ICO model: the same upside, but with more complexity and psychological pressure. Right now, the market is in a phase of correction and consolidation, which is normal—most of the time, markets either go sideways or down.

In the end, those who win are the ones who stay flexible—who adapt and let go of outdated models. Crypto is very young, around 15 years old, and constantly changing. You can’t get stuck in what used to work.

– Crypto is extremely dynamic, with trends changing every few months. How do you adapt your education programs and explain to beginners what matters right now?

Trading is simpler in that sense—narratives and approaches change, but the fundamentals stay the same.

Crypto, on the other hand, is constantly evolving, so we have to be flexible and update education regularly. You can see this clearly in our academy updates. In 2024, we started with retrodrops, ICOs, investments, nodes, and NFTs—but later removed what stopped working.

Then we added degen trading and on-chain trading—how to find and trade meme coins. We constantly update the product: remove outdated content and add what’s relevant. Essentially, we evolve together with the market.

The latest major update was inter-exchange arbitrage, spreads, and funding rates. We added this block in spring and believe the timing was right—it’s now one of the most relevant and hyped narratives, especially among younger people in the CIS.

– What are you investing in long-term now, and are you speculating at all in the current market?

Right now, my portfolio is basically stagnant — and that’s fine. Occasionally, I enter position trades “on candles,” mostly to cover current expenses, but overall the market isn’t about active profits right now. I fixed most of my positions back in September, keeping only a small portion in BTC and ETH.

– Why did you decide to exit the market in September? What signals did you see?

There were three key reasons.

First—the chart. On higher timeframes, weakness was visible: price couldn’t break highs, there was no buyer. For me, that’s a strong signal—the chart rarely lies.

Second—fundamentals. A lot of positive news was coming out, but it stopped moving the price. Any news caused a small pump and was immediately sold off. That means the market was using news for distribution.

Third—crowd sentiment. Everyone was convinced the “altseason was just beginning.” There was euphoria everywhere—memes, BSC season, new listings, random assets doing multiples. That combination is a clear signal for me to exit.

Long-term, I’m looking at Bitcoin as an alternative to gold. The hype around gold at all-time highs looks suspicious to me—I wouldn’t be surprised if large players rotate out of gold into Bitcoin, which is simpler, more liquid, and has a fixed supply.

– Can October 2025 be considered the start of a bear market?

In my view, the bear market started back in September—when I exited. That was the last wave of euphoria, the final multiples, the peak FOMO. From September–October onward, we’ve essentially been in a bear market.

The question now is how long it will last. The world has accelerated, the halving effect is much weaker, and there’s a lot of liquidity in the system. I don’t think this bear market will be as long as previous ones. More likely, we’ll see constant local narratives and pumps—there won’t be a completely “dead” market with nothing to do.

– Are you looking at the stock market as a reference now? Do you use it as an indicator for crypto entries, or are you considering stock investments yourself?

Yes, right now I primarily watch the stock market. I might already be buying Bitcoin, but I want to see what equities do first. The S&P 500 and major indices are at all-time highs, while uncertainty is everywhere—Trump’s actions, the Fed leadership question, interest rate policy, unclear real inflation.

Markets don’t like uncertainty, especially at highs. Given geopolitics, trade wars, and economic risks, I believe a correction or even a flash crash is possible. That’s why I’m waiting. If stocks start correcting and pull crypto down, that’s when I’ll look for initial long-term entries. Long-term, Bitcoin is still my main focus — I’m just waiting for a better entry point.

– What principles helped you avoid blowing up after 2020–2021 and successfully go through the 2022–2023 bear market?

First — having a business helps a lot. People who rely only on crypto and pure speculation struggle psychologically in these phases. They immediately worry about income and survival. When you have a business, it still brings some revenue — not bull-market money, but enough to stay calm and avoid fear-based decisions.

Second — you always need something to do. In bear markets, we build: products, materials, projects. I believe the best thing to do in a bear market is to build. Some people study, some read, some build communities. When you’re busy, you’re not staring at charts asking, “Where should I put my money?” — which almost always leads to losses.

Third—long-term thinking. In 2022–2023, I bought Bitcoin at $16–20k. At the time, it didn’t bring any profit. But when I later closed those positions, they generated the biggest gains of the entire bull run. The same applies now: I can make moves that don’t bring income today, but I know that in 2–3 years, they’ll deliver the main result. That’s how this market works.

– What advice would you give to people who are in crypto now—either newcomers or those stuck in stagnation?

First—don’t be alone. When you’re alone with the market, it feels like you’re the only one struggling or doing something wrong. Talking to others — especially those who’ve already been through similar phases — helps a lot. Community is the foundation; it’s much easier to get through these periods together.

Second — if it gets really hard, it’s okay to take a break. A break doesn’t mean giving up. Many people resist this because of ego—it feels like stopping means the market “won.” But taking a pause for a month or two, switching focus to family, other activities, or learning is completely fine and often beneficial.

Overall, these phases are great for learning and rebuilding. When the market is flying, money comes easily and problems stay hidden. In stagnation, weaknesses become obvious—whether in product, marketing, or content. You start looking for new opportunities. Personally, in just a month and a half, I discovered two new directions I hadn’t noticed before. These markets teach you to think, adapt, and lay the foundation for the next cycle.

Affiliate World Dubai is back on 4-5 March and is set to break the record for our biggest performance marketing conference yet.

The world’s #1 super affiliate event will bring together 7,000+ affiliates, ecommerce entrepreneurs, affiliate networks, traffic sources and industry companies for what promises to be an unmissable two days of networking, learning and partying.

You will network with the industry’s savviest marketers.

Get exclusive offers from companies exhibiting, like AdMaven, Chargebacks911, and Traffic Partner B.V.

Absorb mastermind-level content on stage from industry experts such as Maor “The Wolf” Benaim (CEO, The Wolf Marketing), Marin Ištvanić (Head of Performance, Inspire), Ashley Wright (Founder & CEO, Social Tale), and Carmen Muley (CEO, Paragon Social Commerce) who will share their secret strategies and real case studies for what’s working right now in affiliate and ecommerce marketing.

Here’s what’s included in your ticket:

2-day access to 300+ exhibitors in the marketplace

35+ live speeches, panels & Q&As

5+ tracks like Meta Ads, TikTok Ads, Google Ads, Native Ads, Ecommerce Ads and more, with hyper-focused sessions on stages, followed by Networking Mixers to meet other affiliates interested in the same topics as you

Early access to the Official AWC Networking App

New to AW? You get exclusive access to the First-Timers’ Networking Event

It’s literally the smartest investment you will make to set you off in the right direction for 2026.

Reserve Your Booth Now!  https://affiliateworldconferences.com/dubai/booths

Affiliate World Dubai is back on 4-5 March and is set to break the record for our biggest performance marketing conference yet.

The world’s #1 super affiliate event will bring together 7,000+ affiliates, ecommerce entrepreneurs, affiliate networks, traffic sources and industry companies for what promises to be an unmissable two days of networking, learning and partying.

You will network with the industry’s savviest marketers.

Get exclusive offers from companies exhibiting, like AdMaven, Chargebacks911, and Traffic Partner B.V.

Absorb mastermind-level content on stage from industry experts such as Maor “The Wolf” Benaim (CEO, The Wolf Marketing), Marin Ištvanić (Head of Performance, Inspire), Ashley Wright (Founder & CEO, Social Tale), and Carmen Muley (CEO, Paragon Social Commerce) who will share their secret strategies and real case studies for what’s working right now in affiliate and ecommerce marketing.

Here’s what’s included in your ticket:

2-day access to 300+ exhibitors in the marketplace

35+ live speeches, panels & Q&As

5+ tracks like Meta Ads, TikTok Ads, Google Ads, Native Ads, Ecommerce Ads and more, with hyper-focused sessions on stages, followed by Networking Mixers to meet other affiliates interested in the same topics as you

Early access to the Official AWC Networking App

New to AW? You get exclusive access to the First-Timers’ Networking Event

It’s literally the smartest investment you will make to set you off in the right direction for 2026.

Reserve Your Booth Now!  https://affiliateworldconferences.com/dubai/booths

Gold, long considered a global safe haven, is now showing price behavior more commonly associated with speculative assets. According to article by GuruFocus and Bloomberg data, the metal’s 30-day volatility has surged above 44%, exceeding Bitcoin’s roughly 39% and reaching its highest level since the 2008 financial crisis.

This inversion is highly unusual. Since Bitcoin’s launch nearly 17 years ago, gold has been more volatile than the cryptocurrency only twice — most recently in May last year, during a spike in global trade tensions linked to tariff threats from US President Donald Trump.

From Safe Haven to High Volatility Asset

The recent spike in gold volatility comes after an aggressive rally followed by a sharp correction. As of February 3, gold is trading near $4,900, down significantly from last week’s peak close to $5,600. The drop marks the metal’s steepest decline in more than a decade.

The earlier surge was fueled by a combination of macro and geopolitical factors: rising global uncertainty, fears of currency debasement, growing concerns around the Federal Reserve’s independence, and heightened geopolitical risks. Market participants also point to heavy buying activity from Chinese investors, which may have amplified the move.

Crypto Fails to Capture Risk-Off Flows

Bitcoin, however, has not benefited from the same dynamics. The asset fell to a 10-month low following a weekend sell-off and is now down more than 40% from its October peak. The price action suggests there has been little capital rotation from traditional safe havens into crypto — despite a weaker dollar and escalating geopolitical stress.

More broadly, precious metals such as gold and silver are attracting increasing investor attention, while crypto markets remain under pressure. Bitcoin briefly touched $75,000, while Ethereum declined toward $2,200, further dampening market sentiment and sidelining risk appetite across the sector.

For now, volatility is no longer a defining feature exclusive to crypto. As gold’s price swings intensify, the traditional boundaries between “safe” and “speculative” assets are beginning to blur.

Gold, long considered a global safe haven, is now showing price behavior more commonly associated with speculative assets. According to article by GuruFocus and Bloomberg data, the metal’s 30-day volatility has surged above 44%, exceeding Bitcoin’s roughly 39% and reaching its highest level since the 2008 financial crisis.

This inversion is highly unusual. Since Bitcoin’s launch nearly 17 years ago, gold has been more volatile than the cryptocurrency only twice — most recently in May last year, during a spike in global trade tensions linked to tariff threats from US President Donald Trump.

From Safe Haven to High Volatility Asset

The recent spike in gold volatility comes after an aggressive rally followed by a sharp correction. As of February 3, gold is trading near $4,900, down significantly from last week’s peak close to $5,600. The drop marks the metal’s steepest decline in more than a decade.

The earlier surge was fueled by a combination of macro and geopolitical factors: rising global uncertainty, fears of currency debasement, growing concerns around the Federal Reserve’s independence, and heightened geopolitical risks. Market participants also point to heavy buying activity from Chinese investors, which may have amplified the move.

Crypto Fails to Capture Risk-Off Flows

Bitcoin, however, has not benefited from the same dynamics. The asset fell to a 10-month low following a weekend sell-off and is now down more than 40% from its October peak. The price action suggests there has been little capital rotation from traditional safe havens into crypto — despite a weaker dollar and escalating geopolitical stress.

More broadly, precious metals such as gold and silver are attracting increasing investor attention, while crypto markets remain under pressure. Bitcoin briefly touched $75,000, while Ethereum declined toward $2,200, further dampening market sentiment and sidelining risk appetite across the sector.

For now, volatility is no longer a defining feature exclusive to crypto. As gold’s price swings intensify, the traditional boundaries between “safe” and “speculative” assets are beginning to blur.

Gamma Prime, a tokenized marketplace for private investments focused on hard-to-access, non-correlated assets, will host the Tokenized Capital Summit 2026 in Hong Kong on February 9. The event is expected to attract more than 3,500 participants, including representatives from family offices, investment firms, and other institutional investors.

The speaker lineup includes Yat Siu, Nenter Chow, Andrew Robinson (Head of Institutional Coverage at Coinbase), Adrian Tan (Head of Binance VIP & Institutional), and Akshat Vaidya (Co-Founder of Maelstrom), along with other industry leaders. Together, the speakers represent more than $20 billion in assets under management, positioning the Tokenized Capital Summit 2026 Hong Kong as one of the key industry events of the year.

Gamma Prime’s Product

Gamma Prime operates a compliant and secure marketplace for private investments, built to provide access to opportunities that are typically difficult to reach. The platform focuses on non-correlated yield, offering investors a practical way to diversify their portfolios beyond public markets.

By adhering to regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions, Gamma Prime is developing into a global marketplace for hedge funds, venture capital, private equity, and other illiquid private assets. This approach enables funds to reach new institutional partners, family offices, and accredited investors worldwide, while expanding the range of investment opportunities available on the platform.

The company’s leadership team includes DeFi builders, professionals from traditional finance, and Stanford PhDs, combining strong experience in blockchain innovation with institutional-grade governance and operational discipline.

Connecting Traditional Markets and Tokenization

The Tokenized Capital Summit marks an important milestone for the institutional web3 sector. It brings together participants from traditional finance and leaders in tokenization, helping both groups better understand ongoing market developments.

Through these events, Gamma Prime demonstrates its commitment to opening global access to formerly fragmented and inaccessible private investments. The Tokenized Capital Summit 2026 in Hong Kong, held on February 9, also highlights how institutional investors, family offices, and Web3 companies are increasingly working together to shape the next phase of the financial industry.

About Gamma Prime

Gamma Prime is a tokenized marketplace of curated private investments specializing in hard-to-find uncorrelated returns – hedge funds, private credit, and other alternatives across both digital and real world asset classes. Fully regulatory compliant and built with institutional security standards, Gamma Prime is positioned to become the leading global platform for hedge funds, venture capital, private equity, and other illiquid private investment opportunities. The company was founded by a team of DeFi pioneers, traditional finance professionals, and Stanford PhDs.

During the World Economic Forum week in Davos, EmTech Invest convened an invitation-only gathering of global investors, policymakers, founders, scientists, and leaders, focused on the technological trends of 2026.

Hosted at the Grand Hotel Belvédère and Mountain Plaza Hotel, EmTech Invest reaffirmed its position as one of Davos’ most strategically relevant private events — where advanced technologies meet capital, regulation, and real-world deployment.

“The world does not lack ideas — it lacks brave execution,” said Alena Yudina, Founder of EmTech Invest. “Progress happens when technology, capital, and governance dance together.”

Over three days, EmTech Invest delivered a tightly curated program addressing artificial intelligence, medical technologies, digital assets, governance, longevity, and institutional-grade innovation. 

Day One | January 20

The Davos Masterclass — Co-Hosted by BlockBuzz and EmTech Invest

The program opened at the Grand Hotel Belvédère with a closed-door morning masterclass. Designed as a high-signal, off-the-record forum, the session brought together leaders such as Clayton Thomas (Founder of ROOT Brands), Wendy Starland (Co-Founder & President of MusicSoul), Dr. Lisa Corsa (Founder of Premier Therapy Solutions), Dr. Christina Rahm (CEO of DRC Ventures), Riadh Bouaziz (Founder of RKF Luxury Linen), Jessica Chaijaya (President of United Society Council) — setting the strategic tone for the week and prioritizing substance over spectacle.

Days Two & Three | January 21–22

Technology, AI, Regulation & Capital

The core program continued at the Mountain Plaza Hotel with over 500 guests, and focused discussions on applied AI, blockchain infrastructure, capital strategy, and regulatory frameworks shaping global innovation.

AI in Action: Scaling Innovation Across Tech, Energy, Grid Systems & Media

Moderated by Liz Perkins (The Sunday Telegraph), the panel explored real-world deployment of AI across operational environments. Speakers examined how AI is already embedded into software development, decision-making processes, and large-scale energy and infrastructure systems.

Cully Cavnes (Crusoe Energy Systems) shared practical experience deploying AI at infrastructure scale, alongside insights from Yuval Dvir (SandboxAQ) and Sandra Trittin (Futurize Energy). The discussion underscored that AI has moved beyond experimentation and is now a core operational layer across critical industries.

Keynote: Creating Abundance and Avoiding the Zero-Sum Trap: Prioritising Creation over Reduction for Responsible AI

Yuval Dvir, Senior Advisor at SandboxAQ, delivered a keynote challenging efficiency-only narratives around AI. He introduced Large Quantitative Models (LQMs) as a framework for long-term value creation, scientific expansion, and sustainable economic growth.

Blockchain Beyond Speculation: Infrastructure & Enterprise Adoption

Moderated by Sheraz Ahmed, this panel examined blockchain’s transition from speculative assets to foundational infrastructure. Leaders from the Filecoin Foundation, Cardano Foundation, Hashgraph Association, BostonTrading, and Nethermind discussed enterprise adoption, public-goods infrastructure, protocol scalability, and institutional standards.

Keynote: Capital Allocation in a Fragmented Financial System

Todd Ault, Founder of Ault & Company, addressed capital strategy in an era shaped by financial fragmentation, de-banking, and systemic risk, highlighting the growing need for resilient investment models beyond traditional banking frameworks.

Keynote: Chris Voss — Never Split the Difference

Former FBI lead hostage negotiator Chris Voss shared practical frameworks from his bestselling book Never Split the Difference, applying high-stakes negotiation principles to leadership, deal-making, and decision-making under pressure.

Unstoppable Women

Moderated by award-winning executive coach Ellen Mannaer, the Unstoppable Women panel brought together leaders from business, investment, philanthropy, and creative industries. Speakers, including Wendy Starland, Maya Marburger, Dr. Christina Rahm, and Jessica Chaijaya discussed leadership under pressure, responsibility, and long-term impact.

Investor Reception

An exclusive Investor Reception started with a panel on Investment Strategies, joined by Swiss Entrepreneur Patrizia Laeri from elleXX and Israeli investor Naor Baruch from AlgoBlessed. The panel and reception were supported by VNTR Capital, Network VC Group, Black River Ventures, and more than 200 guests, strengthening direct connections between global innovation and institutional capital.

Books Presentations

An intellectual highlight of EmTech Invest 2026 was the presentation of Decoding Despair: How AI Is Reshaping Psychiatry by Mariam Khayretdinova, Founder & CEO of Brainify.AI. Published by Wiley (2026), the book explores how artificial intelligence can overcome structural limitations of modern psychiatry, offering a practical framework for innovation in diagnostics, research, and next-generation treatment models. Global release: January 27, 2026 · Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/i9m0TRU

The program also featured a special book presentation by Chris Voss, former FBI lead negotiator and bestselling author, who introduced his upcoming book Lead with Empathy. The work focuses on empathy-driven leadership, high-stakes communication, and negotiation as strategic tools for modern executives and decision-makers.

About EmTech Invest

EmTech Invest is a global innovation and investment platform convening advanced research, institutional capital, and frontier technologies.

Since 2019, EmTech Invest has united founders, investors, policymakers, and executives representing over $500B in assets under management, creating a trusted environment for high-level dialogue, deal flow, and long-term partnerships across AI, blockchain, medtech, fintech, biotech, and digital infrastructure.

Website: https://emtechinvest.com

Looking Ahead

Following the success of EmTech Invest 2026, the platform continues its global program with upcoming private gatherings, investor forums, and strategic technology summits. 

Media & Partnership Inquiries: media@emtechinvest.com

 

AIBC Eurasia opens the new year, returning to Dubai for its sixth edition. The summit takes place at the Dubai Festival City – Festival Arena 09 to 11 February, with a two-day conference and expo bringing cutting-edge tech into the spotlight. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned delegate, we’ve got you covered with a guide that ensures your trip runs smoothly from the moment you land. From intriguing panels and event guide apps to exclusive networking events, here’s everything you need to know.

Bringing together senior decision-makers, investors, and innovators, the event operates at scale, connecting leaders with fast-growing markets across Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.

The exhibition floor is built for outcomes. Beyond the stands, the floor features a central stage with expert-led discussions, executive lounges for private meetings, dedicated networking zones, and a curated food court designed to keep conversations moving throughout the day. After the expo doors close, Dubai’s nightlife opens – exclusive dinners, charity events, and award ceremonies ensure your networking calendar is full.

With over 250 exhibitors and sponsors and two conference stages, AIBC Eurasia’s carefully curated expo floor ensures you get in your steps for the week – and then some. Tired feet are catered for, with four VIP lounges offering a comfortable and exclusive space for holding meetings, networking, or enjoying a good cup of coffee as you browse the agenda.

AIBC Press Conference

Something big’s coming. Taking place at 09:45 on the 10th on the AIBC stage, a press conference will roll out our highly anticipated 2026 plans for AIBC.

“Our AIBC Eurasia Summit comes back in 2026 for its 6th edition, and the energy keeps getting bigger as we reunite the brightest minds in blockchain and digital innovation. Connecting business, government, investors, and regulators is in our DNA — and with an exciting European chapter coming later this year, we’re doubling down on our mission to build bold bridges between global markets,” says AIBC Managing Director, Olga Yaroshevsky.

Meet the speakers leading the conversation

This year, AIBC Eurasia 2026 brings together a stellar lineup of industry heavyweights, thought leaders, and innovators. From keynote addresses and workshops to engaging panel discussions, experts bring decades of experience to their insights, sparking important conversations on hot topics – such as the future of digital assets, all important discussions on regulation, and unmissable perspectives on new tech. You also won’t want to miss Tech Hunter Tony Ventura’s AI workshop and live demo on the AIBC stage and an exciting Pitch for startups – live on the main stage – both on the 10th.

Highlights include well known faces in the sector, such as Nameer Khan, Chairman of MENA Fintech Association; Paul Dawalibi, CEO at Innovation City; H.E. Maher Al Kaabi, Independent Board Member of Al Serkal Group, Mohammed Al Hakim, President of UAE Operations at Crypto.com; Hans Moerman, Group Senior Vice President – Digital Technology at Dubai Chambers; Charles D’Haussy, CEO of dYdX Foundation; Sara Al Madani, The Emirati Entrepreneur, and Tony Ventura, Innovation and Technology Speaker.

Browse the complete list of speakers on the AIBC Eurasia website or visit the agenda for a more in-depth look at the topics.

Stay connected

Maximise your networking experience with the official Match App, a free, newly updated digital tool designed to streamline your summit journey. Once your ticket is confirmed, you’ll receive an access link via email. Log in with your registered email and ticket reference to verify your account and start building your customized agenda. Explore an interactive floor plan, discover key sessions, and arrange meetings with fellow delegates, speakers, and exhibitors. With live notifications and updates, Match ensures you stay informed, connected, and in control from the moment you arrive at the event to the final networking celebration.

Dinner’s on us!

If you’re a premium or platinum ticket holder then you’re in for a treat. Make sure you don’t miss out on the VIP dinners taking place during the AIBC Eurasia event – RSVP to your email invitation to secure your seat. With no-expense spared and an exclusive top tier crowd, the iGathering is your go-to evening event this week. Restaurants like Karam Al Bahr at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City hotel and The Belgian Beer Cafe at the Crowne Plaza check all the boxes – great food, unbeatable views of the Dubai Creek and best of all – they’re all located in one central hub.

Wondering which dinner you’re signed up for? Scan the QR code on your badge to view your personal agenda.

Speaking of great networking – awards season is back – and we’re holding not one, but two prestigious ceremonies as we roll out the red carpet for an elegant evening of accolades, networking, and charity.

Taking place in the dazzling Al Baraha Ballroom at the Intercontinental Hotel Dubai Festival City, we’re honouring industry leaders and technology providers at the Eurasia Awards on the 9th. This will be followed on 10 February by the AIBC Awards – celebrating groundbreaking innovators, visionary tech providers and cutting-edge projects shaping the global technology landscape and recognizing leaders of crypto & blockchain.

We’re also proud to support the SiGMA Foundation’s philanthropic projects with a charity auction. Guiding the evening’s excitement is charismatic auctioneer Rick Goddard – guaranteeing an experience to remember.

Both ceremonies are strictly by invitation only and open to platinum ticket holders, table sponsors and guests holding reserved seats.

Pre-event highlights – 09 February

C-Level Golf Tournament

Dubai’s Trump International Golf Club sets the stage for the inaugural launch of the SiGMA Golf Tour. Offering a high calibre experience, play begins on the 9th at 10:00 in the morning and continues through a full eighteen holes until early afternoon.

Large on-site screens deliver live scoring, highlights and curated content, keeping you connected throughout the forty tee times. The tournament will conclude with a post-play lunch and presentation, creating a natural transition from competition to conversation and reflection.

Can’t make it to the Eurasia event? We’re taking SiGMA golf global, with a lineup of stops taking place throughout our 2026 summits. Register your interest by visiting our website.

Pre-Registration

To ensure things run smoothly, we’ve opened two badge collection points. Exhibitors should head to the Festival Arena expo centre between 09:00 and 17:00 to collect their badge ahead of the summit, check in on their booth set up and explore the venue. Meanwhile delegates looking to avoid day one queues can stop by the Vista Lounge at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City between 10:00 and 22:00. Just bring a valid I.D. and you’re all set. A welcome reception starts at 18:00 – open to all ticket holders, this is the perfect way to ease into event mode.

The Deep Dive Dubai experience

Take luxury transport to the NAS Sports Complex – Nad Al Sheba – Dubai, where you’ll experience one of the most unique deep diving experiences in the world. Inspired by the UAE’s pearl diving heritage, the Deep Dive takes you down to the world’s deepest pool – themed to resemble an abandoned sunken city. Play underwater board games, ride motorcycles, or just take in the views as you explore the city on another level.

For registration details, accommodation offers, and complete event schedules, visit the official AIBC Eurasia page.

During the World Economic Forum week in Davos, EmTech Invest convened an invitation-only gathering of global investors, policymakers, founders, scientists, and leaders, focused on the technological trends of 2026.

Hosted at the Grand Hotel Belvédère and Mountain Plaza Hotel, EmTech Invest reaffirmed its position as one of Davos’ most strategically relevant private events — where advanced technologies meet capital, regulation, and real-world deployment.

“The world does not lack ideas — it lacks brave execution,”
said Alena Yudina, Founder of EmTech Invest.
“Progress happens when technology, capital, and governance dance together.”

Over three days, EmTech Invest delivered a tightly curated program addressing artificial intelligence, medical technologies, digital assets, governance, longevity, and institutional-grade innovation. 

Day One | January 20

The Davos Masterclass — Co-Hosted by BlockBuzz and EmTech Invest

The program opened at the Grand Hotel Belvédère with a closed-door morning masterclass. Designed as a high-signal, off-the-record forum, the session brought together leaders such as Clayton Thomas (Founder of ROOT Brands), Wendy Starland (Co-Founder & President of MusicSoul), Dr. Lisa Corsa (Founder of Premier Therapy Solutions), Dr. Christina Rahm (CEO of DRC Ventures), Riadh Bouaziz (Founder of RKF Luxury Linen), Jessica Chaijaya (President of United Society Council) — setting the strategic tone for the week and prioritizing substance over spectacle.

Days Two & Three | January 21–22

Technology, AI, Regulation & Capital

The core program continued at the Mountain Plaza Hotel with over 500 guests, and focused discussions on applied AI, blockchain infrastructure, capital strategy, and regulatory frameworks shaping global innovation.

AI in Action: Scaling Innovation Across Tech, Energy, Grid Systems & Media

Moderated by Liz Perkins (The Sunday Telegraph), the panel explored real-world deployment of AI across operational environments. Speakers examined how AI is already embedded into software development, decision-making processes, and large-scale energy and infrastructure systems.

Cully Cavnes (Crusoe Energy Systems) shared practical experience deploying AI at infrastructure scale, alongside insights from Yuval Dvir (SandboxAQ) and Sandra Trittin (Futurize Energy). The discussion underscored that AI has moved beyond experimentation and is now a core operational layer across critical industries.

Keynote: Creating Abundance and Avoiding the Zero-Sum Trap: Prioritising Creation over Reduction for Responsible AI

Yuval Dvir, Senior Advisor at SandboxAQ, delivered a keynote challenging efficiency-only narratives around AI. He introduced Large Quantitative Models (LQMs) as a framework for long-term value creation, scientific expansion, and sustainable economic growth.

Blockchain Beyond Speculation: Infrastructure & Enterprise Adoption

Moderated by Sheraz Ahmed, this panel examined blockchain’s transition from speculative assets to foundational infrastructure. Leaders from the Filecoin Foundation, Cardano Foundation, Hashgraph Association, BostonTrading, and Nethermind discussed enterprise adoption, public-goods infrastructure, protocol scalability, and institutional standards.

Keynote: Capital Allocation in a Fragmented Financial System

Todd Ault, Founder of Ault & Company, addressed capital strategy in an era shaped by financial fragmentation, de-banking, and systemic risk, highlighting the growing need for resilient investment models beyond traditional banking frameworks.

Keynote: Chris Voss — Never Split the Difference

Former FBI lead hostage negotiator Chris Voss shared practical frameworks from his bestselling book Never Split the Difference, applying high-stakes negotiation principles to leadership, deal-making, and decision-making under pressure.

Unstoppable Women

Moderated by award-winning executive coach Ellen Mannaer, the Unstoppable Women panel brought together leaders from business, investment, philanthropy, and creative industries. Speakers, including Wendy Starland, Maya Marburger, Dr. Christina Rahm, and Jessica Chaijaya discussed leadership under pressure, responsibility, and long-term impact.

Investor Reception

An exclusive Investor Reception started with a panel on Investment Strategies, joined by Swiss Entrepreneur Patrizia Laeri from elleXX and Israeli investor Naor Baruch from AlgoBlessed. The panel and reception were supported by VNTR Capital, Network VC Group, Black River Ventures, and more than 200 guests, strengthening direct connections between global innovation and institutional capital.

Books Presentations

An intellectual highlight of EmTech Invest 2026 was the presentation of Decoding Despair: How AI Is Reshaping Psychiatry by Mariam Khayretdinova, Founder & CEO of Brainify.AI.
Published by Wiley (2026), the book explores how artificial intelligence can overcome structural limitations of modern psychiatry, offering a practical framework for innovation in diagnostics, research, and next-generation treatment models.
Global release: January 27, 2026 · Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/i9m0TRU

The program also featured a special book presentation by Chris Voss, former FBI lead negotiator and bestselling author, who introduced his upcoming book Lead with Empathy. The work focuses on empathy-driven leadership, high-stakes communication, and negotiation as strategic tools for modern executives and decision-makers.

About EmTech Invest

EmTech Invest is a global innovation and investment platform convening advanced research, institutional capital, and frontier technologies.

Since 2019, EmTech Invest has united founders, investors, policymakers, and executives representing over $500B in assets under management, creating a trusted environment for high-level dialogue, deal flow, and long-term partnerships across AI, blockchain, medtech, fintech, biotech, and digital infrastructure.

Website: https://emtechinvest.com

Looking Ahead

Following the success of EmTech Invest 2026, the platform continues its global program with upcoming private gatherings, investor forums, and strategic technology summits. 

Media & Partnership Inquiries:
media@emtechinvest.com

 

Bangkok is set to host Wiki Finance Expo Thailand 2026 on April 24 at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. As a premier gathering for the region’s financial innovation community, the event will bring together over 7,000 attendees, 50+ speakers, and 70+ exhibitors from across Asia and beyond to explore the next wave of fintech and digital finance.

The expo will delve into critical themes shaping finance in Southeast Asia and globally, including:

• Fintech & AI: Automation and intelligent solutions. • Digital Assets & Crypto: Market evolution and regulatory frameworks. • Forex & Liquidity: Next-generation trading infrastructure. • Web3.0, DeFi & DePIN: Decentralized finance and physical infrastructure networks. • Tokenisation & RWAs: Bridging real-world assets with blockchain. • Stablecoins & Payments: The future of digital settlement. • TradFi Convergence: How traditional finance integrates new paradigms. • ESG in Finance: Sustainable and responsible investment.

Attendees can expect a dynamic agenda featuring keynote addresses, interactive panels, startup showcases, and curated networking opportunities designed to foster meaningful connections among innovators, investors, and policymakers.

“Thailand represents one of the most vibrant fintech markets in Southeast Asia, with strong potential for cross-regional collaboration,” said Loki So, Chief Operating Officer of WikiEXPO. “This event aims to position Bangkok as a key dialogue hub where ideas and partnerships can flourish.”

Join the Event for free! Registration is now available at: https://www.wikiexpo.com/Thailand/2026/en/?c=D3vIvCla

Sponsor or Exhibit: Explore tailored partnership opportunities. Contact: Loki So Email: loki@wikiexpo.com Telegram: https://t.me/Loki_wikiexpo_coo

About WikiEXPO WikiEXPO is a global hub for financial innovation, uniting visionaries and leaders in fintech, forex, and crypto industries. With a worldwide community of over two million followers, our iconic summits—held in global capitals including Dubai, Hong Kong, Cyprus, Bangkok, Singapore, Sydney, South Africa, and beyond—attract over 10,000 attendees per event, sparking thousands of transformative partnerships annually. From cutting-edge startups to industry giants, we connect the brightest minds. After six years of rapid development, WikiEXPO has become one of the world’s largest and most influential events in the forex and crypto field. Join WikiEXPO to inspire, collaborate, and discover the future of fintech.

Event Details: Date: April 24, 2026 Venue: Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, Thailand

Mark your calendars—April 24, 2026 in Bangkok. Let’s shape the future of fintech together!

Bangkok is set to host Wiki Finance Expo Thailand 2026 on April 24 at the Bangkok
Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. As a premier gathering for the region’s financial innovation community, the event will bring together over 7,000 attendees, 50+ speakers, and 70+ exhibitors from across Asia and beyond to explore the next wave of fintech and digital finance.

The expo will delve into critical themes shaping finance in Southeast Asia and globally, including:

• Fintech & AI: Automation and intelligent solutions.
• Digital Assets & Crypto: Market evolution and regulatory frameworks.
• Forex & Liquidity: Next-generation trading infrastructure.
• Web3.0, DeFi & DePIN: Decentralized finance and physical infrastructure networks.
• Tokenisation & RWAs: Bridging real-world assets with blockchain.
• Stablecoins & Payments: The future of digital settlement.
• TradFi Convergence: How traditional finance integrates new paradigms.
• ESG in Finance: Sustainable and responsible investment.

Attendees can expect a dynamic agenda featuring keynote addresses, interactive panels, startup showcases, and curated networking opportunities designed to foster meaningful connections among innovators, investors, and policymakers.

“Thailand represents one of the most vibrant fintech markets in Southeast Asia, with strong potential for cross-regional collaboration,” said Loki So, Chief Operating Officer of WikiEXPO. “This event aims to position Bangkok as a key dialogue hub where ideas and partnerships can flourish.”

Join the Event for free! Registration is now available at:
https://www.wikiexpo.com/Thailand/2026/en/?c=D3vIvCla

Sponsor or Exhibit: Explore tailored partnership opportunities.
Contact: Loki So
Email: loki@wikiexpo.com
Telegram: https://t.me/Loki_wikiexpo_coo

About WikiEXPO
WikiEXPO is a global hub for financial innovation, uniting visionaries and leaders in fintech, forex, and crypto industries. With a worldwide community of over two million followers, our iconic summits—held in global capitals including Dubai, Hong Kong, Cyprus, Bangkok, Singapore, Sydney, South Africa, and beyond—attract over 10,000 attendees per event, sparking thousands of transformative partnerships annually. From cutting-edge startups to industry giants, we connect the brightest minds. After six years of rapid development, WikiEXPO has become one of the world’s largest and most influential events in the forex and crypto field. Join WikiEXPO to inspire, collaborate, and discover the future of fintech.

Event Details:
Date: April 24, 2026
Venue: Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, Thailand

Mark your calendars—April 24, 2026 in Bangkok. Let’s shape the future of fintech
together!