Cryptoniteuae

In a high-energy Aura8 podcast episode hosted by Vaibhav Ali, the man CNBC famously nicknamed the Godfather of Crypto — Michael Terpin — delivered a masterclass on the current Bitcoin market.
Terpin, who co-founded BitAngels in 2013, advised early Ethereum and Tether, invested in ETH at $0.30, and launched over 400 projects, sat down just as Bitcoin broke its daily downtrend for the first time in two months. After a wild week that saw BTC rip from the high $50,000s to nearly $64,500 amid billions in liquidations and a Satoshi-era whale dumping 5,300 BTC, everyone wanted the Godfather’s take.
Final Phase of the Bear Market
“We’re definitely getting into the kind of final phase of the bear market,” Terpin said. “And that’s always the hardest one to tell.”
While he remains open to the possibility that last week’s ~$57–$58k low was the bottom (he gives it a 30–40% chance), his base case still points to one more leg down, most likely around October.
He reminded listeners of historical patterns:
In the last two cycles, Bitcoin dumped in February and June, then recovered in July (average +18.5% gains).The true pivot into a new bull market sits around the low $80,000s.Reaching all-time highs this year is off the table under any realistic scenario.
“If we grind higher without reclaiming the low 80s cleanly, and without retesting prior lows, then 58k could be it,” Terpin explained. “But I’m not panic-buying at 68k or 70k.”
MicroStrategy, STRC, and the Dividend Defense
A major focus of the conversation was Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) and its preferred stock STRC.
Terpin dismissed the FUD surrounding recent Bitcoin sales:
The company sold small amounts (initially 32 BTC, later larger quantities) specifically to protect and pay dividends on STRC.Net effect remains heavily accumulation-focused — buying roughly 10 BTC for every 1 sold over relevant periods.There are no margin calls on Strategy’s structure.Selling a tiny fraction of holdings while the stock trades under NAV makes more economic sense than diluting via common equity.
“His new thesis is protect the dividends at all costs… and buy ten times more Bitcoin than you sell,” Terpin said. Short sellers and “retired bankers” screaming about bankruptcy or forced unwinds simply don’t understand the accounting or the model.
STRC itself has become a market phenomenon — the world’s largest preferred stock at over $8.5 billion AUM — and Terpin remains a holder, happily collecting the high yield even if it takes months for the price to reclaim $100.
What Would Flip the Thesis?
Terpin listed several clear signals that would make him rethink the short-term bearish bias:
A clean, sustained move into the low $80s with minimal pullbacks.Multiple classic bottom indicators (he monitors 30–40 of them) stacking up.Macro relief such as cooler inflation data or Clarity Act progress (though he doubts the bill will pass soon).
He recommends a balanced stance: roughly two-thirds Bitcoin exposure with one-third dry powder ready for the 57k–62k zone if another leg down materializes.
The Bigger Picture: Bitcoin Supercycle Still Intact
Throughout the interview, Terpin repeatedly referenced his bestselling book Bitcoin Supercycle, which accurately called the 2025 cycle top above $126,000.
His long-term view remains firmly bullish. The current pain is simply the final “winter” phase before the next multi-year supercycle.
“This is all just short-term nonsense,” he said. “Bitcoin will be back to $80,000 sooner than most people think.”
Final Words from the Godfather
As the conversation wrapped, Terpin held up a copy of Bitcoin Supercycle (available on Amazon and at bitcoinsupercycle.ai with the AI/audiobook version).
For anyone navigating the current FUD, Terpin’s message was clear: stay disciplined, ignore the noise, understand the cycles, and remember that the biggest fortunes in crypto are made by those who buy when fear peaks.
Tune into Aura8 every Friday at 7:30 PM Dubai time for more unfiltered insights from industry legends like Michael Terpin.
#Bitcoin$60K$70KRangeHits307DayConsolidation #BitcoinRetestsKeyResistanceAt$64400 #MichaelTerpin #FUD #BitcoinPrediction $BTC

PayPal is expanding its PYUSD stablecoin with native issuance on Polygon, alongside integration into Polygon’s Open Money Stack. The move aims to simplify global payments for businesses, reduce friction, and increase real-world utility of the dollar-backed stablecoin.
Table of Contents
Native Issuance on PolygonIntegration with Open Money StackPolygon’s Stablecoin DominancePYUSD Market PositionVaibhavv Ali’s TakeFinal Thoughts
Native Issuance on Polygon
PayPal announced that PYUSD will now be issued directly on the Polygon network. This eliminates the need for bridging and reduces fees, delays, and security risks associated with cross-chain transfers.
Integration with Open Money Stack
Businesses can now use PYUSD more seamlessly through Polygon’s Open Money Stack. This allows for easier cross-border payments, settlements, and cash-outs in a single, compliant integration.
Polygon Labs CEO Marc Boiron noted: “A stablecoin is only as useful as the places it can go... Bringing PYUSD natively means a business can take money in, move it across borders, and cash it out in one integration.”
Polygon’s Stablecoin Dominance
Polygon has processed over $2.6 trillion in stablecoin transactions. Major players like Revolut and Stripe already utilize the network, making it a key hub for stablecoin activity.
PYUSD Market Position
Issued by Paxos under a national trust charter, PYUSD has a circulating supply of nearly $3 billion. While it trails leaders like USDT and USDC, the Polygon integration is expected to drive greater adoption and utility.
Paxos Chief Revenue Officer Peter Jonas highlighted the regulatory strength: “Bringing a federally regulated, dollar-backed stablecoin on one of the most active networks for payments.”
Vaibhavv Ali’s Take
“PayPal’s native PYUSD issuance on Polygon is a smart strategic move. Stablecoins win when they become easy to use for real payments. This integration reduces friction and positions PYUSD better in the competitive market, especially on a high-performance chain like Polygon.”
Final Thoughts
PayPal’s deepened partnership with Polygon signals growing institutional commitment to practical stablecoin use cases. As the stablecoin sector becomes increasingly competitive, seamless integrations and regulatory clarity will be key to gaining market share.
This development strengthens Polygon’s position as a leader in stablecoin settlements while giving PYUSD a significant boost in accessibility and utility.

Pump.fun has launched direct trading for Robinhood-themed meme tokens using native $SOL, eliminating the need for cross-chain bridging. The update reduces fees, delays, and risks while tapping into Solana’s high-volume meme coin ecosystem.
Table of Contents
What’s New on Pump.funRobinhood-Themed Meme TokensBenefits of Solana Native TradingBonding Curve Model ExplainedVaibhavv Ali’s TakeFinal Thoughts
What’s New on Pump.fun
Pump.fun announced that users can now buy and sell Robinhood-inspired meme tokens directly within the platform using $SOL. This removes the hassle of multi-chain bridging, streamlining the experience for retail traders.
Robinhood-Themed Meme Tokens
These highly speculative tokens draw inspiration from Robinhood Markets ($HOOD), known for democratizing trading. Their value is driven primarily by social sentiment and community hype rather than fundamentals.
Benefits of Solana Native Trading
Lower transaction feesFaster executionReduced security risks from bridgesBetter liquidity in Solana’s meme-friendly environment
Solana continues to dominate meme coin trading volume due to its speed and low costs compared to Ethereum.
Bonding Curve Model Explained
Pump.fun uses an automated bonding curve mechanism for seamless token creation and trading. This permissionless model has made it a leading hub for new meme coin launches.
Vaibhavv Ali’s Take
“Pump.fun’s move to enable direct Robinhood meme token trading on Solana removes unnecessary friction. In the fast-moving meme coin space, simplicity and speed win. This update strengthens Solana’s position as the go-to chain for viral retail tokens.”
Final Thoughts
This integration highlights the DeFi sector’s push toward user-friendly experiences and consolidated liquidity on high-performance chains like Solana. While exciting for traders, analysts caution that these speculative assets remain highly volatile.
#pumpfun #Robinhood #CXMTToOpen$4.3BIPOSubscriptions #Write2Earn

July 8, 2026 — In a refreshingly blunt Aura8 episode, serial entrepreneur and investor Brian Mac Mahon delivers a powerful message to the next generation of builders: Stop trading your time for money in a traditional job.
Joined by the high-energy Joyce Chow and host Vaibhavv Ali (Co-Founder of Cryptonite.ae & Aura8), Brian breaks down why conventional employment limits freedom and shares his proven playbook for building real, long-term wealth — with a special spotlight on Indian pre-IPOs.
Brian’s Bold “No Job” Philosophy
Brian doesn’t sugarcoat it:“Don’t be a schmuck. Don’t work for people.”
He argues that jobs create golden handcuffs. Instead, focus on building assets aggressively in your 20s and 30s. The goal? Reach a $5–10 million wealth threshold where you can then choose meaningful work on your own terms — without being tied to a salary or boss.
This mindset resonated strongly with the crypto and Web3 audience tuning into Aura8, especially amid ongoing market uncertainty and global economic shifts.
Indian Pre-IPOs: The Greatest Secret Right Now
One of the standout takeaways is Brian’s strong conviction in Indian pre-IPO opportunities. He calls them one of the best-kept secrets in emerging markets investing.
His strategy is straightforward yet powerful:
Start relatively smallIdentify high-potential pre-IPO companiesDouble capital through smart allocationsCompound gains over multiple cycles
Even in volatile times, Brian sees India’s startup engine as a massive wealth creation machine.
Investing in Founders & Stories
Brian’s approach goes beyond spreadsheets and valuations. In his office, the walls are covered with photos and stories of founders — not corporate logos.
He invests in people and their journeys. Resilience, purpose, and the ability to navigate challenges are what separate the winners according to Brian. This founder-first philosophy is especially relevant in Web3 and crypto, where vision and execution under pressure matter more than ever.
Dubai vs Bangalore Startup Ecosystems
The conversation also touched on global startup hubs. Brian praised Bangalore for its dedicated, risk-taking founders who are deeply committed to building. While he appreciates Dubai’s vibrant Indian community and infrastructure, he views India — particularly Bangalore — as the true powerhouse for long-term, high-impact entrepreneurship.
This comparison sparked lively discussion on where the next wave of billion-dollar companies will emerge.
Joyce Chow & Vaibhavv Ali’s Takes
Joyce Chow brought her signature humor and positive energy to the episode, sharing light-hearted moments about July 4th fireworks and Dubai’s incredible Indian food scene. She helped keep the conversation engaging while amplifying Brian’s key lessons.
Host Vaibhavv Ali called it one of the top Aura8 episodes of the year, praising Brian’s practical wisdom and the power of surrounding yourself with visionary builders. Vaibhavv emphasized how founder-focused investing and the “no job” mindset can accelerate financial independence in the crypto era.
Final Thoughts
This Aura8 episode is more than just a podcast — it’s a mindset masterclass for 2026 and beyond. Brian Mac Mahon challenges listeners to reject conventional career paths and instead pursue strategic investing, asset building, and founder-backed opportunities, especially in high-growth markets like India.
In the fast-moving world of crypto, Web3, and emerging tech, the message is clear: Build your own table instead of sitting at someone else’s.
#IndianCryptoCommunity #brianmacmahon #AURA8 #Joycechow #FoundersConnect

India boasts the largest number of crypto wallet holders globally, yet unclear regulations and fear-driven policymaking continue to limit mainstream adoption and innovation. In a candid discussion on Aura8, renowned crypto lawyer Suril Desai explains how this hesitation is pushing talent and capital out of the country.
India’s Crypto Paradox
India has one of the most advanced digital payment systems in the world with UPI, yet it struggles with progressive crypto frameworks. While the country leads in user adoption, regulatory uncertainty around stablecoins, DeFi, and virtual digital assets continues to create friction for builders and investors.
The Role of Fear in Regulation
According to Suril Desai, fear remains the dominant force shaping India’s crypto policy:
Fear of losing monetary sovereignty and control over the financial systemConcerns over money laundering, tax evasion, and terrorism financingA broader cultural and institutional risk-averse mindset
This approach has resulted in ambiguous policies that discourage long-term investment and innovation.
Missed Opportunities in Tech Revolutions
Suril Desai draws parallels with history: India missed key opportunities during the Industrial Revolution and large parts of the internet boom. While the country excelled in outsourcing and services, it failed to produce global product companies at scale. He warns that the same pattern could repeat with Web3 and AI unless the mindset shifts.
The Lawyer’s Role in Crypto Strategy
Suril Desai emphasizes that lawyers play a far more strategic role than simply ensuring compliance. They must act as architects — helping projects build “security by design,” structure companies properly, protect intellectual property, and create robust operational frameworks that support sustainable growth.
Vaibhavv Ali’s Take - @Vaibhavvali
“Suril’s insights reveal the core issue: India has the users and talent but is held back by fear-driven regulation. To lead in Web3, India must shift from fear to innovation-friendly policies that encourage risk-taking and reward builders.”
Final Thoughts
India stands at a historic crossroads. With a massive young population, strong digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurial energy, the country has all the ingredients to become a global leader in crypto and blockchain. Overcoming fear-based policymaking will be the decisive factor in stopping brain drain and unlocking India’s full potential in the Web3 economy.
The coming months and years will show whether India chooses caution or courage.
#cryptoindia #BinanceTurns9 #IndiaCrypto #IndianCryptoTrends #surildesai

Monad has achieved a significant milestone as its Total Value Locked (TVL) surpassed $447.9 million, overtaking Sui and solidifying its position as one of the fastest-growing Layer 1 blockchains in 2026.
Table of Contents
Monad TVL MilestoneWhat This Means for MonadComparison with SuiReasons Behind Monad’s Rapid GrowthFinal Thoughts
Monad TVL Milestone
According to on-chain data, Monad’s TVL has climbed above $447.9 million, marking a new all-time high and surpassing Sui. This rapid growth highlights Monad’s increasing adoption in the DeFi space.
What This Means for Monad
This achievement demonstrates strong user confidence in Monad’s high-performance architecture. As a parallel EVM-compatible Layer 1, Monad is designed for massive scalability and low fees, attracting developers and liquidity providers seeking efficient alternatives to established chains.
Comparison with Sui
Monad’s TVL surge has allowed it to overtake Sui, another high-performance Layer 1 competitor. This shift reflects Monad’s momentum in capturing DeFi market share through superior throughput and developer-friendly infrastructure.
Reasons Behind Monad’s Rapid Growth
High transaction speeds and low costsStrong ecosystem incentives and partnershipsGrowing developer interest in its parallel execution modelIncreased DeFi activity and liquidity migration
Final Thoughts
Monad’s TVL milestone is a clear sign of its rising prominence in the Layer 1 landscape. With TVL now exceeding $447.9 million and surpassing Sui, the project continues to demonstrate strong traction in 2026.
The coming months will reveal whether Monad can sustain this momentum and challenge larger players in the DeFi space.
#MonadTVLTops4479M #MonadProtocol #Monad