DigiTalk Podcast EP33 Recap — BTC Breaks Records, ETH Ready to Run — The Market in Motion
In the recent DigiTalk Episode 33, “BTC Breaks Records, ETH Ready to Run — The Market in Motion,” we explored Bitcoin’s surge to a new all-time high, Ethereum’s rally toward its own record, and the possibility of an upcoming altseason.
Introduction
KOL4U
KOL4U is a project that bridges social media activity with tokenized rewards. It uses AI to analyze users’ presence across platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, assigning them a score that can be used to claim tokens.
The project focuses on Web2 companies rather than purely Web3, aiming to onboard mainstream users into crypto through familiar social media channels.
BitSky Services
BitSky Services positions itself as a Web3-native SocialFi platform with the mission to “connect with trust, grow, raise value.” It connects KOLs, projects, and capital through its BitSky Social module.
The team organizes both online and offline activities such as QB Talk events and real-world meetups, where participants can engage with founders, investors, and influencers while earning rewards.
SHIFT
SHIFT is an RWA issuer based in Europe, bringing stocks, ETFs, and bonds into the DeFi market as native crypto tokens. Its uniqueness lies in issuing non-securities while offering access to traditional financial products in tokenized form.
The project is preparing to launch on Solana in collaboration with Orca, Amino, 1inch, OKX, and others, with plans to expand across EVM-compatible networks later this year.
MightyLabsDAO
MightyLabsDAO is a multi-tier DAO ecosystem fostering Web3 innovation. It also operates Trailblaze Launchpad, designed to revolutionize fundraising from the earliest stages through to public rounds.
The project is exploring AI integration, building an “agent of agents” that connects multiple data sources to help Web3 users navigate opportunities more effectively.
Astro Armadillos
Astro Armadillos combines entertainment and education to onboard users into Web3. It runs an animated YouTube series “Astro Armadillos Adventures” alongside Web3 Academy, a learn-to-earn platform.
The project’s goal is to make Web3 approachable and fun, offering engaging content while teaching users about blockchain and gamified earning models.
Q1. BTC just smashed a new ATH, with ETF inflows, macro tailwinds, and market sentiment all in play. In your view, what’s the single biggest driver behind this move?
KOL4U
From KOL4U’s perspective, the single biggest driver is the launch and rapid growth of Bitcoin ETFs. Unlike in past cycles, this rally is not being led by crypto-native users alone but by traditional finance institutions who now have a compliant, regulated path to own Bitcoin. Donny highlighted that pension funds, RIAs, corporates, and even treasuries are all deploying capital into these products, fundamentally altering the demand structure. This inflow is not a one-off event; it acts like a permanent faucet of institutional liquidity that will continue to reshape the market.
At the same time, KOL4U noted that macro tailwinds and sentiment help, but they are secondary compared to the structural importance of ETFs. Once these funds opened, a completely new category of buyers entered the space — entities that typically do not exit quickly and often hold for the long term. This institutional profile means the Bitcoin rally is likely to have more staying power than past retail-driven cycles.
BitSky Services
BitSky Services emphasized that ETF inflows represent a paradigm shift for the industry. They argued that this cycle is “very different” because the buyers are not the same as in previous cycles. Institutional players are entering with size and staying power, and this is not limited to Bitcoin. Ethereum ETFs are already attracting inflows, and BitSky pointed out that Solana, XRP, and even Ton have seen ETF developments recently. This broad-based adoption of ETFs signals that the traditional finance world is beginning to treat multiple crypto assets as legitimate, investable products.
In their view, the combination of ETF inflows and traditional capital’s willingness to diversify beyond Bitcoin is setting up a new kind of market cycle. Where older cycles were dominated by speculation and rapid exits, this one is characterized by long-term inflows. For BitSky, that fundamentally changes how value accrues in the ecosystem and explains why Bitcoin was able to break to new all-time highs so convincingly.
SHIFT
SHIFT echoed the ETF narrative but went further to underline the role of institutional diversification. They noted that large companies and asset managers are not only allocating into Bitcoin but are beginning to treat other assets like Ethereum and Solana as part of their broader crypto strategy. This makes the current cycle markedly different from previous ones, where Bitcoin was almost the sole entry point.
SHIFT sees this institutional inflow as the backbone of the bull run, and they believe it will create greater market stability. Instead of purely speculative retail flows, the inflows are strategic and long term. In this sense, ETF inflows and institutional adoption aren’t just boosting prices in the short term — they are laying the groundwork for a more mature and diversified crypto market.
MightyLabsDAO
MightyLabsDAO highlighted the “treasury narrative” as an underappreciated but powerful driver. They argued that more governments, corporates, and institutions are beginning to hold Bitcoin directly in their treasuries. This trend compounds the natural four-year Bitcoin cycle and helps explain why the timing of this rally coincides with the end of a long bear market. After years of negative news, the shift toward traditional finance acceptance and treasury adoption has created a major wave of demand.
They also stressed that this development should not be underestimated. El Salvador’s decision to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender was initially mocked, but now other countries and institutions are following in different forms, whether through ETFs or direct treasury allocation. This is an important macro backdrop: the institutionalization of Bitcoin as a treasury asset ensures that much of the new supply is locked up for the long term, reducing selling pressure and contributing to the new ATH.
Astro Armadillos
Astro Armadillos brought a different perspective, pointing to the declining Bitcoin reserves on centralized exchanges. They argued that one overlooked factor is simply the shrinking supply of Bitcoin available for trading. As more BTC is moved into ETFs, self-custody solutions, and cold storage, the liquid supply on exchanges continues to fall. This structural scarcity naturally drives prices higher when demand increases.
They added that this trend reflects the broader shift in user mentality. Investors are becoming more educated about the risks of leaving funds on centralized exchanges, and hardware wallets and cold storage are becoming more accessible. As a result, both institutions and retail holders are more likely to keep Bitcoin off-exchange and hold it for the long term. Combined with ETF inflows and macro sentiment, this declining exchange reserve amplifies upward pressure and creates a tighter market dynamic that explains the new ATH.
Q2. ETH is close to its ATH too, boosted by staking, L2 growth, and meme coin activity. Do you see this as a spillover from BTC, or is ETH running on its own fundamentals?
KOL4U
KOL4U argued that Ethereum’s performance is both spillover and fundamentally driven. On one hand, investors who missed out on Bitcoin are looking to ETH as the next opportunity. This FOMO-driven rotation is an old dynamic in crypto and continues to play a role. On the other hand, ETH has unique growth drivers such as staking yields, L2 expansion, and real adoption by developers and institutions, which justify its rally independently.
They emphasized that conversations in traditional finance circles have shifted. More equity traders and institutional investors are learning about ETH and treating it as a distinct asset, not just “second to Bitcoin.” This growing educational awareness is itself a catalyst, ensuring that ETH’s run has as much to do with fundamentals as it does with Bitcoin’s momentum.
BitSky Services
BitSky Services highlighted that ETH is experiencing a mix of both effects. The spillover from Bitcoin is undeniable — many new institutional players first enter through BTC, then quickly look to ETH as the next asset with significant upside. However, ETH is also gaining momentum from its own developments, particularly staking and the explosion of L2 ecosystems.
They stressed that Ethereum’s long-term story is increasingly independent. While the current run benefits from Bitcoin’s new all-time highs, ETH is also being recognized as a platform asset with its own value drivers. This dual narrative — spillover plus fundamentals — is what makes the ETH case especially strong in this cycle.
SHIFT
SHIFT framed ETH’s rise as an example of institutional diversification. They pointed out that ETF inflows are already beginning to extend into Ethereum products. This demonstrates that ETH is no longer just a speculative altcoin but is being positioned as an institutional-grade asset alongside Bitcoin. The demand is coming not only from retail but also from regulated, traditional investment vehicles.
They believe this is a critical distinction compared to previous cycles. ETH is benefiting from BTC momentum, but it is simultaneously establishing its own independent narrative as a legitimate investment class. For SHIFT, the combination of staking, scalability solutions, and ETF inflows underscores that ETH is now standing on its own.
MightyLabsDAO
MightyLabsDAO emphasized the role of education and new market participants. They observed that many traditional finance professionals are just beginning to learn about ETH and what it represents beyond Bitcoin. For these participants, ETH is increasingly viewed as a high-conviction play with strong fundamentals.
At the same time, ETH remains part of the broader market cycle. As Bitcoin rallies, new investors naturally look for the “next big thing,” and ETH fits that role perfectly. For MightyLabsDAO, the balance between education-driven adoption and cyclical spillover is what’s powering ETH’s run toward its all-time high.
Astro Armadillos
Astro Armadillos noted that ETH’s fundamentals should not be underestimated. With a significant portion of ETH locked in staking, the circulating supply is reduced, creating upward price pressure. Meanwhile, L2 activity has surged, providing real utility for Ethereum and reinforcing its ecosystem strength.
They agreed that ETH benefits from Bitcoin’s momentum, but argued that its own fundamentals — staking, L2 growth, and active development — mean it is not simply riding BTC’s coattails. Instead, ETH is asserting itself as the foundation for the next phase of blockchain adoption, ensuring its rally is built on more than spillover effects.
Q3. Strong BTC and ETH rallies often lead to altseason. Do you think rotation is starting, and where would you expect it to go first?
KOL4U
KOL4U suggested that altseason has not truly begun yet. They pointed out that many alts remain heavily suppressed compared to BTC and ETH, which have dramatically outperformed in the past year. For rotation to begin, traders need to regain confidence and chase narratives that provide the most convincing risk/reward.
They predicted that the first beneficiaries will be layer 2s on Ethereum, along with sectors like RWAs and AI. Traders are likely to focus on narratives that are easy to understand and offer strong potential upside. In their view, altseason will emerge in stages, beginning with these “hot” narratives before spreading more broadly.
BitSky Services
BitSky Services argued that this altseason will look very different from past ones because institutional money now plays a central role. Unlike speculative retail inflows that often leave as quickly as they arrive, institutional capital tends to stay. This makes the cycle more stable but also changes which assets are likely to benefit.
They expect RWAs to be a defining narrative of this cycle, especially as institutional players seek assets with clear backing and utility. Meme coins will still exist as speculative “casino plays,” but BitSky believes the pendulum will swing toward more credible, asset-backed sectors, creating a hybrid market where both memes and RWAs coexist.
SHIFT
SHIFT shared the view that altseason is coming but will not mirror the past. They highlighted RWAs as the sector most likely to benefit, as institutions prefer assets that resemble traditional finance instruments. This preference will make RWAs an early rotation target.
They also believe AI integration will play a major role. Hybrid assets that combine RWAs with AI-driven trading or yield strategies could define this new altseason. For SHIFT, the key takeaway is that altseason will still arrive but with a different flavor — less speculative, more tied to institutional capital and structured products.
MightyLabsDAO
MightyLabsDAO argued that stablecoins and payments could be the “hidden altseason.” They explained that once real-world payment rails integrate stablecoins more fully, adoption will accelerate in ways that many overlook. Although stablecoins are not speculative in nature, their role as infrastructure could create enormous opportunities for builders.
In their view, altseason should not be understood only as speculative coin pumps. The real “rotation” may be happening into sectors that provide real-world adoption — stablecoins being the prime example. For MightyLabsDAO, that is the narrative builders should focus on if they want to capture long-term growth.
Astro Armadillos
Astro Armadillos pointed to mid-cap tokens as the most likely winners in the early stages of rotation. They argued that infrastructure projects with real adoption potential offer the strongest upside, while meme-driven plays will likely appear later in the cycle as a “late game.”
They stressed that mid-caps with actual user traction are often overlooked until the cycle matures. For Astro Armadillos, altseason will start with credible infrastructure and niche narratives, and only afterward will speculative flows return to meme coins and other high-risk assets.
Q4. If you had to name one sector or coin to watch next, what would it be and why?
KOL4U
KOL4U pointed to Ethereum and ETH-linked projects as key assets to watch. Institutions are experimenting with leveraged ETH treasury strategies, showing strong conviction in the asset’s long-term value. This institutional behavior signals confidence and suggests that ETH-related ecosystems will continue to grow.
They added that after ETH, capital tends to flow into other major assets like Solana, BNB, or XRP. These ecosystems may be the “next in line” as new investors chase returns after missing the ETH rally. For KOL4U, this cascading rotation makes ETH and its adjacent ecosystems worth watching.
BitSky Services
BitSky Services named RWAs as the sector to watch closely. They noted that while traditional stocks and assets have already been tokenized, liquidity and adoption are still low. Over time, however, RWAs are likely to form the backbone of institutional adoption, as they combine familiarity with blockchain efficiency.
They believe hybrid models — mixing RWAs with AI-driven strategies or meme elements — could capture the imagination of both institutions and retail. This hybridization is why BitSky views RWAs not just as a niche but as a transformative sector that could reshape the narrative for years to come.
SHIFT
SHIFT naturally pointed to RWAs, given their focus as a project. They believe tokenization of stocks, ETFs, and bonds represents the most credible next wave of crypto adoption. Unlike speculative assets, RWAs connect directly to multi-trillion-dollar markets, ensuring long-term utility and demand.
They stressed that RWA tokenization is still in its infancy, and most of the world’s assets remain untouched. For SHIFT, this represents a massive opportunity. The next phase of crypto growth will come from bringing traditional financial assets on chain, and SHIFT sees itself as part of that transition.
MightyLabsDAO
MightyLabsDAO emphasized stablecoins. They argued that although they do not appreciate in value, they represent the most important adoption sector. Once integrated into mainstream payment systems, stablecoins can become the bridge between traditional finance and crypto.
They pointed to developments like PayPal and Stripe moving into the stablecoin space as signs of what’s to come. For MightyLabsDAO, the sector to watch is clear: stablecoins will underpin payments, credit, and daily transactions, making them the most transformative area in the medium term.
Astro Armadillos
Astro Armadillos took a longer-term view, suggesting that on-chain payments in general are the most important sector. They argued that eventually all payments may move to blockchain rails because of efficiency and cost advantages.
They believe that this shift will not happen overnight but is inevitable. Sectors and tokens that enable seamless, user-friendly payments will play a critical role in crypto’s mainstream adoption. For Astro Armadillos, that makes payments the sector to watch, even if the short-term hype belongs to other narratives.
Q5. The market’s hot, but risks are always there. What’s the biggest red flag you’re watching right now?
KOL4U
KOL4U warned that retail-driven narratives can be misleading. While crypto Twitter often dominates sentiment, the real flows are increasingly dictated by traditional finance and institutional adoption. Ignoring this reality is a risk — traders who fail to track ETF inflows and macro dynamics may find themselves on the wrong side of the market.
They added that the risk lies in underestimating how quickly narratives can shift. Retail cycles may focus on meme coins or short-term narratives, but the real driver is institutional money. For KOL4U, missing that shift is the biggest red flag.
BitSky Services
BitSky Services highlighted centralization risks. As big banks and payment companies enter stablecoins and tokenization, there is a danger that DeFi’s decentralized ethos could be undermined. While institutional adoption helps the industry grow, it also introduces new power structures that could dominate the ecosystem.
They argued that the community must remain vigilant. If adoption is entirely controlled by banks and corporates, the space could lose much of what makes it unique. For BitSky, balancing institutional growth with decentralization is the biggest red flag.
SHIFT
SHIFT pointed to liquidity challenges in RWA markets as their main concern. Although tokenized stocks and ETFs are being launched, actual adoption and trading activity remain limited. Without sufficient liquidity, these markets may struggle to attract users, undermining their growth potential.
They also warned that adoption may take longer than anticipated. RWAs have massive potential, but if product-market fit is slow to arrive, it could weigh on the broader narrative. For SHIFT, this lack of immediate traction is a key red flag to monitor.
MightyLabsDAO
MightyLabsDAO highlighted stablecoin risks. USDC can freeze assets, USDT has opacity issues, and algorithmic stablecoins have a history of collapse. Depending too heavily on any single stablecoin could be dangerous for both builders and users.
They suggested that diversification is necessary, with baskets of stablecoins being a safer long-term approach. For MightyLabsDAO, the stability and governance of stablecoins is the red flag with the largest systemic implications.
Astro Armadillos
Astro Armadillos stressed the scarcity of Bitcoin as a key risk. With exchange reserves declining, volatility could increase sharply as liquidity dries up. Even small inflows or outflows could create outsized market moves, raising the risk of sudden swings.
They also mentioned that the move toward self-custody and ETFs locks up supply in ways that may amplify shocks. While this scarcity supports price appreciation, it also increases fragility. For Astro Armadillos, managing this liquidity imbalance is the biggest risk to watch.
Conclusion
The session made clear that institutional inflows, particularly through ETFs, are the primary force behind Bitcoin’s new ATH and are reshaping the market structure. Ethereum, while benefiting from Bitcoin’s momentum, is increasingly being recognized on its own fundamentals, with staking, L2 growth, and institutional products providing independent strength.
Looking forward, the next rotation is expected to favor RWAs, stablecoins, and mid-cap infrastructure projects, while risks such as centralization, liquidity gaps, and stablecoin vulnerabilities remain in focus. Overall, this cycle is defined less by short-term speculation and more by the steady entry of traditional finance, signaling a more mature but still volatile market ahead.
