01node’s, 2024 Year in Review

Every year, we reflect on the events that shaped the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, but 2024 stands apart in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Unlike previous years marked by uncertainty or market volatility, this year saw the industry not just adapt but thrive amidst change. From record-breaking milestones to major policy shifts, the ecosystem witnessed a level of growth and maturation that set a new benchmark for the years to come.

While challenges and disruptions are never far from the ecosystem, 2024 has been a year where resilience met innovation. As we look back on the progress made and the opportunities ahead, we are reminded of how far we’ve come, thanks to your unwavering support.

In this review, we’ll walk through the key moments that defined the year – from breakthrough achievements in the blockchain space to the pivotal events that shaped the market’s trajectory. Let’s take a closer look at the remarkable progress and the future we’re building together.

In December 2024, Bitcoin made history by surpassing the $100,000 price mark, reaching an all-time high of $103,332.30 USD. This milestone was driven by multiple factors, including growing institutional interest and a broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a viable asset class. Throughout the year, Bitcoin’s performance reflected a positive shift in market sentiment, driven in part by regulatory clarity emerging from the U.S. and other key regions. Bitcoin’s climb to $100K marked a new era for the digital asset, signaling the potential for further price appreciation and increased mainstream adoption. Major financial institutions, including investment banks and wealth management firms, began offering Bitcoin-related services to clients, cementing the cryptocurrency’s place in the global financial ecosystem.

The re-election of President Donald Trump in November 2024 created a significant turning point for the crypto sector. Trump’s administration pledged to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the planet,” which was welcomed by cryptocurrency enthusiasts and companies. This announcement came at a time when global interest in digital assets was accelerating, with many expecting more favorable regulations for the crypto industry in the U.S. Trump’s administration expressed a commitment to providing regulatory clarity for cryptocurrency companies, potentially facilitating the entry of new projects and investments into the market. The President’s support of blockchain technology and digital currencies indicated that the U.S. would continue to be a leader in shaping the future of decentralized finance (DeFi).

2024 marked a groundbreaking moment for cryptocurrency investors as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the first-ever Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The approval, announced in January, allowed investors to gain direct exposure to Bitcoin through traditional stock markets. This move was viewed as a major step toward legitimizing Bitcoin in the eyes of institutional investors. Building on this success, the SEC also approved several Ether ETFs in July 2024, providing investors with a similar opportunity to access the Ethereum market. The approval of these ETFs marked a crucial milestone in bridging the gap between traditional finance and the cryptocurrency market, potentially opening the door for even greater mainstream adoption.

In March 2024, Ethereum implemented the “Dencun” upgrade, a highly anticipated update designed to improve transaction fees and scalability for Layer 2 networks. The upgrade was pivotal in optimizing the Ethereum network, particularly for decentralized applications (dApps) and DeFi protocols that rely on Ethereum’s blockchain. By reducing transaction costs, the upgrade helped make Ethereum more competitive in the ever-growing space of decentralized finance, where gas fees had been a significant barrier to entry for smaller users. Furthermore, the Dencun upgrade provided a solid foundation for future Ethereum enhancements aimed at improving scalability and network performance as Ethereum continues its transition to a more efficient proof-of-stake consensus mechanism.

Several key cryptocurrency conferences in 2024 attracted thousands of participants, helping shape the conversation about the future of blockchain technology and digital currencies.

• Consensus 2024 by CoinDesk: Held from May 29 to 31 in Austin, Texas, Consensus 2024 was one of the largest events of the year, bringing together over 15,000 attendees, including developers, investors, and blockchain leaders. The event focused on the latest trends in blockchain innovation, decentralized finance, and Web3 technology, with major announcements from companies like Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon.
• TOKEN2049 Singapore: Held on September 18 and 19 at Marina Bay Sands, this event attracted influential figures like Tyler Winklevoss and Jeremy Allaire. TOKEN2049 served as a hub for discussions on emerging technologies and trends in the blockchain industry, including NFTs, DeFi, and regulatory compliance.
• Bitcoin MENA 2024: Scheduled for December 9-10 in Abu Dhabi, Bitcoin MENA 2024 brought together the global Bitcoin community to celebrate the growth of Bitcoin and blockchain technologies in the Middle East. The event featured keynotes and panels from prominent industry leaders, emphasizing Bitcoin’s potential as a global store of value and payment system.

In December 2024, crypto enthusiasts and industry leaders gathered at a major Bitcoin conference in Abu Dhabi, where the growing influence of political figures in the cryptocurrency space became increasingly evident. Keynote speakers included Eric Trump and billionaire Steve Witkoff, both of whom are prominent supporters of cryptocurrency adoption. This event highlighted the increasing political engagement with digital currencies, as the U.S. administration under President Trump signaled its commitment to supporting the crypto industry through regulatory reforms and infrastructure development. The growing political backing of cryptocurrency was seen as a crucial step toward mainstream adoption and financial integration.

2024 was marked by an unprecedented wave of institutional adoption in the cryptocurrency space. Leading financial institutions, including major asset management firms, banks, and hedge funds, began to embrace cryptocurrencies as part of their portfolios. BlackRock, for example, recommended that investors allocate up to 2% of their portfolios to Bitcoin, signaling a shift in how digital assets are perceived within traditional financial circles. The increasing institutional interest contributed to the overall growth of the market, with the total market capitalization of cryptocurrencies hitting new highs. Additionally, numerous blockchain-based financial products and services continued to gain traction, further blurring the lines between traditional finance and decentralized finance (DeFi).

In our 2023 year-in-review, we shared our excitement for the year ahead, anticipating new milestones and impactful contributions to the blockchain ecosystem. With a continued focus on innovation, strategic partnerships, and delivering user-centric services, we set ambitious goals. Looking back at 2024, we can confidently say that, as a small team, we exceeded our expectations. We are thrilled to share some of the remarkable achievements that defined our year.

• 01node Head Office 

Since our inception, 01node has operated as a fully remote team, long before the world was familiar with the challenges of a global pandemic. This year, however, marked a significant milestone: we built our first physical office space. This new headquarters not only provides a collaborative space for our team to come together in person but also strengthens the sense of community that has been a cornerstone of our growth. While we’ve always had a physical location for our data center, this is our first dedicated office, and we’re excited about the opportunities it brings for future expansion.

• 5000 Delegators on Cosmos

This year, we reached a major milestone with over 5,000 delegators supporting 01node on the Cosmos network. This achievement reflects the trust and confidence the community has placed in our services. As we continue to grow, this significant number of delegators not only validates the strength of our blockchain infrastructure but also highlights the commitment we’ve made to providing secure, reliable, and efficient staking solutions. We are deeply grateful for the support of each and every one of our delegators and look forward to scaling new heights together in the coming years.

• 50,000 Total Delegators 

We reached an exciting milestone of 50,000 total delegators across our staking services. This achievement highlights the trust and confidence that our community has placed in 01node and reflects the growing support for our secure, reliable, and high-performance staking solutions. We are incredibly proud to have hit this mark, as it signifies the expansion of our ecosystem and our commitment to providing exceptional value to each of our delegators.

• $400M Assets under Management

A standout achievement this year has been our remarkable growth, with assets under management (AUM) soaring from $100 million in 2023 to an impressive $400 million in 2024. This leap underscores the trust our delegators and partners have placed in 01node and validates the effectiveness of our staking strategies. Managing such a substantial portfolio is a reflection of our commitment to providing secure, reliable, and high-performance solutions. We are incredibly proud of this milestone and look forward to further expanding our impact in the blockchain ecosystem.

• We Launched Mimosa – 01node’s Cashback Where Every Stake Pays Back 

In 2024, we introduced Mimosa, a unique initiative that redefines staking by offering a cashback feature for every stake. With Mimosa, delegators are rewarded not only for their staking contributions but also for their loyalty, as each stake generates a return through our innovative cashback model. This initiative is designed to add value to our delegators and create a more engaging, rewarding experience within the 01node ecosystem. We are excited about the potential of Mimosa and look forward to expanding its offerings in the future. For a deeper dive into how it works, visit Mimosa Testnet.

• Sponsored and Participated in International Conferences 

2024 was a year of global engagement for 01node, as we sponsored and participated in some of the most influential blockchain and crypto conferences around the world. Our presence at TOKEN2049 in Dubai allowed us to connect with industry leaders and showcase our innovative solutions. Additionally, we took part in the Modular Summit 3.0 in Brussels, Belgium, where we engaged with thought leaders on the future of blockchain technology. Other key events included the Chainlink Romanian Launch and the ETH Bucharest Conference held on March 29-30, where we shared insights into blockchain’s growing impact. Beyond conferences, we formed strategic partnerships with several blockchain projects, including ixfi, and had a great time networking at the CryptoExpoEurope Network Party. These experiences have strengthened our presence in the global blockchain community and paved the way for future collaborations.

• Onboarded New Networks and Protocols

In 2024, 01node continued to expand its presence in the blockchain ecosystem by onboarding several new networks and protocols. We proudly supported the launch of

1. Pryzm,
2. CrossFi,
3. Symbiotic,
4. Espresso,
5. Pell Network,
6. Ungate,
7. Side Protocol,
8. Chromia, and became the Genesis validator for Dymension. Additionally, we integrated with Guardian on Wormhole, strengthening our position in multi-chain ecosystems. On the testnet front, we actively participated in
9. Hyve,
10. Initia,

Lit Protocol, and Berachain testnets, etc. contributing to their development and testing. Furthermore, we became AVS Operators and onboarded over 14 active validators on EigenLayer, further establishing our expertise in providing secure, reliable staking services. To name a few, we support a diverse range of projects such as EigenDA, Omni Network, AltLayer MACH, Eoracle, Cyber MACH, and Brevis coChain AVS, etc. expanding our validator footprint across the blockchain landscape.

• New Network Tokens on Faucetino & Vanity Address Generator

In 2024, we expanded Faucetino by adding new network tokens, including Berachain, Celestia, Dymension, dYdX, Secret, and Holesky. This expansion contributed to us surpassing 10,000 transactions on the Faucetino Berachain Faucet, reflecting the growing usage and interest in the platform. Additionally, we launched a vanity address generator for Cosmos, Celestia, and dYdX, allowing users to create personalized addresses that reflect their unique identity. While these vanity addresses add a fun and personal touch, we always recommend using hardware wallets for securely storing large holdings.

• AMAs and Delegation Contest

In 2024, we hosted insightful AMAs with several key players in the blockchain space, including LAVA, where we explored the transition from blocks to bandwidth, Babylon, where we gained a deeper understanding of protocol development and decentralized sequencers, and GoraCast (INFSTONES), which shed light on how institutional validators are driving the success of Gora. Additionally, we organized a Delegation Contest in collaboration with bitsCrunch, offering an exciting opportunity for our community to engage, participate, and win rewards while learning more about blockchain and staking strategies.

• Tier 1 Status in the Early Delegation Program

We proudly achieved Tier 1 status in the LAVA Foundation’s Early Delegation Program in 2024. This recognition comes with exciting benefits, including 0% commission and 100% rewards on some selected networks for a three-month period, starting in December. This milestone not only highlights our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our delegators but also strengthens our position within the broader blockchain ecosystem.

Once again, we find ourselves in that time of the year when predictions for 2025 are circulating from various pundits. Some are grounded in speculation, while others are rooted in facts and events from 2024. At this juncture, we have compiled a list of predictions that appear promising for the upcoming year, drawing insights from the occurrences and developments of the preceding year.

1. The Rise of Strategic Bitcoin Reserves2024 saw discussions about a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) for the U.S., sparking speculation that other major economies might follow suit. As Bitcoin becomes a more recognized digital store of value, we predict that one or more G7 or BRICS nations will announce their own Strategic Bitcoin Reserves in 2025. This would solidify Bitcoin’s position as a reserve asset and could reshape global economic and geopolitical power structures, driving greater adoption and legitimizing Bitcoin as part of national financial strategies.
2. Stablecoin Market Exceeds $400 BillionThe stablecoin market saw significant growth in 2024, with the market cap reaching a new high. We predict that in 2025, the total circulating supply of stablecoins will double to exceed $400 billion. Driven by increasing demand for fast, efficient, and borderless payment systems, stablecoins will continue to play a crucial role in facilitating global transactions. Additionally, stablecoin regulations will become clearer, boosting confidence in the asset class and enabling even broader adoption by individuals, businesses, and governments.
3. Bitcoin DeFi Takes Off with Layer 2 SolutionsThe development of Layer 2 solutions (L2) like Stacks and BOB unlocked the possibility of decentralized finance (DeFi) on Bitcoin’s network. In 2025, we predict that Bitcoin DeFi will gain significant traction, with L2 solutions driving Bitcoin’s Total Value Locked (TVL) to surpass the $24 billion mark. As L2 networks continue to improve Bitcoin’s scalability and programmability, Bitcoin will transition beyond its role as a store of value into a powerful asset within decentralized finance ecosystems.
4. Mainstream Crypto ETFs and Staking IntegrationFollowing the success of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in 2024, we predict that the next wave of ETFs will offer more diversified exposure to the crypto market, including Solana and other leading protocols. Additionally, staking integration in Ethereum ETFs is likely, allowing investors to earn rewards directly through these funds. The proliferation of crypto-focused ETFs will make it easier for both institutional and retail investors to gain exposure to crypto assets, driving further capital inflows into the space.
5. A Global Renaissance for U.S. Crypto Startups2024 saw positive steps toward regulatory clarity, and with a change in SEC leadership, 2025 may usher in a renaissance for U.S.-based crypto startups. With increased regulatory support and greater access to banking infrastructure, the U.S. is set to regain its position as a global crypto powerhouse. As barriers to entry decrease and more resources become available to blockchain developers, we expect to see an influx of new projects, innovations, and token launches, revitalizing the U.S. crypto ecosystem.

As we look ahead to 2025, the cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem is poised for continued growth and transformation. With Bitcoin solidifying its place as a global asset, DeFi expanding, and clearer regulations paving the way, the industry is set for exciting developments. At 01node, we’re equally excited about our journey, having surpassed key milestones this year. As we continue to grow, expand our services, and innovate within the blockchain space, we remain committed to providing value to our delegators and partners. Together, we’ll navigate the opportunities and challenges that the future holds, ready to achieve even greater success in the year ahead.