‍DeepSeek V4 Rumored to Challenge Claude and ChatGPT in Coding Hangzhou-based AI startup DeepSeek is reportedly preparing to launch its V4 model by mid-February 2025. Insiders suggest V4 is engineered to outperform competitors like Anthropic's Claude and OpenAI's GPT series in complex programming tasks. The model is expected to excel with long code prompts and aims to surpass Claude Opus 4.5's SWE-bench Verified record of 80.9%. A new training method, "Manifold-Constrained Hyper-Connections" (mHC), may allow DeepSeek to overcome hardware limitations imposed by U.S. export restrictions. This development could significantly impact decentralized AI and enterprise software, particularly in areas like smart contract auditing and DePIN development.
‍VanEck: Bitcoin Could Reach $53M by 2050 in Bullish Scenario Global asset manager VanEck has outlined a long-term outlook for Bitcoin (BTC), projecting a potential valuation of $53.4 million per coin by 2050. This optimistic scenario, termed "hyper-Bitcoinization," assumes a 29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and envisions Bitcoin capturing a significant share of international trade and global GDP, potentially surpassing gold as a primary reserve asset. More moderate projections include a base case of $2.9 million per BTC (15% CAGR) and a bear case of $130,000 (2% CAGR). The report highlights Bitcoin's scarcity and decentralized nature as key drivers for its potential role as a global hedge against traditional fiat currencies.
‍Andreessen Horowitz Raises $15 Billion to Secure U.S. Tech Leadership Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) has secured over $15 billion across five funds, aiming to strengthen U.S. technological infrastructure and global competitiveness. A significant portion of this capital will be directed towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology, identified as crucial drivers for future economic and geopolitical stability. This funding represents over 18% of all U.S. venture capital raised in 2025. The firm's mission is to ensure America leads future innovation by integrating emerging technologies into vital sectors. While diversified, a16z crypto, the firm's digital asset arm, continues to be a major player in Web3, having raised over $7 billion specifically for the crypto industry. The firm's historical portfolio includes early investments in Coinbase and major layer-1 blockchains.
‍BNY Launches Tokenized Deposits to Enhance Institutional Liquidity BNY, the world's largest custodian bank, has announced the launch of tokenized deposits on a private blockchain. This innovation aims to facilitate "programmable, on-chain cash" for both traditional and digital-native firms, optimizing settlement and liquidity. The new product functions as digital book entries representing funds, initially for collateral and margin management. This move positions BNY as a competitor to JPMorgan in the tokenization race, leveraging its $57.8 trillion in assets under custody.
‍Altcoins Outperform Bitcoin Amidst Market Consolidation In early 2026, while Bitcoin and Ethereum consolidate, altcoins are showing resilience. Data indicates a capital rotation towards high-beta assets, with XRP and Solana leading gains. Sui, Bittensor, and Shiba Inu also saw substantial climbs, contrasting with Bitcoin's modest year-to-date performance. Experts attribute this trend to investors seeking "upside optionality" amid macroeconomic uncertainty. Marcin Kazmierczak notes that while specific narratives like spot Solana ETFs and potential XRP ETF approvals are factors, investor sentiment is the primary driver. Upcoming U.S. economic reports, including employment data and CPI, are crucial. Favorable data could push Bitcoin towards $98,000, though a CME futures gap near $88,000 presents a potential downside risk. The market remains in a cautious "wait and see" mode, with institutional players awaiting clearer signals. Volatility is expected, and the coming week will determine if this altcoin surge signals a broader bullish trend or a temporary deviation.
‍LBank Achieves $6.3B in U.S. Stock Futures Trading Volume LBank has announced a trading volume exceeding $6.3 billion for U.S. stock futures, marking a significant expansion into tokenized equity derivatives. The platform now offers futures for 35 major U.S. equities, including NVIDIA and Tesla, with leverage up to 20x and USDT settlement. This integration aims to bridge traditional finance with the digital asset ecosystem, offering 24/7 global access. Eric He stated, “This breakthrough reflects surging global demand for flexible, inclusive access to U.S. equities. At LBank, we’re convinced the future of finance lies in the seamless convergence of crypto and traditional markets.” The exchange also collaborates with Ondo Finance and Stocks to list tokenized Real-World Assets (RWAs).
‍TBook Secures $10 Million, Valuation Exceeds $100 Million TBook, an RWA liquidity layer, has raised over $10 million in its latest funding round, led by SevenX Ventures. With participation from Mask Network and the Sui Foundation, the project's valuation now surpasses $100 million. TBook's proprietary architecture includes an Identity Layer with 10 million users, an Intelligence Layer via the WISE Credit Score, and a Settlement Layer. The protocol operates on Sui and TON, aiming to connect asset issuers with qualified investors ahead of its Q1 2026 Token Generation Event.
‍Bittensor and HackQuest Launch Global Ideathon to Expand Subnet Ecosystem Bittensor has partnered with Web3 developer education platform HackQuest to launch the "Build on Bittensor" initiative. Announced on January 9, 2026, this collaboration aims to accelerate developer and miner onboarding into the Bittensor ecosystem. The initiative encourages participants to design unique incentive mechanisms and miner-validator coordination protocols for subnets, which are specialized competitive markets within the Bittensor network. Developers can earn rewards by building functional subnets and testing new ways to distribute TAO tokens. HackQuest is also developing a dedicated Bittensor Learning Path to guide newcomers through subnet architecture and mining mechanics, with global university programs planned for 2026.