One Cryptocurrency Sees a 1,000% Surge in a Year: Should Investors Get Excited?
Identifying standout performers in the cryptocurrency landscape is becoming increasingly challenging. Bitcoin (BTC 1.53%), which has already created over 145,000 millionaires globally, has experienced only a modest 10% increase this year. This modest rise raises concerns about whether Bitcoin can continue to produce new millionaires. However, opportunities for significant investment returns still exist, particularly for those willing to embrace high risks associated with newer cryptocurrencies that lack a solid historical performance. Below are three areas where investors might find potential high-reward options.
AI Coins: A Disappointing Start
At the beginning of the year, many speculated that the growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) sector would significantly boost the value of AI-related cryptocurrencies. These coins are generally associated with blockchain solutions tailored for innovative AI applications. With AI stocks seeing substantial increases, it was reasonable to expect a similar trend for AI coins. Unfortunately, this year has not reflected that expectation. In fact, the performance of AI coins has been quite poor in 2025, with examples like the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET 2.45%) down 77%, Render (RENDER 4.37%) off by 68%, and Bittensor (TAO 6.11%) down 22%. While there is a possibility that these coins might regain their previous momentum in the future, they can be overlooked for the time being.
Meme Coins: A Rollercoaster Ride
Historically, meme coins have given the impression that they could generate substantial wealth for investors. These coins often see a rapid surge in value upon launching, only to plummet to negligible levels soon after. If one can perfectly time their entry and exit, there is potential for significant profits, although this is not a strategy that is generally advisable. The concept of a Memecoin Supercycle suggests that certain meme coins could outperform traditional cryptocurrencies over time. Some analysts even propose that meme coins might evolve into a new asset class altogether. Additionally, the anticipated introduction of new spot crypto ETFs could potentially boost interest in meme coins. Unfortunately, popular dog-themed meme coins have underperformed this year; Dogecoin (DOGE 1.54%) is down 45%, Shiba Inu (SHIB 1.05%) has fallen 55%, and Bonk (BONK 4.94%) is down 60%.
DeFi Coins: Potential for Longevity
Another category with promising long-term prospects consists of cryptocurrencies linked to decentralized finance (DeFi). Given the prior administration’s favorable stance towards cryptocurrency, there is potential for a resurgence in DeFi as a compelling investment strategy, reminiscent of its boom from 2020 to 2021. However, it remains challenging to identify which projects will thrive. For instance, World Liberty Financial (WLFI +0.00%), associated with a Trump-linked DeFi initiative, has seen a decline of 36% this year. Other notable DeFi coins, such as Ondo (ONDO 5.28%), have fared even worse.
High-Risk, High-Reward Opportunities
Despite the challenges, it is becoming increasingly difficult to overlook Hyperliquid (HYPE 2.59%), a new DeFi coin that made its debut in November 2024, boasting an astonishing 1,000% increase since its launch. This impressive growth has positioned Hyperliquid as the 11th largest cryptocurrency globally, with a market capitalization of $12 billion.
Current Price: $37.61
Market Cap: $10B
Day’s Range: $37.46 – $39.21
52-week Range: $37.46 – $59.30
Volume: 351M
Average Volume: 0
While the hype surrounding HYPE may be difficult to digest, the underlying Hyperliquid blockchain is backed by a strong academic foundation, incorporating insights from institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Caltech. Its primary purpose is to facilitate trading of perpetual futures in various cryptocurrencies. However, U.S. investors may encounter challenges in accessing HYPE, as trading perpetual futures is not yet permitted in the country. Attempts to access the Hyperliquid platform directly may result in alerts indicating that users are in a “restricted jurisdiction.” Thankfully, HYPE has recently become available on the Robinhood crypto platform, which could enhance its appeal to retail investors, particularly if the U.S. eventually permits perpetual futures trading. However, the investment risks remain substantial. Personally, I would hesitate to commit sizable investments to a speculative asset like HYPE, especially given the uncertain regulatory environment in the U.S. For those aspiring to amass wealth, such high-risk opportunities may be necessary, as consistently earning 10% annually with Bitcoin would likely fall short of millionaire aspirations. For substantial returns, investing in the U.S. stock market may be a more prudent choice.
