Got $1,000? 2 Cryptocurrencies to Buy and Hold for Decades

The cryptocurrency market has evolved from a speculative playground to a landscape of transformative technologies, with artificial intelligence (AI) integration and regulatory clarity now driving sustainable value. For investors seeking long-term opportunities, two projects stand out: NEAR Protocol (NEAR) and SingularityNET (AGIX). Both are undervalued, AI-driven, and poised to benefit from regulatory tailwinds reshaping the industry. Let's dissect why these could be generational buys.

Why AI and Regulation Matter Now

The $36 billion AI crypto sector is undervalued relative to its potential, projected to hit $1.8 trillion by 2030. Meanwhile, regulatory frameworks like the EU's MiCA (effective 2025) and the U.S. GENIUS Act (2025) are stabilizing markets by mandating transparency, reserve backing for stablecoins, and anti-fraud measures. This shift reduces systemic risks and opens doors for institutional adoption—key for long-term growth.

1. NEAR Protocol (NEAR): The AI-Optimized Blockchain Infrastructure

What It Does:
NEAR is a layer-1 blockchain focused on scalability and accessibility. Its AI integration optimizes sharding technology, enabling 10,000+ transactions per second while reducing fees—a critical feature for mass adoption. The protocol's AI-driven governance automates network upgrades, ensuring efficiency without manual intervention.

Why Buy Now:
- Undervalued: Trading at a 65% discount to its all-time high of $50, despite a 270% YoY growth in 2023.
- Regulatory Tailwinds: MiCA compliance positions it as a trusted platform for EU-based DeFi and NFT projects.
- Institutional Backing: Attracted $4.8 billion in venture capital in Q1 2025 alone.
- Use Case Breadth: Powers dApps in finance, gaming, and healthcare, with partnerships like Meta's Diem (now Novi) leveraging its infrastructure.

Investment Thesis:
NEAR's AI-driven scalability and regulatory readiness make it a foundational asset. Its current valuation is a rare entry point for a protocol with $7 billion market cap and enterprise-grade tools. Hold for decades as blockchain infrastructure becomes as essential as cloud computing.

2. SingularityNET (AGIX): The AI Marketplace for the Decentralized Future

What It Does:
SingularityNET is a decentralized AI marketplace enabling developers and enterprises to buy, sell, and train AI models without intermediaries. Its token, AGIX, fuels transactions and rewards contributors. Use cases span biotech (e.g., drug discovery via AI), finance (algorithmic trading), and IoT (AI-driven sensor networks).

Why Buy Now:
- Undervalued: Trading at $0.25, down 30% from its 2023 peak, despite a 174% YoY growth and $1.1 billion market cap.
- AI Ecosystem Dominance: Partnerships with firms like Rejuve.Bio (AI-driven longevity research) and Cognito (institutional crypto tools) validate its utility.
- Regulatory Alignment: MiCA and the GENIUS Act bolster transparency in AI data monetization, directly benefiting AGIX's ecosystem.
- Scalability: Integrates with NEAR and Ethereum, ensuring cross-chain interoperability—a must for long-term adoption.

Investment Thesis:
As AI becomes the backbone of industries from healthcare to finance, SingularityNET's role as an AI liquidity provider grows in value. Its undervalued state and partnership-driven growth make it a buy-and-hold candidate for decades.

Risks and Considerations

• Volatility: Cryptos remain riskier than traditional assets. Diversify with 5–10% allocations to NEAR and AGIX.
• Regulatory Uncertainty: Compliance costs could pressure smaller projects, but both NEAR and AGIX are well-positioned.
• Time Horizon: Expect 3–5 years for these assets to reflect their true value; avoid short-term trading.

Final Call: Buy, Hold, and Let Technology Work for You

With $1,000 today, allocate:
- $600 to NEAR: For its AI-powered infrastructure and regulatory compliance.
- $400 to AGIX: To capture the AI marketplace's growth in industries like biotech and finance.

Both projects are undervalued, underpinned by transformative tech, and riding regulatory waves that will define the next decade. Buy now, hold for decades, and let the AI revolution compound your returns.

Investment advice: Always conduct due diligence and consult a financial advisor. Cryptocurrency is volatile—never invest more than you can afford to lose.