Core DAO's CORE Token Trades at $0.85 with $800 Million Market Cap

Core DAO, a Layer-1 blockchain project, has gained significant attention since its launch in January 2023. The project uniquely combines the security of Bitcoin with the programmability and scalability of Ethereum-style smart contracts, aiming to unlock the full potential of Bitcoin within decentralized finance (DeFi). Core DAO's innovative approach positions it as a pivotal innovation in the blockchain space.

At the heart of Core DAO lies the Satoshi Plus consensus mechanism, a hybrid model that combines Delegated Proof of Work (DPoW) and Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS). This mechanism leverages Bitcoin miners' hash power for network security while enabling scalability and fast transaction processing through staking and validator participation. The platform also supports non-custodial Bitcoin staking, allowing Bitcoin holders to stake BTC without losing control of their assets, earning rewards in CORE tokens.

Core DAO's EVM compatibility enables developers to deploy existing Ethereum dApps on Core with minimal changes, opening the door for a wide range of DeFi protocols, NFTs, and other blockchain applications. The platform introduces coreBTC, a native wrapped Bitcoin token pegged 1:1 to BTC, allowing Bitcoin holders to use their BTC seamlessly within Core’s DeFi ecosystem. This trust-minimized token unlocks new use cases such as lending, borrowing, and liquidity provision without selling their Bitcoin.

Using Hashed Timelock Contracts (HTLC), Core DAO supports trustless atomic swaps between Core and other blockchains, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. This interoperability enhances liquidity and user experience by enabling seamless token exchanges across networks without intermediaries.

The CORE token is the native utility and governance token of the Core DAO ecosystem. It serves multiple purposes, including paying gas fees on the network, staking to participate in network security and governance, and voting on proposals, network upgrades, and economic parameters. The total maximum supply of CORE tokens is capped at 21 billion, distributed over an 81-year period. This long-term distribution model incentivizes network participation and sustainable growth.

Core DAO is building a vibrant ecosystem focused on BTCfi—Bitcoin decentralized finance. Unlike traditional DeFi platforms primarily built on Ethereum, Core DAO empowers Bitcoin holders to actively participate in DeFi without relinquishing custody of their BTC. Key highlights of the ecosystem include over 343 million transactions processed, 5 million active wallets, nearly $900 million in Total Value Locked (TVL) across Core’s DeFi protocols, and incentive programs encouraging developers to build innovative dApps on Core.

Core DAO employs a transparent, on-chain governance model where CORE token holders can propose and vote on network changes. This democratic system ensures that the community drives the platform’s evolution. Community members are also rewarded for contributions in development, education, and ecosystem growth, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment.

Core DAO’s staking model incentivizes both Bitcoin and CORE token holders. Bitcoin holders can stake BTC non-custodially, earning CORE rewards without losing control of their assets. CORE token holders stake tokens to elect validators and secure the network, earning staking rewards. This dual staking approach aligns incentives across Bitcoin and Core communities, enhancing decentralization and security.

Core DAO’s roadmap includes several ambitious developments, such as dual-staking enhancements, local fee markets, improved atomic swaps, smart contract upgrades, and ecosystem expansion. These developments aim to optimize transaction fees for predictability and scalability, enhance cross-chain interoperability, and attract more developers and users through grants and partnerships.

Compared to other Layer-1 blockchains like Ethereum and Solana, Core DAO stands out by integrating Bitcoin’s security directly into its consensus mechanism. While Ethereum offers a mature dApp ecosystem and Solana focuses on high throughput, neither provides Bitcoin holders with the same level of integration or staking incentives. Core DAO’s hybrid model offers a unique balance of security, decentralization, and scalability, making it an attractive platform for Bitcoin enthusiasts seeking DeFi exposure.

As of mid-2025, the CORE token trades around $0.85 with a market capitalization exceeding $800 million. Price predictions vary, with some analysts forecasting a potential rise to $1.50 by the end of 2025 under bullish conditions, and long-term targets between $2.50 and $4.80 by 2030, driven by ecosystem growth and increasing staking adoption.

Core DAO is a groundbreaking project that successfully bridges the security of Bitcoin with the flexibility of Ethereum’s smart contracts. Its innovative Satoshi Plus consensus mechanism, dual staking model, and focus on BTCfi position it as a leading platform for the next generation of decentralized finance. With a growing ecosystem, strong community governance, and ambitious roadmap, Core DAO offers significant potential for developers, investors, and Bitcoin holders seeking to unlock new value in the blockchain space. As Core DAO continues to mature, it is poised to play a crucial role in expanding Bitcoin’s utility beyond a store of value into a dynamic asset within the DeFi ecosystem.