Ethereum News Today: BlockDAG Presale Hits $379M as Crypto Focus Shifts to Real-World Adoption and Innovation

In 2025, the cryptocurrency market has increasingly focused on projects demonstrating real-world adoption, technological innovation, and institutional traction. Among these, BlockDAG, Ethereum, NEAR, and Polygon’s POL have emerged as key players. Their distinct value propositions are fueling ongoing discussions about what crypto to buy now, particularly in a market environment characterized by heightened volatility and shifting investor priorities [1].

BlockDAG has drawn significant attention due to its hybrid design that combines Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) technology with Proof-of-Work security. This architecture allows for high-speed transactions while maintaining a decentralized structure. The project’s X1 mobile miner app has attracted over 2.5 million users globally, and more than 19,000 ASIC miners are now active in the network, contributing to one of the most inclusive ecosystems in the industry. BlockDAG’s presale has raised over $379 million, with Batch 29 priced at $0.0276. Analysts are eyeing a potential listing price of $1, which would represent a 36× increase from the current level. Additionally, a 200 ETH prize pool—valued at nearly $1 million—is further incentivizing participation [1].

Ethereum remains a cornerstone of the crypto market, maintaining a price range between $4,400 and $4,800. Institutional demand has been a major driver, with spot Ether ETFs drawing approximately $3 billion in inflows this month alone. Major financial institutions like BlackRock and Fidelity have significantly increased their Ethereum holdings, supporting a recovery above critical resistance levels. While retail activity has slowed, institutional buying has sustained Ethereum’s relevance in the what crypto to buy now conversation. However, challenges such as large-scale hacker sell-offs and a $3.8 billion unstaking queue present ongoing risks [1].

NEAR Protocol is gaining traction as an AI-focused blockchain. Analysts have identified potential price targets ranging from $3.70 to $4.78 in the near term, with some long-term forecasts reaching as high as $9.72. NEAR’s technical indicators suggest a bullish trend, particularly with the MACD turning positive and a key resistance level at $3.10. The network is increasingly being positioned as a leading platform for AI-native applications, and its relatively low price compared to other major projects makes it an attractive option for investors seeking exposure to AI-driven blockchain innovation [1].

Polygon is undergoing a major structural shift with the transition from MATIC to its new token, POL, set to finalize on August 26, 2025. The migration has increased trading activity, with volumes tripling compared to the average daily levels. POL currently trades between $0.234 and $0.235, with resistance observed at $0.26. Analysts predict a price range between $0.16 and $0.25 for August, with an average price of $0.22. Despite short-term caution, POL’s role as the gas token for the Polygon ecosystem ensures continued utility. Once the migration is complete, the token is expected to regain its growth trajectory [1].

These four projects reflect the current state of the crypto market, where adoption, technological innovation, and institutional interest are the primary drivers of momentum. While Ethereum continues to serve as the institutional benchmark, BlockDAG’s presale success and inclusive mining ecosystem are generating significant buzz. NEAR and POL, with their AI and structural transformation narratives, respectively, are also capturing attention. Collectively, they represent some of the strongest options for investors evaluating what crypto to buy now in 2025 [1].

Source: [1] What Crypto to Buy Now in 2025: Why BlockDAG, ETH, NEAR & POL Lead the Market (https://cryptonewsland.com/what-crypto-to-buy-now-in-2025-why-blockdag-eth-near-pol-lead-the-market/)