Stellar Surges 92% as Altseason Arrives BlockDAG Raises $339M

The crypto market has sent a clear and exciting signal: altseason is not just coming, it’s here. In the past seven days alone, Stellar (XLM) surged nearly 92%, with the price now approaching a significant psychological barrier near $0.50. Analysts are pointing to a potential fifth wave extension, while traders are cautious as the RSI peaks at 89, a rare level seen mostly during euphoric phases.

While XLM steals the spotlight with its dramatic rally, another project is quietly building one of the most ambitious and advanced Layer 1 ecosystems in the space, and it’s doing it all before launch. That project is BlockDAG (BDAG). With EVM support, Proof-of-Work security, DAG-driven scalability, and over $339 million raised to date, BlockDAG isn’t merely imitating older chains; it’s reinventing the model entirely. And with a fixed presale price of $0.0016 available until August 11, the project is already halfway to its $600 million presale goal, marking it as one of the largest fundraisers in the last seven years.

XLM’s sudden breakout didn’t happen in isolation. It coincides with Bitcoin holding strong above $120,000, Ethereum breaking past $3,000, and the broader altcoin market flipping decisively bullish. Stellar’s long-term trend of higher lows stretching back nearly a decade, combined with Elliott Wave analysis, suggests there could still be more upside. However, with momentum now peaking, many are already looking beyond XLM to find the next undervalued Layer 1 poised for its own breakout. And that is where BlockDAG starts to shine.

Unlike Stellar, which has focused mainly on payments and remittance services, BlockDAG is designing a comprehensive decentralized ecosystem, combining the best aspects of leading blockchain networks. These include Bitcoin’s Proof-of-Work for decentralization and security, Kaspa-inspired DAG architecture capable of processing 15,000+ TPS, Ethereum’s EVM compatibility for seamless dApp deployment, no-code and low-code smart contract tools, and a mobile-first mining experience through the X1 app, boasting over 2 million users. More than technology, though, BlockDAG’s key differentiator is readiness. While Stellar took years to expand its functionality and ecosystem, BlockDAG is deploying essential infrastructure now, including bridges, decentralized exchanges, oracles, and staking protocols, all aligned for its global launch later this year. That level of preparedness sets a new standard for Layer 1 projects.

BlockDAG’s presale is quickly becoming one of the most impressive fundraising efforts in years. Over $339 million has been raised so far, with nearly 24 billion BDAG coins sold and more than 200,000 holders worldwide. This places BlockDAG in the same league as legendary early-stage fundraising campaigns. With its price locked at $0.0016 until August 11, this may be one of the last chances to enter before the coin lists on exchanges. If BDAG achieves its projected listing price of $0.05, early buyers could see returns exceeding 3,025%. That is not just potential, it’s a timely opportunity.

BlockDAG is not simply focused on building advanced technology; it is also crafting a strong global brand. In the past month alone, the team has partnered with the Seattle Seawolves and Seattle Orcas, teased a major U.S. sports partnership pending regulatory approval, brought UFC Champion Alex Pereira on board as a brand ambassador, and rolled out a global Summer Raffle campaign, distributing over $2M USDT in prizes. These partnerships are more than marketing; they are calculated steps to introduce mainstream audiences to Web3 through familiar channels and accessible products. While Stellar demonstrates price strength, BlockDAG demonstrates both strategy and substance.

The XLM price rally is impressive and could see additional gains if current momentum holds. But real opportunity during altseason often comes not from chasing today’s biggest gainer, but from identifying tomorrow’s. BlockDAG remains available at $0.0016, is already halfway to its $600M presale goal, and has live infrastructure in place. XLM is climbing. But BDAG is building while climbing, and that rare combination of progress and potential could make it the standout Layer 1 opportunity of this summer.