Meme coins, or cryptocurrencies that soar in value based on buzzy social media trends or popular cultural phenomena, have become a major entry point into crypto for new investors. Today, cryptocurrencies like Dogwifhat and Bonk have reached a market capitalization of nearly $3 billion , while the original meme coin, Dogecoin – famously trumpeted by Elon Musk – has catapulted to nearly $60 billion .
Meme coins are not alone in drumming up interest in speculative assets for young, green investors, with community-driven projects and gaming also emerging as key drivers of crypto adoption in the past year. In the below interview, Ben Kurland, CEO of the Web3 platform DYOR Labs, discusses the changing face of crypto investments and the potential risks and opportunities for new entrants to the market. From the role of meme coins to the impact of celebrity endorsements, Kurland offers a perspective on what's shaping the future of crypto investments in 2025.
TheStreet Crypto: With the rise of meme coins like Dogecoin, Pepe, and Cheems, what role do you think these assets will play in attracting younger investors in 2025?
Ben Kurland, CEO of DYOR Labs: Meme coins are the sugar rush of the crypto world — fun, flashy, and easy to digest, but they’re not exactly the healthiest long-term play. That said, they serve an important role as a gateway for younger investors. The challenge is turning those first-time dabblers into educated participants who graduate from meme coins to projects with real utility. Meme coins might bring people to the table, but it’s up to the broader crypto community to keep them engaged.
With the potential for a more crypto-friendly administration, do you anticipate any shifts in how meme coins or community-driven projects might evolve or be regulated?
Kurland: Meme coins and community-driven projects will likely thrive in a more permissive environment, but the real evolution will be about legitimacy. The days of “pump-and-dump” meme coins dominating headlines could give way to community tokens with actual utility. Regulators might even embrace them as a way to engage younger investors, which would be the ultimate irony — a once-dismissed market segment becoming the poster child for crypto adoption.
How do you think the role of celebrities in promoting crypto will change in 2025, given past controversies involving figures like Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, and Jimmy Fallon?
Kurland: Celebrity endorsements in crypto need a reinvention. The days of “get-rich-quick” pitches are over — 2025 will demand authenticity and accountability. Celebrities who align with credible, utility-driven projects could actually restore trust, but those looking for a quick paycheck will face public backlash and legal scrutiny. The smart ones will pivot from endorsements to partnerships, where they’re visibly invested in the success of the project they’re promoting.
We’ve seen a surge in community-driven projects. How do you think this will impact investment strategies in 2025, particularly for younger investors?
Kurland: Community-driven projects are the antidote to top-down corporate control, and younger investors are embracing them as a way to align their capital with their values. In 2025, we’ll see more strategies that prioritize social impact and decentralized governance. The challenge will be balancing idealism with practicality — investors need to ensure that their chosen projects have the execution to match their vision.
How do you foresee gaming becoming a significant entry point for continued crypto adoption in 2025?
Kurland: Gaming is crypto’s Trojan horse. By 2025, blockchain-based games will introduce millions of players to digital assets without them even realizing it. Play-to-earn models and NFT (non-fungible token) integrations are just the start. The real revolution will come when major gaming studios fully embrace blockchain, turning crypto from a niche interest into a mainstream tool for ownership and engagement. Gaming won’t just onboard the next wave of crypto users — it will redefine what crypto adoption looks like.
What potential risks do you see for young investors as they enter the crypto space, particularly with the volatility of meme coins?
Kurland: The biggest risk for young investors is mistaking volatility for opportunity. Meme coins are tempting because they promise quick gains, but they often lack the fundamentals to back them up. The danger lies in emotional investing — chasing pumps or FOMO (fear of missing out) instead of doing research. Education is the best safeguard. If young investors approach the space with curiosity and caution, they’ll be better equipped to navigate its risks and rewards.
See Part I:Is the crypto industry ready for self-regulation under Trump?