Empire Prime Time: Empire Token celebrates 2nd year anniversary

A look back at Empire Token's remarkable journey and the future of this promising cryptocurrency

It's time to break out the confetti and party hats because we're here to celebrate a momentous occasion - Empire Token's 2nd anniversary! Can you believe it? Two whole years of hustle, growth, and building bridges between the real world and the thrilling realm of DeFi.

When we embarked on this wild adventure, we had big dreams and a shared vision. We wanted to bring the power of DeFi to the masses, making it accessible, user-friendly, and dare we say, fun! And boy, oh boy, what a ride it has been!

So, as we gather here today, let's reflect on the ups and downs, the triumphs and the challenges, and most importantly, the incredible community that has stood by our side through it all. Let's dive in!

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” —Peter Drucker

Our Shared Journey ??

As we come together to celebrate our second anniversary, we're reminded of the journey that's brought us here. Two years ago, we set out with an audacious dream to build a bridge between the real world and the uncharted territories of DeFi. This dream was fueled by the aspiration of standing tall among the top 10 cryptocurrencies in the world. Today, despite the waves that have shaken us, our compass remains unwaveringly pointed towards this audacious goal.

We embarked on our journey with hopes of being a game-changer through our innovative Empire NFT Marketplace. This was just the start. As time passed, our aspirations expanded, mirroring our evolution and growth. Our quest for innovation led us to launch the Goosebumps DEX and Portfolio Tracker, milestones that marked our journey towards our ultimate destination, DeFiGram.io, The All-in-one DeFi Solution that stands at the heart of the Empire Ecosystem.

Looking back at our initial year, we cherish our breakthroughs. The successful launch of the beta versions of the Empire NFT Marketplace and Goosebumps, and our proud presence at the 2022 World Blockchain Summit, where we introduced DeFiGram.io to the world, were defining moments that signaled our determined entry into the DeFi arena. Despite the delays that followed, our conviction remains rock solid: to deliver a platform that will be a catalyst of change in the DeFi space.

Our journey is guided by a triad of core values: honesty, transparency, and authenticity. These values have anchored us as we navigated the tumultuous waters of the crypto world. Each wave, each challenge, has only strengthened our resolve and bound us tighter as a project. It is you, our community, that have kept the flame of the Empire alive. Your faith and unwavering support have inspired us to push past obstacles and reach for the moon.

Today, our celebration goes beyond the creation of a project. It's a celebration of resilience, of a dream fueled by a shared vision, and a testament to the unwavering spirit that defines Empire.

Facing Challenges Together

True strength is often found not in the absence of adversity, but in our ability to face it head-on. As many of you are aware, the past year was marked by several challenges for Empire Token. A major hurdle was our disagreement with our past developers, which unfortunately led to the development of our projects being restarted from scratch. This caused delays and affected our token's price point, casting a cloud over our shared vision.

But adversity is nothing more than a catalyst for change and growth. As we parted ways with our previous developers, we took it as an opportunity to reflect, regroup, and restructure. We meticulously chose a new team of developers who not only understood our goals but were ready to commit to our journey. We strived to ensure that our financial resources were optimally allocated, securing the future of our development plans.

These are not just challenges we faced, but lessons we learned. In retrospect, it was a test of our resilience, and we emerged stronger. We're proud of our team, who has been at the forefront of these challenges, displaying a resilience that is nothing short of inspirational. The tenacity and dedication they've shown, especially in an industry as fast-paced as DeFi, have been a testament to their unwavering commitment to our Empire.

Yet, it's you, our strong community, who've been our guiding beacon through these turbulent times. Your steadfast support, patience, and trust have reminded us of the essence of Empire Token–unity. Your unwavering commitment to our cause has been our fuel, igniting our resolve to continue building our shared vision.

Standing Strong Together

There's an age-old adage that says, "Unity is strength," and never has this been more evident than in our incredible Empire community. In the face of adversity, you have shown not just patience, but exceptional support that has been our lifeline.

You have consistently shown up for us, and by extension, each other. Your active participation in community calls has made a significant difference, with each shared piece of feedback, every suggestion, every encouraging word contributing to the vibrant tapestry that is our community. Your collective wisdom and insights have not only informed our decision-making process but have helped to shape the course of Empire's journey.

We've seen many of you go beyond words, choosing to support us through actions. Whether it was participating in our private sale to help fund the project or dedicating your time daily in our main chat, combating FUD, protecting against bots, and ensuring the safety of our community from scammers–your dedication is unparalleled.

The past year has been filled with memorable moments of community resilience and unity. There were instances when you stood with us, making pivotal decisions that had a profound impact on our journey, such as the contract migration. And there were moments of levity and connection, like when we collectively named DeFiGram.io’s mascot 'Nova,' that made us smile and brought us closer as a community.

Each of these instances, whether large or small, were reflective not just of your unwavering support, but your deep belief in Empire Token and our shared vision. As we celebrate our second anniversary, we are filled with profound gratitude for each and every one of you.

You are more than our community, you are the pillars upon which the Empire stands. Your patience, faith, and relentless support have been our guiding light, and it's with this strength that we are prepared to face whatever lies ahead.

As we continue to navigate these waters, we carry the invaluable lessons of our past. Armed with experience and a strengthened resolve, we look forward to transforming our challenges into stepping stones towards a brighter future. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each one of you, for standing by us, for growing with us, and for making Empire Token the resilient project it is today.

A Word From Our Founder

To my Empire family,

Before anything else, I want to say a massive thank you to each one of you. You've stuck with us through thick and thin, and believe me, that means the world to us.

Looking back, we've had our ups and downs, sure. But you know what? Every challenge we've faced, every delay we've encountered, it's all part of our journey. And it's that vision of bringing DeFi to the masses that keeps us pushing forward, no matter what.

I know, from where you're standing, things might seem a bit rough around the edges. I won't beat around the bush–this year has been pretty tough. There have been delays, and our token price isn't where we'd like it to be. But despite all that, I want to assure you, the team and I remain dedicated to our mission.?

Our team is digging in their heels and getting the job done on DeFiGram.io. Yes, we're a bit smaller, but every one of us is committed to this cause. We're making progress every day, and our mission is as clear as it's ever been.

When I started Empire with the help of some close friends and people I met in the industry, we shared this vision. Over time, some have moved on, while others have stayed, standing strong with us to this day. I want to personally thank each one of you from the bottom of my heart. Your commitment and belief in Empire have been invaluable.

As the guy who started this all, let me tell you, I've never been more sure of our future. My confidence doesn't ride on market whims but on the fact that we can really change things in the world of DeFi. Sure, our goals are big. The path to get there? Not so smooth. But that's the thrill of it, right? We didn't come together for a quick race, but for a marathon. A marathon to reshape the DeFi world, in a way that benefits everyone.

We're in this together, for the long haul. It's not always gonna be easy, but the toughest roads often lead to the best places. Thank you for joining us on this wild ride. Your support keeps us going, and your belief in us gives us the strength to keep pushing forward. Remember, in our Empire, we rise by lifting each other.

Thank you, my Empire family. Much love, peace, and God bless.

Keep Climbing,

Dulla,?Empire’s Founder and CEO

Development Updates ??

Happy 2nd anniversary to us, Empire community! As we blow out our candles and slice the anniversary cake, let's have a heart-to-heart chat about the wild roller coaster ride we've been on and where the tracks are leading us. We know we've hit some scary loops and sudden drops, but you've strapped in tight and stuck with us – and for that, you deserve a round of applause!

DeFiGram.io, our brainchild and key player in our mission to connect the real world with DeFi, is beginning to take shape. Lessons from past mishaps have been our north star, guiding us to more sustainable, meticulous, and patient strategies. Yes, this path might be a bit longer (and the suspense is killing us too), but trust us, the destination is totally worth the journey!

Right now, we're knee-deep in developing DeFiGram.io's chat feature, the heart and soul of our platform. The one-to-one and group chat functionalities are now up and running, and we've innovated a unique verification feature that adds an extra layer of credibility to project group chats.?

We're also sketching out the user profile feature, the 'you' in our DeFi social networking experience. In the pipeline are fun additions like posts, stories, and live streams to transform DeFiGram.io into the ultimate hangout spot in the DeFi space.?

Meanwhile, we're gearing up to work on our launchpad. And this is where it gets interesting - we asked YOU about the features you'd love to see. The responses? Totally rad! A huge thank you to everyone who participated - your input is instrumental in helping us shape a unique and user-friendly platform. Your brilliant ideas are being carefully considered, and we can't wait to integrate them into our platform.

Although we're bursting to share our app builds with you, we're holding off just a bit longer. This decision stems from our commitment to delivering a product that is not just functional, but secure, user-friendly, and something we're genuinely proud of. Meanwhile, here’s a sneak peek of the app’s new and improved interface.

We'll admit, the past year's challenges have forced us to reassess our pace, but they've also allowed us to optimize our resources and streamline our focus. Now, we're a lean, mean, DeFi-dream team, fully focused on creating a standout platform that will shake up the DeFi scene.

Transparency is the name of our game. We'll keep the updates rolling in, giving you front-row seats to our progress, successes, and lessons learned. Your trust means the world to us, and we're all about fostering a community built on openness, mutual respect, and shared victories.

Year 2 tested us, but guess what? We're tougher, bolder, and more determined than ever! As we step into year 3, know this: our commitment to our mission, our platform, and to you, our rockstar community, has never been stronger. We're stoked for the journey ahead and eternally grateful to have you with us. Buckle up, because it's going to be one heck of a ride from here!

A Tale of Growth and Gratitude: Lyka's Journey with Empire

Two years ago, when Dulla asked me to help in the launch of his own token, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. The funny thing is, at the time, we had only known each other for 2 months.

I met Dulla from another project, which turned out to be a soft rug pull. I was a voluntary team member of that project, Dulla was a whale, and I remember him reaching out to me multiple times, offering to help market the project or even take it as his own. Unfortunately, the developer, whose identity remains unknown to us, had chosen to abandon the project instead of passing it on to someone who was dedicated and eager to help. That’s why when Dulla told me he wanted to develop his own project, I just knew I had to be a part of it.?

I tell this story in every opportunity that I get but I just realized I’ve never shared this with those closest to us - our community. Many of you know me as Lyka–the CCO of Empire, the COO of Empire, the right hand at Empire, but seriously, who really am I for Empire? Dulla once told the team, “Lyka is superwoman.” I wasn’t sure what he meant by that or what I was getting into, but I said okay anyway, and since then, I have been part of the Empire team full-time.

My personal journey at Empire has been a rollercoaster ride of growth and discovery. I went from just helping out to working full-time to being the one in charge of the team and operations. Dulla and I never agreed on the full responsibilities that came with my role or any concrete salary amount that I would receive. But we’ve always shared the same goals and vision for Empire, and I guess, somehow, we’ve always had the understanding that we got each other’s back—and this goes the same for the whole team. We know we can count on each other.

Our Empire team is a diverse bunch, each with their own strengths and quirks. We've faced our fair share of challenges, and I won't deny that some team members have been a pain in my ass along the way (Luan, if you’re reading this, you were one of them :P). But through it all, we've grown closer and become a family. Each person brings something unique to the table, and I'm forever grateful for their contributions. We've witnessed the team grow, seen some departures, and yes, we've had to make tough decisions along the way.

I can still remember the recent layoff we had, which was an emotional moment for the entire team, including myself. Being a "girl boss" wasn't something I initially set out to become, but our incredible team has shown me that I'm capable of being a leader. Despite the miles that separate us, I've tried to make myself available not just for Empire's sake, but for every team member who needs someone to lean on. So, bidding farewell to some of our colleagues after forming such a strong bond was truly a sad moment. I would like to take this moment to thank the team, including those who are still with us and no longer with us. Your commitment to our vision as Empire is unimaginable, and we will forever be grateful.

And to our community, I want you to know that you're more than just faces in the chat. You're family to me. Though I may not always be readily available, please don't hesitate to reach out with a personal message anytime. A special shoutout goes to Mark D for taking the time to meet with me and Empire's marketing manager, Natch, during his visit to the Philippines with his wife. We had such a great chat over dinner, and I was very thrilled to have finally met someone from the community. And Rick, your creative talents in photography have truly elevated Empire's marketing efforts. Thank you for always offering help and letting us use your creative photos in our promotional materials. To all those who have been part of the Empire family, those who are active in the main chat day-to-day, though I can't mention each one of you by name, please know that I truly appreciate you. Thank you for being instrumental in building the Empire we have today.

And lastly, but certainly not least, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to the very essence of Empire itself. This project, this vision, has been a guiding light in my life. I am grateful to Empire for giving me the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to contribute to something truly remarkable. Empire, you have changed my life in ways I never could have imagined, and for that, I am forever indebted.

And of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible force behind Empire, our founder, Dulla. From the moment we embarked on this journey together, Dulla's unwavering belief and determination have been a constant inspiration. His bold vision and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to push us forward. Dulla, thank you for trusting me, for your unwavering support, and for being the driving force behind Empire's success.

As I reflect on my role within Empire, I still consider myself Empire's "superwoman." But you know what? Each and every one of you is a superhero in your own right, for without you, Empire would be nothing today. Together, we share the same vision, and together, let us keep building our Empire.

To the moon and beyond,

Lyka ?

SEC vs. Binance and Coinbase: Path to Clearer Regulations

As crypto giants Binance and Coinbase face SEC lawsuits for allegedly selling unregistered securities, the outcome could potentially pave the way for regulatory clarity in the industry.

Two of the largest global cryptocurrency exchanges, Binance and Coinbase, are currently facing legal action from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over alleged sale and trading of unregistered securities. The SEC has recently escalated its regulatory scrutiny over the crypto industry, citing significant concerns over investor protection and regulatory compliance.

The SEC has taken its campaign to a new level by initiating lawsuits against Binance and Coinbase, two of the most prominent global cryptocurrency exchanges. The regulatory body alleges that the exchanges have been selling and facilitating trading of unregistered securities, a violation of the US Securities Act of 1933.

This legal action comes after the SEC's unprecedented step of labeling 67 cryptocurrencies as "securities". The SEC's stance on these tokens has significant implications for both crypto exchanges and holders, as securities are subject to federal securities laws, which include specific requirements for registration, disclosure, and compliance.

Allegations Against Exchanges

As reported by CNBC, the SEC's lawsuit against Coinbase centers on the alleged sale of unregistered securities. The regulatory body claims that Coinbase has been selling and facilitating transactions in tokens that should be classified as securities under U.S. law.

Coinbase has been a leading advocate for clear and practical regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies. However, the recent lawsuit and SEC's stern stance on certain tokens have posed new challenges for the company.

Binance, another global giant in the crypto exchange business, has also been targeted by the SEC for allegedly selling unregistered securities. The company has faced numerous regulatory challenges in several jurisdictions in the past due to the wide range of tokens it lists.

The SEC's lawsuit could potentially disrupt Binance's operations in the U.S., affecting millions of users who use the platform to trade various cryptocurrencies. It also raises questions about the future regulatory landscape for crypto exchanges and the digital assets they offer.

Looking Forward: A Silver Lining?

While the SEC's actions against Binance and Coinbase signify a stern stance, there might be an optimistic perspective to consider. The lawsuits can serve as a catalyst for developing clear, tailored, and enforceable regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies and related financial services.

If these legal battles result in a clearer definition of what constitutes a 'security' within the cryptocurrency domain, it could reduce ambiguity for other exchanges, token issuers, and investors. This might lead to an environment where crypto enterprises can design their offerings in compliance with the clarified norms, mitigating the risk of future regulatory actions.

Moreover, this step underscores the SEC's commitment to ensuring investor protection in the evolving crypto market. It sends a message to the crypto industry that adherence to the same standards of transparency and legal compliance as traditional financial institutions is a must.

In the long run, this regulatory clarity could potentially boost market confidence, making it more attractive for institutional investors and traditional finance players who have been cautious due to regulatory uncertainties.

So, while the legal battles against Binance and Coinbase mark a significant moment, they may well set the stage for enhanced regulatory clarity, improved investor protection, and increased trust in the crypto industry. As the situation unfolds, the crypto industry, investors, and regulatory bodies worldwide are keeping a keen eye on the developments, hoping for progressive and practical precedents.

And that’s a wrap, folks! ??

As we wrap up this newsletter, we’d like to give you a virtual high-five and a fist bump for joining us on this wild ride. Can you believe it? Two whole years of Empire Token awesomeness! It's been a rollercoaster of excitement, challenges, and incredible moments that have made us laugh, cheer, and occasionally scream "woohoo!"

But guess what? The party isn't stopping here. We're just getting started, folks! Together, we're going to continue shaking up the world of decentralized finance, breaking barriers, and having a blast while doing it. We couldn't have done it without your infectious enthusiasm, witty banter, and epic support. You rock, and don't you ever forget it!

So, let's raise our imaginary glasses, throw some confetti, and celebrate this momentous occasion. Here's to the past two years of Empire Token greatness, and to the thrilling adventures that lie ahead. Get ready, because with you by our side, we're about to take the DeFi space by storm!

Keep being amazing, keep embracing the Empire spirit, and let's make the next chapter of our journey even more epic than ever before.

Party on, Empire fam!

With high-fives and virtual hugs,

Empire Token Team