Insights from ETHDenver 2025 & Reflections on Trump's National Crypto Reserve

Our team—Zach, Reed, Matt, and Evan—recently attended ETHDenver 2025, where they experienced firsthand the innovative spirit and transformative trends in blockchain. In this edition, we share their diverse perspectives on both the conference and the notable announcement of Trump’s National Crypto Reserve.

ETHDenver 2025: A Showcase of Innovation

Zach’s Perspective: Zach observed that this year’s focus was on decentralized AI infrastructure. While individual AI agents still generated buzz, the emphasis was on building the underlying frameworks. He noted the emergence of many new EVM-compatible L1s/L2s, a subdued DeFi scene—attributed to the “build mode” phase—and robust VC conversations around attracting new capital. Zach also highlighted the strong presence of Manifest’s ecosystem projects during panels and after events.

Reed’s Experience: For Reed, ETHDenver marked a memorable first conference experience. He appreciated putting faces to names and engaging directly with protocol founders—from the Manifest AI team to leaders at AUKI and 0G Labs. Reed emphasized the value of networking, particularly through sessions with DNA and insightful discussions with industry peers like Tyler from Splyce. A highlight was the Meow Wolf side event, where he connected with a key player from the APAC region, opening doors to potential market engagement.

Matt’s Take: Matt, also attending for the first time, was impressed by the depth of smaller protocols and the vibrant side events. He enjoyed the Decentralized AI Day session at Meow Wolf, where projects like Think Agents stood out. Additionally, Matt valued the DNA house side event hosted by the DNA fund, which facilitated meaningful conversations with figures such as Mehow from MatterFi/SwissFortress and Tyler from Splyce.

Evan’s Observations: Evan described ETHDenver as one of the premier events for spotting early-stage builders and emerging trends. Despite a market lull during the week, he found the energy undimmed—many teams were focused on forging relationships with builders, VCs, and infrastructure groups, rather than reacting to short-term price movements.

Reflections on Trump’s National Crypto Reserve

Zach’s Analysis: Zach noted that the “Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve” announcement led to immediate positive market reactions. While mainstream assets like BTC, ETH, and SOL appeared as natural choices, the inclusion of XRP and ADA raised concerns due to issues like centralization and ecosystem vitality. He stressed that upcoming discussions—such as the anticipated stablecoin framework and crypto roundtable—will be critical for understanding the regulatory approach.

Reed’s Viewpoint: Reed sees the initiative as having significant long-term implications for U.S.-based crypto companies. He pointed out that by prioritizing domestic blockchain projects, the Reserve could foster a regulatory and capital environment conducive to innovation. However, he also mentioned that short-term market behavior remains uncertain as investors await clarity on the Reserve’s structure and potential future additions.

Matt’s Concerns: Matt shared concerns about the inclusion of ADA and XRP. He questioned the long-term value of these tokens, citing disparities between market cap and practical usage metrics. Matt is particularly interested in how holding weights for these tokens will be determined and whether non–L1 mainnet tokens might be considered, especially in light of possible regulatory influences.

Evan’s Perspective: Evan found the Reserve announcement intriguing, noting that Trump’s mention of SOL, ADA, and XRP before BTC or ETH suggests a deliberate focus on U.S.-centric crypto projects. He highlighted the importance of upcoming events like the Whitehouse Crypto Summit for providing further clarity, and referenced ongoing debates—such as those led by industry figures—on whether Bitcoin should be the primary reserve asset.

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Our team’s diverse insights underscore the complexity and rapid evolution of the blockchain landscape—from decentralized AI developments to regulatory shifts in crypto policy. We invite you to engage with these discussions and share your perspectives on these pivotal industry topics.

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Disclosures: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. It provides general information on cryptocurrency without accounting for individual circumstances. Sarson Funds, Inc. does not offer legal, tax, or accounting advice. Readers should consult qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. Cryptocurrency investments are volatile and carry significant risks, including potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Sarson Funds, Inc. By using this information, you agree that Sarson Funds, Inc. is not liable for any losses or damages resulting from its use.