Token YNG: Q3 2025 Report

Token Young (YNG): updates and news Q3 2025

 What happened? What are the next steps?

The third quarter of 2025 marked an unprecedented growth chapter for the Young Platform ecosystem, solidifying the strategic breakthrough initiated with the listing of the YNG token on Uniswap. What was still a starting point in Q2 has now become a powerful accelerator, propelling our token toward new horizons of value and visibility.

This report analyses the results of an exciting period—characterised by strong market validation and intense work on multiple fronts: from consolidating our presence in DeFi, to enhancing community‑engagement initiatives such as The Unbox, to making important regulatory progress in the lead‑up to MiCA, and participating in key industry events.

As with earlier editions (except the special Q2 2025 issue celebrating the Uniswap launch), the report is offered in two versions:

  • A public version, providing a clear overview of the milestones reached, events, and new developments of the quarter.
  • An exclusive, in‑depth version, reserved for Club members, with detailed analyses of market data, strategy, tokenomics and a sneak peek at our roadmap.

Are you ready to dive into the details of a pivotal phase in our future?

2025 to date: the market validates our vision

The July listing on Uniswap was not just a technical milestone—it marked the beginning of a new era for YNG. Entering the decentralised market triggered an extraordinary reaction, resulting in the most significant price performance in our history.

Listing on Uniswap and price action: beyond expectations

The enthusiasm generated by the listing translated into exceptional price action. From the announcement in early July, YNG’s price surged by over 300%, moving from approximately €0.20 to a new all‑time high of €0.95.

This result is not accidental, but the first tangible confirmation that our long‑term strategy is paying off. The decision to pursue organic and sustainable growth has so far proven successful. We protected the community and enabled the real value of our ecosystem to emerge healthily.

Despite this milestone, we believe that YNG’s potential remains largely untapped. A market capitalisation below €30 million still does not fully reflect the value of a domestic-market-leading company with clear ambitions for European expansion.

Ecosystem adoption is a lengthy process, grounded in daily work and user trust. Each day we strive to maximise the value we offer in return for that trust—and the results of this quarter tell us we are on the right path.

The Unbox

In Q3, we completed The Unbox, our most ambitious prize contest ever, which served as a strategic bridge to the launch of our payment account and debit card. Building on the success of the first edition, we raised the stakes in both prize value and game mechanics—and the results surpassed every expectation.

The impact on engagement was extraordinary: platform activity rose sharply, registering participation peaks comparable to the most euphoric market periods.
A key role in this success was played by the Boost Holder mechanism, which rewards those holding YNG in their wallets. By offering weekly bonus gems based on token holdings, we created a virtuous cycle that tied contest participation directly to token utility—catalysing community interest and strengthening YNG demand.

Q3 posted a highly significant economic performance, driven by effective marketing campaigns and the “The Unbox” and “The Box” contests. These results demonstrate YNG’s concrete ability to create value for the ecosystem. Specifically:

  • Trading volume on the YNG/EUR pair exceeded €17 million, with an additional €2.7 million on decentralised pools.
  • This marks an increase of approximately 8,000% compared to the total trading volume of €250,000 in Q3 2024.

Roadmap: the Young Platform Account and Card are almost here

The Unbox contest was the event that led us to launch the account. With this in mind, we are excited to announce that the next big step in our evolution is imminent: the Young Platform payment account and debit card are about to become a reality.

At this stage, the feature is in its “Family and Friends” phase — a final testing period during which our team and a group of selected users are already using it daily. This phase will end in November, after which the gradual public rollout will begin, with priority access granted to Club members and to the winners of the 2025 prize contests (The Box and The Unbox).

This project fully reflects our philosophy, which places customer satisfaction and protection at the forefront. We chose a different path from the more speculative approaches seen in our industry. Recent events—liquidations totalling $19 billion—demonstrate the risks of a system based on extreme leverage.
Our goal is not to offer tools that promise rapid riches, but to guide users toward mindful, sustainable investment. We believe investing should be a “near‑zero effort” activity, integrated into everyday life. The account and card are instruments through which we turn that vision into reality.

MiCA: our path toward full compliance

Q3 was also pivotal from a regulatory standpoint, with significant advances in our alignment with the new European crypto‑asset regulatory framework (MiCA). We reaffirm our full commitment to operate in full compliance—this regulation represents a fundamental step toward transparency and investor protection across Europe.

Although we had long since initiated all the necessary activities to comply, with the goal of submitting the final application by the deadline of June 31st, 2025, an extension of the previous term made it impossible for us to meet that date.

In any case, we are ready to obtain authorization from the Supervisory Authority by the new deadline: December 30th, 2025. Thanks to a transitional regime under Italian law, we are authorised to continue providing our services without interruption, ensuring an orderly transition into the new system. For our users, this means there will be no immediate impact—you can continue using the platform just as you always have, without any action required on your part. Functionality, services and contract terms will remain unchanged during this period.

Our legal and compliance team is already working to ensure every aspect of our operations meets the highest standards demanded by MiCA. We will maintain an open and transparent dialogue and commit to regular updates on our progress. This path is not just a regulatory obligation—it’s a reaffirmation of our responsibility to build a crypto ecosystem that is ever more secure and trustworthy.

Strategic events and the future of Young Group

Last but not least, Q3 saw the official launch of Young Group—a strategic evolution celebrated at an exclusive event on 19 September in the prestigious Palazzo Mezzanotte (home of Borsa Italiana). On this occasion, we unveiled our transition from an exchange to a financial Super App: an integrated ecosystem that will offer trading on decentralised exchanges (DEX), collateralised loans, a debit card and payment account, and the integration of perpetual futures, stocks, and ETFs. A pillar of this strategy is Fleap S.p.A., a platform authorised by CONSOB for real‑asset tokenisation, positioning us at the centre of the European digital finance arena. Our co‑CEO, Andrea Ferrero, emphasised how this evolution represents the next step in our mission. After making Bitcoin safe and accessible five years ago, our current objective is to integrate the entire on‑chain economy into our app.

Our presence has not stopped there. We were key participants in Italian Tech Week—Italy’s premier tech event—where we organised the “Crypto Night” and presented our vision to more than 1,500 innovators and tech‑enthusiasts. We have also taken our strategy global: in late October, our Chairman, Nicolas Bertrand, will bring the Young Group model to the stage at Blockchain Life 2025 in Dubai—one of the world’s leading crypto events. His philosophy, at the heart of our strategy, is clear: success in fintech comes not just from technology, but from a perfect balance of regulation, accessibility and trust. While others obsess over hash‑rate optimisation, our obsession is optimising “trust‑flow”—that stream of trust which allows millions of people to approach this world safely, translating the complexity of blockchain into a human experience.

The third quarter of 2025 has demonstrated the strength of our vision and the exponential capacity of our ecosystem. Market validation, the launch of Young Group and a more concrete product roadmap are outcomes of a strategic journey built on solid foundations and a strong community.

But what you have read so far is only the visible part of this acceleration.

We have chosen to reserve the most strategic analyses and sensitive data exclusively for our Club members—they are the true protagonists of our ecosystem and deserve an unprecedented level of transparency regarding the decisions that will shape its future.

Who are the 9 richest women in the world? The 2025 ranking

The Richest Women in the World: Updated 2024 Ranking

Richest women in the world: the ranking updated to 2025

Who are the richest women in the world in 2025? Have there been any changes at the top compared to previous years? Below is the updated ranking based on net worth, which is calculated by subtracting liabilities from the total value of assets owned, including real estate, investments, cash, and businesses.

To compile this list of the world’s richest women, we refer to data from Forbes, which annually updates its rankings of the wealthiest billionaires. It’s also worth noting the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which provides a real-time snapshot of billionaire wealth. As a result, the rankings of some of these women may fluctuate throughout the year.

Here are the 9 richest women in the world in 2025.

9. Marilyn Simons

Marilyn Simons, the widow of the renowned mathematician and investor Jim Simons, who founded the hedge fund Renaissance Technologies, served as the president of the Simons Foundation until 2021. The Simons Foundation is one of the largest philanthropic organisations in the United States.

The foundation provides scholarships and grants to support research and development in four main areas: science and mathematics, autism and neuroscience, society and culture, and life sciences.

8. Miriam Adelson

After the death of her husband, Sheldon Adelson, in 2021, Miriam Adelson inherited the majority of shares in the casino giant Las Vegas Sands. The Adelson family owns five casinos in Macau and one in Singapore, which are among the world’s wealthiest locations. With assets totalling $32.1 billion, Miriam is also a prominent philanthropist who has donated over $1 billion to medical research to date.

7. Abigail Johnson

Abigail Johnson is the seventh richest woman in the world, with assets totalling $32.7 million. She serves as the face of Fidelity Investments, the third-largest investment fund in the world, which manages approximately $5.3 trillion in assets. In January and July 2024, Fidelity, along with other investment funds, launched two exchange-traded funds (ETFs) focused on Bitcoin and Ethereum, respectively. This event marked a significant milestone for the cryptocurrency industry. Additionally, Fidelity recently announced the launch of two stablecoins in collaboration with World Liberty Financial, a decentralised finance (DeFi) project supported by the Trump family.

Discover the crypto market!

6. Savitri Jindal

Savitri Jindal, with assets totalling USD 35.5 billion, is the richest woman in India. She serves as the chairman of the Jindal Group, a major player in the steel, energy, and infrastructure sectors. In addition to her business ventures, she is also involved in politics. Following the death of her husband in 2005, she was elected to the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, representing the Hisar constituency.

5. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant

Rafaela Aponte-Diamant and her husband, Gianluigi, co-founded the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in 1970. Due to their vision, MSC has become the largest shipping line in the world. Rafaela currently oversees a fleet of approximately 900 ships, with assets valued at $37.7 billion. 

4. Jacqueline Mars

Jacqueline Mars, the fourth-richest woman in the world and heir to the confectionery and food empire Mars, Inc., has a fortune of approximately $42.6 billion. She runs the family business alongside her brother, John. Mars Inc. is renowned for its popular snack brands, including M&M’s and Snickers, as well as the pet food brand Pedigree.

3. Julia Koch

Julia Koch and her children inherited a 42% stake in Koch Industries after the death of her husband, David Koch, in 2019. With assets totalling $74.2 billion, Julia Koch now leads one of the world’s largest private conglomerates, the second-largest in the United States. The company operates in various sectors, including oil, paper, and medical technology.

2. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, the heiress of the cosmetics giant L’Oréal, has lost her title as the world’s richest woman after holding it for five years. However, her fortune remains substantial at approximately $81.6 billion. She owns 35% of the L’Oréal group, which has experienced a 20% drop in share value this year due to a significant decline in sales, particularly in China. Additionally, after 20 years, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers has announced her retirement from the company’s board, handing over the reins to her son, Jean-Victor Meyers.

1. Alice Walton

Alice Walton, the daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, has seen her wealth increase to $101 billion, largely due to a 40% rise in the company’s stock value. Unlike her siblings, she has not taken an active role in managing the family business; instead, she has focused on her passion for art. Walton founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which features works by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Mark Rothko.

This ranking highlights how some of the world’s richest women have diversified their investments across various sectors, including technology, fashion, mining, and art. Whether they are successful entrepreneurs or heirs to substantial fortunes, these women continue to make a lasting impact in the global business world.

You might be interested in:

How to buy cryptocurrencies on Young Platform: 4 ways to deposit euros

Buying cryptocurrencies on Young Platform: how to deposit euros

Want to buy cryptocurrencies on Young Platform? The first step is simple: top up your euro wallet. Only after making a deposit can you exchange your euros for any crypto available on the exchange.

Before getting started, make sure you’ve completed identity verification. On Young Platform, you have several options to add funds to your account: you can deposit via bank transfer, debit or credit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay, or redeem a Gift Card.

Choose your preferred method, top up your account, and start your journey in the crypto world!

1. Deposit via bank transfer

Bank transfer is one of the safest and most cost-effective ways to deposit euros into your Young Platform account and start buying cryptocurrencies.
You can make a transfer from an Italian account or an account in the EEA, with some differences in timing and steps.

All bank transfers are free of charge, except for any fees applied by your bank.

How to deposit via bank transfer:

  1. Open the Young Platform app and go to Home or Euro Wallet.
  2. Select Deposit and choose EUR as the currency.
  3. Select Bank Transfer.
  4. Specify whether your account is:
    • Italian
    • Foreign (EEA)
    • Intesa Sanpaolo
  5. Copy the Young Platform’s bank details shown on the screen.
  6. Open your banking app or online banking service and paste the details to complete the transfer.
    • If you have a foreign or Intesa Sanpaolo account, also enter the required amount and payment reference before confirming.
  7. Send the transfer. Once completed, the amount will appear in your Euro Wallet on the Young Platform.

Processing times:

  • Instant transfer (Italy only): credited in 15–45 minutes.
  • Standard transfer: credited in 2–5 business days.

Deposit limits:

  • Minimum amount: €20
  • Maximum amount: depends on your verification level (KYC):
    • Level 1 – max €4,000 per transaction / €25,000 per year
    • Level 2 – max €8,000 per transaction / €50,000 per year
    • Level 3 – max €30,000 per transaction / €200,000 per year
    • Level 4 – max €60,000 per transaction / €200,000 per year
    • For higher limits, contact: [email protected]

Important note:

  • The bank account must be in your name (or jointly held by you) and match the name registered on Young Platform.
  • For foreign accounts and Intesa Sanpaolo, a payment reference is mandatory.
  • For the latest fees and limits, check: exchange.youngplatform.com/fees

2. Deposit with debit, credit or prepaid card

You can quickly deposit euros into Young Platform using Visa and Mastercard debit, credit or prepaid cards.

How to deposit:

  1. From Home or Euro Wallet, select Deposit.
  2. Choose EUR.
  3. Select Credit, debit or prepaid card.
  4. Add a new card or select a saved card.
  5. Enter the amount (minimum €20).
  6. Review the transaction summary and confirm.

Your bank may require authentication via app or SMS (SCA – PSD2).

Note: The first time you use a card, a small temporary charge will be made to verify it. This amount will be refunded automatically after verification.

Advantages: Instant deposit.
Fees: 2.2% + €0.25 (Visa/Mastercard fees).
Name requirement: The card must be in your name.

For updated fees: exchange.youngplatform.com/fees

3. Deposit with Google Pay or Apple Pay

You can also quickly top up your Young Platform account using Google Pay or Apple Pay.

To use this method:
You must have Google Pay or Apple Pay enabled on your device and linked to at least one payment card.

How to deposit:

  1. From Home or Euro Wallet, select Deposit.
  2. Choose EUR.
  3. Select Google Pay or Apple Pay.
  4. Enter the amount (minimum €20).
  5. Confirm the transaction.

Credit time: Immediate.
Fees: 2.2% + €0.25 (same as card deposits).

For updated fees: exchange.youngplatform.com/fees

4. Redeem a Gift Card

Young Platform Gift Cards are digital vouchers worth between €20 and €250, redeemable for cryptocurrencies.

How to redeem:

  1. Go to the Profile or Wallet section from the app or web platform.
  2. Select Redeem Gift Card.
  3. Enter the code you received by email or SMS.
  4. The amount will be credited to your Euro Wallet and ready to use.

FAQs about euro deposits

  1. What does “topping up my account to buy cryptocurrencies” mean?
    It’s the process of transferring euros into your Young Platform wallet, so you can then convert them into cryptocurrencies.
  2. Do I need a subscription to use my account?
    No, your account is free. You can deposit any amount, anytime—no fixed costs.
  3. How do I check if my deposit has arrived?
    Check your Euro Wallet balance. If the funds have been credited, you’ll see them instantly.
  4. What if my deposit is delayed?
    Check the expected processing times for your deposit method. If it’s taking longer than expected, open a support ticket:
    support.youngplatform.com/hc/en/requests/new
  5. Is it safe to link my card to the Young Platform?
    Yes, it’s safe. Just beware of scams: always make sure the URL is exchange.youngplatform.com/ or use the official app.
  6. How many cards can I link?
    You can add up to 5 cards per month and 40 in total.
  7. How can I withdraw my funds?
    Withdrawals are only possible via bank transfer or the payment card used for your deposits. Full instructions are available here:
    support.youngplatform.com/hc/en-us/sections/4559848673426-Deposits-Withdrawals
  8. Why do I see multiple wallets in my account?
    On Young Platform, each currency (fiat or crypto) has a dedicated wallet: one for euros and one for each cryptocurrency.
  9. Can I remove my card whenever I want?
    Yes! Go to Profile → Payments and click Remove card to delete any saved card.

YNG Token: Q2 2025 Report (Uniswap Listing Edition)

Token Young (YNG): updates and news Q4 2024

The Q2 2025 report on the YNG token. What happened? What are the next steps?

The second quarter of 2025 will be remembered as a strategic turning point for our ecosystem. It was a period of intense work that culminated in a historic event: the arrival of Young (YNG) on the decentralised market. The enthusiasm of our community was palpable, with the token’s price seeing a sharp appreciation following the launch announcement, rising from around €0.20 at the beginning of July to a high of €0.45.

This Report analyses in detail the significance of this step, the strategies that made it possible, and above all, the following exciting developments. On the occasion of an event as important as the Uniswap launch, we have decided to make this edition of the report entirely public and accessible to everyone. We want the entire community, and beyond, to fully understand the scope of this turning point.

This is a notable exception: starting from the next edition, the report will return to being exclusive content, with detailed insights into numbers and strategies, reserved solely for our Club members. Suppose you are not yet one of us. In that case, this is the perfect opportunity to experience the level of transparency and detail we offer and to consider joining the Clubs to stay informed about future in-depth analyses.

The launch of YNG on Uniswap and CoinMarketCap

As repeatedly stated, the YNG listing is just the beginning. However, the third quarter of 2025 is, in a sense, the most important of the year, as it will culminate in the realisation of key projects that propel us toward our ultimate goal: to become a digital hub that merges the best of traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralised finance (DeFi).

The launch of YNG on the decentralised exchange Uniswap took place on July 17th. From that moment, and for the first time in history, our token became accessible to a global audience, marking our official entry into the world of DeFi. Concurrently, we secured listings on CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko, ensuring maximum visibility and transparency from the very first minute.

The Unbox: Young Platform’s richest prize competition ever

But the news doesn’t stop there. In recent weeks, we also launched “The Unbox,” our largest and most ambitious prize competition ever, with the primary goal of freeing participants from their preconceptions about finance.

With a prize pool that includes iconic prizes (like a Rolex Datejust and a Moto Guzzi V7) and new game mechanics, this event is designed to increase our community’s engagement and put them to the test, allowing users to win incredible prizes as a natural continuation of their journey exploring the crypto world.

In this context, YNG is the absolute star thanks to the Boost Holder, a mechanism that provides a tangible advantage to those who hold the token in their Young Platform wallet. Specifically, at the end of each week, users receive an extra Gem bonus, calculated based on the amount of YNG held in their wallet (tokens held in Clubs are excluded). It’s a simple, automatic, and merit-based system: the more YNG you own, the more bonus Gems you get, regardless of the missions completed. This is our way of rewarding those who choose to keep their capital in YNG during this key phase of its evolution.

OTC Allocation for Strategic Partners

During this quarter, a strategic allocation of 2,000,000 YNG tokens was almost entirely completed through an Over-the-Counter (OTC) sale that began on July 1, 2025. To date, 100% of the sales target in Euros has been reached, for a total of 474.766,22 €, corresponding to 1.722.440,88 YNG.

This initiative was reserved for selected profiles, High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs), and top users of the platform, to strengthen our ecosystem by involving actors aligned with our long-term vision.

The offer included a minimum purchase of €5,000 and a tiered bonus structure to incentivise larger investments:

  • 5% bonus for purchases over €10,000
  • 10% bonus for purchases over €50,000
  • 15% bonus for purchases over €100,000

To discourage speculation and ensure long-term alignment, participants could opt for an additional 15% bonus by locking their tokens. The unlocking terms for these tokens include a 6-month total lock-up period (cliff), followed by a linear monthly release over the subsequent 6 months. The selection of participants was rigorous, ensuring that each partner shared our long-term oriented approach.

The proceeds from this allocation will be entirely reinvested to support YNG’s growth. Specifically, they will be used to finance upcoming marketing campaigns, potential listings on other centralised exchanges, and to fuel the token’s stability mechanisms, such as buyback programs and liquidity injections.

Given the success of the initiative, we have prepared a new allocation plan, which we will describe in detail in future updates. Unlike the OTC sale, this new plan entails that token purchases will be executed directly on the market. This means they will have a direct impact on the price of YNG. Further details on this future initiative and participation requirements, also based on Club membership, will be shared exclusively with Club members.

Economic Model Integration: Liquidity Injections and Periodic Buybacks

The following strategic step for YNG’s infrastructure is the activation of our new economic model, designed to support its value and liquidity over time.

The integration will be gradual: the mechanism will become fully operational only with the launch of new features, such as the payment account, the card, and perpetual futures trading, scheduled for the second half of 2025.

However, to provide tangible support to the token from its launch, we have chosen to activate an observation phase immediately. We have allocated a dedicated monthly budget and are ready to intervene to support the project if necessary. This initial phase will then be replaced by a portion of the platform’s revenues with the launch of the new features.

As stated multiple times, the economic model is based on two main actions:

  • Liquidity Injections: The funds will be used to add liquidity to the pools, making the market more stable and resilient.
  • Buyback (market purchase): If a liquidity injection creates an imbalance, the mechanism will use the funds to buy YNG on the market, realigning the value of the assets in the pool and supporting the price. The control and rebalancing between the quantity of Young (YNG), EURO, and USDC in the Pools will be carried out monthly.

To simplify, the process will work as follows:

  • Month 1: Assuming a monthly budget of €20,000, this entire sum is used to purchase the YNG token directly on the market. This buyback operation is intended to support the token’s price.
  • Month 2: The YNG tokens purchased in the previous month are paired with the current month’s budget. The asset pair (YNG and Euro) is then added to the liquidity pool, increasing the market’s depth and stability. The cycle repeats in the following months.

New Benefit for Clubs: Pulsee Energy

The second quarter of 2025 also brings a new, significant benefit for members of the Young Platform Clubs, designed to meet one of the most pressing needs of the moment and to enrich the user experience from a financial and practical standpoint.

In a context marked by the rising cost of living, we have forged a strategic partnership to offer a concrete and immediate advantage.

Pulsee Luce e Gas: a new energy for your finances. We have joined forces with Pulsee Luce e Gas, the 100% digital energy company of Axpo Italia, to give you greater control over your household expenses. This collaboration was born to offer you not only tangible savings but also an innovative and transparent experience, in line with the Young Platform philosophy.

Club members can now access an exclusive discount on their bills:

  • €140 discount on electricity and gas for Club Bronze & Silver members.
  • €160 discount on electricity and gas for Club Gold & Platinum members.

Pulsee offers energy from 100% renewable sources, fully digital management via an app, and zero paper constraints—a concrete way to cut costs where they weigh the most and protect your purchasing power.

This benefit adds to the others already active and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to enriching the value of the Clubs. New collaborations are already being defined to make the experience for our members ever more complete and distinctive.

Strategic Insights and On-Chain Data

The following section represents the level of in-depth analysis that is usually reserved exclusively for members of the Young Platform Clubs: confidential information, strategic data, and previews that are not publicly shared.

As a notable exception to celebrate the listing, we are making this content public. In these pages, you will discover the complete evolution of our ecosystem: from the organic growth of the YNG token, which we consider fundamental for it to remain “healthy,” to the new phase of our roadmap.

Listing on Uniswap, CoinMarketCap, CoinGecko

The launch of YNG on Uniswap was executed with a precise strategy, aimed at ensuring stability and maximum transparency for our community. In conjunction with the listing, we secured the presence of YNG on the two most important data aggregators in the world, CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko.

We are in direct contact with their respective teams to ensure that all information (supply, market data, etc.) is always accurate and up-to-date.

To create the market on Uniswap, we split the liquidity pools already present on our exchange, using part of those funds to develop the new decentralised pool on Uniswap V3. At the same time, to ensure clear on-chain visibility, we have structured the YNG supply into three main wallets:

1. Wallet: treasury & ecosystem rewards 

This is our main wallet, containing 66 million YNG. Its function is twofold:

  • Ecosystem Rewards: A portion of the funds fuels the benefits for Club members, such as enhanced staking, contest prizes, and future cashback.
  • Treasury: The other part serves as a strategic reserve to support the token’s long-term growth, financing the buyback mechanism, liquidity additions, and other future initiatives. We have chosen not to define the breakdown of these funds rigidly. This flexibility is crucial to seize opportunities that will arise in the coming years and to continue rewarding our most loyal users, while always keeping inflation under control. 

Wallet Address (Etherscan): 0xe237A24f67457d32a294b9F21C026C63C7a66B15

2. Exchange Hot Wallet 

This wallet contains approximately 24.9 million YNG and represents the circulating supply held by users on our platform. If you are a YNG holder on our exchange and have not withdrawn the tokens to an external wallet, your funds are safe here. 

Wallet Address (Etherscan): 0x2Ce9f4Fc52AF5498B99597141E66a4273Aa74983

3. Team Wallet 

 7% share of the total YNG supply, equivalent to 7 million tokens, has been allocated to an incentive plan for the team. The objective of this reserve is to align the interests of our staff with the long-term growth of Young Platform, rewarding their strategic contribution. The distribution of 5% of the total token supply will begin in early August and will follow a four-year gradual vesting mechanism. This system ensures a constant commitment over time. Should a team member end their collaboration with the company, they would forfeit the right to receive the unvested portions of the tokens. Furthermore, to support the company’s expansion goals, the 2 million YNG (equal to 2% of the total supply) not yet allocated will be reserved for the recruitment of future talent.

Wallet Address (Etherscan): 0xA26Cbb76156090f4B40A1799A220fc4C946aFB3c

The management of the entire reserve will be carried out with maximum transparency; it will be possible to monitor the amount of tokens released into the market by directly analysing the holders section on Etherscan. Moreover, the issuance of these tokens will be regulated by a mechanism linked to the market capitalisation, which will align the increase in supply with the project’s growth.

4. Wallet for Uniswap Liquidity (LP Token) 

This wallet contains the tokens that represent the liquidity provided by Young Platform to the decentralised exchange Uniswap. 

What are LP tokens? When you provide liquidity to a pool on Uniswap, you deposit two tokens in a “pair” (in this case, YNG and another asset, like ETH). In return, Uniswap issues LP (Liquidity Provider) tokens

These tokens act as a “receipt”: they prove ownership of a share of that liquidity and entitle you to receive a portion of the fees generated each time someone trades the tokens in that pair. This wallet holds these LP tokens, guaranteeing YNG’s liquidity on the decentralised market of Uniswap. As of 07/27/2025, the liquidity locked at this address corresponds to 1,732,074 YNG

Wallet Address (Etherscan): 0x1C65313c3BE89D78Ba315A044eB5847D21a3A2Eb

The Numbers for Young Platform Clubs in Q2 2025

Let’s now turn to the numbers from the last few months. As you know, YNG is the utility token of Young Platform and grants access to the Clubs: subscription plans that offer significant advantages both on our crypto services and on a selection of brands designed to enrich every aspect of your financial life. First, a clarification is necessary: due to a tracking error related to past promotions, the member data reported in previous reports was not entirely correct. Specifically, some users who were taking advantage of a promotional access to our first Club level, an initiative aimed at testing new engagement strategies, were mistakenly counted. Below are the updated and certified data.

As of 07/27/2025, the Clubs are composed of 1,830 people, divided as follows:

  • 1,205 for Club Bronze;
  • 275 for Club Silver;
  • 156 for Club Gold;
  • 194 for Club Platinum;

This data also allows us to analyse the token’s distribution. The more people join a Club, the more YNG is locked, thus reducing the circulating supply. Consequently, this dynamic contributes to greater price stability for YNG. At the end of the first quarter of 2025, Club members numbered 1,797, marking a growth of about 1%. At first glance, the growth may seem modest. Still, the data must be interpreted in light of another factor: the choice of many users to leave the Clubs to have their tokens available for the listing and to capitalise on a potential price increase of Young (which did indeed happen) to realise a profit.

Below is a chart summarising the growth of Club members from the launch of Young (YNG) on our platform to today. We intend to build a dedicated dashboard accessible to Club members through which it will be possible to see, in real time, how the adoption of our loyalty programs evolves.

YNG Token: Q2 2025 Report (Uniswap Listing Edition)

YNG Token Distribution

In the period between early April and late July 2025, the circulating supply of YNG increased from approximately 24 to 27 million tokens. It is crucial to clarify the nature of this increase immediately: it is not the result of new emissions, but the consequence of a strategic OTC allocation, as previously discussed in the report. These 3 million tokens are now included in the circulating supply calculation because they have left the treasury wallet. However, most are subject to vesting periods and are therefore not immediately available on the market.

This strategic dynamic is coupled with the protocol’s organic inflation, stemming from rewards, which, by contrast, has remained at exceptionally low levels. The analysis of the second quarter (Q2) of 2025 confirms this:

  • Step Rewards: 33,851 YNG
  • Staking Rewards: 3,929 YNG
  • Total Q2 Emissions: 37,780 YNG

This total represents a quarterly inflation rate of just 0.14% relative to the circulating supply.

YNG Token: Q2 2025 Report (Uniswap Listing Edition)

Having defined the composition of the supply, let’s move on to its distribution across the markets. With the listing on Uniswap, YNG’s liquidity was split to support both the CEX and the DEX. As of July 27, 2025, the situation is as follows:

  • YNG/EUR Pool (on Young Platform):
    • 621,000 Euros
    • 1.734 million YNG
  • YNG/USDC Pool (on Uniswap – Ethereum):
    • 723,905 USDC
    • 1.733 million YNG

This configuration is the result of the purchases and sales made on the two markets where Young (YNG) is currently active, summarised below along with the price trend.

What happened during Q2 2025 from a tokenomics perspective?

From a tokenomics perspective, the quantity of tokens issued during the quarter remained in line with previous periods, consistent with our policy of controlled inflation.

This approach, which limits the increase in supply much more significantly than the crypto market average, represents a fundamental strength for YNG’s stability. This characteristic, combined with the new economic model that will be implemented with the launch of new features at the end of Q3 2025, strengthens our prospects for sustainable growth.

A more in-depth analysis of the current circulating supply reveals a strategic division between locked tokens and freely tradable tokens:

  • Illiquid YNG: approximately 11.2 million YNG (just under half of the circulating supply) are not immediately available for sale. This figure includes tokens deposited in Clubs, those subject to lock-up periods following the OTC sale, those contained within the liquidity pools, and those on Step.
  • Liquid YNG: consequently, the amount of tokens actually “sellable” on the market amounts to approximately 8.6 million.

The rest of the circulating supply is distributed within the ecosystem, mainly on Step and in the two currently active liquidity pools.

The Price of YNG

The second quarter of 2025 marked a turning point for Young (YNG), characterised by exceptional price performance and the achievement of a fundamental strategic objective: listing on a decentralised market.

After a phase of remarkable stability for much of the quarter, with the price hovering around the €0.20 level, the situation changed radically in early July. The announcement of the imminent listing on Uniswap triggered a sudden surge, fueled by the positive reaction of the community.

Intense buying pressure pushed the token above €0.27 in a single day, and then, within a week, it broke the previous all-time high of €0.30. This rally peaked in the week of the launch, when YNG set a new all-time high around €0.50, marking an appreciation of about +120% since the end of June.

The enthusiasm was such that, at the time of listing, the price even briefly touched the one-dollar mark on the on-chain pool. While we appreciate this performance, our goal remains steady and organic growth, avoiding excessive volatility and linking the token’s value to its real utility within the platform.

The Next Steps

The listing on Uniswap is not a destination, but the beginning of a new phase of expansion. Our strength lies not in short-term hype, but in building a solid, secure, and valuable ecosystem. Our course for the coming months is set and is based on three fundamental pillars:

1. Global Expansion and Targeted Marketing 

The launch on Uniswap kicks off our first true international marketing campaign to make the project known far beyond Italy’s borders. It’s not just about promoting the token, but about making the entire Young Platform ecosystem accessible and attractive to a global audience, increasing its utility and avoiding purely speculative logic. We will act with a strategic and measured approach, collaborating with agencies and KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) specialised in the Web3 sector. Thanks to a flexible structure, we will analyse data in real time to focus investments on the highest-impact activities, thus ensuring organic and sustainable growth.

2. Continuous Platform Development 

While the market focuses on price, our team remains focused on our primary mission: building tangible value. Our development roadmap continues unabated, and the release of the announced new features, such as the payment account, the card, and the integration of futures, is our top priority. We firmly believe that the growth of YNG’s value in the long term will not be dictated by hype, but by its real utility. Every new product we integrate into the ecosystem creates new use cases for YNG, increasing its organic demand and offering our community more concrete reasons to hold and use it.

3. Strategic Activation of the Economic Model 

In parallel with development, we will activate our new economic model, designed to link the platform’s successes to the token’s stability. The implementation will be gradual: in an initial phase, until the launch of the account and the card, we will be in “observation mode,” carefully monitoring the market to act with targeted support operations where necessary. Subsequently, the mechanism will become fully operational. A portion of the platform’s revenues — generated from trading fees, the Step app, and staking — will be systematically used to perform YNG buybacks or to inject liquidity into the pools, creating a virtuous cycle that supports the token’s value over time.

Conclusions

The second quarter of 2025 concludes by marking a historic turning point for the Young Platform ecosystem. The listing of YNG on Uniswap was not just a technical milestone, but the beginning of a new era of global accessibility and integration into the world of decentralised finance. The enthusiasm of our community and the positive market reaction, which brought the token to a new all-time high, confirm the validity of our vision.

As we have detailed in this report, every step — from the strategic OTC allocation to the launch of The Unbox competition — has been guided by a single principle: the construction of long-term value. Our course remains firm and focused on organic growth, the real utility of the token, and the constant strengthening of our ecosystem, shielded from purely speculative dynamics.

The coming months will be just as intense. We will proceed with determination along the three strategic pillars we have outlined: the expansion of our marketing globally, the release of new and fundamental features like the account, the card, and futures, and the progressive activation of our economic model. We are convinced that these initiatives will further consolidate the position of YNG and our ecosystem.

Your support as Club members is and remains our greatest asset. We thank you for your trust and invite you to continue following us in this exciting chapter of our journey.

Young (YNG) lands in the DeFi world: the listing on Uniswap

Young (YNG) lands in DeFi: listing on Uniswap

After years of growth within our ecosystem, we are ready for one of the most important steps in our history. This is why the launch of YNG on Uniswap is not a destination, but a new, exciting beginning.

On 17 July, something we have been waiting for a long time will happen, a fundamental milestone in our journey. We are incredibly excited to announce that our token, Young (YNG), will be officially launched on the Ethereum blockchain, specifically on the decentralized exchange Uniswap and simultaneously listed on CoinMarketCap

But that’s not all! In the coming days, we will also kick off a new, incredible prize competition in which YNG will be one of the main protagonists. This is not just a listing. It is the moment we open the doors of our ecosystem to the entire world.

What does this launch mean for the Community and for YNG?

Since its inception in 2018, YNG has lived and thrived within our ecosystem. It has been the tool to reward education with Step, the key to accessing exclusive Club benefits, and the symbol of our community’s trust. 

Until today, however, it was a treasure shared only among our users. 

With the launch on Uniswap, everything changes. YNG becomes a global asset, accessible to anyone, anywhere, without barriers. It enters the world of decentralized finance (DeFi) on Ethereum, opening up to a universe of new possibilities and an international audience. For you, who are part of our community or are approaching YNG for the first time, this means more visibility and the first, true interaction of our token with the global market.

The foundations supporting the launch

We arrive at this moment after more than six years of work and strategic choices designed for long-term stability. This launch is not a gamble, but the next step in a journey built on solid pillars. 

  • A “Community-First” philosophy: our company’s growth has been supported by top-tier institutional partners like Azimut, who have invested in our company’s equity, not in the token. We have consciously chosen not to sell YNG to Venture Capital funds to protect our community from dilution and speculative sales. 
  • A tokenomics based on scarcity: the strength of YNG lies in an economic structure designed to create real value. Scarcity is one of its cornerstones: a huge portion of its circulating supply (currently more than 70%) is locked in our Clubs, on Step, or in liquidity pools. 
  • A sustainable economic model: the economic mechanism that we will integrate shortly, fueled by buybacks financed by platform revenues and by liquidity injections, will allow us to actively support the token’s value.

Why Uniswap?

For such an important event, we chose not only the best platform, but the best technology. The launch will take place on Uniswap V3. This technical choice was made for a specific reason: to protect and stabilize the YNG market from the very first minute. 

Reaching this milestone is not a finish line, but a new starting point. It is the moment when the project we have carefully cultivated with our community presents itself to the world

We are proud of the journey we have made and incredibly excited for the future we will build, now more than ever, together with you. The next chapter of our story is about to begin.

But the best is yet to come…

The utility of YNG is constantly expanding. In addition to the real benefits already available to Club members, such as up to 90% discount on trading fees and a boost on staking returns, we have formed exclusive partnerships with successful brands like WeRoad, Serenis, and Milano Finanza, to offer value that goes beyond the crypto world. Consistent with our roadmap, Club members will get privileges like cashback on the debit card (up to 3.6%) and exclusive benefits on Futures trading

And that’s not all: YNG will be one of the protagonists in the new prize competition that we will launch in the coming days. Reaching this milestone is not a finish line, but a new starting point. 

We are proud of the journey we have made and incredibly excited for the future we will build, now more than ever, together with you. Are you already a YNG hodler? Buy Young (YNG) and join the Clubs now!

Investments: 5 false myths to dispel

Investments: 5 False Myths

It’s a common misconception that you must constantly follow the markets to invest. Discover the five most prevalent myths about investing.

What are the common myths about active market investors? Many misconceptions exist, much like the popular beliefs that wholemeal bread has fewer calories than regular bread, that eating carbohydrates in the evening causes weight gain, and that dogs perceive the world in black and white. These false myths permeate our daily lives until we accidentally uncover the truth, often by reading a revealing article like this one. When it comes to finances, these myths can resemble urban legends. So, what are some of the most prevalent misconceptions in the world of investments?

In this article, we will examine various myths, including the unrealistic time horizons that young investors often believe they have, as well as the paradox of the over-informed investor who ultimately harms themselves.

The CAP is the best way to invest.

What? We started with a cannonball, huh? Is this a myth? Hold on, don’t run away; I’ll explain. The CAP, or Capital Accumulation Plan, is undoubtedly a great way to build wealth, especially if you don’t have large sums of money available or if the idea of investing everything at once makes you anxious. 

Regularly setting aside a small amount of money not only reduces the risk of entering the market at the wrong time, but it also helps you develop self-discipline—much like a Tibetan monk—especially when you use automatic deposits. Plus, let’s be honest: it lessens the emotional toll of experiencing the market’s ups and downs.

However, there is always a caveat: this approach is not the most mathematically efficient way to invest. Statistically, putting all your capital into a single, bold solution (PIC) offers higher returns. Why is that? It’s simple: all your capital works for you immediately, allowing you to fully benefit from the power of compound interest from day one. Additionally, since markets tend to rise over the long term, the likelihood of buying an asset at a lower price today is generally higher than it will be tomorrow or the day after.

The effectiveness of a Premium Allocation Contract (PAC) in managing purchase prices during bearish market phases is somewhat limited, particularly if the portfolio is still in its growth phase. Initially, payments into a PAC are more likely to influence the average price positively, but this effectiveness tends to decrease as the portfolio matures.

That said, I want to emphasise that a PAC remains a strong investment option while also providing a savings mechanism. For many investors—likely the majority—it is the best solution available. Although it may not be the most efficient option in absolute terms, the peace of mind it offers can often outweigh the benefits of marginal gains.

More risk means more return.

This may sound controversial, almost like a challenge to the popular saying “no pain, no gain.” How can the concept of balancing risk and return be deemed a myth?

To clarify this, we need to explore the physical and statistical idea of ergodicity. In simple terms, a system is considered ergodic if, over the long run, the time average of a single path equals the average across all possible paths. If this sounds confusing, you’re not alone.

Let’s use a more relatable example. Imagine your favourite motorcyclist, who is exceptionally talented and often finishes on the podium. However, he rides recklessly—he brakes at the last moment and performs wheelies in corners, which leads to frequent crashes and injuries. For simplicity, let’s say he has a 20% chance of winning each race but also faces a 20% chance of getting seriously injured and missing the rest of the championship. What are his chances of winning in a 10-race championship?

Intuition might suggest that with a 20% chance of winning each race, our hero could expect to win about 2 out of 10 races. This seems logical. However, the situation is more complicated than it appears. The high risk of injury is a significant factor to consider. Supposef our daring competitor suffers a serious injury—there’s a 20% chance of this in every race—his dreams of glory could come to a swift end. An injury would prevent him from participating in the rest of the championship, effectively eliminating his chances of overall victory. He could win two races and then spend the remainder of the season watching from the sidelines, perhaps with a leg in a cast.

Non-ergodicity is a crucial concept to understand in this context. It emphasises that a person’s skill is closely linked to their willingness to take risks, which can sometimes lead to “ruin”—especially in sports. Similarly, in investments, taking high risks, even with the potential for significant returns, can result in the investor’s downfall and render historical averages irrelevant. In non-ergodic situations, the focus shifts from maximising yields to ensuring survival. To reduce these serious risks, diversification is essential; it helps lower the chances of facing losses from which one might never recover.

To invest, one must be informed

It may surprise you, but sometimes an investor who is blissfully unaware of market happenings—meaning they choose to ignore the noise—can be more effective. Yes, you read that correctly. This is because those overwhelmed with information, charts, opinions, and alarmist tweets are more likely to make impulsive decisions.

Additionally, investors who see themselves as the next Warren Buffett—always well-informed and on top of everything—might be tempted to experiment. They may use complex financial instruments that seem straight out of a science fiction movie, buy ‘exotic’ assets, or develop strategies so intricate they would challenge a NASA engineer. The outcome? Often, they take on more risk and lose control. Sometimes, the overly informed investor ends up like a cook who ruins an otherwise good dish by adding too many ‘special’ spices.

Young people have a long-term horizon.

More than just a common misconception, we are facing a logical fallacy—a classic error in perspective. Many people believe that young individuals have decades ahead of them to invest: twenty years, twenty-five, thirty… it feels like an eternity! This mindset stems from thinking of ourselves as if we are playing a video game, to maximise our final score, which in this case means accumulating capital for retirement.

However, the reality is quite different. Suppose you are young and take a moment to reflect. In that case, you may realise that the money you plan to invest might be needed long before you reach your golden years—if those years even include a pension, given the uncertainties around social security. You may need that money for a down payment on a house, a wedding, an expensive master’s degree, or that dream trip you’ve always wanted. In short, sooner or later, you will enjoy—or need—to use that money.

Investing exclusively in equities simply because “there’s still time” is similar to preparing for a marathon by consuming only sweets. It’s essential to include a mix of assets with varying risk and return profiles in addition to stocks, as these may take time to generate positive results. For example, consider incorporating bonds or bond ETFs, as well as cryptocurrencies or commodities, to diversify your investment portfolio.

The global ETF is the holy grail that faithfully replicates the world economy

We arrive at a fundamental principle for forum investors known as ‘VWCE & Chill’ (or its global equivalent). This philosophy resembles a way of life, almost akin to a religion, complete with excommunications for those who dare to stray from the established path of the global index. Many investors adopt this nearly blind faith approach, overlooking the true nature of their investment choices.

It’s crucial to understand that the stock market does not comprehensively represent the entire world economy. Instead, it only reflects a large subset of companies that choose—and are able—to go public. In the United States, financial culture and demand for the stock market are so ingrained that a significant number of large companies are publicly listed. In contrast, many successful companies in Europe and other parts of the world opt to remain private, choosing alternative forms of financing. Consequently, a global equity ETF, no matter how diversified, may overlook essential segments of the real economy.

How can we exclude the crypto world from this discussion? Bitcoin, in particular, has become a focal point in recent years due to its relatively predictable growth, which results from the cyclical nature of its price movements. It has created fortunes for many investors and has become one of the most popular assets globally, thanks in part to exchange-traded funds (ETFs) issued by major American investment firms. Often referred to as “digital gold,” Bitcoin serves as a crucial haven asset in today’s financial landscape.

Bitcoin’s mathematically finite supply and decentralised nature position it as a safeguard against unregulated monetary policies and missteps by central banks. In the context of soaring U.S. government debt and ongoing turmoil that erodes confidence in traditional currencies, Bitcoin is not merely an alternative; it is a resilient solution and a strategic store of value. Thus, it becomes an essential component of conscious asset diversification, helping to protect against the evident and increasing vulnerabilities of the traditional financial system.Bitcoin’s volatility is undeniable, but it is also a hallmark of a revolutionary asset class that is still working towards global acceptance. Ignoring Bitcoin in today’s financial climate would be akin to repeating the mistake of those who underestimated the internet’s potential in its early days.

Long-term Investing ETF on S&P 500 or Bitcoin?

S&P 500 ETF or Bitcoin: Which Is Better for Long-Term Investing?

Is it still wise to invest solely in S&P 500 ETFs? We compare this traditional strategy with Bitcoin.

The long term is generally considered safe, but as Keynes noted, “In the long run, we are all dead.” The idea of the long run is often associated with investing in assets that have a medium to high risk and volatility profile, as time is the key factor that increases the likelihood of a positive return.

But is the best investment strategy really to simply buy an ETF that tracks the S&P 500 and wait 30 years?

The time horizon in which one invests is a personal factor

The statement that concludes this introduction is likely something you’ve heard before, and it holds a kernel of truth. Since the 1980s, the main index of the US stock market has increased by over 6000%. However, the investment horizon varies for each individual, primarily depending on the investor’s goals.

While a longer investment horizon—especially for equity investments—can increase the likelihood of achieving a positive return, it’s essential to recognise that this probability will never reach 100%. In other words, a risky investment can never guarantee a predictable return.

Time is our greatest ally as investors. Unless we want to bet against the market, it’s best to let it work in our favour. Time also enables us to maximise the benefits of compound interest, which is essential for achieving outstanding results over the long term.

While compound interest drives returns on established indices like the S&P 500, the modern market also offers instruments that promise exponential growth in potentially shorter timeframes, albeit with varying degrees of risk. This perspective aligns perfectly with the ongoing debate surrounding Bitcoin.

The alternative: Bitcoin

The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024 made an investment that was previously confined to complex procedures accessible to a wider audience. This raises a question: Can Bitcoin, or its ETFs, serve as an alternative or complement to the S&P 500 in a long-term portfolio?

The most obvious argument in favour is related to the potential asymmetric return: against a risk of total loss, there is a growth potential of several orders of magnitude, much higher than that of a mature index. Theoretically, then, Bitcoin could also act as a diversifier, given its historically low correlation with equities, although this tends to increase during periods of high financial stress.

However, the critical points are equally important. The first is extreme volatility. While the S&P 500 has suffered 30-50% crashes in conjunction with epochal crises, Bitcoin has regularly experienced 7 drawdowns of 0-80%. A very long time horizon may not be enough to recover if you enter a market peak.

Second, unlike the S&P 500, which represents the ownership of real companies that generate profits, Bitcoin does not produce cash flows. Its value is driven solely by the law of supply and demand, relying on trust and its planned scarcity. This makes it more like a digital commodity than a productive investment. Finally, regulatory uncertainty should not be overlooked: as a young asset, it is exposed to future regulatory changes that could drastically impact its value.

Conclusion: What is the best strategy?

So, can the Bitcoin ETF stand alongside or even replace the S&P 500 in a long-term perspective? The answer, again, is not unambiguous and goes back to the heart of our discussion: it depends entirely on the risk profile, objectives and awareness of the individual investor.

For those seeking stable, relatively predictable growth based on economic fundamentals, passive investing in the S&P 500 remains the most logical and proven choice.

For those with a very high risk tolerance, who understand the speculative nature of the asset and want to allocate a small portion of their capital to a potentially disruptive technology, an ETF on Bitcoin may be an interesting addition.Ultimately, the question is not which of the two is ‘better’ in absolute terms, but which is the most suitable instrument to help us achieve our personal goals, accepting a level of risk that we can live with peacefully over the long, and sometimes turbulent, period.

What Labubu are and why they are viral

Labubu: Why These Plush Toys Are Going Viral

Labubu: The Viral Soft Toys Loved by the Stars. Is the “Lipstick Effect” at Play?

Have you ever noticed how specific trends suddenly go viral on social media? Well, “Labubu” is the latest sensation capturing everyone’s attention. These furry little creatures have quickly become fixtures on the bags of the world’s most celebrities, dominating TikTok and creating a buzz at major fashion week events.

But what exactly are Labubu? How did they rise from being simple keychains to coveted status symbols? And, most importantly, how does this phenomenon relate to the economic theory known as the “lipstick effect”?

The history of the Labubu

To fully understand what Labubu is, we should start with their origin as plush puppets initially created as cute key rings. These key rings can be attached to backpacks, bags, or anywhere you want to add a touch of extravagance. A notable episode in Italy illustrates the popularity of this phenomenon. Picture this: in Milan, on Corso Buenos Aires – one of the prime shopping destinations – a queue stretching a kilometre long formed at dawn in front of the Pop Mart store, a Chinese giant in the collectable toy industry. This long line was reminiscent of hype surrounding an iPhone launch or a rock star concert. The reason for such excitement? The arrival of the latest and highly anticipated Labubu collection. This event even piqued the interest of those who had never heard of these furry little monsters before.

Who is responsible for the creation of these now-viral objects of desire? The father of the Labubu is Kasing Lung, an artist originally from Hong Kong. These puppets are not solitary beings; they belong to a much larger universe filled with a variety of little monsters, collectively known as “The Monsters.” 

Artistically speaking, what makes the Labubu particularly fascinating is its ability to blend two styles that might initially seem contradictory. On one hand, there are the oriental influences stemming from the artist’s heritage, and on the other, the imagery drawn from Nordic European fairy tales. Kasing Lung is intimately familiar with this latter world, having spent part of his childhood in Belgium.

Interestingly, the Labubu is not a recent creation; the first models were introduced in 2015. However, it wasn’t until 2019 that Pop Mart recognised their potential, acquiring the rights and preparing them for a leap to global fame.

But why does everyone go crazy over a Labubu?

Labubu’s rise to popularity has been notable for some time, but the real surge—what can be described as a tsunami—has a specific epicentre: the social media profile of Lisa Manoban, the charismatic rapper and singer of Blackpink, the most famous and influential K-Pop girl group in the world. Lisa, who also starred in the acclaimed latest season of *The White Lotus*, has played a pivotal role in this phenomenon. 

Towards the end of 2024, she began sharing her passion for small animals with her millions of followers, regularly showcasing them as fashionable accessories at glamorous events, often attached to her designer bags. The effect was profound: an unstoppable media wave, one that only social networks, with their viral power, can generate and amplify.

From that point onward, a collective frenzy ensued. Other international divas, such as Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, Selena Gomez, and Rihanna, began sporting these unique accessories, attaching them to their fashionable bags. The result? An unprecedented Labubu hunt, leading to a staggering increase in the prices of the rarest specimens and limited editions. These items have now become authentic collectors’ pieces and lucrative investments.

Does the Labubu phenomenon mean recession?

Now, let’s delve into the less glamorous yet more intriguing aspect of this phenomenon: its potential connection to the current period of economic uncertainty, or even outright recession. This seemingly strange link can be explained by an economic concept known as the “lipstick effect.” Don’t worry; you don’t need an economics degree to grasp it! In short, this theory outlines a tendency that has been observed throughout history: during times of economic crisis, consumers tend to prefer purchasing cheaper and more accessible luxury goods. When finances are tight and larger purchases, such as a new car or a house, feel out of reach, we often seek small comforts—little luxuries that provide a sense of satisfaction without significantly impacting our budgets.

The concept of lipstick as an economic indicator, known as the “lipstick effect,” originated from observations made by Leonard Lauder, the son of Estée Lauder and chairman emeritus of the Estée Lauder Companies. This idea gained popularity during the recession that followed the September 11, 2001, attacks and the beginning of the war in Afghanistan. Lauder noticed an interesting trend: while many sectors of the economy struggled and demand for luxury goods declined, sales of cosmetics—especially lipsticks—remained steady and even increased. It’s intriguing, isn’t it? After all, lipstick is not a basic necessity.

The idea that small luxuries can play a significant role during difficult times isn’t entirely new. For instance, it is said that Winston Churchill, during the Second World War, chose to exclude cosmetics from rationing. He reasoned that these products were essential for maintaining the morale of the population, particularly women, during a time marked by immense sacrifices and concerns. Allowing for a small act of normalcy and self-care helped people cope in a world turned upside down.

Why do lipsticks, and by extension, other small pleasures like Labubu today, become “crisis-proof” goods? The answer lies in the psychological gratification that comes from purchasing something that satisfies a small desire or vanity, especially when we have to give up so much else. During times of crisis, when morale is often low and worries about financial security are prevalent, buying a product that appeals to the aesthetic sphere or personal pleasure can significantly boost one’s mood. 

A branded lipstick, a fragrance, or a cute accessory like a Labubu, while not strictly necessary, serve as affordable luxuries that provide a sense of pampering and help one feel more at ease. Sometimes, people forgo their usual inexpensive options to indulge in a slightly more expensive and desirable version of these small luxuries. This behaviour is known as compensatory consumption: I may not be able to afford a thousand-euro designer bag, but I can attach a collector’s Labubu to my existing bag, which yields a similar, albeit lesser, dopamine rush.

Social dynamics also play an essential role in this phenomenon. Maintaining a certain aesthetic standard or possessing trendy items can help preserve self-esteem and foster a sense of belonging.

The effects of consumer behaviour observed in previous years are still evident today. Market data from 2022- 2023, analysed by companies like Circana, reveals that sales of beauty products have continued to grow, including a notable increase in luxury cosmetics, despite a challenging global economic environment.

To understand the connection between these cute (and often pricey for collectors!) Labubu puppets and the economy make it clearer that they may represent a ‘lipstick effect’ 2.0. This phenomenon suggests that, similar to the past with lipsticks, people are seeking small joys and affordable status symbols as a way to momentarily escape the complexities and uncertainties of the world around them.

What are the 5 most popular crypto AI agents in the crypto world?

Top 5 Crypto AI Agents You Should Know

What are the five most popular crypto AI agents? Decentralised ChatGPT variants are also capable of handling money.

What are the most popular crypto AI agents? You may be familiar with ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and other artificial intelligence systems that we interact with daily. Now, imagine if these digital brains could not only write poetry or solve complex problems but also manage real money, invest, earn, and even spend cryptocurrencies. Sounds like science fiction? Not at all! Welcome to the world of crypto AI agents, an exciting new frontier that emerges from the convergence of two revolutionary technologies: cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence.

In simple terms, we are discussing digital entities that can operate autonomously in decentralised financial markets, providing analyses and price forecasts. The most remarkable aspect is that these are not just bots following a fixed algorithm; they are designed to learn from their mistakes and adapt to changing market conditions, much like a human would.

At first glance, this might seem like an extreme simplification, and to some extent, it is. However, there’s no need to worry! In this article, we won’t dive into the theoretical explanations of what crypto AI agents are or how they function in detail—we’ve already covered that elsewhere. Today, we aim to get straight to the point: we will review the five most popular and interesting crypto AI agents, exploring what they do and why they have garnered so much attention.

The 5 most popular crypto AI agents

Virtual Protocol: the ‘factory’ of AI agents

Let’s start with an exciting introduction! Virtual Protocol is not just a single AI agent; it is a comprehensive platform, or as it refers to itself, an “AI agent company”—that allows users to create customised AI agents. Thanks to Virtual Protocol, once configured, these agents “come to life” and can begin to operate autonomously in the digital world. What does this mean? Imagine having the ability to “program” your digital assistant that can process cryptocurrency transactions, make decisions based on its past experiences or analysed data, and interact with its surroundings, whether it’s the blockchain or other platforms like social networks.

Most of the agents created through Virtual Protocol fall under the category of IP (Intellectual Property) agents, which can be described as true virtual personalities or digital influencers. A striking example is Luna, an agent who has gained immense popularity on TikTok, accumulating nearly one million followers through her engaging content. Additionally, there are functional agents, which are less focused on the social aspect and more oriented toward performing specific tasks to enhance the user experience on various platforms or services.

AIXBT: the oracle of X

If you are a crypto enthusiast and spend time in the community, you have likely encountered AIXBT. This platform stands out as one of the most popular and widely followed crypto AI agents. Built on the Virtual Protocol ‘agent factory’, AIXBT is described as a sentient agent with a clear primary purpose: to keep holders of its associated token informed by sharing market analysis, insights, and forecasts related to the crypto world.

These analyses are not arbitrary; they are the result of an ongoing process involving data collection, analysis, and interpretation. AIXBT has successfully amassed a substantial following, currently totalling around 500,000 followers. This success can be attributed to its ability to identify emerging market narratives and provide valuable information—referred to as alpha—that gives investors a competitive edge. The quality of AIXBT’s content is so high that even CoinGecko, a leading and trusted data analysis platform in the crypto sector, has chosen to integrate AIXBT’s analyses.

One small detail is not insignificant: the token linked to this agent has experienced moments of glory, reaching a market capitalisation of no less than $745 million at its peak.

Eliza OS: the first Venture Capital managed by AI

The concept behind Eliza OS, previously known as ai16z, is quite fascinating: envision a world where your investments not only work for you passively but do so intelligently, proactively, and completely automatically. This concept extends beyond traditional notions of compound interest or standard financial formulas. Instead, we are discussing a tokenised artificial intelligence built on the Solana blockchain, designed to generate returns through sophisticated and continuous trading activities.

In simple terms, Eliza OS can be described as a fully decentralised and automated venture capital fund that leverages AI to make informed financial decisions. It operates like a tireless financial advisor, constantly active and staying updated on the latest market trends. The Eliza OS-linked token saw extraordinary success, exceeding a remarkable $2.5 billion in capitalisation within just four months of its launch. However, it is important to note that the token’s price has since dropped significantly.

Hey Anon: GPT Chat for DeFi

The penultimate project in our roundup features a prominent figure in the Italian DeFi scene: Daniele Sesta. Hey Anon is a protocol created with a simple yet powerful objective: to significantly simplify interactions with the complex world of Decentralised Finance (DeFi).

It is a chatbot similar to ChatGPT, but specifically designed to interact directly with DeFi. You can give it instructions in natural language, connect your crypto wallet, and it will handle all the technical aspects for you. 

For example, if you have a certain amount of ETH and want to use it as collateral to secure a loan on Aave but aren’t sure where to start or find the process cumbersome, you can simply ask ‘Hey Anon’ to do it for you. However, there is a caveat: to utilise the services of this platform and issue commands to the chatbot, you need to hold a certain amount of the project’s native token, ANON.

Kaito: A Search Engine for Web3?

We conclude our list with Kaito, a platform designed to simplify access to and understanding of the vast amount of data within the Web3 universe. Staying informed about the ever-evolving crypto world can be challenging, given the constant influx of news, social media trends, discussions on Discord and Telegram, on-chain data, and the rapid emergence of new projects. Kaito aims to address this issue.

Utilising AI, Kaito collects, analyses, and presents essential information from a variety of sources, assisting users, investors, and developers in navigating this expansive landscape and making more informed decisions. It functions like an enhanced version of ‘Google Search,’ focused explicitly on cryptocurrencies and Web3. This tool promises to streamline the search for quality information, making it faster and more efficient.

That’s just a glimpse into the current state of the crypto AI agent landscape, which is rapidly evolving with new ideas and projects emerging daily. While it’s still early in this development phase—and, like all emerging technologies, it comes with challenges, risks, and a great deal of experimentation—one thing is clear: the combination of artificial intelligence and blockchain has the potential to create possibilities that, until recently, seemed like they belonged in science fiction novels.

Token YNG: Q1 2025 Report

Token Young (YNG): updates and news Q4 2024

The Q1 2025 Report on the YNG Token. What has happened? What are the next steps?

The first months of 2025 have concluded with tangible results for our ecosystem, and, most importantly, several key developments related to our strategy for organic growth. Amid evolving regulations and the launch of new services, we are laying the foundations to make Young Platform increasingly central to the financial lives of our users.

There are also several updates specifically concerning the Young (YNG) token, the beating heart of our ecosystem. The strategy we have adopted aims to facilitate the token’s organic growth while mitigating the risk of excessive selling pressure that could undermine its long-term stability and value. However, this section appears exclusively in the members-only version of our report, which for the first time will be split into two editions:

  • A public version, accessible to all, outlining the achievements reached and new services launched.
  • An exclusive version, reserved for Club members, providing in-depth insights into data, future strategies—including key strategic decisions concerning the growth of the YNG token—and updates on the Young (YNG) tokenomics, including figures on issuance, distribution, and, for this edition, additional information on decentralised listing.

If you’re overcome with curiosity, there’s only one thing to do: join one of the Young Platform Clubs. If you’re already a member… what are you still doing here? Check your inbox: the deluxe version—musically speaking—of this report is waiting for you.

2025 So Far: Achievements and Newly Released Features

During the initial months of 2025, a significant part of our efforts has been dedicated to addressing the regulatory and fiscal aspects of the crypto sector. In addition to the work initiated months ago to ensure compliance with the European Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), we have launched initiatives focused on taxation to provide our users with comprehensive tools to handle their tax declarations in a simple, secure, and compliant manner in line with Italian regulations.

At the same time, we have continued to advance our planned strategic projects. Our overarching goal for this year remains clear: to become a digital hub that merges the best of traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralised finance (DeFi). However, the path to achieving this is now enriched with new, early milestones.

Young Platform’s Tax Services

For three years, we have been supporting our users with tailored financial solutions. What began as a simple report has evolved into a full-fledged ecosystem of tools designed to make the tax declaration process quick and stress-free. Today, we offer the following documents, all updated for the 2025 tax filing season:

  • Young Platform Tax Report: For those who use our exchange exclusively.
  • Young-Okipo Tax Report: For users active on multiple exchanges, including decentralised platforms, those holding NFTs, or engaging with DeFi protocols.
  • Transaction Report: To neatly archive the history of trades, orders, and Smart Trades.
  • Stamp Duty Receipt: To be retained for any potential tax audits.
  • Crypto Accountant Service: For those who prefer to rely on an expert to manage their tax declaration directly.

The Box

One of the standout features of Q1 2025 has undoubtedly been The Box, our competition designed to make the world of finance more accessible, dynamic, and engaging. The initiative has proven to be a great success, with thousands of users actively participating, completing missions, climbing the leaderboard, and contributing to the ongoing development of the Young Platform ecosystem. The current competition is scheduled to conclude on 31 May, and shortly thereafter, we will announce the winners and distribute the prizes.

At the heart of the initiative is the Young Card, our phosphorescent debit card offering cashback in YNG. It is a cornerstone of our long-term vision.

Club Price Rebalancing Mechanism

Since 4 February 2025, access to Young Platform’s Clubs has been governed by a monthly price adjustment mechanism based on the market value of YNG. The objective is to maintain a stable entry cost in euros, ensuring a balance between accessibility and the token’s value:

  • If the price of YNG decreases, the number of tokens required increases proportionally.
  • If the price of YNG increases, the number of tokens required decreases, though less sharply, thanks to a discount factor.

This system, with pricing updated on the first Tuesday of each month, prevents the Clubs from becoming either excessively exclusive or too inexpensive in the event of significant price fluctuations.

Updated Prices for May 2025 (YNG Price = €0.193):

  • Bronze: 1,865 YNG
  • Silver: 6,217 YNG
  • Gold: 12,435 YNG
  • Platinum: 31,088 YNG

New Club Benefits

The first quarter of 2025 has also been particularly rewarding for members of Young Platform’s Clubs, with the introduction of new exclusive benefits designed to enrich the user experience both financially and personally. Here are some of the most notable additions:

  • BuiltDifferent: A personalised fitness and nutrition platform that allows users to follow tailored workout programmes, access advanced nutritional plans, and enhance their lifestyle—wherever they are. All of this is offered under significantly more favourable conditions than those of a traditional personal trainer.
  • Milano Finanza: One of Italy’s most authoritative sources for investors. Club members now enjoy free access to premium content and daily analysis on markets, macroeconomics, and investment strategies—a practical tool for making better-informed decisions.
  • Serenis: Italy’s number one online medical centre for psychological support. Through our partnership, Club members benefit from access to counselling and therapeutic support at preferential rates, because financial and emotional well-being should always go hand in hand.

These benefits are in addition to the already extensive range of advantages available to Club members—from financial education and exclusive privileges on crypto services to personal well-being and new growth opportunities.

And this is just the beginning: new partnerships are already in development to make the Young Clubs even more comprehensive, distinctive, and aligned with a truly holistic vision of value.

An example? Exclusive access to the most analytical and data-rich section of this Report. While transparency has always guided us in publicly sharing all information related to the YNG token—including supply, purchases, sales, and emissions—starting with this first quarter of 2025, we have chosen to reserve such in-depth analyses exclusively for our Club members, who are direct holders of Young (YNG) and primary supporters of our ecosystem.

Our most engaged supporters deserve full transparency regarding the strategies shaping the future. Therefore, in the members-only version of this Report, we delve into the measures adopted to safeguard the value of YNG and foster sustainable, organic growth.

We will explore plans for the token’s future presence on the decentralised market and clearly outline the carefully considered reasons behind our decision to decline specific proposals from certain venture capital firms concerning the YNG token. This was a strategic decision made to protect our community from potential selling pressure and the dilution of the token’s value.

These strategic insights are a privilege reserved for those who actively live and shape the Young Platform ecosystem.