Crypto markets in 2025 remain volatile, and smaller-cap tokens can experience sharp price swings. While larger assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum often dominate coverage, a range of lower-cap projects across Layer-1, DeFi, and other sectors are also drawing attention.
This article looks at seven projects that have been discussed by market participants: AlphaPepe (ALPE), Pyth Network (PYTH), Aevo (AEVO), Dymension (DYM), Starknet (STRK), Aptos (APT), and Morpho (MORPHO).
One of them, AlphaPepe (ALPE), is conducting a token sale on BNB Chain. The project has promoted features such as staking and community rewards; as with any early-stage token offering, the details should be treated as project-reported unless independently verified.
1. AlphaPepe (ALPE): Project overview
AlphaPepe is a meme-themed token project on BNB Chain that is currently running a token sale. Project materials describe an emphasis on community participation and transparency, although such claims may be difficult to verify externally.
According to the project, the token sale has raised more than $330,000 and participation has increased over time. The team also states that staking is available prior to broader trading, which introduces additional smart-contract and custody risks for participants.
The project says its smart contract has been audited and that tokens are delivered immediately after purchase. It also states that liquidity is intended to be locked; however, liquidity-lock mechanisms and audits do not eliminate market, technical, or execution risk.
AlphaPepe has also referenced multiple USDT “reward pools” and past distributions in its communications. Readers should treat these as project claims unless corroborated by independent reporting or on-chain analysis.
2. Pyth Network (PYTH): Oracle infrastructure
Pyth Network provides price feeds that can be used by decentralized applications. The project positions itself as an oracle option alongside established providers, and it has been integrated by a range of applications across multiple chains.
PYTH is used for governance and related ecosystem functions. Adoption, competitive dynamics, and technical reliability can materially affect demand and risk.
3. Aevo (AEVO): Decentralized derivatives
Aevo is a derivatives-focused protocol that offers options-related products. It aims to combine on-chain settlement with trading features that users associate with more traditional venues.
The AEVO token is used in governance and may be used to support liquidity-related incentives, depending on the protocol’s design and future updates.
4. Dymension (DYM): Modular blockchain tooling
Dymension focuses on modular blockchain development, including tooling intended to help teams deploy application-specific chains (“RollApps,” in the project’s terminology) and connect them within broader ecosystems.
As with other infrastructure projects, outcomes depend on developer adoption, security assumptions, and evolving standards across the multi-chain landscape.
5. Starknet (STRK): Ethereum Layer-2 scaling
Starknet is a Layer-2 network designed to scale Ethereum using zero-knowledge proofs. It is part of a broader set of scaling approaches that include different zk-rollup and optimistic-rollup designs.
The pace of ecosystem growth, tooling maturity, and user activity can influence the network’s long-term trajectory.
6. Aptos (APT): Layer-1 ecosystem development
Aptos is a Layer-1 blockchain that has continued to develop its ecosystem across areas such as DeFi, gaming, and NFTs. Market interest can shift based on developer activity, user demand, and broader macro conditions.
As with other Layer-1 networks, competition and token unlock schedules (where applicable) can affect price and liquidity.
7. Morpho (MORPHO): Lending-market optimization
Morpho is a DeFi lending protocol that aims to improve capital efficiency by optimizing how lending and borrowing routes across markets. Its design has been described as building on top of established lending systems while adding a peer-to-peer matching component.
The MORPHO token is used for governance and ecosystem incentives, depending on how the protocol implements its parameters and programs over time.
AlphaPepe’s roadmap and stated plans
AlphaPepe’s public communications describe a roadmap focused on community governance and incentives. As with many early-stage projects, timelines and deliverables may change.
The team has said it plans to introduce an “AlphaDAO” governance system and to continue running staking and community reward programs. The project has also referenced NFT-related rewards for certain participants, which should be evaluated carefully for terms, eligibility, and risks.
How to evaluate early-stage token-sale claims
When reviewing token-sale marketing, readers may want to verify claims where possible (for example, by reading audit reports directly, reviewing smart-contract addresses, and checking on-chain activity). Early-stage tokens can be illiquid, highly volatile, and exposed to smart-contract and operational risks.
Conclusion
The projects listed here span multiple categories, including oracles (Pyth), derivatives (Aevo), modular tooling (Dymension), Layer-2 scaling (Starknet), Layer-1 ecosystems (Aptos), and DeFi lending (Morpho). AlphaPepe is included as an example of a meme-themed project currently running a token sale, with several features described by its team.
This article contains information about a cryptocurrency token sale. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. This outlet is not affiliated with the project mentioned.
