Dinocoins are making a comeback: K33

Dinocoins like XRP and ADA are getting more attention, and it’s not just because of President Trump

article-image

Akif CUBUK/Shutterstock modified by Blockworks

share


This is a segment from the Empire newsletter. To read full editions, subscribe.


An interesting dynamic is taking place in the market right now: Dinocoins are having a bit of a moment. 

In a research note from K33, analysts looked at why institutions favor “older, more established coins over the new shiny things with no track record.”

“This, in turn, is causing more interest among retail investors and traders for the familiar ‘boomer’ or ‘dino’ coins.”

Some of this also comes from the fact that President Trump’s administration has changed the tide, and he’s effectively “given altcoins the institutional stamp of approval.”

“The typical (young) altcoin trader favors the latest trending DeFi token or the latest memecoin looking to cook a 100x run. In contrast, cautious long-term participants seek out what they perceive as safer bets,” the analysts wrote. 

“The term “boomer” may be facetious, but it reflects how older, or at least more institutionally minded, investors are now firmly marking their territory in the crypto space. Such investors are more comfortable with assets that have weathered market cycles while being supported by entities that present in a professional manner.”

In fact, DOGE is included alongside coins like LTC, XRP and ADA, the analysts said. Though, let’s be fair: ADA and XRP have massive, heavily-focused (or obsessed depending on who you talk to) retail followings. That following is quite different from the institutions that are looking for altcoin exposure. 

ADA, for example, has been dubbed a so-called Ethereum killer, but that narrative hasn’t quite played out. Though there are plenty of comments one could make about the state of Ethereum right now, so perhaps I’m speaking too soon.

Ironically, this also fits into what Dedic and Pomp said about founders: Folks are looking for coins that can survive the narratives. 

Whether or not the use cases for some of these dinocoins have come to fruition, they’re still around and kicking and they’ve managed to gain a spotlight — not just a post from the president. 


Get the news in your inbox. Explore Blockworks newsletters:

Tags

Decoding crypto and the markets. Daily, with Byron Gilliam.

Upcoming Events

Javits Center North | 445 11th Ave

Tues - Thurs, March 24 - 26, 2026

Blockworks’ Digital Asset Summit (DAS) will feature conversations between the builders, allocators, and legislators who will shape the trajectory of the digital asset ecosystem in the US and abroad.

recent research

Research Report Templates (3).png

Research

South Korea is emerging as one of the most important global hubs for regulated digital assets, and Upbit sits at the center of this shift. Naver’s proposed acquisition could create the country’s dominant super app for payments, trading, and digital finance. This report breaks down the numbers, the regulatory tailwinds, the economics of the deal, and why the merger may unlock one of the most attractive asymmetries in Korea’s public markets.

article-image

As DevConnect kicks off in Buenos Aires, Vitalik and friends call for a reset

article-image

GPUs are starting to go dark even as data-center spending doubles — is a bubble on the horizon?

article-image

Risk assets sold off as doubts loom over a December rate cut, with BTC tumbling briefly below $95K this morning

by Carlos /
article-image

Jeff Yass bets that prediction markets could stop wars, Paul Atkins’ announcement on “tokens,” and more

article-image

Lido unveils a new buyback plan while BTC treasury companies slip below mNAV — can either model can truly return value?

article-image

If financial nihilism has driven you into memecoins, zero-day options, and sports betting, consider financial optimism instead