VIRTUAL, the native cryptocurrency of the Base-based Virtuals Protocol, which focuses on the creation and ownership of AI agents, has surged by an impressive 207% over the past 30 days, outpacing major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) in performance.
This dramatic rally has been fueled by a noticeable increase in participation from “smart money” wallets, as tracked by on-chain data from Nansen. These wallets are typically associated with institutions, funds, and high-net-worth individuals.
VIRTUAL’s price has soared to $1.66, making it the top performer among the top 100 tokens by market capitalization, according to CoinDesk. Over the past seven days alone, the token has gained 11%. In comparison, Bitcoin has only experienced a 13% increase in the past month, with little movement in the last week.
In addition to its impressive price surge, VIRTUAL is also leading the charge in terms of trading activity by smart money investors. These wallets, which include institutional players and whales, have driven $14.2 million in inflows to VIRTUAL over the past 30 days, with $8.56 million of that amount coming in just the past week. Other top tokens favored by smart money include EBTC, LINK, and PEPE.
Nansen’s data shows that VIRTUAL is the most actively traded token by smart money, with notable buying activity indicated in green and selling activity in red.
One of the key catalysts for VIRTUAL’s rise has been the recent launch of the Genesis launchpad two weeks ago. Designed to reward real contributors rather than speculators, the system uses a unique “proof of contribution” mechanism, where participants can earn Virgen points through staking and involvement in AI-driven projects.
Since Genesis launched, many tokens introduced through the platform have doubled in value, fueling further demand for Virgen points. This has highlighted the growing potential for innovation in token design, according to Bankless on X.
Key features of the Genesis system include contribution-based allocations, automatic refunds for unmet goals, and transparent vesting schedules, setting it apart from traditional token launch mechanisms.
“Genesis is revitalizing Virtuals with a fresh approach to token launches, offering a creative alternative to older systems that are often prone to manipulation,” Bankless noted, acknowledging that while the system is still evolving, it presents a strong challenge to other established models.
