USDC (usdc) 
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Bitcoin and other altcoins experienced a sharp decline on Thursday and into Friday, continuing a downward trend observed over the past few days. Most altcoins have been trading in the red, with the total cryptocurrency market capitalization excluding Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins dropping to $580 billion—the lowest level since June 5.
Despite the broader market downturn, data from Nansen reveals that some smart money investors are taking advantage of the ongoing crypto crash to accumulate assets. These investors, characterized by their extensive track record of success in the cryptocurrency industry, often buy during market dips and short when prices reach peaks. Below are some of the top altcoins attracting the attention of smart money investors.
Aerodrome Finance (AERO)
Aerodrome Finance, the leading decentralized exchange (DEX) on the Base blockchain, has gained significant traction among smart money investors. According to Nansen data, net buys on DEX networks for Aerodrome Finance reached $180,000.
One possible reason for this interest is Aerodrome Finance’s growing market share on the Base network. Over the past 30 days, its DEX volume reached an impressive $15.4 billion, surpassing competitors like Uniswap and PancakeSwap, which accounted for $10.9 billion and $3.8 billion, respectively, on Base.
Additionally, recent announcements from Coinbase have bolstered investor confidence. Coinbase plans to integrate DEX networks on Base into its main app, potentially exposing Aerodrome Finance to millions of users. This strategic move could further enhance the platform’s adoption and liquidity.
Freysa AI (FAI)
Freysa AI is another altcoin that has caught the attention of smart money investors. Nansen data shows that these investors purchased tokens worth $232,000 in the last 24 hours, even as the token’s price experienced a 10% drop.
Freysa AI operates as a blockchain network on the Base blockchain and focuses on the Digital Twins network. According to its developers, Digital Twins serve as personal companions and “second brains” for users, representing them within a global network. Freysa AI currently boasts a market capitalization of over $102 million, which reflects its growing presence in the crypto ecosystem.
Aave (AAVE)
Aave, a major player in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector, is also attracting smart money investors. In the last 24 hours, these investors purchased AAVE tokens worth $118,700.
From a technical perspective, Aave has shown positive momentum, forming a golden cross pattern on its daily chart. This bullish indicator suggests the potential for a price surge toward last year’s highs. On the fundamental side, Aave continues to dominate the lending and borrowing industry, with its total value locked (TVL) reaching record levels.
Additionally, Aave’s native stablecoin, GHO, has been gaining traction. Its market capitalization recently climbed to $218 million, further solidifying Aave’s position as a leader in the DeFi space.
Virtuals Protocol
Virtuals Protocol is another altcoin that smart money investors are focusing on. In the last 24 hours, buy orders for Virtuals Protocol totaled $60,000, with no significant sell activity reported.
Virtuals Protocol specializes in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, providing tools for developers to create AI agents quickly and efficiently. The recent $13 billion investment by Meta Platforms in Scale AI has highlighted the growth potential of the AI industry, which may explain the increased interest in Virtuals Protocol.
As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, these strategic investments by experienced players highlight key opportunities within the space. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate investor, keeping an eye on such trends can provide valuable insights for your portfolio.
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