Building Through Cycles by REDeFiNE TOMORROW 2025
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At REDeFiNE TOMORROW 2025, the theme "Building Through Cycles" isn’t just a slogan—it’s a survival strategy and a success story.
Bear Markets Breed Titans
When others paused, builders pressed on. Case in point:
- Nansen, once a modest analytics firm, expanded its validator and staking business from $60M to $2.5B in just nine months—a staggering 41× growth.
- The Sandbox multiplied revenue per user 4×, proving that the metaverse isn’t dead—it’s iterating quietly and effectively.
- Pudgy Penguins bridged Web3 to Walmart, achieving $13M in retail sales across mainstream stores.
Crypto’s Cyclical Nature
Haseeb Qureshi of Dragonfly described crypto as “the most cyclical industry” he’s ever seen. But that cyclicality isn’t a bug—it’s a crucible. Each bear market flushes out hype and leaves behind conviction. Each bull market elevates those who’ve done the hard work while no one was watching.
Metrics of Momentum
Even amid macro uncertainty:
- TVL in DeFi grew 37% YoY in Q1 2025.
- Crypto VC funding nearly doubled vs. Q1 2024.
These aren’t just numbers—they’re proof that builders are setting the stage before the spotlight returns.
Lessons from REDeFiNE 2025
The summit’s sessions showcased how frontier builders adapted:
- Alex Svanevik (Nansen) introduced AI-powered address intelligence, pushing crypto analytics forward.
- Luca Netz (Pudgy Penguins) leveraged memes and retail IP to reach 50 billion Giphy views—turning JPEGs into cultural currency.
- Sebastien Borget (Sandbox) grew engagement while maintaining 400+ brand partnerships.
- Anton Katz (Talos) grew platform usage to $18T in AUM in 10 months by supporting the full digital asset stack.
The Decade Mindset
In the words of Haseeb again: "People overestimate what can happen in two years but underestimate what can happen in ten". It’s a call to resilience, to patience, and to vision.
So—what cycle are you building through?
"Building Through Cycles" is the core theme of REDeFiNE TOMORROW 2025. While markets cooled, the builders thrived. From Nansen’s 41× growth to The Sandbox’s rising player economy and Pudgy Penguins’ $13M retail success, crypto’s bear market became a builder’s playground. Backed by data and insights from REDeFiNE TOMORROW 2025, this year’s summit highlights the resilience of founders, the maturing of infrastructure, and how cycles don’t kill innovation—they refine it.
Watch Rerun at REDeFiNE TOMORROW 2025
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