Filter Your Defi WATCHLIST for 2025
Original author: DeFi Warhol, crypto project researcher
Original translation: ChatGPT
Editors note: The author believes that there may be some DeFi project TGEs in 2025. Although TVL has not broken the 2021 high, the transaction volume has reached a new high, indicating that user interest has increased. This article recommends some high-quality pre-TGE projects, such as Infinex, Babylon, Lombard, etc. These projects have outstanding performance in innovation and team strength and are worthy of attention.
The following is the original content (for easier reading and understanding, the original content has been reorganized):
There will likely be a ton of TGEs this year, and here are some high-quality pre-TGE DeFi projects that are worth putting on your watchlist.
Despite some perceptions that DeFi has surpassed its all-time high TVL in 2021, it has still not broken through its 2021 high. Currently, we are sitting at $138 billion in TVL ($178 billion in 2021).
However, we set some new records. Following the launch of the $TRUMP token on January 18, 2025, we set a new record for daily trading volume of $48 billion. Trading volume may be a better indicator than TVL, reflecting capital and user interest and retention.
Additionally, according to @KaitoAI, DeFi’s mindshare has been growing in 2025.
I believe that 2025 will be the year we return to fundamentals and the memecoin craze is over. It is critical to track the hottest DeFi projects. I will highlight team members in each project who will share updates and insights on new products and features.
Here is the recommended list:
@infinex_app
Infinex is a DeFi exchange that provides a CEX-like experience but uses non-custodial accounts. It is fully abstracted to enable seamless on-chain trading.
team:
@kaiynne
@JedWatson
@infinex_intern
@stableshaman
@babylonlabs_io
Babylon is a Bitcoin staking protocol that brings the security and liquidity of Bitcoin to Web3 projects. Babylon aims to be a hub for dApps and collaboration.
team:
@dntse
@baby_fisherman
@Lombard_Finance
Lombard is a DeFi protocol that allows users to borrow using Bitcoin and crypto assets as collateral while earning yield through optimized DeFi strategies.
team:
@Maksym_Web3
@GeorgePBeall
@KevSilk
@JacobPPhillips
@ParticleNtwrk
Particle is a modular blockchain infrastructure project that focuses on all three levels of abstraction. It simplifies the use of Web3 by making it more user-friendly and intuitive.
team:
@TABASCO web3
@jetjet_ 8
@ParticleIntern
@0xpengyu
@0xpeterpan_
@symbioticfi
Symbiotic is a decentralized re-staking protocol that allows users to re-stake assets (including Bitcoin) to earn additional yield in multiple networks. It focuses on shared security for DeFi and sovereign blockchain ecosystems.
team:
@FelixLts
@pseudotheos
@Psalom
@JstarCS
@KelpDAO
Kelp is a re-staking protocol that supports liquidity re-staking of Ethereum and other assets. It is integrated with EigenLayer, allowing users to earn additional income while maintaining liquidity.
team:
@GAmitej
@galacticminter
@hotdao_
HOT Protocol is a decentralized multi-party computation (MPC) wallet validator network. It aims to provide seamless Web3 access, cross-chain transactions, and gas fee coverage.
team:
@p_volnov
@Nikitadigita l1 0
@MeteoraAG
Meteora is a DeFi project based on Solana that provides dynamic liquidity solutions including DLMM, lending yield, and automated vaults.
team:
@hellochow
@0x_Malc
@0xmiir
@opensea
OpenSea is one of the worlds largest NFT markets, allowing users to buy and sell NFTs on platforms such as Ethereum and Polygon.
team:
@dfinzer
@NadavAHollander
@OliverMaroney
@adamilenich
@polymarket
Polymarket is a decentralized prediction market platform where users can trade based on the outcomes of real-world events.
team:
@shayne_coplan
@HugoMartingale
@williamlegate
@2irl4u
