The question posed by renowned crypto influencer @Cobie on X sparked a vibrant discussion: "If you had to invest in liquid, non-venture cryptocurrencies for a 3–5 year horizon, excluding BTC, ETH, HYPE, SOL, or stablecoins, what would you buy and why?"
Industry experts, including traders, venture capitalists, and thought leaders, shared their strategic choices. This article compiles their insights, offering a curated list of promising assets for long-term growth.
Jesse Pollak (Base Lead): Coinbase ($COIN)
Jesse highlights $COIN (Coinbase) for its robust, diversified product suite and established user base. He emphasizes Coinbase's execution capability and visionary on-chain team, positioning it as a leader in the crypto infrastructure space.
Ansem: Worldcoin ($WLD)
Ansem recommends $WLD as a hedge against AI dominance by OpenAI/Altman and potential state surveillance. He believes decentralized identity verification will be critical in a post-AGI world, and Worldcoin’s infrastructure aligns with this need.
Qiao Wang (AllianceDAO Founder): Revenue-Generating Tokens
Wang advocates for tokens with strong current or future revenue streams, traded at reasonable multiples. He argues that monetary premiums beyond Bitcoin are fading, and sustainable value will come from tangible earnings.
Auri (Crypto Trader): Starknet ($STRK)
Auri supports $STRK for its focus on decentralization and privacy. Key points include:
- Competitive TPS as an Ethereum L2 rivaling Solana.
- Superior user experience via account abstraction and on-chain performance.
- Low fully diluted valuation ($1B) compared to competitors like Arbitrum/Optimism ($3B).
Potential success paths:
- Becoming a universal layer.
- Serving as a Bitcoin L2 (if efficient Bitcoin settlement emerges).
- Acting as backend infrastructure for cross-chain applications.
👉 Explore advanced layer-2 strategies
Mert (Helius Labs Founder): Jito ($JTO) and Zcash ($ZEC)
Mert’s picks:
- $JTO: A compelling choice if Solana remains relevant over the next 3–5 years.
- $ZEC: Privacy coins are poised for a comeback, and Zcash’s upcoming chain redesign under new leadership offers technical promise.
Alex Svanevik (Nansen Founder): Diversified L1 Portfolio
Svanevik suggests a basket of Layer 1 assets: BNB, SUI, APT, TRX, and AVAX, alongside BTC, ETH, and SOL. Staking these assets could yield ~4.5% annual returns, balancing mainstream exposure with emerging potential.
Fishy Catfish (Crypto KOL): Chainlink ($LINK)
Chainlink is praised for its six-year dominance in oracle services, particularly in real-world asset (RWA) tokenization and stablecoins. Key advantages:
- Upcoming Automated Compliance Engine (ACE) for identity verification.
- Cross-chain identity system (CCID).
- Privacy suite including patented zkTLS technology.
- Strong TradFi adoption via partnerships with SWIFT, DTCC, JPMorgan, and others.
Fishy notes that value capture is shifting from blockchains to applications and oracles, with Chainlink leading this transition.
Murad (Crypto KOL): $SPX
Murad views $SPX as a "Movement Coin" disrupting equity markets, analogous to Bitcoin’s impact on gold. It combines cultural resonance with financial innovation, targeting Gen Z and millennials. The community-driven token represents a digital sanctuary for those seeking meaning in a tokenized economy.
Awawat (APG Capital Trader): $BNB, $LEO, $AAVE, $MKR, $XMR
Awawat’s conservative picks focus on sustainability:
- PAXG/XAUT: Gold-backed tokens for stability.
- BNB/LEO: Limited upside but low downside risk.
- AAVE/MKR: Defi blue chips likely to endure.
- XMR: Privacy-centric monetization.
He cautions that many altcoins may归零 (go to zero) in this timeframe.
W3Q (Crypto KOL): $HOOD, $TSLA
W3Q avoids pure crypto plays beyond Bitcoin, instead choosing:
- $HOOD (Robinhood): A retail finance infrastructure play with expanding verticals (e.g., crypto, mortgages).
- $TSLA (Tesla): An AI/robotics bet covering hardware and software, with potential crypto renewed interest from Elon Musk.
He also suggests leveraged Bitcoin ETFs during market lows for aggressive portfolios.
Vance Spencer (Framework Ventures): $SKY
Spencer mentions $SKY, noting it’s not listed on major centralized exchanges, implying early-stage opportunity.
Arthur (DeFiance Capital): $AAVE, $ENA, $PENDLE, $JUP
Arthur’s selections emphasize DeFi staples and emerging yield instruments, reflecting a focus on sustainable ecosystem growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes revenue-generating tokens a good long-term investment?
Tokens with real revenue streams are less reliant on speculation and more on tangible ecosystem usage. This provides stability and growth potential as crypto adoption increases.
Why are privacy coins like Zcash recommended?
Privacy features are becoming increasingly important for regulatory compliance and user protection. Coins like Zcash offer technological advancements that could drive future demand.
How does Chainlink capture value from traditional finance?
Chainlink’s oracle services bridge blockchain and TradFi by providing verified data feeds, compliance tools, and cross-chain solutions. Partnerships with major institutions ensure ongoing relevance.
What is a "Movement Coin" as described for $SPX?
Movement Coins combine cultural narratives with financial utility, creating community-driven assets that challenge traditional systems. They often target generational economic struggles.
Why do some KOLs prefer equities like COIN or TSLA over pure crypto assets?
Equities offer exposure to crypto innovation through established companies with robust revenue models. This reduces volatility while maintaining upside potential.
How can investors mitigate risk in a 3–5 year crypto portfolio?
Diversification across sectors (e.g., DeFi, privacy, infrastructure) and combining crypto with correlated equities can balance risk. Staking and yield-generating assets add income streams.
👉 Discover more investment strategies
Note: This compilation is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own research before investing.