The crypto market has been ablaze over the past 24 hours, with over $20 billion flowing into altcoins outside the top 10 market cap. 

Leading the charge are five tokens from the hottest sectors in crypto today: artificial intelligence (AI), decentralized finance (DeFi), and yes, meme coins. 

For those with a higher risk tolerance, this is where the biggest opportunities and the biggest risks lie—far beyond the reach of Bitcoin and Ethereum.

But this isn’t just a one-day phenomenon. 

Let’s look at what’s driving this market, while breaking down these top-performing projects and what they reveal about the market’s future.

Trump Administration’s Silent Boost to Crypto

Trump’s deregulatory approach opens doors for innovation across sectors, including tech and finance. Though Trump himself was skeptical of Bitcoin—calling it a threat to the U.S. dollar—he had his crypto “red pill” moment and now wants to add it to the national treasury. 

This, combined with his admin’s emphasis on deregulation and competition, provides blockchain companies with fertile soil for growth.

This is heightened by a growing distrust of centralized institutions, a sentiment heightened by the populist wave of the era. Crypto, with its promise of decentralization, has emerged as a natural fit for this zeitgeist.

Notably, Bitcoin’s meteoric rise in 2017 overlapped with the start of Trump’s first term presidency. Today, it looks like the stage is set for another crypto boom that coincides with his second term.

Now that we’ve talked about the macro, let’s dive into the hottest coins since Trump took office yesterday!

Breaking Down the Top 5 Performers Over the Last 24 Hours

If you’re looking for confirmation that what I wrote in this article has some merit, here is real-world evidence that the crypto sectors mentioned are where the action will likely be at this alt season.

And if you’re looking for the biggest gainers (and losers) you won’t find them in the top 10 cryptos… 

‘Nuff said.

Here are the top 5 performing coins in the last 24 hours:

1. AIXBT (Virtuals) – AI-Driven Trading

AIXBT soared 50.39% in the last 24 hours, trading at $0.64515. The project focuses on leveraging AI and machine learning for advanced trading analytics and market predictions. With AI at the forefront of tech innovation, AIXBT taps into a trend that’s gaining momentum both inside and outside the crypto world.

2. AKRO (Akropolis) – DeFi Pioneer

AKRO gained 46.57%, riding the wave of decentralized finance’s continued expansion. Akropolis offers a suite of financial products, including decentralized savings and lending protocols. It exemplifies how DeFi is reshaping traditional banking, making financial tools accessible without intermediaries.

3. EELIZA (Eliza) – Decentralized AI Research

EELIZA jumped 46.46% as another standout in the AI sector. The token supports decentralized funding for AI research, enabling projects to receive capital without centralized control. Its focus on innovation and autonomy resonates strongly with the ethos of the crypto community.

4. TOSHI (Toshi) – Meme Coin Mania

TOSHI rose 45.64%, proving that meme coins are far from dead. TOSHI leverages the viral nature of internet culture, driven by sentiment and a dedicated community. Social media chatter and speculative enthusiasm often fuel these tokens, but the biggest gains go to those who buy during the pre-sale phase, before exchange listings.

5. IMGNAI (Image Generation AI) – Creative AI Tools

IMGNAI surged 42.61%, highlighting the growing appetite for AI-based creative solutions. Focused on decentralized visual content generation, it appeals to a wide range of industries, from marketing to gaming. This token sits at the intersection of AI, creativity, and blockchain.

Why Meme Coins Are More Than Just a Joke

Meme coins like TOSHI aren’t just about internet jokes—they’re high-stakes speculative assets. Their success relies heavily on sentiment and social analysis, making them a wild ride for investors. Platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and Discord play crucial roles in driving momentum.

Early adopters often reap the biggest rewards, especially during pre-sale periods when tokens are priced lower and attract savvy investors looking for exponential returns. This dynamic is a reminder that while meme coins are risky, they can deliver outsized gains for those who understand the game.

The Big Picture: Top Sectors to Focus On

These five tokens reinforce what I’ve been saying for months: 

AI, DeFi, meme coins, Layer 2 solutions, and blockchain gaming are the top sectors for alpha gains this cycle. These areas combine innovation, real-world utility (except for meme coins lol), and community-driven hype, making them magnets for both capital and talent.

The inflow of USD 20 billion into altcoins today underscores the demand for projects outside the top 10 market cap. 

While Bitcoin and Ethereum provide stability, the real excitement—and potential for 100x returns—lies in smaller, emerging tokens that dominate these sectors.

Invest in the Future of Crypto

The Trump era sets the stage for a revolution, but today, the ball is in your court. Whether it’s diving into AI-powered tokens, exploring the endless possibilities of DeFi, or speculating on meme coins, the opportunities are vast. For those with the courage to venture beyond the top 10 cryptos, the potential rewards are staggering.

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Michael Hearne

I’m a serial entrepreneur, and I’ve spent the last 15 years taking companies to new levels, breaking the boundaries of innovation, and triumphing over adversity. My wife, Victoria, and I started our first business in a 2-bed/1-bath apartment with 4 kids, next to a crackhouse. We pushed through setbacks and failures to lift our family out of poverty. Along the way, I’ve learned that my struggles make me stronger. And that being the best version of me is the greatest contribution I can give to the world. It makes me a better husband, and father. It improves my health, energy, and my capacity to serve others. And it has allowed me to build businesses that make the world a better place. Today, I work for passion, to make a difference, and solve real problems in the real world through my business ventures. This little site is where I share the things I’ve learned, and am still learning, on my journey.