Overview
Messari's recently published "Messari Theses 2024" revealed the crypto holdings and investment strategies of its analysts. Key trends include:
- Solana (SOL) as the most widely held asset, reflecting strong ecosystem confidence.
- Growing interest in AI-related tokens like OLAS, AKT, TAO, and RNDR.
- Mixed sentiments on Ethereum (ETH), retained as a beta play despite bearish outlooks.
- Niche favorites: DePIN projects, ZK coprocessors, and perpetual DEXs.
Top-Performing Assets
Analysts reported significant gains from:
- SOL (multiple analysts)
- GBTC (TBI, JTVL)
- RNDR (Maartje, Sami, Mihai)
- AKT (Kunal, Toe, Nick)
- COIN (Peter, Micah)
Notable Losses
Common pitfalls included:
- VC-backed tokens with low liquidity (e.g., ZEC, ALCX).
- Delayed ETH sell-offs (Kel).
- Meme coin volatility (PEPE, MARBLES).
Analyst Spotlights
🔹 TBI
Top Gainers: GBTC, SOL
Holdings: BTC, ETH, SOL
Interest: Reader engagement metrics.
🔹 Maartje
Top Gainer: RNDR
Holdings: BTC, ETH, RNDR
Interest: DePIN networks.
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🔹 Dustin
Top Gainers: SOL, OLAS, NOS
Holdings: SOL ecosystem tokens, AI assets.
Interest: AI-crypto convergence.
🔹 Kunal
Top Gainers: RUNE, AKT, TAO
Holdings: ETH, TIA, RPL
Interest: EigenLayer and restaking protocols.
Emerging Trends
1. Solana’s Dominance
Analysts highlighted SOL’s resilience post-FTX collapse, with ecosystem projects (e.g., BONK, Mad Lads NFTs) driving momentum.
2. AI Tokens in Focus
Projects like TAO (decentralized AI), RNDR (GPU rendering), and OLAS (autonomous agents) were recurring holdings.
👉 Explore AI tokens with high growth potential
3. DePIN & ZK Innovations
DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) and ZK coprocessors emerged as sleeper hits for scalability.
4. Ethereum’s Mixed Reception
While ETH remains a core holding, analysts criticized its scaling challenges and shifting L2 dynamics.
FAQ Section
❓ Why is Solana a consensus pick?
Solana’s high throughput, low fees, and thriving ecosystem (NFTs, DeFi) make it a preferred layer-1.
❓ Which AI tokens are analysts bullish on?
RNDR, TAO, and AKT lead in decentralized compute, AI training, and cloud infrastructure.
❓ What’s driving DePIN adoption?
Tokenized incentives for real-world infrastructure (e.g., Akash Network’s decentralized cloud).
❓ How are analysts adapting to ETH’s challenges?
Many are diversifying into EigenLayer restaking or Solana-centric portfolios.
Key Takeaways
- Diversification: Holdings span BTC (store of value), SOL (growth), and AI/DePIN (narrative plays).
- Niche Betas: From perpetual DEXs to SocialFi (friend.tech), analysts target vertical-specific opportunities.
- Risk Awareness: Meme coins and illiquid VC tokens were frequent pain points.