NFT Market Surges with $126M in Weekly Sales
**NFT Market Sees Major Comeback with Over $126M in Weekly Sales**
The NFT (non-fungible token) market is showing strong signs of recovery in early 2026. For the first time in months, weekly trading volume surged past the $100 million mark, reaching an impressive $126 million. That’s a massive 112% jump compared to the previous week. Let’s break down what’s driving this sudden boost and which NFT collections are leading the charge.
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### Huge Surge in NFT Trading Volume
According to on-chain data, the NFT space has bounced back with a huge increase in sales activity. Last week, total NFT trading volume was $61 million. This week, it more than doubled to $126 million.
Ethereum continues to dominate the NFT landscape, contributing more than $81 million to the total trading volume. That’s a 220% increase from the previous week, driven mostly by strong activity in blue-chip Ethereum-based NFTs.
Bitcoin’s NFT ecosystem also saw a big leap, thanks to popular collections like Runes, Ordinals, and BRC-20 tokens. Bitcoin-based NFTs generated $22 million in trading volume—up 143% from the previous week.
BNB Chain came in second overall, with $7 million in NFT trades. Known for its low fees and fast transactions, it continues to be a popular choice for NFT creators and collectors.
Base, an Ethereum Layer-2 network developed by Coinbase, ranked third with $3.6 million in sales—an increase of 64%. Immutable, another Ethereum Layer-2 focused on gaming and zero-gas NFTs, followed closely behind with $3.4 million in weekly volume.
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### Top 10 Best-Selling NFT Collections This Week
1. **The Flying Tulip Put (FT PUT)** – With $55 million in weekly sales, this DeFi-based NFT took the top spot. It’s part of a unique investment model where NFTs represent tokens in a decentralized exchange.
2. **$X@AI (BRC-20)** – This Bitcoin-based collection saw a massive 786% increase from the previous week, generating $17 million in trades.
3. **CryptoPunks** – These iconic pixel-art NFTs recorded $4.8 million in sales, marking an 85% rise from last week.
4. **Yes Bond (BNB Chain)** – This new collection made waves with $3.8 million in sales. It has quickly become a favorite among traders on the BNB Chain.
5. **Moonbirds** – Hosted on Ethereum, this popular collection earned $2.5 million this week. Moonbirds are known for their strong community and artwork.
6. **Guild of Guardians Heroes** – Linked to the fantasy RPG game “Guild of Guardians,” this collection had $2 million in sales but dropped 3% from the previous week.
7. **Meld Bank Manager NFTs** – Featuring futuristic robot-themed PFPs tied to a DeFi platform, these NFTs brought in $2 million this week.
8. **Pudgy Penguins** – With their adorable penguin characters on Ethereum, this collection sold $1.9 million worth of NFTs despite a small dip of 5.79%.
9. **$?? (BRC-20)** – Another Bitcoin-based collection, this one brought in $1.5 million—an 89% increase from last week.
10. **Good Vibes Club** – Created by an award-winning animation studio, this 3D PFP collection made $1.12 million in sales but saw a 42% decrease from the previous week.
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### What’s Next for the NFT Market?
The NFT industry is evolving fast. While it’s still recovering from previous market dips, NFTs are becoming more than just collectibles—they now have real-world uses in gaming, digital art, real estate, and even intellectual property.
Although 2025 was relatively quiet for NFTs, many experts believe that 2026 could bring another big bull run. As innovation continues and blockchain adoption grows, NFTs are likely to remain a key part of the digital asset ecosystem.
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**Important Reminder:** Always do your own research before investing in NFTs or any crypto assets. The market is highly volatile and comes with risks. Only invest what you can afford to lose.
ZKP Gains Buzz with Fair Token Auctions and Privacy Focus
The crypto market is currently valued at around $3.06 trillion. Bitcoin is trading close to $91,634, and Ethereum is near $3,171 after recent price drops. Meanwhile, Zcash is gaining attention due to ongoing speculation about a possible exchange-traded fund (ETF), and Toncoin is under pressure, trading near $1.55 after falling nearly 9% in the last week.
As the market matures, investors are asking if big-name cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum can still offer strong growth—or if it’s time to focus on newer projects with fresh distribution models.
One project making waves is Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP), a privacy-focused crypto that’s using a unique presale method. Instead of giving early access to insiders or large investors, ZKP distributes its tokens through a daily open auction. This system gives everyone an equal chance to participate based on how much they contribute, not when they join or how much they invest.
**What Makes ZKP Different?**
ZKP is built on the Substrate framework and combines artificial intelligence with zero-knowledge cryptography. The goal is to create a secure, decentralized network where users can keep control of their data while participating in the ecosystem.
The team has invested heavily in development and Proof Pod manufacturing, showing a long-term commitment to building useful infrastructure.
In its current presale (Stage 2), ZKP releases 190 million tokens every 24 hours through an open auction. Everyone who joins gets tokens based on how much they contribute compared to others that day. This fair approach helps prevent large wallets or bots from dominating early token sales, making the process more transparent and accessible to all.
Experts believe that fairer distribution methods like this could lead to stronger community support over time. However, the success of any project still depends on how well it’s built, how many people use it, and overall market trends.
**Zcash ETF Still Up in the Air**
Zcash is a privacy coin that uses zero-knowledge proofs to keep transaction details hidden while still verifying them. This advanced privacy feature is what makes it attractive—but also what puts it under regulatory scrutiny.
Talks about a possible Zcash ETF have been circulating for a while, but nothing has been confirmed. The uncertainty around regulation has kept Zcash’s price low compared to its past highs. Investors are waiting to see whether institutional interest will grow or if regulators will continue to hold back privacy-based assets.
**Toncoin Struggles to Regain Momentum**
Toncoin’s price continues to slide, down nearly 9% over the last seven days and sitting at about $1.55. Its current market cap is around $3.77 billion.
From a technical perspective, Toncoin is still below key moving averages and doesn’t show strong signs of recovery. Analysts say its future performance likely depends on how its broader ecosystem evolves, rather than any short-term price jumps.
**The Bigger Picture**
Zcash and Toncoin both face challenges—Zcash with regulatory roadblocks and Toncoin with market pressure. Both already have large market caps, which can make big growth moves harder.
On the other hand, newer projects like ZKP are attracting attention by offering a fair and transparent way to join early through daily auctions. This kind of model can help build a more engaged community from the start by avoiding insider-only advantages.
As interest shifts toward privacy, infrastructure, and AI-powered blockchain projects, ZKP stands out with its balanced approach to token distribution and long-term planning.
**Explore More:**
Website: https://zkp.com/
Buy Tokens: https://buy.zkp.com
Telegram Community: https://t.me/ZKPofficial
X (Twitter): https://x.com/ZKPofficial
Top Tech & Startup Funding News – Jan 26, 2026
**Top Startup and Tech Funding News – Tuesday, January 26, 2026**
Today’s startup and tech funding highlights show a strong investor focus on core technologies like AI infrastructure, cybersecurity, advanced defense systems, and industrial innovation. Investors are backing companies building the foundation for smarter, more secure, and scalable digital platforms.
Let’s break down the biggest funding rounds and what they mean for the future of AI, fintech, aerospace, crypto, and clean energy.
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**Ricursive Intelligence – $300M Series A for AI-Powered Chip Design**
AI hardware startup Ricursive Intelligence raised $300 million at a $4 billion valuation. Founded by former DeepMind researchers, the Palo Alto-based company is building a platform that uses AI to design faster, more efficient computer chips. Their technology creates a feedback loop where AI models help improve chip design—and better chips then power smarter AI.
This massive funding round comes just weeks after their $35 million seed round. Backers include Lightspeed Venture Partners, Nvidia’s NVentures, Sequoia Capital, and DST Global. With the global chip shortage ongoing, Ricursive’s work could speed up innovation in AI hardware.
**Keywords:** AI chip design, semiconductor innovation, Ricursive Intelligence, AI hardware funding
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**Upwind – $250M Series B for Cloud Runtime Security**
San Francisco-based Upwind raised $250 million to boost its runtime-first cloud security platform. Their system protects cloud apps while they’re running—crucial as companies use real-time AI workloads in the cloud.
The round was led by Bessemer Venture Partners with backing from Salesforce Ventures and others. This brings their total funding to $430 million. Upwind plans to grow fast as demand rises for secure, cloud-native environments in the age of generative AI.
**Keywords:** cloud security funding, CNAPP, runtime threat detection, Upwind cybersecurity
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**Synthesia – $200M Series E for AI Video Creation**
London’s Synthesia secured $200 million to grow its AI video platform. The tool lets businesses create realistic videos from text using digital avatars—no camera or actors needed. Big corporations use it for training, marketing, and internal communication.
Google Ventures led the round, joined by Accel, Kleiner Perkins, NEA, and Nvidia’s NVentures. Synthesia now serves many Fortune 100 companies and plans to expand features as demand for AI-generated content explodes.
**Keywords:** AI video platform, Synthesia funding, generative media tools
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**JetZero – $175M Series B for Fuel-Efficient Aircraft**
California startup JetZero raised $175 million to develop a new type of aircraft with a blended-wing body that uses less fuel. Their prototype could fly by 2027 and cut aerodynamic drag by 30% compared to traditional planes.
The round was led by B Capital with support from Northrop Grumman and United Airlines’ venture arm. JetZero has already received over $1 billion in contracts and grants, including a $235 million deal with the U.S. Air Force.
**Keywords:** JetZero aircraft funding, blended-wing planes, sustainable aviation
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**Standard Nuclear – $140M Series A for Advanced Nuclear Fuel**
San Diego’s Standard Nuclear closed a $140 million round to scale its production of HALEU nuclear fuel using TRISO particle tech. This specialized fuel is needed for next-gen reactors used in energy, defense, and space.
Investors include Decisive Point, Chevron Technology Ventures, and Andreessen Horowitz. The company plans to produce over two metric tons annually by mid-2026 across U.S. sites to meet growing demand.
**Keywords:** HALEU fuel production, nuclear energy startup, TRISO particles
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**Neurophos – $110M Series A for Optical AI Chips**
Austin-based Neurophos raised $110 million to develop optical processors that use light instead of electricity to perform AI tasks. These chips promise much faster performance with lower power usage.
Gates Frontier led the round with backing from Microsoft’s M12, Bosch Ventures, and others. The funding will help Neurophos complete its “Lifter Lite” metasurface chip and prep it for data center use.
**Keywords:** photonics chips, optical AI processors, Neurophos funding
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**Cyclic Materials – $75M Series C for Rare Earth Recycling**
Cyclic Materials raised $75 million to expand its rare earth recycling operations in North America and Europe. The company recovers valuable elements like neodymium and dysprosium from old electronics and magnets—used in EVs, wind turbines, and defense tech.
The process is eco-friendly and helps reduce reliance on overseas mining. T. Rowe Price Associates led the round. Cyclic aims to build more local recycling plants to support supply chains for AI hardware and clean energy.
**Keywords:** rare earth recycling, critical minerals supply chain, Cyclic Materials
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**Zocks – $45M Series B for AI in Wealth Management**
Zocks raised $45 million to grow its AI assistant platform for financial advisors. The tool listens to client meetings and automates tasks like creating proposals or tracking follow-ups—saving advisors hours every week.
Lightspeed Venture Partners and QED Investors led the round. Zocks plans to add smart features that spot financial planning gaps across entire client lists and suggest next steps automatically.
**Keywords:** wealth tech AI, financial advisor tools, Zocks funding
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**Grid Aero – $20M Series A for Autonomous Cargo Planes**
Aerospace startup Grid Aero raised $20 million to build autonomous cargo aircraft that can fly long distances without pilots or advanced runways. Their goal is to serve military and emergency logistics needs where traditional transport isn’t possible.
Bison Ventures and Geodesic Capital co-led the round. The company will use the funds to begin testing with military partners. Grid Aero’s uncrewed planes could become key players in “contested logistics.”
**Keywords:** autonomous cargo aircraft, Grid Aero funding, drone logistics
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**Project Eleven – $20M Series A for Quantum-Resistant Crypto Security**
Crypto security startup Project Eleven secured $20 million to help blockchain networks prepare for the future threat of quantum computers. They’re building tools to upgrade networks like Bitcoin and Ethereum to quantum-safe cryptography before it becomes critical.
Castle Island Ventures led the round alongside Coinbase Ventures and others. The company will expand its testing environments and migration software to support secure transitions over time.
**Keywords:** post-quantum crypto security, blockchain encryption upgrade, Project Eleven
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Today’s funding news shows investors are putting big money behind startups building deep-tech platforms—from chips and cloud security to clean energy and autonomous systems. As industries prepare for an AI-driven future, these startups are laying the groundwork across infrastructure, defense, finance, and enterprise tools.
XSpring AM to Launch Bitcoin and Gold Investment Funds
XSpring Asset Management (XSpring AM) is getting ready to launch new investment funds that include Bitcoin and commodities like gold and silver. These new funds are designed to give investors strong returns — over 10% — even during uncertain times caused by global tensions and economic instability.
The company’s CEO, Yodsakorn Follett, explained that the upcoming funds will allow partial investments in digital assets. This move is aimed at people who want to spread their money across different assets like gold, bonds, Bitcoin, and Ethereum. The goal is to help investors diversify their portfolios and reduce risk.
These funds will be offered in Thai baht and targeted at local investors in Thailand. However, the actual crypto investments will be made through international exchanges. According to Mr. Yodsakorn, these global platforms provide better liquidity than local exchanges, making it easier to manage assets efficiently.
It’s important to note that both cryptocurrencies and commodities can be very volatile. That means prices can change quickly, so these investments are best suited for people who can handle higher risk.
Gold has been performing well recently due to rising global tensions, ongoing inflation, and countries shifting away from the US dollar — a trend known as “de-dollarisation.” Central banks around the world are buying more gold while cutting back on US dollar reserves.
Experts believe that if international gold prices reach $5,000 per ounce, Thailand’s domestic gold prices could climb to 100,000 baht per baht weight by the second quarter of 2026. This would likely happen alongside a strengthening Thai baht.
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are also expected to rise again. Predictions suggest Bitcoin could hit $100,000 and Ethereum may return to around $4,800.
Mr. Yodsakorn noted that the world economy is becoming more divided, with major powers like the US, China, and Russia forming separate economic blocs. Even without a major war, ongoing geopolitical tension is expected to keep gold prices high for the foreseeable future.
The new fund from XSpring AM will invest directly in gold, crypto assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, and traditional bonds. However, due to current regulations, it’s expected that only ultra-accredited investors — those with significant financial resources — will be allowed to invest at first.
Mr. Yodsakorn believes that opening up crypto investment options to regular retail investors would help grow the market and increase access to new financial products. While crypto prices may remain unstable in the short term — especially with crackdowns on scams happening globally and in Thailand — long-term adoption of digital currencies and stablecoins is expected to grow.
XSpring AM is also planning to launch a new commodity-focused fund that includes gold, copper, and silver. This could be structured as a “fund of funds” and may launch in the first quarter of this year. The company expects ongoing geopolitical risks to push commodity prices even higher.
Looking ahead to 2026, XSpring AM plans to roll out at least one new investment fund every quarter. These funds will continue focusing on global technology trends such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.
The company expects its total assets under management to grow by nearly 50% this year, reaching around 17 billion baht. This growth will be driven by new fund launches and a focus on tech investments in key markets like the US, Japan, China, Taiwan, and South Korea.
Revenue across all of XSpring AM’s business segments is also set to rise by about 40%. This includes a 15.1% increase in fund management fees and a massive 160% jump in income from distributing investment products.
Top Altcoins for 2026: APEMARS vs. XRP & Ethereum
**Top Altcoin Picks for 2026: Can APEMARS Outshine XRP and Ethereum?**
Looking for the next big altcoin that could explode in value by 2026? While popular coins like XRP and Ethereum continue to climb steadily, a new meme coin called APEMARS is making waves with its unique theme, massive reward potential, and fast-moving presale.
Right now, XRP price predictions for 2026 sit between $2 and $4, with some optimistic forecasts aiming as high as $14 if things like ETF approvals and banking partnerships take off. Ethereum is also looking strong, with price targets ranging from $4,000 to $7,500 thanks to network upgrades and growing adoption in the DeFi space.
But APEMARS, a Mars-themed meme coin led by a character called Commander Ape, is gaining serious attention. In Stage 5 of its presale, APEMARS is priced at just $0.00003629. The token is set to list at $0.0055 — that’s a potential return of over 15,000% for early buyers.
**What Makes APEMARS Special?**
APEMARS isn’t just another meme coin. It has a fun story, smart tokenomics, and a strong community vibe. It’s designed to grow in value over time through deflationary mechanics — meaning tokens are burned to reduce supply. This scarcity can help drive up price.
On top of that, staking rewards are set at a huge 63% APY starting two months after launch. This means you can earn more just by holding and staking your tokens. There are also referral bonuses — share your code and get 9.34% in extra rewards when someone joins using your link.
So far, over $109,000 has been raised in the presale, and Stage 5 is filling up fast. With the next stage bringing a price increase, now might be the best time to buy before prices jump again.
**The APEMARS Math: Big ROI Potential**
Let’s break it down with an example. If you invest $1,000 during Stage 5 at $0.00003629 per token, you’ll receive about 27.5 million tokens. When the token lists at $0.0055, your investment could be worth over $151,000. That’s the power of getting in early on a project with strong hype and smart design.
**How to Buy APEMARS Tokens**
Buying APEMARS is easy:
1. Go to the official website: APEMARS.com.
2. Connect your Ethereum wallet (MetaMask works great).
3. Choose how much you want to invest using ETH, USDT, or even a credit card.
4. Complete the purchase — your $APRZ tokens will be sent after the presale ends.
If you spend at least $22, you’ll unlock a referral code you can share to earn extra bonuses.
**XRP in 2026: Steady but Slow Growth**
XRP has shown solid progress in early 2026, gaining around 13% since the start of the year. Ripple is pushing into the banking sector and may benefit from crypto ETFs and global finance use cases.
Most experts predict XRP will trade between $2 and $4 by 2026. If all goes well — including ETF approvals and stronger adoption — some say it could go as high as $10 to $14. But it’s considered more of a stable, long-term coin rather than one that delivers sudden huge gains.
**Ethereum in 2026: Strong Fundamentals and Upgrades**
Ethereum continues to dominate DeFi and smart contracts. Activity on the network is growing again, and new upgrades like “Glamsterdam” are expected to make transactions faster and cheaper.
Forecasts suggest Ethereum could reach between $4,500 and $7,500 by late 2026. Short-term targets are around $3,400 to $3,900. It’s a strong choice for long-term investors but lacks the viral energy that can push prices up quickly like meme coins do.
**Why APEMARS Could Be the Wildcard Winner of 2026**
While XRP and Ethereum offer safe and steady growth, APEMARS is bringing excitement with its Mars-themed story, deflationary model, huge staking rewards (63% APY), and a fast-growing community. The presale price is still extremely low at $0.00003629 — and once it hits the listing price of $0.0055, those who got in early could see massive returns.
This project isn’t just about hype — it’s built with mechanisms to reward early adopters and reduce supply over time. That’s why many see APEMARS as one of the top altcoin picks for 2026.
**Final Thoughts: Combining Stability with High-Risk Rewards**
The crypto landscape for 2026 looks like a mix of stable performers and high-reward newcomers:
– **XRP**: Price predictions between $2-$4 with bullish cases up to $14 if banking adoption grows.
– **Ethereum**: Forecasts around $4,000-$7,500 with steady growth from upgrades and staking.
– **APEMARS**: Explosive potential with over 15,000% ROI from presale to listing, backed by staking rewards and deflationary burns.
For investors building a diversified crypto portfolio, combining steady coins like XRP or ETH with promising meme coins like APEMARS could strike the perfect balance between stability and high-growth opportunities.
Always remember: only invest what you can afford to lose, and consider speaking with a financial advisor if you’re unsure about your crypto strategy.
**Want to Learn More?**
– Visit the official website: [APEMARS.com](https://apemars.com)
– Join the Telegram group for updates
– Follow APEMARS on X (formerly Twitter)
**FAQs – Quick Answers About Top Altcoin Picks for 2026**
**What is the XRP price prediction for 2026?**
Most estimates put XRP between $2 and $4 in 2026. Bullish scenarios suggest it could go as high as $10–$14 if ETFs and banking use cases grow fast.
**Can XRP hit $10 by 2026?**
It’s possible but depends on big factors like ETF approvals and global crypto adoption by banks.
**What do AI models say about XRP’s future?**
AI tools like Grok and Perplexity see XRP possibly hitting $9–$14 under optimistic conditions.
**What drives XRP prices?**
Key factors include ETF news, Ripple’s partnerships with banks, on-chain activity, and overall crypto market sentiment.
**Is APEMARS better than XRP for ROI?**
APEMARS has higher risk but much higher potential rewards — possibly 15,000%+ ROI from its current presale price if it hits its listing target. It’s designed for fast growth with viral appeal, while XRP is more stable and steady.
If you’re looking for top altcoin picks for 2026 with both safety and excitement, combining tried-and-true coins with explosive newcomers like APEMARS could be the smartest play this year.