What is the fastest way to get rich in cryptocurrency? The harsh reality after conversations with MM/VC circles

Most retail investors enter crypto with a single goal: seeking the fastest way to get rich. But after in-depth conversations with large fund managers (MM) and venture capitalists (VC), the market picture is revealed, and the reality is far from the optimistic narratives often promoted on social media.

Altcoin Bubble: Unsustainable Wealth Expectations

If you still hope that altcoins will offer the fastest wealth-building opportunities, forget it. About a year ago, VC investors started pulling out of Tier 1 Web3 projects. Currently, the situation is even worse. In October 2024, the 1011 event (referred to by analysts as the “Black Swan”) delivered a double blow to the altcoin market. This story needs to be set straight: altcoins are dead.

The risk-reward ratio for retail investors playing in altcoins is extremely dangerous. Don’t dream of an “altcoin season” or crazy price surges anymore. The only exceptions are infrastructure projects with real resources (such as stablecoins, RWA, or payment solutions), but these types of projects are highly unlikely to ever issue tokens to the public.

DAT Bubble Burst: Traps for Greedy Investors

DAT (Data Availability Token) projects are witnessing collapse. The long-tail DAT market has found no genuine buyers. Nearly all recent transactions are “token swaps for equity” (in-kind exchanges)—essentially exchanges between insiders rather than from real investors.

Why? Because project founders, major token holders, and financial advisors (FA) favor DAT because they can raise capital and profit immediately. But from an investor’s perspective, whether you are a private investor pre- or post-listing, you are likely to become a “harvest crop”—the target for exploitation in this game.

Survival Strategy: Forget About Fast Wealth

Currently, crypto trading is no longer “buying blindly” as it was two years ago (2024), nor is it the “selling blindly” phase at market peaks. We are in a cautious and fearful mid-stage. The market’s maximum limit will be an uncontrollable frenzy, but for now, hesitation prevails.

Your current strategy should be adjusted based on your position:

For those without a position: Allocating 5-20% of your portfolio to BTC is reasonable. Currently, the BTC/gold ratio is at a historic low. According to recent data (February 2026), BTC is trading around $69.89K with a circulating supply valued at $1.39 billion. This price level has improved compared to many previous points but still has room for growth.

For those with full positions or using leverage: Act immediately to reduce leverage and switch to a defensive strategy. This needs to be emphasized repeatedly for aggressive traders.

For those with half a position: Maintain your current stance to prepare for any market volatility, patiently waiting for opportunities to emerge.

Market Recovery: When Hesitation Replaces Hope

Weekly trading volume on major exchanges has decreased broadly by 20-40%. Many large fund managers have also been severely impacted—some have gone bankrupt due to leverage, but they are not publicly speaking out. Large capital is now more focused on risk management; everyone needs time to adjust strategies and recover financial health.

The bull market was born out of despair and grew through hesitation. We are in a hesitation phase. Forget illusions of quick wealth, hold your current positions, and remember—survival first.

Disclaimer: This is personal analysis, not investment advice. Always do your own research (DYOR) before making decisions.