Vana empowers users to own, protect and profit from their personal data through decentralized DataDAOs. Learn more about how it works in this article.

Imagine a world where individuals regain control over their own data, taking it back from the hands of large corporations that often profit from it without consent. Enter Vana, an innovative platform that combines 

 with privacy-driven features to create a fairer, more transparent digital economy. This article explores what Vana is all about — and its exciting future potential in the decentralized data and AI space.

 is a blockchain network that gives users full control over their personal data through an 

 architecture. It enables decentralized data-sharing and monetization using DataDAOs (

), whose users can collectively own, manage and profit from their data, all while maintaining privacy and ownership.

Vana was co-founded by Art Abal and Anna Kazlauskas, two Filipinos with strong academic backgrounds and degrees from Harvard and MIT, respectively. It started as a research initiative in 2018, and has since grown into a project driven by the desire to empower individuals with control over their personal data. 

Vana seeks to address the current imbalance whereby large corporations profit from user data without fairly compensating the individuals who generate it. The goal is to create a new data economy in which users can benefit directly from the AI models built on their data, ensuring that the financial rewards of AI development are more fairly distributed. The name "Vana," short for "Nirvana," speaks to the project’s mission of liberating and empowering user data.

The Vana project attempts to challenge the status quo of data hoarding by large centralized organizations, and to tackle several key issues as follows.

Vana is designed to transform personal data into a valuable, user-controlled asset. It operates through the following three key layers.

Vana gives users the power to monetize and use their data in several ways, such as earning revenue from AI models trained on their data, or by integrating their data into applications for personalized experiences. Most importantly, users maintain detailed control over how their data is shared and used. As data contributors, they also receive governance rights within their respective DataDAOs, allowing them to make decisions about how their data is used and how the value is distributed.

Users receive a DLP-specific token when they submit data to a DataDAO, according to the DataDAO’s unique 

 that Vana uses to validate data submitted to its network. PoC maintains the reliability and value of the data within the Vana network. 

Vana acts as a trustless intermediary, connecting data owners, communities and users. It enables individuals to pool their data collectively in a secure and traceable manner while also allowing data users to monetize that data for purposes such as training AI models.

 is a central platform where users can buy, stake, trade and explore data tokens within the Vana ecosystem. It also enables users to contribute their data to DataDAOs, and earn rewards by staking their VANA tokens.

 is an incubator designed to support the growth and development of the Vana ecosystem. It provides tools and resources for users to create and manage DataDAOs, ensuring that high-quality data is available for AI model training and other applications.

DataDAOs are decentralized organizations that pool user-contributed data on the blockchain. They allow individuals to collectively own, manage and monetize their data for AI and other applications. Each DataDAO governs its own DLPs, ensuring that data is secure, private and used judiciously. 

 system incentivizes premium-quality data contributions by rewarding the top 16 DataDAOs every 21 days, based on total Vana tokens staked. This competitive structure ensures that the best datasets and contributors are recognized and rewarded, promoting innovation and growth within the Vana ecosystem

 commits 44% of its total token supply to empower the community. It rewards active participation, contributions and innovation across the Vana network. This includes incentives for high-quality data contributions to DataDAOs, early community rewards and support for developers building on Vana. 

Since its start as an MIT research project in 2018, Vana has made impressive progress, emerging as the first decentralized data liquidity network. 

Looking ahead, Vana aims to build a thriving decentralized data ecosystem and promote mass adoption with its clear road map:

The VANA token is the native cryptocurrency of the Vana Network. VANA serves multiple purposes within the Vana ecosystem, such as securing the network through staking, paying transaction fees, staking in DataDAOs, accessing datasets, acting as part of a trading pair and participating in decentralized governance.

The tokenomics of VANA are designed to align the interests of all participants in the Vana network. With a total supply capped at 120 million tokens, distribution is as follows:

 of $32.86 by the end of 2024 and $38.58 by 2025, with the potential to climb to approximately $112.78 by the end of 2030. Similarly, Coin Edition 

 a value of $50 by the end of 2025, with further growth expected up to $68 by 2030. 

Looking to purchase Vana tokens? Bybit now offers the VANA/USDT Spot trading pair. To get started, you’ll first need to create a Bybit account, then fund it with cryptocurrency and navigate to the 

To celebrate this listing, Bybit is holding 

 where you can earn a share of the 560,000 VANA prize pool. 

VANA offers a compelling investment opportunity, thanks to its innovative approach to data ownership, expanding ecosystem and optimistic market outlook. By tackling key challenges in the data economy, VANA empowers users while paving the way for decentralized AI development. However, as with any investment, it's important for potential investors to be mindful of market risks and do their 

Vana is empowering users to take full control of their personal data and even profit from it. By combining blockchain technology with robust privacy measures, Vana challenges traditional data systems and lays the foundation for a more equitable data economy. The platform's ambitious road map could position it as a key player in the future of decentralized AI, opening up new opportunities for individuals to become active participants in this increasingly data-driven world.

Intermediate

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Vana (VANA): Unlocking Data Freedom for User-Owned AI

Sonic and Injective are launching the first cross-chain AI agent platform, the Smart Agent Hub, integrating Solana and Injective ecosystems.

Last week, the S&P 500 saw its biggest single-day price gain this month. This raises the hopes of investors for a year-end rally if prices continue to go up. Coindesk Indices, an index measuring broader cryptocurrency market performance was down by 2.54%, with Bitcoin and Ether dropping by 1.24% and 1.00%, respectively in the past 24 hours.

Today's top performer is AAVE, which surged 7.7% following the integration of Aave in Balancer's Boosted Pools, simplifying yield generation.

Aave (AAVE), founded in 2017, is a decentralized lending platform on Ethereum for lending, borrowing, and earning interest on 17 cryptocurrencies. It uses smart contracts, collateral for loans, and aTokens for interest, along with features like instant loans. 

 combine markets to enhance capital efficiency and simplify yield generation for DeFi users. By providing liquidity with $USDC and $USDT, users earn fees from swaps and interest from Aave's supply rates. All earnings accrue automatically with no management required. Balancer v3's Boosted Pools streamline liquidity and enable gas-efficient, passive yield generation, making DeFi simpler and more sustainable.

Check Out the Latest Prices, Charts, and Data of 

, the Smart Agent Hub, integrating Solana and Injective ecosystems. The platform enables developers to create, manage, and monetize AI agents in a decentralized environment, with features like tokenization, cross-chain asset interoperability, and a unified developer experience. By leveraging Sonic's HyperGrid and Injective's IBC, the hub facilitates seamless communication and asset transfer across chains. This innovation supports Web3 games, DeFi, and real-world assets, expanding opportunities for AI agents in various sectors. The rollout begins with a testnet in Q1 2025.

From December 16–20, 2024, GBTC had a net outflow of $248.3M, while non-GBTC products saw a net inflow of $705.5M, resulting in a total inflow of $457.2M. The current total stands at a net outflow of $21.3B for GBTC, a net inflow of $57.3B for non-GBTC, and a combined net inflow of $36.03B.

 offers free participation with potential surprise airdrops. Connect your wallet, vote for projects, and use your CHILL FACTOR (based on past Avalanche transactions) to maximize eligibility.

Beginner

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Sonic and Injective Launch First Cross-Chain AI Agent Platform with Smart Agent Hub

Zerebro (ZEREBRO) revolutionizes AI content creation with Solana and Polygon, offering autonomous content generation, NFT minting, and DeFi integration.

 (AI) continues to unlock limitless opportunities in numerous sectors, including the crypto space. Projects such as 

 and others have had a large impact on various facets in 

AI-generated content is in demand, and the latest crypto project to enter the space, Zerebro, aims to provide a way to create and generate content autonomously through AI content models.

Let’s learn more about Zerebro and its innovative approach to content creation through AI.

Zerebro is an autonomous AI system crafted to create, distribute and analyze content across decentralized and social platforms.

 It maintains content diversity through the use of

 (RAG) system that creates a dynamic memory database, based on continuously updated human interactions.

Zerebro operates independently without human oversight using a concept known as hyperstition to merge fiction with reality, resulting in self-propagated narratives encompassing diverse cultural and financial scopes, with key uses of content creation and cultural integration across the digital community. Zerebro autonomously produces high-entropy content, ensuring diversity and originality, and engages audiences on various platforms, such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Warpcast and Telegram.

Zerebro also integrates unique cultural themes through a feature known as “infinite backrooms” designed to elicit thought-provoking conversations among digital communities. Its data sets follow a nonlinear thought pattern, resulting in unpredictable and inherently viral outputs. This unique feature can be used to generate chaotic and surreal artworks that can be autonomously minted as 

 (POL) blockchain. Zerebro also features autonomous trading of artwork through the integration of memetic dynamics and market interaction analysis, thereby demonstrating the potential of AI to merge cultural creativity with 

ZEREBRO, the native token for the Zerebro ecosystem, is hosted on the 

 (SOL) blockchain. The maximum supply is 1 billion ZEREBRO tokens, with 999,972,148 tokens currently in circulation.

An autonomous AI system such as Zerebro has transformative potential in the crypto industry, especially in cultural content generation and financial markets. Its “hyperstition” approach to generating content can help influence markets by shaping investor behavior through an interplay between culture and technology.

Furthermore, the project intends to launch a unified memory across social media platforms that could significantly enhance information retention, leading to further engagement. The Zerebro team also intends to integrate the ZEREBRO token with DeFi protocols, opening holders to various income-generating opportunities, such as 

Zerebro has experienced some volatility since its launch, which isn’t unusual for a new project trying to establish a stable price floor. As of Dec 23, 2024, Zerebro is trading at $0.30, with a market cap of over $377 million. This price was over 6,350% higher than its all-time low of $0.0058 on Nov 3, 2024, and just 39% lower than its all-time high of $0.6153 on Nov 23, 2024.

That said, Zerebro is still a new project that’s subject to high volatility. We highly recommend you practice sound 

 crypto on Bybit’s Spot trading platform. To celebrate the listing, Bybit is holding a 

 up for grabs. The first event is exclusively for new users to deposit and earn from a prize pool of 150,000 ZEREBRO tokens.

To participate, simply register on Bybit and complete verification. Then, proceed to accumulate a deposit volume of at least 400 ZEREBRO, or deposit 100 USDT and trade 100 USDT worth of ZEREBRO via your first trade using your Bybit account. This event runs through Dec 24, 2024, 8:59AM UTC.

, is offering a prize pool of 60,000 ZEREBRO tokens. To earn a share of the prize pool, simply register for the event and trade at least 500 USDT worth of ZEREBRO on Spot through Dec 24, 2024, 8:59AM UTC. 

Rewards will be capped at 3,000 ZEREBRO per user.

In addition to these two events, you can also participate in a 

 with a 30,000 ZEREBRO prize pool. Earn 20 ZEREBRO for every successful referral (up to 10 referrals) Rewards are on a first-come, first-served basis through Dec 24, 2024, 8:59AM UTC. 

Zerebro’s unique autonomous AI system approach to the crypto market sets it apart in the space. Crypto subcultures will be able to tap into its ability to independently generate and analyze content across different networks. Its RAG technology could enhance content diversity among the crypto community, while its “infinite backrooms” are spaces in which these digital communities can engage in diverse cultural and financial narratives.

As AI continues to transform the web3 space, Zerebro is poised to add value through its autonomous system that eliminates human oversight.

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Zerebro (ZEREBRO): Unlimited Possibilities in AI Content Creation

Gearbox Protocol is a composable leveraged lending protocol designed to enhance capital efficiency within DeFi. Learn how Gearbox Protocol works.

 (DeFi) with its composable leverage system. It enables investors to use 

 on assets across multiple protocols, transforming how DeFi participants can trade with margin, 

 and execute complex strategies — all without leaving their ecosystem.

 is making leverage accessible and secure. Whether you’re a lender seeking passive yield or a leverage user exploring advanced strategies, Gearbox’s unique architecture opens up new possibilities. Let’s explore how this on-chain credit layer is improving DeFi.

Since the emergence of DeFi in 2020, it hasstrived to reimagine financial services by removing intermediaries, such as banks and brokers. Through

 systems, DeFi offers transparent and direct access to lending, trading and investments. Despite market fluctuations, the DeFi sector remains resilient, with a current 

 (TVL) of $123 billion — a 128% increase since the start of 2024.

The DeFi sector is poised for resurgence as secure and scalable innovations fuel its growth. With proven use cases and real-world adoption, DeFi continues to solidify its role as one of crypto’s most valuable use cases.

 (WLFI), backed by the Trump family, underscores a shifting acceptance of DeFi in the United States. The project’s multisig wallet has publicly 

 various DeFi tokens, such as AAVE, LINK, ENA and more. WLFI aims to make DeFi accessible to everyday users, but it remains to be seen if the project will achieve its goals.

Gearbox Protocol is a composable leveraged lending protocol designed to enhance capital efficiency within DeFi. By offering a flexible credit layer, Gearbox empowers users to leverage their positions across multiple DeFi platforms, seamlessly integrating with protocols they already trust.

Gearbox’s fundamental design minimizes costs while maintaining flexibility. Its modular architecture reduces gas costs and improves scalability..

Unlike traditional leveraged lending protocols that silo funds within their ecosystems, Gearbox allows users to execute trades and strategies across integrated platforms, such as 

 correlated assets, Gearbox offers a new way to utilize leverage without restrictions.

With Gearbox Protocol, leverage becomes a DeFi primitive — an infrastructure layer that lets users go beyond basic 

 containing both user funds and borrowed margin funds. They serve as automated leveraged DeFi wallets, allowing users to manage positions and execute strategies independently.

: Gearbox enables users to integrate leverage with DeFi protocols like Uniswap for margin trading, Curve for leverage farming, and more. This flexibility empowers diverse strategies across different platforms.

: Gearbox combines lending and prime brokerage functionalities within the same protocol, simplifying the user experience and expanding possibilities for leveraged trading and farming.

, Gearbox maximizes capital efficiency. It minimizes gas costs and ensures that funds remain noncustodial, unlocking the full potential of leverage without compromising user security.

, ensuring that all integrations, policies and upgrades are managed transparently and collectively by the community and stakeholders.

Gearbox Protocol operates through two main user types:

The Credit Accounts enable operations while maintaining safety through 

Gearbox’s modular architecture supports seamless integrations with third-party protocols, ensuring assets remain decentralized and noncustodial. Liquidations are determined by 

 (based on calculated risks), and protect lenders while offering dynamic leverage possibilities.

 utility token with a capped supply of 10 billion, is the governance token of Gearbox Protocol. It empowers DAO governance and supports initiatives, such as liquidity mining and staking rewards, with an annual emission of just 3% from the DAO's holdings. 

Token distribution percentages are as follows:

Nearly full circulation has been achieved, minimizing supply overhang as a majority of token 

 concluded in 2023. The DAO treasury retains around 40% of the supply, ensuring the community’s strong influence on protocol development.

Marketwise, GEAR has recently experienced notable price movements. Over the past seven days, the token has surged by 11.9%, and its 30-day performance skyrocketed by 166.3%. Year-to-date, GEAR's price has risen approximately 57.7%, reflecting increased investor confidence. Daily trading volume hit $11.8 million over the past 24 hours, marking a 600.3% spike that indicates growing market interest. 

Gearbox Protocol's innovative approach to DeFi simplifies user experience through its wallet-centric design and the integration of the 

. With a capped supply of 10 billion GEAR tokens, robust DAO governance and nearly full circulation, Gearbox prioritizes community-driven growth. 

Recent market performance reflects growing investor confidence, with significant price increases and a surge in trading activity.

Looking ahead, Gearbox Protocol’s road map focuses on enhancing usability and interoperability within the Ethereum ecosystem. The integration of Credit Accounts into account abstraction (AA) wallets such as EIP-4337 revolutionizes the way users can access and manage funds, eliminating the need for complex lending interfaces.

Future developments may include pool-based models and optimizers to tackle liquidity fragmentation, further strengthening 

 Ethereum solutions. As Gearbox Protocol evolves, its focus remains on delivering efficient, user-friendly financial tools that empower users and redefine DeFi as we know it.

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Gearbox: Powering On-Chain Credit for DeFi

Options

Designed to profit from different levels of volatility, the butterfly spread and its variations are suitable for intermediate/advanced traders.

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iron-butterfly-spread.png

reverse-iron-butterfly-spread.gif

In options trading, the butterfly spread strategy is a neutral approach that profits from movement in either direction in the market. It’s structured to combine both bull and bear spreads, and comes with controlled risks and profit.

By default, the butterfly spread has four positions (either four calls or puts) and three strike prices with the same expiration date: One is 

, while the other two are below and above the ATM strike price, respectively. For example, if an 

, the lower strike price would be $1,150 − $150 = $1,000, and the upper strike price would be $1,150 + $150 = $1,300.

Different types of butterfly spreads arise from different combinations of put and call options, which determine whether the spread profits from low — or just enough — volatility. 

All margin requirements for options in the U.S. are regulated by 

, also known as Reg T. For long butterfly calls, all the options contained in it must be the same in terms of the underlying asset, the interval between prices, and the expiration date.

Basically, the long butterfly call comprises two short positions (call or put) of the same components (strike price, class, expiration date) bordered by a long position of the same class (call or put) at a higher strike price, and one long position of the same class with a lower strike price.

 refers to how much time decay affects the total value of a position. For every asset, the total value reduces in relation to the proximity of the expiration date (i.e., the closer a position gets to its expiration date, the lower its value becomes).

Time decay (or Theta) works against the long call butterfly spread and favors the short call butterfly spread. This means a long call has a negative theta (loses money with time decay), whereas a short call has a positive Theta (makes money with time decay).

However, the case becomes different for the long call if the asset price ranges between the higher and lower strike prices, and Theta becomes positive. If it moves out of range, Theta becomes negative as the time to expiration draws closer.

Since the actual volatility of an option can't be predicted before entering a position, the assumption or calculation of 

 became a consideration in options trading. Volatility shows how much an asset price fluctuates in terms of percentage. In options, as volatility increases, the price of an option rises with it when other factors are kept constant. 

 is the technical word that represents volatility.

Long options make money from an increase in volatility, while short options lose money when volatility increases. The reverse is the case when volatility reduces. 

For a long call butterfly spread, the long call rises (makes money) when volatility falls. When volatility increases, the long call falls (loses money). Therefore, the long call butterfly has a −Vega (negative Vega) and should only be bought when there's high volatility, with a bias for a subsequent decline.

There are different types of butterfly spreads. Some of the most common are:

The long call butterfly spread is achieved by combining four call options. You sell/write two ATM call options, buy one 

 call option at a higher strike price, and buy one in-the-money (ITM) call option with a lower strike price. You receive a debit when entering the positions (i.e., you incur the total cost in premium paid).

The long call butterfly spread comes in handy when the bias is a ranging or stagnant market. When there’s low volatility, an investor expects the underlying asset not to move much — or even at all. Profit is recorded when the underlying asset retains the ATM strike price at the time of expiration. 

The short call butterfly spread is also a combination of four calls, but this time in a reversed manner. You buy two ATM 

, sell one ITM call option with a lower strike price, and sell one OTM call option. You receive credit when entering the positions. Essentially, you get paid to open the positions. 

The short call butterfly spread is activated when there’s a bias for notable price movement due to high volatility. Profit is recorded if the underlying asset 1) closes above the upper strike price at the time of expiration, or 2) closes below the lower strike price at the time of expiration.

The opposite of the long call butterfly spread, the long put butterfly spread is a combination of four put options. You sell two ATM puts, and buy the other two at a lower and higher strike price, respectively. You also receive a debit when entering this position, and profit is recorded if the underlying asset remains ATM at the time of 

The short put butterfly spread is also the opposite of its twin, the short call. It involves buying two ATM puts, selling one ITM put at a higher strike price, and selling one OTM put at a lower strike price. Maximum profit is recorded if the underlying asset closes below the lower strike price, or above the higher strike price. 

Here’s how the iron butterfly spread is set up: 

The outcome of this combination is a trade that works well for low volatility. Maximum profit is recorded if the underlying asset remains at the middle strike price.

Here’s how the reverse iron butterfly spread is set up: 

This setup creates a debit that works best in highly volatile situations. Maximum profit is recorded when the underlying asset moves above the upper strike price, or below the lower strike price.

For a long or short call butterfly spread:

For a long or short put butterfly spread:

The butterfly options strategy combines a bull spread and a bear spread that converge at a middle strike price. The basic setup for a butterfly spread requires opening four positions:

This strategy is designed to help a trader profit from movement in either direction in the market — or no movement at all. Depending on the combination of options (either call or put), the strategy can benefit from both low and high volatility.

Who Is the Butterfly Spread Strategy For?

Due to its complexity, the butterfly spread strategy is best suited to intermediate/expert traders and investors. While it has a capped profit and limited risk attribute, strong technical knowledge is required to properly wield the butterfly options strategy.

Before considering butterfly options, traders first need to fully grasp 

 (Gamma, Theta, Vega, Rho) and other contributing factors. Sound understanding of the Greeks cannot be overemphasized, because there will be times the market changes direction from initial prediction, and live adjustments will be needed for the strategy to avoid maximum losses.

The butterfly spread is an advanced strategy because of the controlled risk and profit it offers. The long butterfly strategy is activated when there's a neutral or mildly bullish bias. It’s dependent on the difference between the asset price and the middle strike price, when the position is set up.

In a scenario where the asset price is very close to the middle strike price (or exactly the same with it when the position is activated), an investor's bias would be neutral. Likewise, if the asset price is below the middle strike price at activation, the investor's bias would be mildly bullish (i.e., the asset price should rise to the middle strike price at the time of expiration).

The long call butterfly spread records profit when the asset remains at the middle strike price or ATM strike price at the point of expiration. For breakeven, there are two points, since there are two spreads. Here's how to calculate them:

: Higher strike price for a long call or put = Strike price 

: Lower strike price for a long call or put = Strike price 

For a long call butterfly spread, the maximum profit potential is the difference between the middle strike price and the lower strike price 

 the premium paid (cost of opening the position + commissions). Recall that maximum profit is only recorded when the asset price remains at the middle strike price or ATM at the point of expiration. 

Although not impossible, it’s unlikely that you’ll obtain maximum returns with the butterfly spread strategy. A good percentage to take profit in the long call butterfly is 20–50% of the maximum profit.

One of the advantages of the butterfly spread strategy is its limited risk. Maximum loss potential is restricted to the total premium paid (i.e., the cost for opening the position + commissions). Loss can be incurred in two ways: If the asset price closes above the higher strike price or below the lower strike price at expiration, the other calls expire and the total premium paid is lost to the market.

 is currently trading at $1,150. If investors believe ETH will move slightly, or remain stagnant over the next couple of months, they’ll go for the long call butterfly spread to potentially profit from the stagnancy. The investor writes or sells two call options on ETH at a strike price of $1,150, and buys two other call options at $1,300 and $1,000.

In this assumption, the investor records maximum profit if ETH’s price remains at $1,150 at the time of expiration. If ETH closes above $1,300 or below $1,000, maximum loss is incurred. 

One important thing to additionally note is the premium paid. For example, if ETH closes between $1,300 and $1,150, a loss or profit could be recorded, depending on the premium paid. Let's take $50 as the premium paid to enter a trade. If the price closes between $1,200 and $1,100 (i.e., adding and subtracting the premium to both ends), the trade will record profit. Anything above or below these prices will incur a loss.

Bybit offers multiple cryptocurrency options. To trade 

As seen in the below snapshot, you can view all available options on the exchange. To get started, click on the option of your choice (currently, only 

 are available), fill in the quantity of crypto you want to purchase, and click on 

 along with their corresponding strike prices.

Click the call/put options you prefer, in order to enter the quantity of the crypto you want to trade, and then place your order.

Here are two tips to help you maximize profits from the butterfly spread strategy:

The butterfly spread options strategy has a better 

 strength against very large intraday volatility and large price movements than other options strategies.

Regardless of how protective a strategy is, there will always be risk involved. Here are some common risks associated with the butterfly spread strategy:

If what you seek as a trader is to profit from different market conditions and get paid constantly, then the butterfly options strategy could be your best bet. It offers a better hedge to market fluctuations and uncertainty. The only thing required is to apply this strategy with adequate understanding and discipline — so that outcomes can work in your favor.

Butterfly Spread: Stand to Profit With Limited Loss

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