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Token unlock involves releasing tokens that were previously blocked under fundraising terms. Projects carefully schedule these releases to avoid market pressure and prevent a drop in token prices.
However, factors like lack of liquidity or early investor profit-taking can significantly impact an asset’s dynamics. Here are four major token unlocks to watch next week.
Aptos (APT)
- Unlock date: August 12
- Number of tokens unlocked: 11.31 million APT
- Current circulating supply: 471.14 million APT
Aptos is a Layer-1 blockchain that aims to deliver a safe and scalable infrastructure for decentralized applications. Built with a focus on security and performance, it leverages new technologies to elevate the blockchain experience.
While Aptos can be considered one of the most successful blockchain projects of the last couple of years, it often faces criticism from the crypto community for its tokenomics, which is heavily influenced by venture capital. A major portion of APT tokens remains locked. On August 12, the project will distribute 11.31 million APT among community members, core contributors, and investors.
Read more: Where To Buy Aptos (APT): 5 Best Platforms for 2024
The Sandbox (SAND)
- Unlock date: August 14
- Number of tokens unlocked: 205.59 million SAND
- Current circulating supply: 2.28 billion SAND
The Sandbox conducts two token unlocks per year, i.e., in February and in August. Its second unlock for 2024 is scheduled for August 14, 2024. The project is scheduled to unlock 205.59 million SAND tokens, which make up 9% of the circulating supply, and spread it among the team, advisors and company reserve. Notably, this is the last unlock for private investors.
“SAND value dropped 95% since its all-time high in Nov 2021, but private investors still see a 78-100X ROI. Post-unlock, 96% of the unlocked tokens are now in circulation. This last investor unlock could reduce future sell pressure, potentially bullish for Sandbox,” Token Unlocks’ analysts noted.
Read more: The Sandbox (SAND) Price Prediction 2024/2025/2030
Starknet (STRK)
- Unlock date: August 15
- Number of tokens unlocked: 64 million STARK
- Current circulating supply: 1.6 billion STARK
Starknet is developing a ZK-Rollup Layer-2 solution to scale decentralized applications on Ethereum. Following a successful investment round, the team introduced the STRK token, essential for decentralizing the network.
“The STRK Token was born so that STARK-based scaling can happen in a more decentralized way. The token design helps Starknet to be run and managed by the community, and Provisions is a powerful means to achieve this,” said Diego Oliva, CEO of Starknet Foundation.
On August 15, the project will unlock 64 million STRK, distributed to investors and early contributors.
Read more: A Deep Dive Into Starkware, StarkNet, and StarkEx
Arbitrum (ARB)
- Unlock date: August 16
- Number of tokens unlocked: 92.6 million ARB
- Current circulating supply: 3.33 billion ARB
Arbitrum, developed by Offchain Labs, is one of the most popular Layer-2 solutions for Ethereum. The mainnet launched in August 2021, with funding from Lightspeed Venture Partners, Polychain Capital, Ribbit Capital, Redpoint Ventures, Pantera Capital, Alameda Research, entrepreneur Mark Cuban, and cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase.
Next week, Arbitrum will unlock over 90 billion ARB, currently valued at approximately $53.5 million. The team, advisors, and investors will receive these tokens.
Read more: How to Buy Arbitrum (ARB) and Everything You Need to Know
Other next-week cliff unlocks include Cyber (CYBER), Render (RNDR), ApeCoin (APE), Ethena (ENA), and Oasis Network (ROSE), with a total value exceeding $230 million. Although many consider token unlocks bearish, a well-planned schedule can strengthen a project’s long-term viability. Aligned with milestones and development progress, unlocks will motivate team members, boost community engagement, and promote ecosystem growth.