When it comes to long-term crypto investing, Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are often the default choices. But what if you're looking beyond the giants—beyond the hype, beyond Solana (SOL), and even stablecoins—for high-conviction assets with real potential over the next 3 to 5 years?
In June, prominent crypto influencer @Cobie sparked a viral discussion on X (formerly Twitter), asking:
“If you had to buy a liquid, non-speculative crypto asset for a 3–5 year hold—and couldn’t pick BTC, ETH, HYPE, SOL, or stablecoins—what would you choose, and why?”
The responses poured in from top traders, VCs, founders, and analysts. Their picks reveal a nuanced landscape of infrastructure plays, privacy networks, real-world asset (RWA) enablers, and even crossover assets bridging traditional finance and digital ownership.
Let’s explore the most compelling long-term bets according to some of crypto’s sharpest minds—and uncover the underlying themes shaping the next market cycle.
Core Themes in Long-Term Crypto Investing
Before diving into individual picks, it's important to understand the core keywords driving expert sentiment:
- Layer 1 blockchain
- Decentralized identity
- Real-world assets (RWA)
- Privacy coins
- Account abstraction
- Liquidity layer
- Crypto infrastructure
- Stablecoin rails
These aren’t just buzzwords—they reflect fundamental shifts in how value is stored, verified, and transferred across chains and economies.
Now, let’s break down the top recommendations.
Coinbase ($COIN): The Institutional Gateway
Jesse.base.eth, head of Base, chose Coinbase ($COIN) not as a token but as a proxy for long-term confidence in regulated access to crypto.
Why?
- Diversified product suite: exchange, wallet, custodial services, L2 (Base), and staking.
- Market-leading brand trusted by institutions and retail alike.
- One of the most execution-capable teams in the space—bridging compliance with innovation.
While $COIN is an equity, not a native crypto asset, its success is tightly coupled with broader adoption. As governments push for clearer regulations, Coinbase is positioned to benefit as the compliant on-ramp of choice.
👉 Discover how institutional adoption fuels next-gen blockchain growth.
Worldcoin ($WLD): Identity in the Age of AI
Ansem, a respected crypto trader, backs Worldcoin ($WLD) as a hedge against centralized AI control.
His thesis:
As artificial intelligence advances toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), verifying human identity becomes critical. Who gets access to benefits? Who controls data?
Worldcoin’s orb-based biometric verification offers a decentralized way to prove “you are human”—without exposing personal data.
This ties directly into:
- Universal Basic Income (UBI) models
- Sybil-resistant airdrops
- Decentralized governance
With Sam Altman (OpenAI CEO) deeply involved, $WLD could become the de facto standard for digital identity in Web3 and beyond.
Starknet ($STRK): Scaling Privacy and Autonomy
Auri, a seasoned crypto trader, champions Starknet ($STRK) for its technical edge and long-term vision.
Key strengths:
- Built on zero-knowledge proofs (zk-STARKs), enabling high throughput and low fees.
- Competes with Solana on performance while maintaining Ethereum-level security.
- Unique account abstraction (AA) improves user experience—think smart wallets with social recovery and gasless transactions.
Three potential paths to success:
- Become a general-purpose L2 for Ethereum.
- Power Bitcoin L2s via trustless settlement (a growing frontier).
- Serve as backend infrastructure for other chains.
With a fully diluted valuation under $1B (vs. $3B+ for Arbitrum/Optimism), many see Starknet as undervalued relative to its capabilities.
Jito ($JTO) & Zcash ($ZEC): Yield + Privacy Play
Mert, founder of Helius Labs, made a dual bet:
- Jito ($JTO): A liquid staking derivative for Solana validators. If SOL remains relevant (and evidence suggests it will), JTO captures yield from restaking and MEV optimization.
- Zcash ($ZEC): A privacy coin undergoing technical revival under a new research lab. With rising global surveillance concerns, privacy-preserving blockchains may see renewed demand.
The combo reflects a balanced strategy: one foot in performance (yield-bearing assets), one in principle (financial privacy).
Chainlink ($LINK): The Invisible Backbone of RWA
Fishy Catfish, a well-known KOL, puts faith in Chainlink ($LINK) as the ultimate infrastructure layer.
Why?
- Dominates oracle services with unmatched security and market share.
- Powers real-world asset (RWA) tokenization—linking off-chain data like bond yields, property titles, and credit scores to smart contracts.
- Partnerships with SWIFT, DTCC, JPMorgan, ANZ, and UBS signal deep TradFi integration.
Upcoming innovations:
- Automatic Compliance Engine (ACE): Verifies KYC/AML, accredited investor status, sanctions lists.
- Cross-Chain Identity (CCID): Enables portable digital identity.
- Privacy suite: Includes DECO (zkTLS), private CCIP transactions.
As traditional finance adopts blockchain rails, Chainlink stands to capture immense value—not through speculation, but through utility.
👉 See how real-world assets are reshaping decentralized finance.
$SPX: The Cultural Meme with Mission
Murad, another influential voice, backs $SPX, dubbed the “Movement Coin.”
Unlike typical meme coins, $SPX carries ideological weight:
- Inspired by the GameStop (GME) saga—a revolt against financial elitism.
- Represents a generational pushback from Gen Z against systemic economic injustice.
- Fuses finance with culture, spirituality, and digital belonging.
While speculative, Murad argues that its community-driven energy mirrors early Bitcoin. In a world where meaning and employment are increasingly fragile, digital tribes may form around tokens that offer more than returns—they offer identity.
Diversified Layer 1 Portfolio: BNB, SUI, APT, TRX, AVAX
Alex Svanevik, founder of Nansen, takes a diversified approach.
His L1 portfolio adds:
- BNB Chain: High throughput, strong ecosystem support.
- SUI & APTOS: Move-language powered chains focused on scalability.
- TRON: Dominant in stablecoin settlement volume.
- Avalanche (AVAX): Subnets enable custom enterprise blockchains.
He stakes all holdings for ~4.5% annual yield—blending growth with income.
This strategy hedges against winner-takes-all outcomes while capturing exposure to multiple technological approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why are privacy coins like Zcash and Monero gaining attention again?
A: Growing surveillance by governments and corporations has renewed interest in financial privacy. As regulations tighten around digital identity and transaction monitoring, censorship-resistant coins may become essential tools for economic freedom.
Q: Is investing in equity like Coinbase ($COIN) valid in a crypto portfolio?
A: Yes—especially when the company acts as critical infrastructure. Coinbase provides regulated access to crypto markets, similar to how brokerage firms enabled stock market participation in the 20th century.
Q: Can meme coins like $SPX have long-term value?
A: Traditional meme coins lack fundamentals—but those tied to cultural movements or decentralized communities can develop network effects. Long-term viability depends on sustained engagement and utility development.
Q: What makes Chainlink different from other oracle providers?
A: Chainlink leads in security, decentralization, and enterprise adoption. Its upcoming compliance tools (ACE) and cross-chain identity system position it at the intersection of DeFi and TradFi—giving it first-mover advantage in regulated environments.
Q: Should I prioritize L1s or L2s for long-term growth?
A: A balanced mix is ideal. L1s offer foundational innovation (e.g., Solana’s speed), while L2s like Starknet enhance scalability without sacrificing security. Both layers will coexist as the ecosystem matures.
Q: How important is account abstraction (AA) for future adoption?
A: Extremely. AA simplifies wallet management—enabling recovery, multi-signature logic, and gas sponsorship. It removes major UX barriers that currently deter mainstream users.
Final Thoughts: Building Conviction Beyond Hype
The consensus among experts isn't about chasing returns—it's about backing infrastructure, identity, privacy, and real-world utility.
Whether it’s through scalable ZK-rollups like Starknet, identity protocols like Worldcoin, or cross-chain rails like Chainlink, the future belongs to projects solving hard problems—not just riding narratives.
👉 Start building your future-proof crypto portfolio today.
As we move toward 2025 and beyond, remember: the best investments aren’t always the loudest. They’re the ones quietly shaping the next decade of digital ownership.