$313M+ Raised! Is BlockDAG Ready to Outpace Solana in the Next DeFi Wave?

Solana became one of crypto's headline names by offering speed above all else. Known by some as an "Ethereum killer," its promise of over 65,000 transactions per second and minimal gas fees drew attention fast. But speed came with tradeoffs. Repeated outages, heavy validator control, and concerns about its growing size raised doubts about whether fast alone was good enough. Now, BlockDAG (BDAG) is stepping into that space. It isn't just copying Solana's strong points. It's also responding to the flaws.

With more than $313 million already raised in its presale, a $600 million target in sight, and over 2 million users mining on its X1 app, BlockDAG is further along than many expect. For those watching what might shape the next DeFi phase, this Layer 1 is working to strike a better balance between speed, stability, and ease of use.

Looking Beyond Speed in the Layer 1 Race

Solana picked up momentum in 2021 and 2022, especially across NFTs and retail dApps. But the same fast design that made it popular also created problems. It ran on a Proof-of-History model that delivered speed but hadn't been tested at scale. That led to breakdowns. Between 2021 and 2023, Solana went offline at least seven times.

This caused real concern. Apps couldn't count on constant uptime. Some users lost access during outages. And confidence started to fade, especially for serious DeFi use.

BlockDAG takes a different route. It uses DAG to enable fast, parallel transactions but adds Proof-of-Work for deeper decentralization and network protection. This approach pulls from Bitcoin's durability while offering speeds that reach 15,000 transactions per second.

Where Solana went all-in on speed, BlockDAG is focusing on reliable performance. The design aims to scale without cutting corners, keeping the network secure and steady even during heavy use.

How BlockDAG Is Building Before It Launches

What sets BlockDAG apart is how it's preparing before going live. Many chains, like Solana, focused mainly on getting their mainnet out first. BlockDAG is doing it differently. Its testnet is already active, it works with Ethereum tools, and it has a no-code dApp builder that lets people create smart contracts without needing to code.

More than 23 billion BDAG coins have been sold already, showing strong interest well before its official launch. That early traction is similar to Solana's early growth, but BlockDAG seems to be doing it in a more structured way, starting with tools, not adding them later.

Here's a quick comparison:

Solana grew after going live; BlockDAG is gaining ground before launch.

Solana's developers had to make their own tools; BlockDAG is giving them ready-to-use options.

Solana dealt with slowdowns during peak times; BlockDAG is planning for high speed from day one.

This approach is why some analysts are starting to see BlockDAG as more than just another Layer 1. It could be a stronger base for running DeFi, dApps, and DePIN tools without facing technical problems.

Planning for Liquidity and Early Visibility

BlockDAG is also thinking ahead when it comes to liquidity. Unlike Solana, which leaned on grants and early-stage funding, BlockDAG is getting all its support from its community. Its $600 million crypto presale goal will help it:

Add liquidity across more than 20 exchanges (5 already confirmed)

Finish its core systems before going public

Provide early support to developers through grants and tools

Launch key DeFi features like a bridge, DEX, and lending tools before its listing

On top of that, BlockDAG is already getting attention beyond the crypto world. It has a partnership with Inter Milan and is planning a new campaign in the U.S. These kinds of moves are similar to Solana's push into sports and apps for regular users, but BlockDAG is doing it earlier in its journey.

Could BlockDAG Reach Solana's Market Level?

Solana is currently in the top 10 crypto projects with a market cap close to $70 billion. Could BlockDAG get there too? It's still early, but the first signs are worth noticing. Take a look at how the numbers compare:

Presale price: $0.0018 (ends June 20)

Listing price: $0.05 (already confirmed)

Estimated short-term price target: $1

Longer-term outlook: Some analysts see potential for $4+ if progress stays on track

Reaching $1 could give BlockDAG a market cap around $50 billion, depending on how many coins are circulating. That would put it near Solana's current level. Still, it's not just about numbers. What really matters is how the rollout is handled.

BlockDAG already has a detailed six-week launch plan in place:

Presale ends → Mining stops and staking ends

Mainnet begins → Nodes and ASIC mining equipment go live

DeFi features go online → Launchpad, DEX, and oracles are activated

Coin goes public → 40% of coins are airdropped

In simple terms, the foundation is already there to grow, not just in tech and funding, but also in public interest.

Is This a New Kind of Layer 1?

Solana made a name for itself by focusing on speed first and worrying about decentralization later. BlockDAG is choosing a different path. It's putting decentralization, strong developer tools, and steady growth at the center, while still aiming for high speeds and useful applications.

Solana won't be pushed aside overnight. But history shows that projects which blend security and easy access and build strong user bases early tend to stay relevant. That's what happened with Bitcoin. That's what happened with Ethereum.

Now, BlockDAG might be on a similar path.

For people watching this space closely, it seems the chance to get in early is still available, but probably not for long.

Website: https://blockdag.network

Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network

Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial

Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu

This release was published on openPR.