5 Token Unlocks to Watch Next Week

Token unlocks release previously restricted tokens tied to fundraising agreements. Projects schedule these events strategically to limit market pressure and stabilize prices.

Here are five large token unlocks scheduled for next week.

Ethena (ENA)

• Unlock date: January 8
• Number of tokens unlocked: 12.86 million ENA
• Current circulating supply: 3.03 billion ENA

Ethena, a synthetic currency protocol on Ethereum, delivers a banking-independent solution and offers global users a dollar-pegged savings tool called the “Internet Bond.”

ENA, the protocol’s native token, enables holders to participate in governance. On January 8, Ethena will unlock more than 12 million ENA tokens, worth $16.21 million, earmarked for ecosystem development.

Movement (MOVE)

• Unlock date: January 9
• Number of tokens unlocked: 50 million MOVE
• Current circulating supply: 2.25 billion MOVE

Movement is a blockchain platform that enhances Ethereum’s capabilities by using the Move programming language, which was first created by Meta (formerly Facebook). This technology helps make the blockchain more secure, scalable, and compatible with other systems.

On January 9, Movement will release 50 million MOVE tokens. The project will use these tokens to grow the ecosystem and support the community.

Optimism (OP)

• Unlock date: January 9
• Number of tokens unlocked: 4.47 million OP
• Current circulating supply: 1.35 billion OP

Optimism, a Layer-2 scaling solution, speeds up transactions and reduces costs on Ethereum. Its OP token is essential for governance, letting holders vote on proposals and influence the network’s future.

On January 9, Optimism will release 4.47 million OP tokens, allocated for the seed fund.

Aptos (APT)

• Unlock date: January 11
• Number of tokens unlocked: 11.31 million APT
• Current circulating supply: 558.49 million APT

Aptos is a Layer-1 blockchain designed to provide a secure and scalable platform for decentralized applications. It focuses on high performance and security to enhance the blockchain experience. Despite its success, some critics have raised concerns about its venture capital-driven tokenomics.

On January 11, Aptos will release 11.31 million APT tokens to community members, core contributors, and investors.

io.net (IO)

• Unlock date: January 11
• Number of tokens unlocked: 3.22 million IO
• Current circulating supply: 128.83 million IO

Io.net is a decentralized GPU network designed to provide computing power for AI and machine learning applications. It aggregates underutilized GPUs from various sources, offering scalable and cost-effective solutions for developers.

On January 11, io.net is scheduled to unlock approximately 3.22 million IO tokens, which accounts for about 2.50% of the circulating supply. These tokens are allocated for community and ecosystem development.

Next week’s cliff token unlocks will also include Eigen Layer (EIGEN), Moca Network (MOCA), and Render (RNDR), among others, with a total combined value exceeding $280 million.