BlockDAG ($BDAG) is taking a shot at fixing Ethereum’s gas fee problem with its mix of blockchain and DAG technology. The project lets developers use Ethereum tools like MetaMask but with lower fees, which is a big deal. It has already pulled in over $200 million in its presale, and with CEX listings coming up, a lot of investors are paying attention. At the same time, StratoVM ($SVM) has been on a wild run, growing 5,582% in the past month. It’s a Bitcoin Layer-2 that brings smart contracts, AI-driven applications, and a mainnet launch that’s just around the corner. If it keeps up this momentum, it could become a major player in Bitcoin’s DeFi space. Here’s what you need to know. BlockDAG Update – Can BlockDAG Fix Ethereum Gas Fee Issues? BlockDAG ($BDAG) is a hybrid blockchain and Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) system designed to improve transaction speeds and scalability. Unlike traditional blockchains that add transactions in sequential blocks, BlockDAG structures them more like a web, allowing multiple transactions to process simultaneously. This approach reduces congestion and lowers fees, addressing one of Ethereum’s biggest problems—gas fees. Developers can build on BlockDAG using Ethereum-compatible tools, meaning dApps and smart contracts can migrate without major adjustments. The project promotes itself as a solution for high-frequency trading, DeFi applications, and gaming platforms where low fees and fast transactions are critical. However, while the tech sounds promising, BlockDAG is still in its early stages, and real-world adoption remains uncertain. Recently, BlockDAG’s presale raised over $200 million, signaling strong investor interest. The team has also hinted at upcoming CEX listings, which could drive more demand. However, competition in the Layer-1 and Layer-2 space is intense, with Ethereum rollups and alternative chains like Solana already offering similar benefits. As for investment potential, BlockDAG carries significant risk. While its DAG-based system could improve blockchain efficiency, unproven technology and a lack of real-world adoption make it a speculative bet. The hype around its presale suggests strong early backing, but without tangible progress, it’s unclear if BDAG will deliver long-term value. If you’re looking for something with better fundamentals, other Layer-2 solutions, such as StratoVM , might offer a more stable path to growth. Could StratoVM ($SVM) Push Bitcoin Beyond Just Being ‘Digital Gold’? Bitcoin has always been the most valuable cryptocurrency, but compared to networks like Ethereum and Solana, it falls short in functionality. While those platforms dominate in DeFi, NFTs, and AI-powered applications, Bitcoin has remained mostly a store of value. StratoVM ($SVM) could change that by unlocking new use cases for Bitcoin, from smart contracts to decentralized applications. As a Layer-2 network built on Bitcoin, StratoVM could bring faster transactions, lower fees, and compatibility with new AI-driven technologies. In the past month, its price has skyrocketed by 5,582%, reaching $0.1546, according to CoinGecko . Yet, despite this massive surge, its market cap sits at $15 million—still far below CoreDAO’s $990 million. That suggests significant growth potential if adoption continues. Bitcoin’s influence in DeFi—sometimes referred to as BTCFi—is also expanding. Data from DefiLlama shows that the total value locked (TVL) in Bitcoin-based DeFi has surged from $307 million to $5.85 billion in just a year. Beyond price movement, StratoVM is showing real progress. The project is already available on Uniswap , and speculation is growing about a potential CEX listing. Its testnet has seen over 113,000 wallets created and more than 56,000 daily transactions, highlighting early adoption. If StratoVM continues to expand its ecosystem, Bitcoin could evolve beyond its role as digital gold. Instead of just being a store of value, it could become the foundation for a decentralized financial system that supports lending, AI-powered applications, and smart contract execution. Final Thoughts BlockDAG has an interesting approach with its DAG-based system, but whether it can compete with established Layer-1 and Layer-2 networks is still up in the air. The presale numbers look strong, but without real adoption, it’s a risky bet. Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s role in DeFi keeps growing, and StratoVM is tapping into that momentum. With real traction on its testnet and a potential CEX listing on the horizon, this project could be one to keep an eye on. Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article and is for informational purposes only. It does not reflect the views of Crypto Daily, nor is it intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice.