BDAG vs Cosmos & Algorand: Keynote 3 Shows Why Execution Matters in Layer 1 Blockchain Projects

Cosmos Has IBC, Algorand Has Users—But BlockDAG’s Keynote 3 Brings $209.5 & 400K Gamers to the Table

Cosmos and Algorand launched with bold technical visions and strong academic backing. Each tackled major Layer 1 issues—scalability, speed, and interoperability—with credible efforts. Still, even with their strengths, both have struggled to maintain strong adoption or turn early momentum into lasting results.

BlockDAG, on the other hand, has steadily built global interest—not just through software upgrades, but by doing what many promise and few deliver: executing, staying transparent, and keeping users involved. With over $209.5 million raised in its presale, BlockDAG presents a clear example of real traction in today’s Layer 1 blockchain space.

Cosmos: Leading the Charge for Interconnected Blockchains

Cosmos began in 2014 with the aim of solving interoperability across blockchain networks, thanks to the vision of Jae Kwon and Ethan Buchman. In 2017, it secured $17 million through an ICO that kicked off its development path. The Cosmos Hub mainnet launched in March 2019, creating a framework for linking different blockchains.

On the investment side, Cosmos gained strong backing, including a $55 million Series B led by Paradigm in 2019 and another $10 million round led by 1confirmation in 2020. By late 2024, ATOM’s staking ratio ranged between 54.1% and 65.71%, with 232.16 million tokens staked by the end of the year. ATOM’s market cap fluctuated during this time as well—from $1.43 billion to $5.5 billion—closing the year at $2.43 billion.

Algorand’s Push for Speed, Scale, & Efficiency

MIT professor Silvio Micali launched Algorand in 2017 with the aim of creating a blockchain that could scale efficiently while staying secure. Its mainnet and native token ALGO went live in June 2019, priced at $2.40 per token in its ICO.

Technically, Algorand uses a Pure Proof-of-Stake (PPoS) system that supports quick transactions with low staking needs, encouraging decentralization. By mid-2024, the network had processed more than two billion transactions in total. On January 1, 2024, it recorded a one-day record of 43 million transactions. In Q1 2024, Algorand handled 403 million transactions—a 288% increase from the prior quarter. It also reached 35 million accounts, with around 800,000 active users monthly.

But ALGO’s price hasn’t held up. As of March 26, 2025, it trades at $0.21—a 22.38% drop over the last year, and far from its $4.77 peak in 2019. Its market cap now stands at $1.84 billion.

What Drives BlockDAG’s $209.5M Presale? Real Progress

The $209.5 million raised in BlockDAG’s presale isn’t just a headline—it reflects global belief in a project that consistently follows through. In an industry filled with delays and empty claims, BlockDAG stands out for doing exactly what it promises. It shipped nearly 10,000 X-series miners, brought 750,000+ users into the X1 Miner App, and has over 400,000 players in its Tap Miner game. These aren’t just milestones—they’re proof of engagement.

Currently, BlockDAG is in batch 27 of its presale, with tokens priced at $0.0248. That’s a 2,380% ROI from batch one. Over 19 billion coins have already been sold—a figure that signals more than just interest; it signals momentum.

At the core of this rise is its community. With over 100,000 members, BlockDAG’s ecosystem includes node operators, miners, creators, and testers—not just passive holders. These contributors aren’t watching from the sidelines—they’re helping build the platform. That’s why this presale didn’t just raise funds—it gained trust.

BlockDAG’s story is not about big fundraising—it’s about follow-through. People aren’t backing it because it sounds good; they support it because it delivers—consistently, and at scale. That’s what sets this project apart. That’s what makes it real.

Delivery Sets the Winners Apart in Layer 1 Blockchains

Cosmos and Algorand have made real contributions to blockchain design, helping shape ideas around scalability and interoperability. But their progress also shows that technical achievements alone aren’t enough. It’s the ability to deliver, engage users, and build real traction that ultimately makes the difference.

BlockDAG proves this point. Its $209.5 million presale, 19 billion coins sold, and active community support show that success in Layer 1 depends not just on what’s promised—but what’s done. While others aim high on paper, BlockDAG keeps showing up with results. And in this space, that’s what truly counts.