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.
ENA Unlock. Source: Tokenomist 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.
MOVE Unlock. Source: Tokenomist 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.
OP Unlock. Source: Tokenomist 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.
APT Unlock. Source: Tokenomist 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.
IO Unlock. Source: Tokenomist
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.
