Crypto Shark Tank Returns: Investors Chase Meme Mania Over Real Utility in Latest CoinMarketCap Show
Anthony Scaramucci's crypto pitch show makes explosive comeback—revealing investor preference for viral tokens over substantive projects.
The Meme Economy Dominates
Seasoned investors flock toward dog-themed coins and internet jokes while groundbreaking blockchain solutions gather dust in the corner. The show's panelists consistently gravitated toward projects with social media buzz rather than technical whitepapers.
Entertainment Trumps Infrastructure
Viewers witnessed multiple utility-focused startups get dismissed while meme coin presentations sparked bidding wars. One blockchain scaling solution received zero offers despite solving genuine network congestion issues.
Market Realities Bite
The spectacle confirms what traders already whisper: in today's crypto circus, a funny animal logo often outperforms actual technological innovation. Another reminder that in finance, sometimes the joke's on the people building real value.
@BasedBrett and @particleink officially secure their share of the $1.5M in Prizes!
With 3 out of 5 SWIMs for @particleink, & @JakeGagain securing 4 out of 5 SWIMs for $BRETT, both projects officially lock in their portion of the… https://t.co/kZXuOqku3W
— Killer Whales (@KillerWhalesTV) September 27, 2025
CoinMarketCap’s reality series “Killer Whales,” produced with HELLO Labs and anchored by Anthony Scaramucci, returned for Season 2 on Oct. 13, 2025, with founders pitching Web3 startups to a judging panel for a shot.
New episodes are streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV.
The show was filmed in Los Angeles, and it follows a well-established structure: startup teams present their crypto-related projects to a group of investors, or Whales, who select the projects to be funded and mentored.
Why Are Meme Coins Like BRETT Dominating the 2025 Crypto Narrative?
This season expands on the first, with a rotating cast of judges and a stronger focus on helping crypto ventures reach mainstream audiences.
Producers say they’re looking beyond flashy presentations to evaluate real metrics, team strength, token structure, and long-term business plans.
But early results show where the market’s attention really lies. In the premiere episode, the memecoin BRETT emerged as one of the winners, reflecting the wider mood of 2025’s retail-driven crypto scene.
According to CoinGecko’s Q1 report, meme and AI-related projects now capture around 63% of investor interest, a shift that explains why humor and HYPE often beat out technical innovation on stage.
The second season of Killer Whales highlights a new reality for crypto startups: storytelling, virality, and brand power might matter just as much as blockchain utility.
Season 2 comes with a $1.5M package that includes an incubation fund, a $100,000 CoinMarketCap accelerator grant, and continued strategic support for standout projects.
The new episodes are presented every week on various platforms, such as Hello TV, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Google Play.
The criteria of the judging are based on the fundamental metrics such as monthly active users, revenue, and tokenomics, as well as the suitability of each project to the storyline of the show.
What Is Anthony Scaramucci’s Take on Meme Coins and Market Speculation?
The case of BRETT being approved early during the premiere episode represents a trend: meme tokens are still doing better when compared to utility-based projects, particularly when the bullish cycle is taking place.
Q3 CoinGecko announced the overall crypto market capitalization at 4 trillion, with the renewed risk appetite situation that is rather inclined to uplift high volatility meme resources.
CoinMarketCap’s event page clarifies that Killer Whales provides mentorship and accelerator support to selected projects rather than direct equity funding.
The format borrows from mainstream investment shows but adapts it for crypto, featuring themed episodes around NFTs, gaming, and security. Founders can submit applications publicly through the platform’s open pipeline.
Audience response has been mixed. Some creators and critics have questioned the format and stakes, while online fan communities have highlighted viral moments like BRETT’s Cybertruck-themed pitch.
The show’s producers, meanwhile, point to its massive reach “hundreds of millions” across platforms and its stated goal of making Web3 startups more understandable to everyday viewers.
