Bitcoin Layer 2 Project ’Hyper’ Nears Presale Milestone with $31M Raised and Staking Rewards Up to 37%

The Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER) presale is entering its final phase before a scheduled price increase, marking a significant milestone for this emerging Layer 2 scaling solution. As of the current presale stage, $HYPER tokens are available at a price of $0.0136757. The project has demonstrated remarkable traction, successfully raising $31.47 million since its launch in May 2025, underscoring sustained investor demand and confidence in its vision to address Bitcoin's scalability challenges. A key incentive for early participants is the attractive staking rewards program, which offers yields of up to 37% per annum. These rewards are designed to be redeemable following the project's Token Generation Event (TGE), aligning long-term holder interests with the network's development. The impending price hike acts as a final call for investors seeking entry at the current rate, creating a sense of urgency as the countdown begins. Positioned within the rapidly expanding Bitcoin Layer 2 ecosystem, Bitcoin Hyper aims to enhance transaction throughput and reduce costs on the Bitcoin network, a persistent issue as adoption grows. The substantial funds raised indicate strong market belief in the team's technical roadmap and its potential to unlock new use cases for Bitcoin beyond a store of value. This development reflects a broader trend of innovation building upon Bitcoin's secure base layer, with significant capital flowing into scalability solutions. For investors and observers, the Hyper presale represents a notable event in the 2026 cryptocurrency landscape, highlighting the continued evolution of the Bitcoin network through secondary layers designed to improve its functionality and accessibility for a global user base.

Bitcoin Hyper Presale Nears Price Hike as Countdown Begins

The Bitcoin Hyper Presale enters its final phase before a scheduled price increase, with $HYPER tokens currently priced at $0.0136757. Early participants stand to gain from staking rewards up to 37%, redeemable after the Token Generation Event (TGE).

Positioned as a solution to Bitcoin's scalability challenges, this Layer 2 project has raised $31.47 million since May 2025, demonstrating sustained demand. The presale price has appreciated nearly 19% from its $0.0115 starting point, attracting over 109,000 participants.

Market observers note the presale's structured price increments contrast with typical crypto hype cycles, suggesting measured growth rather than speculative frenzy. The project's roadmap remains closely watched as it approaches exchange listing.

Michael Saylor's Strategy Skips Bitcoin Purchase Amid Market Uncertainty

Michael Saylor's Strategy surprised markets by skipping its routine Bitcoin purchase this week, despite BTC trading below $70,000. The company had previously acquired 1,142 BTC, and analysts expected another 1,600 BTC purchase following successful STRC preferred share sales.

The move coincides with extreme market fear, as Bitcoin's fear and greed index sits at just 12 points. Saylor instead highlighted Bitcoin's 24/7 trading capability in a cryptic tweet: "Markets closed. bitcoin open. Happy Hodlday."

Strategy's preferred share sales through STRC had previously provided funds for BTC acquisitions without diluting MSTR common stock. However, with STRC dipping below $100 this week, no new shares were sold, potentially explaining the paused BTC purchases.

Bitcoin Skeptic Schiff Renews Criticism, Calling BTC a Threat to Investors

Peter Schiff, the gold advocate and longtime Bitcoin critic, has launched another broadside against the cryptocurrency. In a February 14 post on X, Schiff argued Bitcoin poses no systemic risk to global finance—but endangers those who hold it. His remarks came in response to crypto commentator Jeff Swanson, who had mocked gold proponents for obsessively tracking Bitcoin's price movements.

Schiff doubled down on his view that Bitcoin lacks intrinsic value, calling it a speculative asset rather than 'digital gold.' He has repeatedly likened BTC to a Ponzi scheme, contrasting it with physical gold's historical role as a store of value. The debate flared as Bitcoin hovered near $60,000—a level some analysts see as a potential liquidity trigger.

Crypto Treasuries May Begin Selling In 2026 As ETFs Increase Pressure

Bitcoin's sharp decline from its 2023 peak has sparked concerns about a looming liquidity crisis among corporate crypto holders. With BTC trading below $70,000—a 50% drop from its all-time high—analysts warn of potential forced sell-offs by digital asset treasury (DAT) firms as early as 2026.

The Motley Fool's research highlights how falling prices have trapped many DATs in underwater positions. Debt-heavy firms face particular vulnerability, needing to liquidate holdings to meet obligations or margin calls. Meanwhile, the rise of cryptocurrency ETFs threatens to siphon investor interest from these corporate holders.

Refinancing risks loom large in this environment. Should credit conditions tighten further or asset values continue sliding, companies may find themselves unable to roll over debt—potentially triggering a wave of distressed selling that could exacerbate market declines.

Bitcoin Shorts Hit Extreme Levels, Signaling Potential Squeeze

Bitcoin funding rates have collapsed to their most negative levels since August 2024, mirroring the sentiment that preceded an 83% rally. Traders are aggressively positioned for downside, with short interest reaching extremes not seen since the 2024 bottom.

On-chain metrics reveal thin profit cushions, with NUPL returning to the 0.18 zone—a historical inflection point between hope and fear. This regime amplifies volatility, as holders lack unrealized gains to absorb shocks.

The market’s bearish narrative persists amid ETF outflows and macro uncertainty. Yet crowded shorts create explosive potential: A decisive break above $70,600 could trigger a squeeze targeting $76,000.

Bitcoin Nears Critical 4-Year SMA Threshold Amid Bear Market Signals

Bitcoin's prolonged struggle below $70,000 has analysts sounding alarms about a potential bear market. Key metrics now suggest the correction phase may persist, with BTC's price approaching its historically significant 4-year simple moving average (SMA) near $57,500.

Darkfost's SMA Multiplier analysis reveals Bitcoin has re-entered the green zone—a signal that typically precedes undervaluation when approaching this long-term average. The same indicator previously flashed overbought conditions during price peaks.

Market technicians note this SMA level has served as both floor and springboard in past cycles. The current convergence of technical signals suggests Bitcoin may be nearing a pivot point that could define its medium-term trajectory.