Arthur Hayes Turns Up the ‘Risk Dial’ on Seven DeSci Tokens

Arthur Hayes, known for his bold investment strategies, is encouraging risk-takers to go all-in on an emerging crypto sector: decentralized science (DeSci). In his latest blog post, the chief investment officer at Maelstrom Fund urged his followers to embrace “degen,” or high-risk trading, by exploring DeSci tokens—a relatively overlooked corner of the crypto market.

What is DeSci?

DeSci aims to address inefficiencies in traditional scientific processes, such as research funding, intellectual property (IP) management, and limited access to longevity investments. Despite its niche appeal, the sector boasts a market valuation of approximately $2.2 billion. Hayes believes this is an untapped opportunity, noting that his fund has strategically invested in what he calls undervalued DeSci tokens.

Lukas Ruppert, an analyst at Maelstrom, supports this view, calling DeSci a “truly new narrative” in the crypto space that has yet to gain widespread attention. However, this narrative may soon take center stage: Kaito Research reports that DeSci’s mindshare skyrocketed 2,600% in 2024, outpacing even AI and memecoins.

Maelstrom’s DeSci Picks

The Maelstrom Fund has allocated resources to seven DeSci tokens, including:

• BIO, a major player that accounts for half of the sector’s total valuation.
• PSY, which focuses on tokenizing intellectual property related to psychedelics.
• CRYO, a project specializing in cryopreservation research.
  Other investments include VITA, ATH, GROW, and NEURON.

These tokens enable users to participate in governance, access early-stage commercial products, and contribute to project funding, making them more than just speculative assets.

BitGalactic’s Take: Navigating DeSci’s Risk-Reward Balance

From BitGalactic’s perspective, Hayes’ approach underscores the asymmetric potential of DeSci tokens. While the sector is still in its infancy, the limited number of high-quality “blue-chip” BioDAOs presents a rare opportunity for investors willing to weather volatility. The concept of BioDAOs aligns with decentralized principles by democratizing access to research and innovation—core values that resonate with crypto’s ethos.

However, BitGalactic cautions that the high-risk nature of DeSci investments requires thorough due diligence. Projects must demonstrate tangible progress and real-world applicability to stand out in a speculative market.

A Broader Vision

Hayes’ bullish stance on Bitcoin remains unchanged, maintaining a $200,000 price target for the cryptocurrency. This reflects his long-term optimism for crypto as a whole, suggesting that DeSci’s rise is part of a broader trend toward decentralized innovation.

Final Thoughts

DeSci may be a niche market now, but its rapid growth and potential to reshape traditional science are impossible to ignore. Whether you’re an investor eyeing the next big trend or a crypto enthusiast intrigued by its implications, DeSci is a space worth watching closely.