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- 📝 CryptoPunks has a new owner. What will change?
📝 CryptoPunks has a new owner. What will change?
PLUS: Mastercard to launch stablecoin cards, Frank DeGods steps down and more!
Nifty Notes Team
May 16, 2025
GM. This is Nifty Notes, the weekly newsletter that highlights all the unmissable stories across NFTs, web3 and the metaverse.
Here’s what we’ve got for you today:
NODE buys CryptoPunks IP from Yuga Labs 👀
Mastercard to launch stablecoin payment cards 💳
Frank DeGods steps down as CEO 👋
INSIGHTS: MetaWinners flew as their casino took off, V1 CryptoPunks grew with the news of CryptoPunks’ acquisition, and MoonCats climbed as eyes returned to the OG collection. Gemesis fell as speculation fell away, VeeFriends declined as their Topps Chrome release debuted, and Azuki Elementals dropped in spite of the impending arrival of Episode 3 of their Enter The Garden anime.
Most Read ⬆️
NODE buys CryptoPunk IP from Yuga Labs 👀
Yuga Labs have sold the intellectual property rights to the CryptoPunks brand to the Infinite Node Foundation (NODE), a newly-formed non-profit based in the United States.
NODE becomes the third company to manage the world's #1 NFT collection, with their focus to be on preservation and public access. This includes a $25 million USD pledge to support the long-term stewardship of the collection, and plans to exhibit all 10,000 CryptoPunks in a new physical space in Palo Alto, California.
NODE’s advisory board is composed of key figures within CryptoPunks and the digital art world, including creators Matt Hall and John Watkinson, Yuga Labs co-founder Wylie Aronow, and Art Blocks founder Erick Calderon. Natalie Stone, a long-time contributor to the CryptoPunks community, will serve as a consultant during the transition.
Mastercard to launch stablecoin payment cards 💳
Mastercard have announced a partnership with MoonPay to debut a stablecoin payments card - allowing users to make real-world purchases using leading stablecoin cryptocurrencies.
The service - built for both individuals and business use - will automatically convert stablecoins (e.g. USDC and USDT) into fiat at the point of sale, similar to the Mastercard-supported MetaMask Card.
The stablecoin card is expected to launch globally later this year, though a specific timeline or region rollout has yet to be confirmed.
Frank DeGods steps down as CEO 👋
DeGods co-founder Frank DeGods – real name Rohun Vora – has announced that he is stepping down as CEO, with pseudonymous co-founder @0x_chill and @pastagotsauce taking over the role.
Frank remarked that he’s “excited to hand the reigns to the team”, noting that “my chapter is closing, but the story isn’t over”. In a reflective moment, he would go on to state that “maybe we’ll look back at this fixation on “frank degods” as the thing that was holding us back”.
The former CEO also clarified that he is not “on the run”, and that “there are no investigations, because I have never done anything illegal”.
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DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and always do your own research.