The P&L of a Decentralized Application

Introduction

The top 50 most valuable protocols all have circulating market caps of at least one billion. Why do these tokens, many of which have unproven business models, trade at such high valuations? One of the core assumptions behind these valuations is that the protocol will someday mature to have product-market fit, justifying its current market value.

For protocols that operate decentralized applications (dApps), assessing profitability is one of the few ways investors can begin to evaluate tokens based on tangible metrics instead of relying on user metrics and topline fee growth. A project with a profitable P&L demonstrates that it is delivering tangible value to its users above its costs, and is moving closer to achieving product market fit. While dApps that continue to rely on unprofitable incentives require a different level of scrutiny from tokenholders.

Most decentralized applications are in the early growth phase, where they must attract users and suppliers to their network through costly token incentives. They may have high user numbers and market caps, but their product market fit is likely distorted by ongoing native token incentives. Users on the network may only be there because they are paid to be, or because the product they use is subsidized through unsusta...
A FSI Crypto, or FSI Pro subscription is required in order to access this content.

We accept crypto via BitPay for yearly subscriptions.

Choose one of our yearly plans to save nearly 15%

    • Macro + Crypto
      FSI Pro
      The Complete Package
      FSI Macro + FSI Crypto
      from
      $
      249
      /mo
      billed anually
      First Month Free!
    • Macro
      FSI Macro
      from
      $
      199
      /mo
      billed anually
      First Month Free!
      What's included?
      Real-time market commentary about macro and crypto events from our research heads.
      Webinars and Media
      Daily video commentary on market conditions & key events.
      We host over 12 LIVE webinars per year with our research team and high-profile special guests. Incredible value and market insights!
      Research
      Weekdays
      The best market research out there -- on a near-daily basis.
      On market events
      These are released periodically after crucial market developments.
      Daily
      Daily commentary on market trends and short term opportunities.
      Weekly
      Weekly update on developments in Washington DC and how they may impact Wall Street.
      Weekly
      Weekly summary of market events and updates on our key theses.
      Earnings season
      A multi-faceted update of earnings developments.
      Updated bi-weekly
      Highlights timely market themes and sectors with corresponding stocks, cutting through the day-to-day market “noise” for a distinct perspective.
      Stock Lists
      Updated monthly
      Technically derived, intermediate-term picks of attractive risk/reward opportunities from the S&P 500.
      And More!
      Our main goal is to make you a better investor! This series will guide you through key financial concepts and topics in an understandable way.
      We gather your inquiries and answer them in the most scalable way. Hear directly from our research principals!
      Get questions answered directly by our research heads and guest speakers.
      Get access to all the macro research on FS Insight
      First Month Free!
    • Crypto
      FSI Crypto
      from
      $
      99
      /mo
      billed anually
      First Month Free!
      What's included?
      Real-time market commentary about macro and crypto events from our research heads.
      Webinars and Media
      Ongoing webinars exploring crypto opportunities, in depth research, and exclusive research offerings from our team of analysts and leading cryptocurrency firms.
      Weekly
      Digestible videos expanding on important market events and metrics that are shaping cryptocurrency markets.
      Research
      Daily
      Stay on top of the crypto markets with macro commentary, technical analysis, and the most relevant news.
      Intra month
      Hear directly from Tom Lee about important cryptocurrency developments.
      Weekly
      From Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana to other coins, our Head of Technical Strategy highlights important price movement to help give you an edge.
      Weekly
      A must-read summarizing our key thoughts about the crypto market, price action, and developing trends.
      Weekly
      Are you looking for investment opportunities in the crypto space? We explore early-stage crypto opportunities in this note about where the smart money is being invested!
      Intra-month
      Our consulting business delivers incredible deep research reports to highlight the economics and viability of exciting crypto projects.
      And More!
      Our main goal is to make you a better investor! This series will guide you through key financial concepts and topics in an understandable way.
      We gather your inquiries and answer them in the most scalable way. Hear directly from our research principals!
      Get questions answered directly by our research heads and guest speakers.
      Get access to all the crypto research on FS Insight
      First Month Free!
Disclosures (show)

Get invaluable analysis of the market and stocks. Cancel at any time. Start Free Trial

Articles Read 2/2

🎁 Unlock 1 extra article by joining our Community!

You are reading the last free article for this month.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Already have an account? Sign In

Want to receive Regular Market Updates to your Inbox?

By continuing, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Trending crypto assets in our research

Get invaluable analysis of the market and stocks. Cancel at any time. Start Free Trial

Articles Read 2/2

🎁 Unlock 1 extra article by joining our Community!

You are reading the last free article for this month.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Already have an account? Sign In