VIRTUAL, the native token of the Virtuals Protocol, has experienced an extraordinary 207% surge in value over the past month, a performance that outpaces many of the top cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC). This sharp rise has been attributed to growing interest from institutional investors, signaling a strong shift toward the protocol as a key player in the crypto and AI space.

According to on-chain data from Nansen, smart money—representing institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals—has been actively accumulating VIRTUAL, with $14.2 million in inflows recorded over the last 30 days. A substantial portion, $8.56 million, was injected in just the past week, underscoring the heightened institutional interest in the token.

Currently trading at $1.66, VIRTUAL has become one of the best performers in its market segment. The token’s 11% gain in the past week comes on the heels of an impressive 207% increase over the last 30 days. In comparison, Bitcoin has seen a more modest 13% rise in the same period.

This recent surge in VIRTUAL’s price is closely tied to the launch of the Genesis launchpad, which went live two weeks ago. The launchpad introduces a unique “proof of contribution” model, encouraging long-term engagement and rewarding users with Virgin points for their active participation in AI-driven projects. This approach has attracted both retail and institutional players, eager to capitalize on the long-term potential of AI-based blockchain applications.

“The launchpad is a novel way to reward real-world contributions rather than mere speculation,” said a spokesperson from Bankless. “We’re seeing real growth in demand for VIRTUAL because it’s tied to a functional, innovation-driven ecosystem rather than short-term price moves.”

Genesis is designed to be different from traditional token issuance models, with features like automatic refunds for unmet goals, transparent vesting schedules, and contribution-based allocations. This fresh approach is quickly gaining traction and has the potential to reshape how token launches are handled in the blockchain space.

With more institutional investors entering the market, and the continued development of the Virtuals Protocol and its AI initiatives, VIRTUAL looks poised to continue its impressive growth trajectory.