On the morning of May 14, 2025, Vietnam time, the Infinite Node Foundation – a newly established nonprofit – announced the takeover of the IP of the CryptoPunks NFT collection from Yuga Labs, as the floor price of this collection rose 74% to 123,086 USD. Could this be a new beginning for this NFT icon? Let’s analyze in detail.
Infinite Node Foundation Takes Over CryptoPunks
Infinite Node Foundation (#NODE ), a newly established nonprofit with a 25 million USD grant in April to 'build the digital future,' has acquired the IP of the CryptoPunks NFT collection from Yuga Labs – the company behind Bored Ape Yacht Club. CryptoPunks, a collection of 10,000 iconic NFTs launched by Larva Labs in 2017, was previously acquired by Yuga Labs in 2022. Natalie Stone, the CEO of CryptoPunks, transitioned from Yuga Labs to NODE as an advisor, but did not disclose financial details of the deal.
NODE Chairman Micky Malka emphasized: “CryptoPunks sparked a cultural movement combining code, community, and commerce. We will preserve this at a museum level and ensure this legacy with an eternal fund, making it easier for scholars and collectors to access.” NODE focuses on three pillars: preservation, community, and expansion, aimed at maintaining long-term value and developing new ways for this pixel art collection to be 'studied, exhibited, and understood.'
CryptoPunks Legacy: From Free to Legend
CryptoPunks is the most prominent NFT collection of all time, having been distributed for free through a claim method in 2017, and is the inspiration for many subsequent collections like Bored Apes. The total trading volume of #CryptoPunks exceeded 3 billion USD (according to Punks.wtf). The current floor price increased by 19% this week, reaching 123,086 USD (up 74% in USD), thanks to Ethereum's 45% increase during the same period. Yuga Labs, after selling the IP of Meebits (a related collection) in February, stated that they wanted to focus on their 'monkey roots', giving CryptoPunks to NODE for permanent preservation. Yuga Labs CEO Wylie Aronow shared: 'NODE is the ideal place to protect the legacy of Punks.'
First Action: Exhibition in Palo Alto
NODE collaborates with Matt Hall and John Watkinson – the original creators of CryptoPunks at Larva Labs – to organize a full exhibition of the collection in Palo Alto, California. Hall and Watkinson remarked: 'CryptoPunks were created to truly be decentralized, becoming a quintessential example of digital permanence. NODE is the perfect long-term home.' Both, along with Aronow and Erick Calderon (Art Blocks), will join NODE's advisory board to guide the future of the collection.
Impact on the Crypto Market
This event brings many positive signals:
Increase NFT value: The CryptoPunks floor price reached 123,086 USD, reflecting the appeal of premium NFTs amid Ethereum's (2,500 USD) price increase.
Promoting digital art: NODE may set a new standard for NFT preservation, paving the way for other collections.
Stable growth: The crypto market benefited from a 3.4 billion USD fund inflow last week, with a forecast of accumulating 330 billion USD into Bitcoin (104,000 USD) by 2029.
Future Prospects
With the exhibition in Palo Alto and a 25 million USD fund, NODE could turn CryptoPunks into a digital cultural icon in the next 1-2 years, attracting interest from museums and scholars. If Ethereum continues to rise, the CryptoPunks floor price could exceed 150,000 USD, solidifying the position of NFTs in digital art.
Conclusion: Will CryptoPunks continue to write the legend with NODE?
The Infinite Node Foundation took over the CryptoPunks IP from Yuga Labs today, with the floor price rising 74% to 123,086 USD thanks to Ethereum's surge. With plans for preservation and exhibition in Palo Alto, NODE promises to take this legendary NFT to a new chapter, connecting digital art with the traditional world. Investors and collectors should stay alert to not miss the opportunity.
Risk warning: Investing in NFTs and crypto carries high risks due to price volatility and legal uncertainties. Please consider carefully before participating.