Crypto markets often move in cycles. Meme coins usually lead one phase, then utility driven projects take attention in the next. That shift is starting to show again. As Pepecoin holders review where upside may come from next, a new DeFi crypto under $0.1 is entering the discussion. Some market commentators now compare the early PEPE phase with what Mutuum Finance is building today. The comparison is not about hype, but about structure, timing, and remaining upside.
Pepecoin (PEPE)
Pepecoin reached a very large market cap after its rapid rise. That early surge was driven by attention, social momentum, and speculative demand. Many early buyers saw strong gains in a short time. As PEPE grew, price moves became harder to sustain. A large market cap means that each new price increase requires far more capital than before.
PEPE now trades near well known resistance zones where previous rallies slowed. These levels matter because they often attract selling pressure from early holders. With supply already widely distributed, analysts who track meme coin cycles suggest future upside could be limited compared to earlier stages. In bearish or sideways conditions, meme tokens also tend to lose momentum faster because they lack built in utility to support demand.
Mutuum Finance (MUTM)
Mutuum Finance is an Ethereum based DeFi crypto focused on lending and borrowing. Unlike meme coins, it is built around a clear use case. The protocol is designed to allow users to supply assets, earn yield through mtTokens, and borrow against collateral. It also includes a peer to peer lending layer for more flexible loan terms.
The project has raised $19.4M so far and has grown to more than 18,600 holders. MUTM is currently priced at $0.035 and is in Phase 6 of its structured distribution. This phase is now over 99% allocated. The official launch price is set at $0.06. Since early 2025, the token price has already increased by about 250% from Phase 1.
Why Investors Believe MUTM Could Outperform PEPE
One reason often mentioned is market cap size. PEPE already sits at a very large valuation, which limits future upside. Even a 2x move would require billions in new capital. MUTM, by contrast, is still at an early stage with far more room to grow if adoption increases. Smaller caps tend to move faster once demand builds.
Another reason is utility. Pepecoin relies mainly on hype and social interest. Mutuum Finance is built around usage. mtTokens represent supplied assets and grow through yield. Borrowers create ongoing demand for liquidity. The protocol also uses a buy and distribute model, where part of the revenue is used to buy MUTM from the market and reward stakers. This creates demand tied to activity, not attention alone.
Timing is also a key factor. Many early PEPE buyers entered when the token was unknown. At this stage, that early phase is over. MUTM is now approaching a similar moment in its own lifecycle, but with infrastructure nearly ready. According to official updates on X, Mutuum Finance plans to release its V1 protocol on the Sepolia testnet in Q4 2025. This includes liquidity pools, mtTokens, debt tokens, and liquidation systems, with ETH and USDT as initial assets. For many investors, that timing is more attractive than chasing late stage meme moves.
Phase 6 Progress and Rising Participation
Phase 6 of MUTM is nearly complete, with less than 1% of the allocation remaining. Around 820M tokens have been sold out of the 1.82B allocated for this stage. This reflects steady demand rather than a sudden spike. As phases advance, the token price increases step by step, which changes the risk profile for new participants.
The project also runs a 24 hour leaderboard that rewards the top daily contributor with $500 in MUTM. This system encourages consistent participation and visibility. Card payments are available, which lowers friction for users who prefer not to rely only on crypto transfers. These elements help broaden access beyond experienced traders.
Security is another point often raised in comparisons. Mutuum Finance holds a CertiK token scan score of 90 out of 100. In addition, Halborn Security is conducting an independent audit of the lending and borrowing contracts. The code is finalized and under formal analysis. A $50k bug bounty is also in place to encourage the discovery of vulnerabilities.
For many investors, these steps reduce uncertainty. Meme coins rarely go through such processes because they do not rely on complex smart contracts. DeFi platforms must meet a higher standard to attract long term users and liquidity. This difference is one reason some PEPE holders are now exploring utility focused alternatives.
Why Some PEPE Investors Are Rotating Capital
Market observers note that capital rotation is common after large meme runs. Once upside slows, investors look for the next asymmetric setup. MUTM appeals to that mindset because it combines early stage pricing with visible progress. The approach is different from betting on another viral wave. It is about positioning before utility goes live.
With V1 approaching, supply tightening in Phase 6, and infrastructure already built, Mutuum Finance sits at a point where expectations can start to shift. For some PEPE investors, that profile feels closer to the early days they benefited from, but with a stronger focus on fundamentals.
The comparison between Pepecoin and Mutuum Finance highlights a broader market pattern. Meme coins can deliver fast gains, but utility driven projects often attract sustained interest once hype fades. PEPE’s early surge is now part of its history. MUTM is still writing its early chapters.
Disclaimer: Cryptographic World information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, financial advice. We do not make any warranties regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of this information. All investments involve risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results. We recommend consulting a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
