NIGHT, PIPPIN chase $1b caps amid mainnet, AI-agent hype risks

Two cryptocurrency projects are positioned to potentially reach $1 billion market capitalizations during the first half of 2026, according to market analysis published by Finbold.

Midnight, a privacy-focused token on the Cardano network, launched in December and has experienced rapid growth, approaching the billion-dollar market-cap threshold. The token briefly achieved that milestone earlier this month before declining amid broader sector volatility, according to market data.

The project’s mainnet launch, designated Kūkolu, is scheduled for late March. The rollout will transition the network from its current Hilo phase to a live environment designed to support privacy-preserving smart contracts, according to project documentation. The launch represents the first major utility test for the network.

Midnight faces a defined token unlock schedule that could introduce selling pressure as locked tokens become available for trading. Price performance in the near term is expected to be influenced by the March mainnet launch and potential partnership announcements, according to market observers.

Pippin, an AI-agent meme coin associated with founder Yohei Nakajima, has recorded recent gains. The project’s trajectory depends on its ability to establish partnerships and develop tools for community use cases, according to project analysis.

The token’s market position reflects risks common to meme coins, including supply concentration among insider wallets and reliance on speculative trading. Market data shows the token trading above key moving averages, with derivatives data indicating rising open interest during recent rallies and elevated leverage levels.

Both tokens carry significant risk factors, including regulatory scrutiny of privacy-focused cryptocurrencies and volatility inherent to speculative digital assets. Market analysts characterize these investments as high-risk opportunities targeting speculative traders rather than conservative investors.