Zion Thomas, also known as Ansem, is a cryptocurrency analyst and investor recognized for his insights on blockchain ecosystems like Solana. He serves as Head of Research at TCG Crypto and shares market analysis through platforms like Crypto Twitter. ^[1]

Career

Thomas is a cryptocurrency analyst and investor. With an academic background in computer science from Georgia Tech, he developed an interest in Bitcoin during his senior year, which led to his involvement in cryptocurrencies. He gained recognition in the 2021 market cycle through strategic investments and insightful analysis, notably supporting Solana and memecoins like Dogwifhat (WIF) and Bonk (BONK). He is the Head of Research at TCG Crypto, a division of The Chernin Group, where he identifies blockchain and Web3 investment opportunities, conducts market analysis, and advises portfolio companies on growth strategies. Outside of crypto, he has a background in amateur boxing and an interest in gaming, which shapes his perspective on decentralized finance and blockchain gaming.

Thomas engages actively on Crypto Twitter, sharing market strategies and fostering discussions. Known as "The Solana Guy," he advocates for the Solana ecosystem and has contributed to its growth through market analysis and educational outreach. He also develops decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts on Solana, showcasing its technical strengths. Through webinars, blogs, and podcasts, Thomas simplifies complex crypto topics to educate and engage a broader audience. His project, Bullpen, seeks to make crypto trading more accessible. He is also involved in discussions about cryptocurrency regulations, promoting balanced policies that protect investors without stifling innovation. Thomas’s contributions to the crypto space have established him as a prominent figure in the industry. ^[2][3]

Interviews

Chatting with Ansem

Thomas appeared on The Defiant podcast to share his journey from software engineering to full-time crypto trading. He recalled studying at Georgia Tech, where an emerging technologies course introduced him to Bitcoin in 2016. After graduating in 2017, he worked as a software engineer at Capital One while trading cryptocurrencies, mentored by a colleague deeply involved in the space. Over time, trading became his primary focus, and he transitioned to crypto full-time in 2021. Thomas noted the appeal of trading's immediacy compared to the structured outcomes of software development. Reflecting on his time in the Solana ecosystem, he emphasized the importance of in-person events in fostering connections and conviction, especially after Solana faced challenges during the FTX collapse. Despite setbacks, he observed that Solana's development speed, community strength, and user experience have driven its resurgence. He discussed broader crypto trends and highlighted the interplay between AI and blockchain, maintaining that human users would remain central to Web3 adoption. ^[4]

Profitable Memecoins

Thomas and Kelxyz discussed the profitability and dynamics of memecoins on the Unchained Podcast. They explored how memecoins derive value from internet culture, attention, and virality rather than traditional metrics like utility or revenue. Thomas noted that crypto's inherently internet-native audience embraces memes due to their widespread relatability and ability to create a collective cultural moment. He emphasized the significance of distribution and community, as coins with broad ownership and limited concentration tend to perform better. Kelxyz reflected on how memecoins repeatedly gain traction despite skepticism, attributing this to their simplicity and relatability, resonating with large audiences. Both speakers highlighted how social media, influencers, and humor amplify meme coin success, often resulting in rapid value growth despite their inherent risks and volatility. ^[5]

Bull Market Review

Thomas appeared on the Logan Jastremski Podcast to discuss his journey in crypto and his perspective on market trends. He recounted attending the Avalanche Conference in Spain, his first major crypto event, where he gained recognition after his social media following surged. Thomas shared that he initially got into crypto during his computer science studies at Georgia Tech, where a course on emerging technologies introduced him to Bitcoin. Later, a mentor at his software engineering job deepened his interest, leading him to trade altcoins and study market cycles. By 2020, he had shifted focus to Solana and decentralized finance (DeFi) projects, leveraging technical analysis and developer insights. Recently, he joined TCG Crypto as Head of Research, exploring trends like mobile-first crypto applications, blockchain-based media, and next-generation blockchain infrastructure. ^[6]

Panels

Memecoins

The panel discussion, "Memecoins: Fleeting Trend or Crypto Evolution?" at TOKEN2049 Singapore 2024 explored the rise and evolution of memecoins within the crypto ecosystem. Panelists included Thomas, Sandra Leow (Kaito AI), Mura Mahmudov, Andrei Grachev (DWF Labs), and Mike Dudas (6th Man Ventures). They discussed the enduring presence of coins like Dogecoin and their ability to persist through market cycles, driven by relatability, virality, and strong community engagement. The conversation highlighted how memecoins leverage the internet’s culture, turning viral trends into financialized assets. While recognizing memecoins' speculative and high-risk nature, panelists noted their importance in fostering engagement and community-driven innovation in crypto. They emphasized the competitive environment, the emergence of memecoins as a form of community-building, and their role in reflecting broader financial trends and societal behaviors. Discussions also touched on investment strategies, the concept of cult-like followings for successful coins, and the increasing production rate of memecoins in the market. ^[7]

Spotting Trends

In a discussion about spotting trends in crypto, Thomas explained his approach to identifying opportunities in market segments, including Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchains, DeFi, and memecoins. He highlighted the importance of fundamental research and observing market sentiment, using Solana as an example of a project with strong fundamentals that was undervalued by public perception. He also emphasized the role of user experience in evaluating blockchain protocols and the necessity of community distribution for project success. Thomas discussed the challenges of launching tokens, including the impact of high, fully diluted values and the advantages of well-executed airdrops. Additionally, he expressed interest in consumer-focused crypto applications and the intersection of AI and crypto. Reflecting on the shift toward valuing application layers over infrastructure, he pointed out the growing need for meaningful metrics, such as user retention, to evaluate the success of blockchain-based applications. ^[8]