Upcoming Major Token Unlocks in January 2025
The cryptocurrency market is bracing for a wave of significant token unlocks in the coming week, with several high-profile projects releasing large portions of their token supply. These unlocks can have a direct impact on market dynamics, influencing price volatility, liquidity, and investor sentiment. According to data from Token Unlocks, tokens such as ONDO, CHEEL, CONX, ARB, and STRK are among those scheduled for substantial releases.
These events are crucial for investors and traders to monitor, as sudden increases in circulating supply may lead to selling pressure—especially if early investors or team members decide to offload their holdings. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most notable upcoming unlocks.
Key Projects Facing Large Token Releases
Ondo (ONDO): Largest Unlock by Value
Ondo Finance’s ONDO token faces the largest unlock by market value next week. On January 18, 2025, at 8:00 AM Beijing Time, approximately 1.94 billion ONDO tokens will be released. This represents a massive 134.21% increase over the current circulating supply and is valued at around $2.41 billion.
Such a significant influx could test market demand. Investors should watch trading volume and on-chain activity closely in the days following the unlock.
👉 Stay ahead of major market movements with real-time data and secure trading tools.
Cheelee (CHEEL): $169 Million Release
Cheelee (CHEEL) is set to unlock about 20.81 million tokens on January 13, 2025, also at 8:00 AM Beijing Time. With an estimated value of $169 million, this unlock could influence short-term price action.
Despite being a social-fi project with growing user engagement, large unlocks like this often attract profit-taking, especially from early backers.
Connex (CONX): Supply Set to Surge
Connex (CONX) will see approximately 4.33 million tokens unlocked on January 15, representing a staggering 376.3% of its current circulating supply. Though valued at around $85.8 million, the sheer scale of new tokens entering circulation could pressure the price unless matched by strong demand.
This level of supply expansion is rare and warrants caution for holders and potential buyers alike.
Arbitrum (ARB) and Starknet (STRK): Layer-2 Giants Release Tokens
Layer-2 scaling solutions are also part of this unlock wave.
- Arbitrum (ARB) will unlock 92.65 million tokens on January 16 at 9:00 PM Beijing Time, equivalent to 2.20% of its circulating supply and worth about $67.8 million.
- Starknet (STRK) will release 64 million tokens on January 15 at 8:00 AM, adding 2.65% more supply valued at $27.6 million.
While these percentages seem modest compared to others, the size of their ecosystems means even small unlocks can impact market sentiment.
Other Notable Mentions
Several other projects are scheduled for meaningful unlocks:
- Polyhedra Network (ZKJ): 17.22 million tokens unlocked on January 13 – valued at $33.2 million.
- UXLINK (UXLINK): 26.56 million tokens on January 18 – worth $33.2 million.
- Sei (SEI): 55.56 million tokens on January 15 – valued at $21.5 million.
- Ethena (ENA): 12.86 million tokens on January 15 – $11.8 million value.
- ApeCoin (APE): 15.6 million tokens on January 17 – $17.3 million value.
Smaller but still impactful releases include:
- QuantixAI (QAI): $19.6 million worth
- Cloud (CLOUD): $8.5 million worth
- Eigenlayer (EIGEN): $4.1 million worth
These mid-tier unlocks may not dominate headlines but can still affect individual token performance, especially in lower-liquidity markets.
👉 Monitor token movements and manage your portfolio proactively on a trusted platform.
Why Token Unlocks Matter
Token unlocks refer to the release of previously locked cryptocurrencies—often allocated to team members, investors, advisors, or ecosystem funds—that become eligible for circulation after a predefined vesting period.
Potential Market Impacts:
- Increased Selling Pressure: Early investors or team members may sell unlocked tokens for profit.
- Dilution Risk: A sudden rise in supply without proportional demand can reduce per-token value.
- Investor Sentiment Shifts: Large unlocks can create uncertainty, especially if communication from project teams is lacking.
However, not all unlocks lead to price drops. Some projects use these events strategically—announcing buybacks, staking incentives, or ecosystem grants to absorb excess supply and reassure the community.
How to Prepare for Unlock Events
For Traders:
- Monitor unlock schedules using platforms like Token Unlocks or Tokenomist.
- Adjust positions ahead of time—consider reducing exposure or using hedging strategies.
- Watch for spikes in trading volume post-unlock.
For Long-Term Holders:
- Evaluate the project’s fundamentals: Is the team delivering? Is adoption growing?
- Check if the project has announced any measures to mitigate sell-off risks.
- Use volatility as an opportunity to average down—if the thesis remains strong.
For New Investors:
Avoid FOMO buying right before an unlock. Wait for market stabilization and look for signs of accumulation rather than dumping.
Core Keywords Identified
The core keywords naturally integrated throughout this article include:
token unlocks, ONDO, CHEEL, CONX, cryptocurrency, blockchain, vesting schedule, and market impact.
These terms reflect user search intent around upcoming crypto events, price predictions, and investment strategy adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a token unlock?
A token unlock occurs when previously restricted tokens—allocated to teams, investors, or ecosystem development—become available for transfer or sale after a set time period defined in the project’s vesting schedule.
Do token unlocks always cause price drops?
Not necessarily. While large unlocks can increase selling pressure, outcomes depend on market conditions, project fundamentals, and whether the team announces supportive measures like buybacks or staking programs.
How can I track upcoming token unlocks?
You can use blockchain analytics platforms like Token Unlocks, Tokenomist, or Dune dashboards to monitor release schedules across major crypto projects.
Which projects have the biggest unlocks this week?
Ondo (ONDO) leads with a $2.41 billion unlock. Cheelee (CHEEL) follows with $169 million, and Connex (CONX) with $85.8 million—though CONX’s unlock represents the highest percentage increase in circulating supply.
Should I sell my tokens before a big unlock?
It depends on your investment strategy and confidence in the project. Some traders take profits preemptively; others hold if they believe in long-term utility and demand growth.
Can token unlocks be positive for a project?
Yes. If managed transparently and accompanied by strong ecosystem development, unlocks can signal progress and attract new investors who view increased liquidity as beneficial.
👉 Get early insights into market-moving events and protect your investments wisely.
Final Thoughts
The week of January 13–19, 2025, marks a critical period for multiple blockchain projects undergoing major token releases. While such events are normal in crypto’s maturing lifecycle, they require careful attention from all participants—from traders to long-term believers.
By understanding the scale, timing, and context of each unlock, investors can make informed decisions rather than reacting emotionally to short-term price swings. Always combine unlock data with broader technical and fundamental analysis for the best results.
As always, stay updated, stay cautious, and trade responsibly.