Kaito Is Launching Its Token — How to Value Your Airdrop Using Four Key Models

The Web3 world is buzzing with anticipation as Kaito AI, the AI-powered search engine for decentralized information, moves closer to its token launch. On February 17, Kaito announced the final snapshot for KAITO Yaps, followed by the Genesis NFT snapshot. Behind this seemingly technical update lies one of the most talked-about airdrop events in recent memory.

Chain analyst Caneleo revealed that Kaito has deployed 1 billion tokens on Base, with approximately 33.3% allocated for airdrops — translating to 333 million $KAITO tokens** up for grabs. Based on Kaito’s last funding round at an $87.5 million valuation, the theoretical airdrop value could reach nearly $28.875 million**.

This distribution is split into a dual-layer rewards system:

• Genesis NFT Holders: 15% of the airdrop pool (~$4.32 million) is reserved for the 1,500 Genesis NFT holders — averaging around **$2,880 per NFT**.
• Yap Contributors: The remaining 85% (~$24.55 million) will be distributed based on Yap contribution scores, with each Yap currently estimated at **$13 in value**.

As these numbers circulated, FOMO (fear of missing out) swept through the crypto community. Users scrambled to boost their Yap scores, flooded X (formerly Twitter) with #Kaito content, and reignited the Web3 tradition of "airdrop farming."

But why has Kaito captured such intense interest — even compared to major players like EigenLayer?

• High Valuation Expectations: With an A-round valuation of $87.5 million and strong VC backing, Kaito could follow the Berachain model, where valuations grew up to 8x post-launch.
• Dual Incentive System: The combination of "Yap to Earn" and Genesis NFTs creates compounding rewards, potentially pushing some NFT holders’ payouts above $13,000.
• Top-Tier Institutional Support: Backed by Dragonfly Capital and others, Kaito enjoys credibility that fuels market confidence.

In short, Kaito isn’t just another tool — it's shaping up to be a cornerstone of the emerging InfoFi (Information Finance) ecosystem.

Who Is Kaito? The AI-Powered Oracle of Web3

If EigenLayer redefined how value flows through restaking, then Kaito aims to do the same for information. Founded by Yu Hu, a former quant trader at Citadel, Kaito addresses one of Web3’s biggest pain points: information fragmentation.

From X threads and Discord chats to governance proposals and on-chain data, valuable insights are scattered across platforms. Kaito aggregates all this using large AI models to power MetaSearch — a smart search engine designed specifically for crypto investors.

Unlike Google or traditional search tools, Kaito doesn’t just return links. It uses GPT-like reasoning to analyze, summarize, and surface high-alpha opportunities — making it a true “Alpha Hunter” for Web3.

Its traction speaks volumes:

• Seed Round (Feb 2023): Led by Dragonfly, raised $5.3M at a $40M valuation.
• A Round (June 2023): Co-led by Superscrypt and Spartan, raised $5.5M — pushing valuation to $87.5M.
• Profitability Milestone (June 2024): Announced its first profitable month, signaling sustainable unit economics.

But Kaito goes beyond search. It’s built an entire information economy, where attention translates directly into asset ownership via:

• Content Creation: Post insightful crypto analysis on X tagged with @KaitoAI to earn Yaps.
• Social Engagement: Invite others and use multi-account tools (e.g., MoreLogin) to scale participation.
• NFT Utility: Owning a Genesis NFT (minted at 0.1 ETH) increases your airdrop weight and unlocks premium benefits.

👉 Discover how early contributors are turning insights into assets with next-gen Web3 tools.

This model transforms passive users into active stakeholders — turning information discovery into a form of decentralized mining.

Valuing the Airdrop: Four Models to Predict $KAITO’s True Worth

With so much at stake, analysts have developed multiple frameworks to estimate the real value of Yaps and Genesis NFTs. Let’s break down the four most influential models.

1. Funding-Driven Model: Theoretical Maximum Based on FDV

One popular method starts with projected Fully Diluted Valuation (FDV). Influencer Ren\_gmi proposed a formula:

Yap Value = (FDV × Airdrop %) / Total Yaps

Assumptions:

• FDV: $1 billion
• Airdrop allocation: 30%
• Total Yaps issued over 90 days: 2.275 million

Result: Each Yap could be worth $131 — far above current estimates.

However, this model has limitations:

• Excludes NFT-specific allocations
• Assumes ideal token release timing
• Doesn’t account for market volatility or liquidity constraints

Still, it sets the upper bound of optimism — useful for gauging FOMO-driven market ceilings.

2. NFT Voting Power Model: Governance as Value Anchor

DeFiTeddy2020 introduced a more grounded approach based on NFT utility. Since Genesis NFTs grant enhanced governance rights and higher airdrop weights, their market price can help infer Yap value.

Key inputs:

• Average Genesis NFT price: ~9.3 ETH
• Governance weight equivalence: ~1,162 Yaps per NFT

Calculation yields a Yap value of approximately **$22** (assuming ETH at ~$3,000).

Strengths:

• Rooted in real market pricing
• Reflects utility-based valuation

Weaknesses:

• ETH price volatility affects accuracy
• Governance rights don’t always translate linearly to token value

This model offers a pragmatic counterbalance to pure speculation.

3. Competitive Benchmarking: Comparing Kaito to Hyperliquid

Another way to assess value is through peer comparison. Steve\_4P analyzed Kaito against Hyperliquid, a high-growth DeFi protocol.

Key differences:

While Hyperliquid benefits from established demand and revenue mechanisms, Kaito operates in a newer, less proven category — meaning its token may capture less immediate value.

Conclusion: Unless Kaito demonstrates strong product-market fit post-launch, its token might trade at a discount relative to peers like Hyperliquid.

4. Realistic Valuation Model: Backed by Funding Data

The most conservative yet credible model relies on actual funding data.

Given:

• A-round valuation: $87.5M
• 33.3% of supply for airdrops

We derive baseline expectations:

• NFT portion (15%): ~$4.32M total → ~**$2,880 per NFT**
• Yap portion (85%): ~$24.55M → ~**$13 per Yap**

But history shows valuations often multiply post-launch:

• Story Protocol: Grew 16x → FDV ~$1.73B → Suggests Yap worth $10–$13
• Berachain: Grew 8x → FDV ~$2.8B → Implies Yap ~$24
• In peak FOMO, Berachain hit $6.75B FDV → Yap could reach **$59, NFTs over $13,000**

👉 See how historical patterns shape today’s most anticipated token launches.

This model blends realism with upside potential — ideal for strategic planning.

FAQs: Answering Your Top Questions About Kaito Airdrops

Q1: When will $KAITO be listed?

While no official date has been confirmed, many expect listing within weeks after the snapshot finalization in February 2025. Monitor official channels for updates.

Q2: How do I check my Yap score?

Visit the Kaito dashboard and connect your wallet. Your Yap contribution history and estimated rewards will be displayed there.

Q3: Does holding a Genesis NFT guarantee more tokens?

Yes — Genesis NFT holders receive higher allocation weights and priority access to future ecosystem perks.

Q4: Can I still increase my Yap count?

The snapshot has already occurred, so new activity won’t affect eligibility. However, ongoing contributions may benefit future incentive rounds.

Q5: What factors will influence $KAITO’s price after launch?

Key drivers include exchange liquidity, trading volume, community engagement, and whether Kaito can monetize its search platform effectively.

Q6: Is the InfoFi sector sustainable long-term?

Early signs are promising — with growing demand for reliable data in DeFi, NFTs, and AI agents, platforms like Kaito are well-positioned to become infrastructure layers.

Final Thoughts: Between Hype and Reality

Kaito stands at the intersection of AI, information access, and decentralized incentives — three of the most powerful trends in tech today.

While FOMO drives short-term speculation, the long-term success of $KAITO depends on:

• Delivering a truly intelligent search experience
• Building sustainable revenue models
• Expanding its InfoFi ecosystem beyond just rewards

Whether you're a content creator earning Yaps or an NFT holder banking on big returns, one thing is clear: Kaito is more than a token drop — it's a test case for the future of knowledge in Web3.

👉 Stay ahead of the next wave of Web3 innovation — explore what’s coming next.