When it hit crypto exchanges, very few people could have predicted Solana (SOL) would become such a powerhouse. Its transaction speed, developer-centric ecosystem, and DeFi foundation have since made SOL a standard. Many of the currently underestimated coins can develop fast with the help of technology, a strong community, and even more practical uses, as Solana has set a precedent. One can identify Little Pepe (LILPEPE), Cardano (ADA), Stellar (XLM), Hamster Kombat (HMSTR), and Dai (DAI) among the popular next-generation coins.
1. Little Pepe (LILPEPE): Meme Culture Meets Layer 2 Utility
One of the most unique emerging tokens of 2025, Little Pepe (LILPEPE), was developed as a next-generation Layer 2 blockchain that combines serious DeFi infrastructure with meme culture, providing lightning-fast transactions, extremely low fees, and an environment that is impervious to sniper bots. This combination could position it as a breakout performer similar to Solana’s early days of scalability dominance. Currently in Stage 13 of its presale at $0.0022, Little Pepe has already raised $27.18 million of its $28.77 million goal, selling over 16.5 billion tokens (95.82% of the target). Its tokenomics encourage liquidity, staking, and community-driven rewards while maintaining a 0% tax structure, a feature that appeals to both traders and long-term holders. Adding to the excitement, the Little Pepe Mega Giveaway rewards major buyers from Stages 12–17 with over 15 ETH in prizes, including 5 ETH for the top buyer and multiple smaller rewards. With seventy days remaining and over 81,000 entries, the campaign showcases the project's increasing community involvement. Little Pepe, like Solana, prioritizes infrastructure first, but in a distinct manner. It’s developing the world’s first meme-focused Layer 2 chain, complete with a dedicated memes Launchpad and an ecosystem already attracting attention from industry experts.
2. Cardano (ADA): The Academic Powerhouse
Cardano (ADA), supported by peer-reviewed research and an academic background, remains one of the most carefully constructed blockchains. It is viewed as conservative, but as full smart contract capabilities advance through the Hydra and Voltaire upgrades, it may rekindle investor enthusiasm. The network's sustainability and governance focus can reflect the season of resurgent developer interest in Solana.
3. Stellar (XLM): Inexpensive, Rapid and Growing.
Speed and cost efficiency have never been lacking in Stellar (XLM), which adds to the uniqueness of Solana. With a specialization in cross-border payments and a focus on forming partnerships in the fintech realm, Stellar is establishing itself as a conduit between traditional approaches and blockchain technology. Recent integrations in global remittance markets suggest that XLM could quietly surge in relevance, much as Solana did when institutional interest began to build.
4. Hamster Kombat (HMSTR): The Community-Driven Challenger
Originally conceived as a joke, HMSTR has ramped up into one of the most aggressively viral meme token projects, and in the spirit of early Solana, focuses on grassroots accessibility and community engagement. As it gains popularity through exchanges and P2E interactive and gamified mechanics, HMSTR may transition from a joke token into a full-fledged entertainment token economy.
5. Dai (DAI): The Stability Advantage
Despite its steadiness compared to other altcoins, DAI is an integral part of DeFi. As was the case throughout the altcoin market in 2022, Solana's DeFi ecosystem grew in size and popularity that year; Dai remains a key component in many layers of liquidity. Given the trading pair's reliability and popularity, it may become more in demand during periods of volatility, when other pairs are less stable.
Final Takeaway
These initiatives all exhibit characteristics that are reminiscent of Solana's early stages: strong community alignment, scalability, and creativity. Specifically, Little Pepe (LILPEPE) represents the intersection of technology and culture, offering a forward-thinking Layer 2 solution that has the potential to completely transform the meme financial landscape. While market outcomes remain speculative, data suggest that these undervalued coins may represent the next wave of blockchain growth stories, and investors seeking the “next Solana” may already be heading in the right direction.