if you have ideas, feedback, hopes, or dreams for our exploration of a @base token, please send them to @kabir_base
— jesse.base.eth (@jessepollak) October 2, 2025
we shared this openly so we could listen and learn from all of you — and I've been blown away by the input in just the first two weeks
The open call has sparked wide discussions across the cryptocurrency space, especially on how Coinbase, a publicly traded company, might approach a token launch differently from typical crypto projects.
AJC’s perspective on the airdrop
A Messari researcher, AJC, shared feedback noting that a BASE token launch would be unprecedented, marking the first time a publicly traded company introduces its own cryptocurrency.
Traditionally, token launches and airdrops are used to give early investors and team members liquidity, often aiming to boost the token’s price at launch. AJC highlighted that the main goal of a potential BASE airdrop would likely be to increase Coinbase shareholder value, not simply to reward users.
“$COIN shareholders presumably are not going to give up the rights of the BASE token without getting anything in return; otherwise, they would demand 100% of the allocation for themselves,” AJC wrote. “From a shareholder perspective, it only makes sense to give up a portion of the rights to the $BASE token if you think that by doing so, it will increase shareholder value.”
He stressed that the purpose of the BASE airdrop will be to increase shareholder value, not just reward base users. The best airdrop design would be the one that achieves a balance between rewarding users and benefiting shareholders.
AJC suggested Coinbase might focus less on DeFi measures such as trading volume or total value locked, whereas Base already performs strongly, and more on social and consumer engagement. Activities like launching creator coins, using Base’s social app, and participating in community projects could create lasting value for both Coinbase and the Base ecosystem.
Jesse Pollak thanked AJC on X for his feedback and said the team is excited to “explore the frontier.” AJC responded, expressing his own anticipation and support for what Base will develop.