A well-known exchange founder's recent token acquisition actually reflects the most common pattern in the industry. This former founder invested in a project through a family fund and received nearly $180,000 worth of tokens — which looks like a good profit, but is actually a standard feature of the investment agreement.

On the surface, having such big players involved can indeed boost the project's narrative. But you need to think clearly: these big players are buying at primary market cost prices, or even receiving tokens directly from the project team. If retail investors follow the trend and rush into the secondary market to buy these tokens, it's like they are carrying the sedan for others.

What's more interesting is that on-chain data shows these tokens come from locked wallets, meaning there are unlock cycle restrictions. The project team’s move is quite clever — they bind the traffic effect of big players while using the lock-up mechanism to avoid short-term dumping pressure. It seems like a win-win, but in reality, it’s a refined way of managing expectations.

But for ordinary players, don’t be fooled by the concept of "big players' same model." The problem lies in two areas: first, the project's fundamentals haven't been truly tested by the market, and relying solely on hype won't last long. Second, big players invest early at low costs and long cycles, while retail investors follow in the later stages, taking on the relay positions, with risks and returns not matching at all.

In short, this is a two-way binding between the project team and capital. Retail investors should stay calm, and if genuinely interested, wait until the project has tangible progress. Don’t let emotions override rationality — after all, the big players in the industry often make money from the cognitive gaps of retail investors.