Crypto Staking: A Complete Guide to Earning Passive Income with Cryptocurrencies

Introduction

The cryptocurrency market is one of the fastest-evolving sectors in finance, attracting not just retail traders but also savvy investors looking for long-term growth opportunities. While trading digital currencies directly can be volatile and complex, investing in publicly traded companies with exposure to crypto provides an alternative path. 

These companies often combine traditional business models with innovative strategies in the blockchain and digital asset space, offering investors a way to participate in the crypto boom with additional stability.

This week, three companies have caught my attention for their unique approaches and growth potential: AgriFORCE Growing Systems (AVAX One), Coinbase Global Inc. (COIN), and Riot Platforms Inc. (RIOT). Each of these firms is taking bold steps in the market AgriFORCE is exploring new ways to integrate blockchain in agriculture, Coinbase remains a leader in crypto exchange services, and Riot Platforms is diversifying by blending AI technologies with Bitcoin mining. 

In this article, I’ll break down why these stocks are worth watching, highlight their potential risks, and share my personal insights on what the future might hold for each of them.

1. AgriFORCE Growing Systems (AVAX One)

AgriFORCE, originally a small agriculture-tech company focused on sustainable farming solutions, recently grabbed headlines by announcing a bold strategic pivot into the cryptocurrency space. 

The company is rebranding itself as AVAX One and plans to acquire $700 million worth of AVAX tokens, aiming to become the first publicly traded company on Nasdaq with a crypto treasury fully integrated into its business model. This move positions AVAX One as a potential trendsetter for other firms exploring blockchain-based treasury strategies.

The shift has attracted attention from high-profile investors, including Anthony Scaramucci, who recently joined the company’s advisory board, signaling strong institutional interest and confidence in its new direction. Following the announcement, AgriFORCE’s stock experienced a dramatic surge of up to 254%, reflecting the market’s excitement over its crypto-focused strategy.

Why it’s worth watching

• Pioneering Crypto Treasuries: Public companies holding cryptocurrencies in their treasury is still a relatively new concept. AVAX One’s move could set a benchmark for corporate finance strategies in the blockchain era.

• Market Potential: If successful, the company could attract not only crypto enthusiasts but also mainstream investors seeking exposure to innovative financial models.

• Volatility Considerations: While the upside is significant, the inherent volatility of cryptocurrency holdings means investors should be cautious and prepared for rapid swings.

My thoughts: I view AVAX One as a high-risk, high-reward opportunity. Its success could redefine how companies integrate cryptocurrency into their corporate strategies and inspire similar moves across different sectors. However, the road ahead is likely to be unpredictable. The company’s long-term growth will heavily depend on transparent management, strategic execution, and its ability to navigate the ups and downs of the crypto market. For investors willing to accept volatility, this could be an exciting stock to watch closely.

2. Coinbase Global Inc. (COIN)

Coinbase continues to be one of the largest and most recognized cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, often regarded as a benchmark for the overall health of the crypto market. During the latest trading session, COIN was priced at $312.59, reflecting a modest 1.93% increase, showing steady investor confidence.

The company’s performance is closely linked to cryptocurrency market trends. Coinbase primarily generates revenue through transaction fees and a suite of services provided to both retail and institutional investors. 

This revenue model means that its fortunes rise and fall with trading activity. Additionally, regulatory developments remain a critical factor, as new legislation or government oversight could significantly affect the exchange’s operations and profitability.

Why it’s worth watching

• Exposure Without Direct Coin Ownership: Investing in Coinbase allows investors to gain exposure to the broader crypto market without having to hold digital currencies themselves, offering a more traditional, regulated entry point.

• Market Sentiment Indicator: Coinbase’s trading volumes and quarterly earnings provide a clear snapshot of investor behavior and market sentiment, making it a useful gauge for crypto trends.

• Institutional Growth Potential: As institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies increases, Coinbase stands to benefit from higher trading volumes, custodial services, and other enterprise-level offerings.

My thoughts: I consider Coinbase a stable cornerstone for any crypto-focused portfolio. Unlike smaller, high-risk plays like AVAX One, Coinbase may not experience explosive short-term growth, but it offers a reliable and direct link to cryptocurrency adoption. Its performance tends to mirror the broader market, and with the ongoing increase in crypto usage and mainstream acceptance, I expect Coinbase to continue benefiting steadily over time. For investors seeking a balance between growth potential and relative stability in the crypto sector, Coinbase remains a stock worth watching.

3. Riot Platforms Inc. (RIOT)

Riot Platforms has made a name for itself as a leading Bitcoin mining company, but it is now strategically diversifying into AI cloud services, signaling a forward-thinking approach to reduce dependence on the often-volatile cryptocurrency market. The company recently announced plans to add 12,400 GPUs to its data centers, with the goal of generating over $500 million in AI-driven revenue by Q1 2026.

This move not only expands Riot’s revenue streams but also serves as a hedge against fluctuations in the crypto market. By blending blockchain mining with AI computing services, the company is positioning itself as a hybrid tech and crypto player, appealing to investors interested in both sectors.

Why it’s worth watching

• Revenue Diversification: Integrating AI services alongside Bitcoin mining demonstrates Riot’s innovative strategy to stabilize earnings and reduce exposure to crypto volatility.

• Tech-Crypto Hybrid Potential: Riot’s dual focus could attract investors from both technology and cryptocurrency markets, making it a unique stock with multiple growth avenues.

• Efficiency and Scale: By expanding its mining infrastructure and AI capabilities, Riot could achieve higher operational efficiency and scale, boosting long-term profitability.

My thoughts: I find Riot particularly compelling because it goes beyond being a traditional crypto play. The AI integration provides resilience during periods of Bitcoin price declines while still allowing the company to capitalize on crypto market upswings. If Riot continues executing effectively on both its AI and mining strategies, I see a strong potential for long-term growth. For investors looking for a combination of innovation, diversification, and crypto exposure, Riot Platforms is definitely a stock to watch.

Conclusion

Each of these three stocks offers a distinct path to participating in the growth of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. AVAX One represents a high-risk, high-reward opportunity, pioneering the concept of a corporate crypto treasury. 

Coinbase provides a stable, established entry point for investors seeking exposure to the crypto market without holding digital assets directly. Meanwhile, Riot Platforms blends Bitcoin mining with AI cloud services, creating a diversified growth strategy that could withstand crypto market volatility.

For investors, these companies are worth monitoring not only for their innovative approaches but also for the market-moving announcements, strategic pivots, and long-term potential they present. Personally, I’m optimistic about their futures. 

That said, staying informed about market trends, regulatory developments, and execution milestones is crucial, as these factors will ultimately determine whether these stocks fulfill their growth potential and deliver meaningful returns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What makes investing in crypto-related stocks different from buying cryptocurrencies directly?

• Investing in crypto-related stocks allows you to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency market without owning digital coins directly. Stocks like Coinbase, Riot Platforms, and AVAX One combine traditional business models with blockchain or crypto-related strategies, providing potential growth with a layer of corporate stability.

2. Why is AVAX One considered a high-risk, high-reward investment?

• AVAX One (formerly AgriFORCE) is transitioning into a crypto treasury company by acquiring $700 million worth of AVAX tokens. This strategy is innovative but risky due to the volatility of cryptocurrency markets. If executed successfully, it could redefine corporate crypto strategies, but sudden swings in token value are likely.

3. How does Coinbase provide exposure to the cryptocurrency market?

• Coinbase is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. Investors benefit indirectly from crypto adoption and trading activity without holding digital coins themselves. Its revenue depends on transaction fees, services for retail and institutional investors, and overall trading volumes.

4. What makes Riot Platforms unique among crypto stocks?

• Riot Platforms combines Bitcoin mining with AI cloud services, creating a diversified business model. This dual strategy helps hedge against crypto market volatility while opening new revenue streams through AI, making it attractive to investors looking for both tech and crypto exposure.

5. Are these stocks suitable for all types of investors?

• Not necessarily. AVAX One is best suited for investors comfortable with high risk and volatility. Coinbase offers more stability, appealing to those seeking steady exposure to crypto markets. Riot Platforms is ideal for those interested in diversification between crypto and AI technology.

6. What risks should investors be aware of?

• Key risks include cryptocurrency market volatility, regulatory changes, execution challenges in strategic pivots, and fluctuations in trading volumes. Investors should monitor these factors closely to assess potential impacts on stock performance.

7. Why should investors pay attention to these three companies now?

• All three companies are taking bold steps that could shape the future of crypto-related businesses. AVAX One is pioneering corporate crypto treasuries, Coinbase continues to lead as a global exchange, and Riot Platforms is innovating with AI integration. Their strategies, market announcements, and long-term growth potential make them noteworthy for investors seeking exposure to the crypto sector.

8. What is your personal outlook on these stocks?

• I’m optimistic about all three, though each carries different levels of risk. AVAX One could be a game-changer if its crypto treasury strategy succeeds, Coinbase provides a stable entry point into crypto markets, and Riot Platforms offers resilience and growth potential through AI and mining integration. Careful monitoring of trends, regulations, and execution will be key to realizing their full potential.