Creating sustainable tokenomics for CeDeFi ecosystems isn’t just about balancing CeFi’s stability with DeFi’s flexibility — it’s about understanding user behavior, making strategic decisions, and building for long-term growth. In this case study, we share how we tackled these challenges with a practical, user-focused approach that led to a sustainable tokenomics model and an engaged community.

Client overview

Our client launched a next-generation wallet designed to make Web3 accessible to everyone. The wallet seamlessly connects Web2 and Web3 experiences, blending the reliability of CeFi with the adaptability of DeFi. With 9 million followers across Telegram and 2 million monthly active users on its mini-app, the project quickly gained attention. However, sustaining this growth required a comprehensive tokenomics strategy.

Challenges faced

Attracting users was only part of the story. The bigger challenge lay in building a sustainable CeDeFi ecosystem:

• The launch of a T2E game with an airdrop brought rapid user acquisition. However, sustaining engagement without a long-term tokenomics strategy would be difficult.
• The team needed to clarify the token’s purpose, integrating it into the ecosystem in a way that would drive long-term value.
• The mini-app attracted drop hunters — users interested in short-term gains rather than contributing to the project’s growth. Filtering these users and rewarding those who genuinely supported the platform became essential.

Objectives

The project required more than just a technical solution. It needed a comprehensive strategy that:

• Defined its target markets and competitive landscape
• Identified how to position the project’s unique strengths
• Structured an airdrop that encouraged meaningful engagement
• Clarified token utilities that aligned with user needs
• Designed scalable tokenomics to support future growth

Approach

Understanding the competition

We examined dozens of CeDeFi and wallet projects to understand what worked, what didn’t, and where opportunities existed. Through this analysis, we identified five key competitors and pinpointed gaps in the market. This gave the project a clear direction, highlighting unique advantages to build upon.

Analyzing the audience

To build a sustainable community, we needed to understand who was genuinely invested in the project’s future. Our analysis revealed three distinct user groups:

• Loyal users: Showed long-term commitment.
• Casual users: Had potential for deeper engagement.
• Drophunters: Focused on quick rewards.

By focusing on the first two groups, we developed strategies that encouraged sustained participation and built a loyal user base.

Redefining the airdrop strategy

The airdrop needed to do more than attract attention; it had to reward users who were in it for the long haul. We designed a points-based system that measured meaningful engagement — activity that contributed to the project’s growth. A balanced coefficient system ensured fair distribution, weeding out drop hunters and building a loyal user base.

Building sustainable tokenomics

Tokenomics is the backbone of any Web3 project. We designed a sustainable CeDeFi tokenomics model that:

• Allocated tokens fairly among the community, team, and partners
• Provided meaningful utilities, such as staking, fee payments, and premium access
• Incorporated stability mechanisms to protect against price volatility

This model not only supported day-to-day operations but also provided a solid foundation for future growth.

Communicating the vision

A well-structured whitepaper brought everything together. It explained the token’s role, technical details, and market strategy in clear, accessible language. More than just a technical document, it served as a roadmap for users transitioning from Web2 to Web3, simplifying onboarding and boosting user confidence.

Results achieved

Our comprehensive approach delivered measurable outcomes:

• 30% increase in active staking users post-tokenomics launch.
• 45% reduction in drop hunter activity due to the refined airdrop system.
• Seamless integration of tokens into core wallet functionalities, boosting user participation through staking and transaction features.

The refined airdrop system successfully filtered out short-term participants, ensuring that only long-term contributors were rewarded.

Conclusion

Sustainable growth in Web3 doesn’t happen by chance. It requires thoughtful planning, a deep understanding of the audience, and clear token utility. By addressing these areas, the project now has a strong foundation for continuous development — ready to scale, built on trust, and focused on long-term success.

Looking to design sustainable tokenomics for your CeDeFi project? Get in touch with Mezen to build your growth strategy today.