Castle Island Ventures co-founder Nic Carter has expressed concerns about the current crypto cycle's challenges, noting that success is harder to achieve not due to a single negative factor but because attention has shifted towards AI and the "Mag 7". Carter pointed out that cryptocurrencies have moved from the spotlight to the periphery, lacking clear catalysts, buying interest, and attention, with price weakness stemming more from fatigue and "DAT" syndrome aftermath. Carter emphasized that traditional narratives like the "four-year cycle" and "altcoin season" are no longer effective. He stressed that to achieve returns, the crypto industry must focus on genuinely building products and consistently delivering real value.