ApeCoin didn’t start as just another token; it launched as the economic layer of one of the most recognizable NFT brands in crypto. Backed by Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) and Yuga Labs, APE surged immediately after launch, briefly capturing the imagination of the entire NFT market. The token was meant to power a broader ecosystem, including the Otherside metaverse, gaming experiences, DAO governance, and Web3 culture initiatives.