ProximaX is a platform being built upon the NEM chain. It will not in any way "cannibalize" NEM, but will provide lots of utility. It will allow anyone to build dApps utilizing the NEM blockchain.
ProximaX has an entirely different development team than NEM. So it's not like NEM devs are getting sidetracked.
XPX, the ProximaX token will require XEM fee to transfer, further strengthening XEM utility.
I wasn't going to share this, but if it helps calm the FUD, I suppose I will. - I was told by Lon that ProximaX ICO will "most likely" offer a favorable exchange rate in XEM. This should really drive the price of XEM once the news is official, as anyone participating in the ICO should buy XEM first, then trade the XEM for XPX to get the best deal.
I find it silly that people would think building upon NEM somehow would hurt it. This is what NEM is for!
ICO's are used for start ups to achieve funding to build a project. There is no need for an ICO if your project is completed. Therefor, saying that "no ICO has gone anywhere" doesn't make much sense. It's similar to saying that putting gas in your car is pointless, because it didn't get you to where you needed to go.
Gas and ICOs are fuel to make progress, they are not progress themselves.
However, you should always do your own research into the people behind any ICO. I don't think anyone will find much similarity between Bankera or Petro and upcoming the ProximaX ICO.
IMO - ProximaX will be one of the best crypto investments of the year.
Also, if you haven't already - sign up with myCoinvest. This is another great project built on NEM, and has a great team. Right now you can participate in airdrop and other tasks to earn free CVZT. And the ICO will be launching in June, I believe.
ALL stolen XEM has been sold and dumped on the market, minus a 16mill account that has not been touched since March 4th, and trivial amounts scattered about. Read last few pages of this thread for more details.
I have written to media outlets sharing the information that I've gathered, but they have yet to report on it. It appears there is no crypto journalist covering the topic that is actually willing to do real work and info gathering. Instead they copy+paste quotes, and use bots to pull info from twitter and other sources.
Because of the inaccurate reporting, many are still afraid to buy XEM, as they assume the hacker, or customers of his, can still dump on the market.