Compiled by: Golden Finance
This week, 26 blockchain startups raised a total of $152.5 million. Ten projects received seed and pre-seed rounds, and 15 projects received other rounds of financing. 0G Labs raised $40 million in the Pre-seed round of financing, the largest financing this week.
The biggest funding round of the week
0G Labs raised $40 million in a seed round led by Hack VC, Delphi Digital, OKX Ventures (formerly OKEx Blockdream Ventures), Samsung Next, Bankless Ventures, Animoca Brands, Yat Siu, Sandeep Nailwal, Stanford Blockchain Club, Abstract Ventures, Alchemy Ventures, Blockdaemon Ventures, and Foresight Ventures.
0G.ai has launched the first modular artificial intelligence (AI) chain, aiming to revolutionize AI decentralized applications (dApps) through its infinitely scalable and programmable data availability (DA) layer. It leverages Web3 modular infrastructure and advanced tools to provide a unique environment for frictionless development to fully unleash the potential of Web3.
Pre-seed and seed financing rounds
Heurist raised $2 million in a pre-seed round with participation from Amber Group, Contango Digital Assets, Manifold, Selini Capital, Sharding Capital, X Ventures, Origin Capital, Zephyrus Capital, Mozaik Capital, Steroids Capital, Blue7, DCF God, Altcoin Sherpa, Jack Sun, and Andy.
Heurist Protocol is a ZK Layer-2 blockchain network focused on democratizing AI reasoning by providing serverless access to open source AI models with low fees and enhanced privacy. Its ecosystem includes an AI decentralized application (dApp) store, a decentralized model registry (dModel Cloud), and a software development kit (SDK) for seamless integration, meeting the needs of Web2 and Web3 developers. Heurist also allows GPU miners to contribute computing power to decentralized AI infrastructure.
0G Labs raised $40 million in a seed round led by Hack VC, Delphi Digital, OKX Ventures (formerly OKEx Blockdream Ventures), Samsung Next, Bankless Ventures, Animoca Brands, Yat Siu, Sandeep Nailwal, Stanford Blockchain Club, Abstract Ventures, Alchemy Ventures, Blockdaemon Ventures, and Foresight Ventures.
0G.ai has launched the first modular AI chain, aiming to revolutionize AI decentralized applications (dApps) through its infinitely scalable and programmable data availability (DA) layer. It provides a unique environment for frictionless development using Web3 modular infrastructure and advanced tools to fully unleash the potential of Web3.
Eidon raised $3.5 million in a seed round with participation from Framework Ventures* and Cyber Fund.
Eidon is a decentralized AI data collection platform that uses "tasks" to collect real-world data for training advanced AI models. Users participate in data collection tasks and earn rewards while contributing to diverse datasets. Eidon leverages crypto-economic incentives to create privacy-focused decentralized AI development and includes AI-driven agents ("MemAgents") for task management and data verification. The platform is designed to create high-quality AI data for applications such as speech-to-text and object recognition.
FanDuel (BetHog) has raised $6 million in a seed round with participation from 6th Man Ventures (6MV)*, Will Ventures, Bullpen Capital, Karatage, Advancit Capital, Josh Hannah, and Chris Grove.
FanDuel is a leading online sports betting and daily fantasy sports platform. BetHog is a new cryptocurrency casino and sports betting platform launched by the founders of FanDuel, offering unique games and a player-centric experience. Built on the Solana blockchain, BetHog supports player-versus-player (PvP) casino games, including exclusive “BetHog Originals” that offer innovative gameplay, such as Crash and Mining. Its first-of-its-kind PvP feature enables users to play games with popular streamers. BetHog accepts SOL as a payment method for its PvP games, and also supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT, appealing to the growing cryptocurrency gaming market.
Tranched raised $3.4 million in a pre-seed round with participation from Speedinvest*, a16z Crypto Startup Accelerator (CSX), Blockwall, Kima Ventures, and OVNI Capital.
Tranched is an on-chain securitization protocol that enables fintech lenders and institutional investors to create and invest in structured financial products directly on the blockchain. It provides a tokenized approach to loan pools with transparent stratification, automated reporting, and instant liquidity, enabling efficient, compliant financing structures. Investors have access to senior, mezzanine, and subordinated strata with enforceable on-chain security and transparency.
TAC raised $6.5 million in a seed round led by Hack VC, Symbolic Capital (formerly Hyperedge Capital), TON Ventures, Primitive, Animoca Ventures, P2 Ventures (Polygon Ventures), Karatage, The Spartan Group, Paper Ventures, Bitscale Capital, Ankr Network, CMT Digital, Mentat Group, Sandeep Nailwal, and Ashwin Ramachandran.
TAC is an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible network extension of the TON blockchain that enables Solidity-based decentralized applications (dApps) to be seamlessly deployed on TON without code modification. It uses a decentralized bridge to connect EVM functionality with TON's infrastructure, enabling dApps to be directly integrated into Telegram as mini-apps and reach a large user base. Through automated cross-chain messaging and asset bridges, TAC provides developers with a simplified path to enter the TON ecosystem.
Akave has raised $3.5 million in a pre-seed round with participation from Protocol Labs, Blockchange Ventures, Lightshift, and Blockchain Builders Fund (BBF).
Akave is a decentralized Layer 2 data management platform that focuses on bringing data lakes to the chain and providing modular storage solutions. It leverages Filecoin for storage and is enhanced with an S3-compatible interface to provide verifiable, cost-effective, and scalable data solutions. It supports AI workloads, data encryption, and edge computing for efficient AI operations, and is designed to provide high data persistence and control in Web3. Akave provides storage policy customization capabilities through its Oasis protocol and gateway, providing long-term data availability for AI, blockchain, and Web3 applications.
mbd raised $3 million in a pre-seed round with participation from Mask Network, Polymorphic Capital, a16z Crypto Startup Accelerator (CSX), Forward Research, Social Graph Ventures, and WAGMI Ventures.
MBD provides AI-driven content personalization, moderation, and discovery solutions tailored for decentralized social media and Web3 applications. It provides pre-built and custom AI models to create real-time, spam-free, and highly engaging user experiences. Developers can use MBD's API to build personalized information flows, chat interfaces, and advanced filters to meet the unique needs of Web3 in content management and user interaction.
Brevis raised $7.5 million in a seed round with participation from Polychain Capital, Binance Labs Fund, IOSG Ventures, Nomad Capital, Bankless Ventures, and Hashkey Capital.
Brevis is a ZK-powered cross-chain data authentication platform that enables decentralized applications (dApps) to access and compute complete historical on-chain data on multiple blockchains in a trustless manner. It allows developers to integrate data-driven logic (from decentralized finance (DeFi) to user engagement and identity) into applications by building custom circuits to generate ZK proofs for on-chain verification. This opens up use cases such as zkBridges, zkDIDs, data-driven DeFi, and provides a powerful infrastructure for cross-chain applications.
MiniTon raised an undisclosed amount in a seed round with participation from Waterdrip Capital, Alchemy Pay, Cryptogram Venture (CGV), and Web3Port Labs.
MiniTon is a social gaming platform backed by the TON Foundation that has launched "Tournaments as a Service" (TaaS), providing Web2 developers with a seamless path to Web3 through blockchain-based competitive games. By enabling developers to create sustainable revenue streams through in-game content rather than relying on tokens, MiniTon transforms the gaming experience through features such as a prediction protocol for investor participation. MiniTon aims to optimize casual games in Web3 through a tailored "Mini" series of platforms covering multiple blockchains such as Kaia, Solana, BSC, Ethereum, and Base.
Other investment rounds
Thetan World raised an undisclosed amount in a round of funding in which Blizzard participated.
Thetan World is a Web3 gaming ecosystem that combines decentralized gaming with an NFT marketplace, social features, and developer tools. Powered by games like Thetan Arena, Thetan Rivals, and Thetan Immortal, the platform enables players to earn tokens, trade NFTs, and participate in tournaments. With SDK support for developers, anti-cheat mechanisms, and wallet integrations, Thetan World is focused on creating a seamless and engaging gaming experience for Web3 enthusiasts.
Fintek Securities Pty Ltd. raised an undisclosed amount in a round of M&A funding with participation from Crypto.com Capital.
Fintek Securities Pty Ltd. is an Australian regulated brokerage and trading company that holds an Australian Financial Services License issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). It provides a global trading platform covering a wide range of financial instruments including foreign exchange, cryptocurrencies, stocks, ETFs, indices and commodities. With tailored account options, competitive spreads and leverage, Fintek provides 24/5 customer service and integrates advanced trading tools to provide a secure, efficient and user-friendly experience on a variety of devices.
Folks Finance raised $3.2 million in a Series A funding round with participation from Borderless Capital*, Algorand Ventures, Mapleblock Capital, and Sovo Ventures.
Folks Finance is a non-custodial decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol that provides financial tools for digital assets. Smart contract technology enables Folks Finance to offer advanced strategies while eliminating the risk of centralized intervention. Users can deposit assets to earn yield, and can also use their deposits as collateral for loans. The integration of the Folks Router DEX aggregator enables the protocol to conduct native swaps and integrate with other operations. Flash loans provide developers with the keys to deep liquidity. Algo Liquid Governance and Cross-Chain Algo Liquid Governance provides the most efficient way to participate in Algorand governance through gALGO and xALGO, and its use cases are expanding rapidly.
Prosper raised an undisclosed amount in a round that also included participation from BIT Mining (BTCM).
Prosper is a decentralized protocol that connects Bitcoin mining to the blockchain by providing hashrate-backed tokens (PROS) that represent real-time Bitcoin mining power. Through a community-driven foundation, Prosper directly owns and manages institutional-grade mining hardware and rewards token holders with Bitcoin at cost. Users can stake PROS, earn Bitcoin rewards, and participate in governance to influence the development of the protocol. Prosper's mission is to integrate Bitcoin hashrate with Web3 and support the long-term growth of the ecosystem.
Hook Protocol raised an undisclosed amount in a round of M&A funding in which Caldera participated.
Hook Protocol is an NFT-based call options protocol that uses settlement auctions to determine the final price of the underlying asset, providing a unique way to trade options without relying on oracles. Options unlock new yield and hedging opportunities for NFT holders. At the same time, traders can use options to speculate on price changes and gain safer leverage.
Utopia raised an undisclosed amount in a round of M&A funding in which Coinbase participated.
Utopia Labs is a platform focused on enhancing on-chain payments by providing tools that facilitate secure and efficient payment solutions in the blockchain ecosystem. Recently acquired by Coinbase, Utopia Labs has played a key role in developing products that streamline on-chain transactions, making them more convenient, cost-effective, and efficient for users around the world.
Blast Royale raised $698,900 in a public sale funding round.
Blast Royale is a mobile battle royale game built for the Web3 generation, offering a fast-paced, blockchain-infused gaming experience. The game focuses on player asset ownership and active participation, aiming to drive mainstream cryptocurrency adoption while integrating NFTs to enable community-generated assets and innovative gameplay experiences. As part of the decentralized gaming community, Blast Royale aims to evolve over time through community contributions and a long-term development roadmap.
Wyden raised $16.9 million in a Series B funding round with participation from Truffle Capital*, PostFinance, Sygnum, FiveT Fintech (formerly Avaloq Ventures), and C3 Venture Capital.
Wyden is an institutional-grade cryptocurrency trading platform that provides an end-to-end solution for managing digital assets. It supports banks, hedge funds, brokerage firms and asset managers, streamlining the entire trade lifecycle, including order execution, treasury management and settlement. Wyden ensures best execution using advanced algorithms and automation through global connectivity to exchanges and custodians.
Ennoventure raised $8.9 million in a Series A funding round with participation from Tanglin Venture Partners* and Fenice Investment Group.
Ennoventure provides advanced anti-counterfeiting solutions that protect brands using invisible cryptographic signatures. Their technology can be seamlessly integrated into existing production processes, enabling brands to add secure and invisible markings to packaging without the need for special inks or equipment. Ennoventure's solutions are powered by AI and cryptography, allowing consumers and companies to verify product authenticity using a smartphone camera, providing a scalable and capital-expense-free way to combat counterfeiting for industries such as pharmaceuticals, FMCG and electronics.
Mocaverse (Moca) has raised $10 million in a round of funding from OKX Ventures (formerly OKEx Blockdream Ventures), HongShan (formerly Sequoia China), Republic Crypto, Decima, and Kingsway Capital.
Mocaverse is Animoca Brands’ gamified metaverse product featuring unique Moca creatures that users can collect, play, and trade as NFTs. Users can explore the Mocaverse, participate in challenges, customize their Moca creatures, and contribute to its development by participating in governance.
Corn raised an undisclosed amount in a round that also included participation from OKX Ventures (formerly OKEx Blockdream Ventures).
Corn is an Ethereum Layer 2 solution built on top of Bitcoin that enhances Bitcoin's utility by paying fees in Bitcoin when using the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. Corn has launched BTCN, a hybrid tokenized Bitcoin backed 1:1 by native Bitcoin, providing Bitcoin holders with flexible options to use their assets in DeFi without relying on centralized intermediaries.
Notabene raised $14.5 million in Series B funding from DRW Venture Capital*, ParaFi Capital, Wintermute, CMT Digital, F-Prime Capital, Green Visor Capital, Illuminate Financial, Jump Capital, Signature Ventures, Y Combinator, Nextblock, and Apollo Global Management.
Notabene is an end-to-end compliance platform designed to help virtual asset service providers (VASPs) meet regulatory standards such as the Travel Rule. Its SafeTransact platform provides real-time risk management, automated sanctions screening, self-hosted wallet identification, and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance processes. By providing a unified view of transactions, Notabene enables secure and compliant cross-border crypto transactions, providing a comprehensive compliance tool for financial institutions and crypto companies.
Zerion raised an undisclosed amount in angel funding from Cooper Turley, Spencer Noon, Banteg, Alex Gluchowski, and Patricio Worthalter, among others.
Zerion is a decentralized finance platform that allows technical and non-technical users to acquire, track, and manage decentralized finance (DeFi) assets.
StakeStone raised $22 million in a round of funding from Polychain Capital*, Binance Labs Fund, OKX Ventures (formerly OKEx Blockdream Ventures), SevenX Ventures, Nomad Capital, Hashkey Capital, Amber Group, Coinsummer Labs, Bankless Ventures, dao5 (daofive), Symbolic Capital (formerly Hyperedge Capital), Arcane Group, Quantstamp, Unity Ventures, Zonff Partners, Youbi Capital, Bonfire Union, Skyland Ventures, and GTS Ventures.
StakeStone is a decentralized protocol that provides scalable, yield-optimizing services for Ethereum stakers. It uses the non-repricing token STONE to represent staked ether and provides competitive returns on multiple blockchains through decentralized portfolio optimization. StakeStone supports cross-chain compatibility and multi-scenario adaptation, enabling users to maximize capital efficiency through real-time yield generation. It promotes an ecosystem in which STONE can be used in a variety of DeFi scenarios including exchanges, stablecoin minting, lending, and derivatives markets.
Multiledgers raised $1 million in a funding round from Oxygea Ventures, Indicator Capital, and Koyamaki Ventures, among others.
Multiledgers is a blockchain infrastructure platform that provides blockchain as a service (BaaS) and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) solutions, focusing on enabling multi-cloud and blockchain protocol integration for enterprises. The platform is designed to help enterprises create, manage and integrate blockchain networks to serve industries such as supply chain, finance and energy. By focusing on managing environmental certificates and ensuring regulatory compliance, Multiledgers enables secure, cross-cloud value chain tracking and accelerates blockchain adoption.
smlXL raised an undisclosed amount from Dune in an acquisition financing round.
smlXL is a blockchain infrastructure service platform dedicated to improving the utility, accessibility and transparency of public computers through blockchain technology. It provides a variety of tools and products, including evm.storage, a platform that provides secure and efficient data storage for Ethereum smart contracts. smlXL is a valuable resource for developers seeking to build and manage blockchain applications, and promotes the principles of transparency and accessibility in the blockchain ecosystem.
