**News Flash: TON Ventures Launches $40M Fund for Early-Stage Crypto Projects**

The Open Network Ventures, a new venture capital firm, has launched a $40 million fund to support early-stage crypto projects within the TON ecosystem. Founded by former senior members of the TON Foundation, the firm aims to connect investors with builders to drive growth and innovation.

**Key Points:**

- **Focus on Consumer Apps:** TON Ventures will leverage Telegram’s social platform, including its social graph and Mini Apps, to support mass appeal applications.

- **Comprehensive Support:** Selected projects will receive financial backing, media support, access to strategic partnerships, and more.

- **Experienced Leadership:** Led by former TON Foundation members, the firm aims to accelerate growth by sharing insights and strategies.

- **Gasless Transactions:** The TON Core team has also introduced the W5 smart wallet standard, enabling gasless transactions on the TON blockchain.

This initiative is set to empower a new generation of innovators within the TON ecosystem.