DePIN Projects Surge Amid AI Growth and Market Opportunities

Starpower, a startup that develops decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePINs), has raised $2.5 million in new financing, bringing its total funding to $4 million. Framework Ventures led the round. Solana Ventures and Bitscale Capital provided additional support, according to a release shared with The Block. Starpower is creating a decentralized network of energy sources, including storage batteries and electric vehicles, to help meet power needs. Its protocol amassed 1.5 million registered wallets and over 16,000 activated devices, in addition to $1 million in revenue, the release continues. The firm intends to use the funds to continue building its decentralized platform and increase efforts to improve user adoption. Start your day with the most influential events and analysis happening across the digital asset ecosystem. Enter Email Also receive The Scoop, The Funding, and our weekly Data & Insights newsletters By signing-up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy “Starpower envisions a future where decentralized energy solutions address the real-world challenges of renewable energy volatility and the growing energy demands of AI," said Laser Ding, CEO and Co-Founder of Starpower. "By integrating advanced batteries (DeSci) into a resilient, decentralized network, Starpower ensures stable, scalable energy while alleviating pressure on the power grid." Starpower previously raised $1.5 million in pre-seed funding led by the DAO Alliance.

The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a significant surge in activity, particularly with the introduction of Bitcoin and Ethereum Spot ETFs. Major financial players like BlackRock, VanEck, and Fidelity are injecting substantial liquidity into the market, which has shown resilience despite challenges faced in 2024. Nate Geraci, co-founder of the ETF Store and the ETF Institute, emphasizes the growing interest in digital assets and predicts a bright future for crypto ETFs. He highlights that these financial products provide investors with easier access to complex markets, enhancing their investment portfolios. As we look ahead to 2025, Geraci forecasts a positive trajectory for crypto ETFs, driven by shifting political trends and potential leadership changes at the SEC. With pro-crypto figures like Paul Atkins likely to succeed Gary Gensler, the landscape for crypto ETFs could become more favorable. Geraci anticipates the launch of an Ethereum Spot ETF that includes staking, which could reignite interest in Ethereum. Additionally, he predicts that crypto index ETFs from Bitwise and Grayscale will gain approval, expanding the range of financial products available in the sector. The integration of traditional finance with decentralized finance is also noteworthy, as seen with the emergence of crypto indices like the Meme Index, catering to various investor profiles. Geraci suggests that Vanguard may reconsider its stance on crypto ETFs in 2025, potentially capitalizing on market opportunities. Furthermore, he predicts the approval of Solana and XRP Spot ETFs, fueled by optimism surrounding regulatory developments. As the regulatory environment evolves, particularly with Donald Trump’s anticipated presidency, the U.S. could solidify its position as a global cryptocurrency hub, making 2025 a pivotal year for crypto ETFs.

In the rapidly evolving world of blockchain and web3, accessing reliable, structured data is crucial for innovation. The recent launch of GoldRush Blockchain Data APIs on Google Cloud Marketplace provides developers with essential resources that streamline development processes. This integration enhances AI capabilities and alleviates the challenges of managing multiple data sources, ultimately transforming workflows and driving the future of blockchain and AI applications. GoldRush offers a suite of tools designed to simplify web3 development, including token balances, transaction histories, event logs, and NFT metadata, all accessible via APIs, SDKs, and UI Kits. These resources cater to foundational use cases like wallets and crypto tax tools, while also enabling advanced applications such as on-chain verification and regulatory compliance. By structuring blockchain data, GoldRush enhances reliability and usability, making it valuable for both crypto-native developers and enterprises exploring blockchain technology for the first time. The integration with Google Cloud's AI tools, such as Vertex AI, allows developers to create innovative applications like NFT management tools, predictive models for token performance, and fraud detection systems. This ecosystem reduces technical overhead, enabling developers to focus on innovation. Additionally, streamlined billing and enhanced security simplify expense management, making cloud-based development more efficient. By listing on Google Cloud Marketplace, GoldRush expands its reach to a wider audience, from agile web3 startups to established Fortune 500 companies, serving as a critical enabler for AI model training and decision-making processes in the blockchain space.

Nosana is making significant strides in the decentralized computing landscape with its innovative GPU-based compute grid designed specifically for AI inference tasks. By leveraging underutilized consumer-grade GPUs, Nosana offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional cloud providers, boasting savings of up to 2.5 times. In 2024 alone, the network completed 985,000 jobs, driven by a surge in demand following the onboarding of 1,000 new nodes. With 29.7 million NOS tokens staked, valued at approximately $92.4 million, the project is gearing up for its mainnet launch scheduled for Q1 2025, which will fully operationalize its GPU compute grid. Initially launched in 2021 to provide decentralized automation services for developers, Nosana pivoted towards AI inference in response to the explosive growth in AI demand post-ChatGPT. This strategic shift was motivated by the realization that the need for AI computational resources was outpacing supply, leading to high costs. By creating a marketplace where individuals can rent out their idle GPU power, Nosana not only addresses this demand but also allows GPU owners to earn passive income. The project’s focus on AI inference positions it uniquely in the decentralized computing sector, aiming to provide accessible and affordable resources for AI developers and researchers. Nosana's ecosystem is further strengthened by partnerships with various organizations, enhancing its GPU marketplace's capabilities. Collaborations with companies like Matrix One and PiKNiK illustrate the versatility of Nosana's network in handling diverse computational tasks. As the project prepares for its mainnet launch, the NOS token will play a crucial role in facilitating transactions and governance within the network. With a dynamic staking rewards system in place, Nosana is poised to attract and retain node operators, ensuring the sustainability and growth of its decentralized compute grid in the competitive AI landscape.

The blockchain industry is currently experiencing significant fluctuations, particularly highlighted by the latest price analysis of Filecoin (FIL). Despite positive market signals and technical support, FIL struggles to maintain upward momentum, currently priced around $5.14. The analysis indicates a mix of highs and lows, with stability found near $4.85. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 56 suggests a cautiously optimistic outlook, although challenges from major cloud storage firms and regulatory uncertainties remain. The resistance level at $8.42, linked to the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement, is critical for any potential price recovery. Investors are watching these developments closely, hoping for a resurgence in Filecoin's market performance. In parallel, the Web3 ecosystem is expanding rapidly, bridging the gap between decentralized and traditional finance. Partnerships, such as that between Pyth Network and Revolut, showcase how decentralized frameworks can enhance the financial sector by providing real-time data to blockchain applications. This evolution encourages traditional financial institutions to explore decentralized markets, paving the way for broader adoption. As the Web3 ecosystem matures, advancements in data sharing, security, and decentralized finance (DeFi) are becoming more practical, solidifying a robust foundation for future growth. A standout player in this evolving landscape is Web3Bay, which is revolutionizing e-commerce by integrating blockchain technology with a user-centric approach. The platform has successfully raised over $630K and sold 175 million of its 3BAY tokens at an attractive price of $0.0039675. Web3Bay emphasizes community governance, allowing token holders to participate in decision-making processes as it transitions towards a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO). This community-focused model not only empowers users but also enhances the value of transactions through discounts. With plans for NFT marketplaces and cross-chain interactions, Web3Bay is poised to redefine the future of decentralized e-commerce, making it a promising opportunity for those interested in digital asset trading.

The cryptocurrency market is witnessing a surge in innovative projects that promise long-term value for investors. Among the top altcoins to consider are Qubetics, Bittensor TAO, and Arbitrum. Qubetics is making waves with its presale of $TICS tokens, having raised over $9.3 million by selling more than 413 million tokens. This project focuses on real-world asset tokenization, allowing investors to own fractions of physical assets like real estate and art, thus democratizing investment opportunities. Analysts predict significant returns following its mainnet launch, making it a compelling option for long-term holders. Bittensor TAO is revolutionizing the artificial intelligence landscape by creating a decentralized network that allows anyone to contribute to and benefit from AI models. Unlike traditional AI systems dominated by tech giants, Bittensor fosters an open environment where developers can train and deploy models while users gain access without centralized barriers. This approach not only democratizes AI but also presents a lucrative investment opportunity as the technology becomes increasingly integrated across various industries, positioning Bittensor as a top altcoin for the future. Lastly, Arbitrum addresses Ethereum's scalability issues through its innovative optimistic rollups technology, enabling faster and cheaper transactions without sacrificing security. This has made it a favorite among developers and users alike, as it supports the development of decentralized applications (dApps) that enhance user experience. With its strong community focus and growing ecosystem, Arbitrum stands out as a solid investment choice among the top altcoins. Together, these projects represent significant opportunities for investors looking to build a robust crypto portfolio for the long term.