Latest DePIN Funding News

In the latest quarterly report, io.net has demonstrated significant growth in revenue, achieving an impressive 82.6% increase, which brought its total revenue to $5.7 million. This surge in revenue is particularly noteworthy given the broader contraction in the cryptocurrency market, where the market cap of its IO token plummeted by 71.4% to $108 million, alongside a 74.9% drop in token price. Despite these challenges, io.net has successfully integrated with various AI and compute-focused platforms, including partnerships with Zerebro, KREA, and Injective, aimed at enhancing decentralized GPU compute capabilities for applications in AI and DeFi. The infrastructure of io.net, which is built on a decentralized network of GPUs and CPUs, allows for scalable access to compute resources, particularly for machine learning and AI applications. The platform supports a wide array of machine learning frameworks, ensuring flexibility and efficiency in resource allocation. However, the average daily verified compute resources have seen a decline, with verified GPUs and CPUs down 11.1% and 4.5% respectively. This reduction reflects ongoing supply-side challenges and a decrease in token incentives, which has impacted the overall activity within the network. Despite the mixed performance metrics, io.net has maintained a steady pace of development, with numerous collaborations aimed at expanding its ecosystem. The partnerships formed in Q1 2025, including those with Alpha Network and Mira Network, highlight io.net's commitment to enhancing decentralized AI infrastructure. As the project continues to refine its economic models and expand its network capabilities, it remains a key player in the evolving landscape of decentralized compute resources, even amid a challenging market environment.

Ben Goertzel, a pioneer in artificial intelligence, has been advocating for decentralized AI since he wrote his first line of code 30 years ago. As the world stands on the brink of achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), Goertzel emphasizes the importance of decentralization in ensuring that this powerful technology benefits humanity rather than serving centralized powers. At the recent Consensus conference in Toronto, he expressed optimism that AGI could be launched within the next one to three years through his project, SingularityNET, which aims to create a global marketplace for AI services. The project has made significant strides, including partnerships with Mind Network and Filecoin Foundation, a $53 million investment in a modular supercomputer, and a token merger with Ocean Protocol and Fetch.ai. Goertzel's vision for decentralized AI is rooted in his early experiences with the internet, which he initially saw as a decentralized platform. However, he notes that the rise of tech giants like Google and Facebook has led to a more centralized internet, which undermines the foundational principles of decentralization. He argues that for AGI to be a force for good, it must be built on decentralized architecture from the outset. This philosophy is reflected in the design of SingularityNET, Hyperon, and the upcoming ASI Chain, which is tailored for decentralized AI applications. Goertzel believes that the trajectory of the post-AGI era will significantly differ based on the role of decentralized ecosystems in its development. In addition to his work in AI, Goertzel has a history of exploring decentralized money concepts dating back to the 90s. Although he and his peers initially dismissed the practicality of decentralized transactions due to concerns over speed and cost, the emergence of Bitcoin has validated some of his early ideas. He humorously reflects on the missed opportunities of that era, acknowledging that their lack of business acumen prevented them from envisioning the darker applications of decentralized money. Today, Goertzel's commitment to decentralized AI continues to gain traction, positioning him and his initiatives as key players in the evolving landscape of technology and governance.

On May 21, 2025, IoTeX, a prominent Layer 1 blockchain designed for decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN), officially launched its Staking Program on DePINscan. This unified staking interface aims to empower users by providing a simplified and trusted gateway to support and earn from innovative DePIN ecosystems. The program initially offers native staking support for Hivello and Functionland, both of which are incubated by IoTeX, along with integrated staking for other projects like Filecoin, Fluence, Swan, and Aethir, in partnership with technical collaborator Parasail. The launch of the staking program is a significant milestone as it aligns with the maturation of DePIN from a nascent concept to a fully developed industry. Qevan Guo, CTO and Co-Founder of IoTeX, emphasized that this initiative facilitates scalable user participation in real-world infrastructure projects. DePINscan is not merely a dashboard; it represents a gateway to the future of Web3 utility, providing visibility into over 100 projects and an ecosystem value exceeding $1 billion. With the introduction of native and cross-chain staking, token holders can now easily delegate to real-world networks, track rewards, and support aligned DePIN projects. The integration of high-profile projects like Filecoin and Aethir highlights IoTeX's commitment to fostering open collaboration and chain-agnostic support. All staking operations are secured by Parasail’s robust infrastructure, ensuring reliability and scalability for future partners. Dom Carosa, co-founder of Hivello, expressed enthusiasm about the staking program, noting it as a significant opportunity for users to engage with decentralized infrastructure intuitively and rewarding. IoTeX plans to continue onboarding new projects and providing extensive support through marketing, infrastructure tools, and cross-chain integrations, inviting developers and builders to join their staking program.

DeCloud Labs has announced a significant shift in its focus from StackOS to StackAI, marking the end of support for the former and the beginning of a new chapter aimed at enhancing AI agents. After extensive discussions within the community, the company has decided to permanently close the migration process from StackOS to the new STKAI token on Solana. This decision comes in light of ongoing security concerns related to cross-chain bridges, particularly following the PolyNetwork hack, which prompted a reevaluation of their operational strategies. The migration period has provided StackOS token holders ample opportunity to convert their tokens, but the time has come to finalize this transition. The proposal outlines the closure of bridge-based migrations and the establishment of a fixed supply of STKAI tokens, which aims to eliminate confusion surrounding token mintability. As of May 30, 2025, any unconverted STACKAI tokens will be airdropped as STKAI on Solana for those who opened support tickets prior to this date. However, any unclaimed tokens will be considered burned, thereby permanently removing them from circulation. This final step is intended to secure the integrity of the token supply and enhance clarity for both new and existing investors regarding the tokenomics of STKAI. In conclusion, the DAO proposal emphasizes the importance of community engagement, allowing token holders to choose between remaining with StackOS or transitioning fully to StackAI. DeCloud Labs is committed to the development of StackAI moving forward, while also offering support to those interested in continuing the StackOS project. The final voting will take place across three instances to ensure all community members have the opportunity to participate, with the results communicated transparently to the community. This strategic move not only secures the future of STKAI but also addresses the pressing security risks associated with bridge infrastructures.

Alpha Liquid Fund has announced a significant investment in the $XNET token ecosystem, reinforcing its commitment to innovative projects in the decentralized wireless (DeWi) sector. The XNET Foundation is at the forefront of transforming mobile connectivity by addressing the limitations of traditional network infrastructure. By utilizing blockchain technology on the Solana network, Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum, and Wi-Fi 6+, XNET empowers local builders to deploy LTE/5G or carrier-grade Wi-Fi in underserved areas. This community-driven approach not only reduces costs but also enhances scalability, offering resilient connectivity solutions that challenge conventional Mobile Network Operator (MNO) models. Recently, XNET Mobile was recognized as an International Data Corporation (IDC) Innovator in DePIN for 2025. In April, the project achieved a notable milestone with a 16% increase in average daily data offload, showcasing its ongoing momentum. Wes Levitt, the Chief Investment Officer of Alpha Liquid Fund, emphasized the tangible impact of XNET, highlighting the consistent growth in data offload and the strong community support that fuels the network's progress. Alpha Liquid Fund specializes in liquid digital assets, maintaining a 90-day liquidity threshold. The fund employs a rigorous fundamental research approach, investing in digital assets both on the open market and through OTC deals directly from crypto projects. By utilizing institutional hedging tools and diversifying across sectors and market caps, Alpha Liquid Fund aims to deliver strong returns with reduced volatility and risk compared to direct digital asset holdings. Meanwhile, the XNET Foundation continues to drive innovation in decentralized wireless networks, striving to create scalable and cost-effective mobile connectivity solutions globally.

Hivello, a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) aggregator, has announced the listing of its token $HVLO on DePINscan, a prominent analytics platform for DePINs on IoTeX. This strategic move is set to enhance Hivello's visibility within the DePIN and IoTeX ecosystems, allowing users to access information about Hivello and participate in staking directly on IoTeX's Layer 1 blockchain. With the DePIN market projected to grow significantly, this listing positions Hivello at the forefront of a rapidly evolving sector, catering to both crypto enthusiasts and newcomers interested in decentralized infrastructure. The partnership with IoTeX is a pivotal development for Hivello, as it not only increases the accessibility of $HVLO but also provides users with essential tools and incentives to engage with decentralized networks. Domenic Carosa, Chairman of Hivello, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating that it aligns with their mission to onboard Web2 users into the Web3 space. The integration with DePINscan is expected to facilitate a smoother transition for users looking to explore and participate in the DePIN ecosystem, which boasts over 13 million active devices contributing daily. As DePIN adoption accelerates globally, the collaboration between Hivello and IoTeX signifies a major step toward expanding participation in decentralized infrastructure. Qevan Guo, CTO and Co-Founder of IoTeX, highlighted that this launch represents a convergence of technical innovation and strategic partnerships, ultimately making DePIN more accessible to a broader audience. With the market anticipated to soar from $50 billion in 2024 to $3.5 trillion by 2028, Hivello is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth, fostering a new wave of participation in decentralized technologies.

Amsterdam-based Theta Capital Management has successfully raised over $175 million for its latest fund-of-funds, Theta Blockchain Ventures IV, which is designed to support early-stage blockchain startups through specialized venture capital (VC) firms. Ruud Smets, managing partner and chief investment officer at Theta, emphasized that the new fund will invest in crypto-native VC firms known for their ability to back blockchain innovation. Smets highlighted the importance of specialization in the VC space, stating that dedicated crypto VCs have developed a competitive edge over generalist investors, particularly in the initial funding rounds. Since shifting its focus to digital assets in 2018, Theta has managed approximately $1.2 billion and has invested in prominent firms like Polychain Capital and CoinFund. The launch of Theta Blockchain Ventures IV coincides with a resurgence in crypto venture capital, as reported by Galaxy Digital, which noted a 54% increase in VC investment in digital assets during the first quarter of 2025, totaling $4.8 billion. This uptick signals a renewed confidence in the crypto sector following a period of downturn. Despite a decline in the number of deals—405 completed in Q1 2025 compared to 670 in the same period last year—total funding more than doubled year-over-year, reaching $6 billion, up from $2.6 billion in Q1 2024. This indicates that while fewer deals are being made, the overall investment in the sector remains robust. Furthermore, PitchBook's analysis revealed that the majority of the funding, approximately $2.55 billion, was directed towards asset management, trading platforms, and crypto financial services. Infrastructure and development firms also attracted significant investment, raising nearly $955 million. Web3-focused companies followed, securing $231.2 million across 23 deals. Additionally, the anticipated IPO of Circle is expected to be a pivotal moment for the crypto equity market, potentially influencing valuation expectations across the payments and infrastructure sectors. With $1.18 billion in VC funding raised so far, PitchBook estimates a 64% likelihood that Circle will go public, which could further invigorate the market.

The Graph, a prominent indexing and query protocol, has recently integrated Chainlink’s interoperability standard, marking a significant advancement in the cross-chain transfer capabilities of its native token, GRT. This integration allows users to bridge GRT across multiple blockchains, including Solana, Arbitrum, and Base. The Graph team emphasized that this adoption is a crucial step towards enhancing the accessibility and utility of GRT, particularly highlighting the potential benefits for the Solana ecosystem and the broader blockchain landscape. The integration of Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) introduces a range of functionalities, including cross-chain staking, delegation, and query fee payments. This means that developers can now pay for queries on layer 2 chains using GRT, which is expected to streamline operations and enhance user experiences. However, the rollout of these features is contingent upon The Graph successfully launching the necessary bridging infrastructure, which is a critical aspect of this initiative. Chainlink has been actively expanding its technology across the crypto industry, with CCIP gaining notable traction. Recently, CCIP went live on the Solana mainnet, which is anticipated to significantly boost decentralized finance growth by providing access to over $18 billion worth of assets on the chain. Additionally, Lombard has also integrated CCIP, showcasing the versatility and demand for cross-chain solutions in the blockchain space. Since its launch in 2018, The Graph has been a vital platform for developers to build and deploy decentralized applications across various networks, including Ethereum, Solana, and Arbitrum.

As the digital asset market begins to recover from recent volatility, investors are shifting their focus from speculation to real-world utility and long-term adoption potential. One standout project gaining attention is Qubetics ($TICS), which positions itself as the world's first Web3 aggregator. By combining asset tokenization with a robust marketplace, Qubetics aims to convert physical and digital assets into tradable digital tokens, thus addressing one of blockchain's most pressing challenges. This innovative approach not only enhances accessibility to various asset classes but also empowers businesses and individuals to engage in seamless trading, making Qubetics a key player in the race to hit $1. In addition to Qubetics, other tokens like Kaspa (KAS) and Theta (THETA) are also gaining traction. Kaspa utilizes a high-throughput blockDAG model to achieve rapid transaction speeds, making it a strong contender for decentralized technology. Meanwhile, Theta focuses on creating a decentralized content delivery network for video streaming, rewarding users who contribute bandwidth. Both projects are backed by passionate developer communities and are carving their own paths towards mass adoption, showcasing unique narratives that set them apart in the competitive crypto landscape. The Qubetics presale is currently in its 35th stage, with over $17 million raised and a growing number of early adopters. The presale operates on a 7-day cycle, creating continuous price momentum ahead of the mainnet launch in Q2 2025. As the demand for Qubetics continues to rise, it is increasingly viewed as a leading candidate for the next crypto to hit $1, driven by its focus on real-world utility and strategic growth. With its innovative marketplace and cross-chain compatibility, Qubetics is not just another crypto project; it is a potential disruptor in the financial landscape, making it an attractive option for investors looking for long-term gains.

Acurast, a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) based in Zug, Switzerland, has achieved a significant milestone by onboarding over 70,000 smartphones across more than 130 countries. This remarkable growth translates to over 250 million transactions and 10,750 secure compute deployments, all accomplished without the reliance on centralized data centers. Co-Founder Alessandro De Carli emphasized that this achievement is indicative of a transformative shift in infrastructure development, moving from traditional cloud servers to decentralized computing solutions that utilize everyday smartphones. The surge in user adoption has been fueled by the ongoing Public Token Sale on CoinList and the integration of the Solana community, enhancing the accessibility of Acurast's services. The innovative approach of Acurast allows ordinary smartphones, including those that are old or damaged, to function as secure compute nodes. By leveraging modern Hardware Security Modules (HSMs), even lightweight devices can manage sensitive workloads while ensuring confidentiality and verifiability. This model eliminates the need for specialized hardware or mining rigs, making Acurast one of the most accessible DePIN projects available. In less than a month, the network saw an increase of over 10,000 newly onboarded devices, showcasing the rapid expansion driven by strategic partnerships and real-world applications, such as collaborations with FLock.io and HOPR. Acurast's growth signifies not only a technical achievement but also a paradigm shift in global infrastructure development. Modern smartphones are now capable of rivaling traditional servers in performance while being more energy-efficient and widely distributed. Acurast's vision is to create compute hubs in homes, offices, and communities rather than in centralized data centers. By empowering individuals to contribute to this decentralized network with their existing devices, Acurast is paving the way for a more inclusive and powerful future in computing. As De Carli stated, this is the future they believe in, and they invite everyone to join the DePIN movement and participate in building the infrastructure of tomorrow.