Latest DePIN Funding News

The concept of Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) has gained significant attention in 2024, although its roots trace back further. The term DePIN was popularized in late 2022 by Messari, which categorized various projects under this umbrella. Among the pioneering DePINs, Helium stands out with its extensive network of over 996,000 routers and a market cap exceeding $1 billion for its HNT token. Helium exemplifies the practical benefits of decentralization, providing localized 5G coverage that traditional telecom infrastructures often overlook. This shift towards decentralized solutions reflects a growing recognition of the value they bring beyond mere security and resistance to censorship. As the DePIN landscape evolves, experts like Álvaro Gracia and Sean Carey are exploring new categorizations for these networks. They distinguish between 'bespoke' networks, which require specific hardware like Helium, and 'commodity' networks that can operate on everyday devices, such as smartphones. Projects like NATIX and Wingbits illustrate this trend, enabling users to earn tokens by contributing data through their devices. These innovations suggest that the potential for disruption in the DePIN space is vast, particularly as more individuals can participate without the need for specialized infrastructure. Looking ahead, DePINs are poised to transform various sectors, including electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. With EV adoption outpacing the establishment of public charging stations, decentralized solutions are emerging to connect EV owners with private chargers. Initiatives like PowerPod leverage token incentives to encourage participation, while Minima explores a model where tokens manage access rather than serve as payment. This approach could redefine how users interact with charging infrastructure, blending decentralized technology with traditional fiat payment systems, thus broadening the appeal and usability of DePINs in everyday life.

Filecoin, a prominent player in the blockchain space, is set to make significant strides beyond its traditional focus on decentralized storage. The company is reportedly launching a new product called Filecoin Web Services, which aims to create a decentralized cloud marketplace. This strategic move, highlighted in a recent Messari report, positions Filecoin to delve into AI-centered products, thereby broadening its offerings and potentially enhancing the demand for its FIL cryptocurrency. The report indicates that this expansion will facilitate easier access to decentralized solutions for developers, aligning with current trends in AI and decentralized infrastructure within the blockchain ecosystem. Despite the expansion, Filecoin's core service of decentralized storage continues to show robust utilization. In Q3 2024, storage utilization surged to 29.6%, a significant increase from just 4.1% in Q1 2023. This growth can be attributed to a rise in the number of large dataset clients, which now totals 518, each subscribing to over 1,000 TiB. However, the overall storage capacity has seen a decline, dropping from 13.8 billion EiB to 5.4 billion EiB during the same period. This dynamic suggests that while Filecoin is expanding its service offerings, it is also navigating challenges related to storage capacity. In the broader cryptocurrency market, FIL has struggled to maintain bullish momentum, trading at $3.59 after a notable decline of 10.21% over the past week. This downturn has overshadowed recent gains, as investor interest has shifted towards other narratives, particularly those involving memecoins and AI. As Filecoin ventures into new growth segments, the long-term impact on its competitiveness and the demand for FIL remains to be seen. While the immediate outlook may be challenging, the expansion into AI and decentralized services could ultimately enhance Filecoin's attractiveness to investors in the future.

The blockchain landscape is rapidly evolving, with numerous projects vying for attention. Among these, OZO, Mil.k, and TOMI have emerged as notable contenders, each presenting unique propositions that could potentially lead to significant returns. This article delves into the core attributes of these three tokens, exploring their potential to achieve a remarkable 20X growth. OZO, or Ozone Chain, is built on quantum-resistant technology, positioning it as a robust investment for the future. Analysts predict that as more users adopt OZO, demand will surge, driving up its price. Currently trading at $0.2304, OZO boasts a low volatility rate of 0.22%. With projections indicating a potential price increase of 227.98% over the next month, reaching approximately $0.766306, OZO is seen as a long-term investment, particularly for industries requiring high-security data solutions, such as healthcare and government. On the other hand, Mil.k is revolutionizing the loyalty points landscape by providing a platform that connects various reward systems across service providers, particularly in the travel and lifestyle sectors. Priced at $0.2125, Mil.k aims to create a global marketplace for trading loyalty points, addressing the fragmentation issue prevalent in the industry. With expectations of a 20-30% increase in value over the next six months, Mil.k could see its price stabilize around $0.3561. Meanwhile, TOMI distinguishes itself through its decentralized approach, enhancing user privacy and content ownership. Currently valued at $0.03417, TOMI has the potential for a 20-40% growth as it expands its user base and partnerships. Each of these projects holds promise, with the potential to significantly impact the blockchain sector in the coming years.

The crypto market is experiencing a surge of optimism as we move into 2024, with Bitcoin reaching new all-time highs and Ethereum receiving regulatory approvals for spot ETH ETFs. This positive sentiment has sparked discussions about the future of the crypto landscape, highlighting key narratives that are expected to shape the industry in the coming years. Among these trends, decentralized social platforms, restaking, data availability layers, decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN), tokenization of real-world assets (RWA), artificial intelligence (AI), and political memecoins are emerging as significant drivers of both buzz and utility. Decentralized social platforms are gaining traction as they offer users censorship-free environments and control over their data. Platforms like Warpcast and Friend.tech are leading this movement, allowing users to migrate their content and followers seamlessly. Meanwhile, restaking, a concept pioneered by EigenLayer, allows validators to lock up liquid staking tokens as collateral, enhancing the security of the Ethereum network while enabling token holders to earn additional yields. This trend has led to the emergence of several competitors in the restaking space, further diversifying the market. The tokenization of real-world assets is another trend that is gaining momentum, with major players like BlackRock entering the space. By representing assets such as real estate and fine art as digital tokens, tokenization facilitates fractional ownership and enhances liquidity. Additionally, the AI narrative continues to grow, with projects like Fetch.ai and Bittensor focusing on creating decentralized AI solutions. Lastly, political memecoins have captured the attention of investors as they satirize political figures, reflecting the speculative nature of the crypto market. As 2024 unfolds, these narratives will likely continue to evolve and influence the crypto ecosystem significantly.

In the aftermath of the ETHOnline hackathon, the DIMO developer community is buzzing with excitement and innovation. Developers are actively engaging with the DIMO team, sharing ideas and proposals for continuous development on the platform. Notably, one developer is collaborating on a data insight layer that promises to enhance the experience for all developers, while another is working on a no-code solution for DIMO APIs. Additionally, many developers have applied for the DIMO Ignite Grants Program, seeking funding for their innovative business proposals. This vibrant developer activity underscores the core mission behind the DIMO Network: to foster a thriving ecosystem for developers. As the DIMO team progresses with their developer roadmap, significant milestones are being achieved. The upcoming launch of the Global Accounts project, implemented as Accounts API, is a key highlight. This RESTful API service will facilitate the creation of DIMO accounts, allowing users to register a signer account and provision a smart contract wallet. With a focus on user security, the signer wallet is protected by Turnkey’s policy engine, ensuring that only the end user has control. Furthermore, the integration of a fiat-to-crypto on-ramp using Stripe will streamline transactions, making it easier for users to engage with the DIMO ecosystem. The introduction of the DIMO Transactions SDK marks another major advancement, providing developers with the tools to execute on-chain transactions seamlessly. This SDK supports both React Native and web applications, enabling developers to send DIMO tokens, mint vehicles, and manage ownership permissions without switching between applications. By allowing applications to sponsor on-chain transactions, the DIMO Transactions SDK alleviates concerns about gas fees for end users. As the DIMO Engineering team continues to innovate and revolutionize the automotive industry, the community is encouraged to join the conversation and contribute to the development of this exciting network.

Helium (HNT) has recently garnered significant attention as it approaches a critical breakout zone, with potential for a price surge if it can overcome key resistance levels. Trading at $7.08 at the time of reporting, HNT has experienced a notable 17% increase over the past week. This upward momentum has brought the token close to a pivotal resistance level at $8.00, raising the question of whether HNT can maintain this momentum and trigger a larger bullish rally. The formation of a symmetrical triangle pattern on Helium's chart suggests that a significant price movement may be imminent, particularly if the token can break through the upper trendline of the triangle. Technical indicators present a mixed outlook for HNT. The MACD shows positive signals, with the MACD line crossing above the signal line, indicating upward momentum. Additionally, the histogram has turned green, reinforcing a bullish perspective. However, the Stochastic RSI indicates that HNT is currently in the overbought zone at 98, suggesting a potential brief pullback before any further upward movement. If this pullback remains minor, it could pave the way for another surge in HNT's price, supporting the overall bullish narrative. Whale accumulation further underscores the growing confidence in HNT, as large investors control 58.86% of the stablecoin supply, indicating strong interest among major players. The Open Interest (OI)-Weighted Funding Rate for HNT also reflects increasing bullish sentiment among futures traders, sitting at 0.0192%. This suggests that more traders are betting on price increases, willing to pay to maintain their long positions. As traders remain cautious of potential short-term pullbacks, the focus will be on whether HNT can break above the $8.00 resistance and sustain its upward trajectory towards $9.00 or beyond.

In recent weeks, the convergence of cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence (AI) has captured the attention of Web3 venture capital firms, signaling a significant shift in investment focus. Coinbase Ventures, a prominent player in the crypto space, has published an official thesis outlining its commitment to Crypto + AI projects. Hoolie Tejwani, head of Coinbase Ventures, believes that blockchain and generative AI will intertwine to form the foundation of our digital lives. This shift is not isolated; other venture capital firms, such as CoinFund and a16z, are also investing heavily in this emerging sector, with a reported $213 million directed towards AI projects in the third quarter of 2024. Coinbase Ventures categorizes the Crypto + AI landscape into three primary buckets. The first bucket focuses on AI agents that utilize cryptocurrency for transactions, suggesting a future where AI handles various tasks and requires a seamless payment method. Projects like Skyfire and Payman are already exploring this concept, with Payman enabling AI agents to transact with humans. The second bucket encompasses decentralized AI systems, emphasizing the importance of data in training AI. Initiatives like Vana are pioneering ways for users to monetize their data while maintaining privacy, potentially revolutionizing how AI is trained and governed. The third bucket delves into on-chain AI, where AI generates software code and smart contracts in real-time. This innovative approach could redefine how applications are built and operated on blockchain networks. However, the rapid proliferation of Crypto + AI projects raises questions about their substance and viability. While some view this integration as a necessary evolution, others caution against the hype surrounding it. Ultimately, the future of Crypto + AI will depend on its ability to provide tangible benefits and empower users, rather than merely riding the wave of technological trends.

Huddle01, a pioneer in decentralized real-time communications (dRTC), has launched a whitelist for its upcoming node sale, aiming to revolutionize audio and video conferencing. This initiative marks the first Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) specifically designed for real-time communication. By leveraging unused internet bandwidth through node operators, Huddle01 enables seamless communication that can rival established platforms like Zoom and Google Meet. Since its inception, Huddle01 has facilitated over 7 million minutes of meetings across more than 100,000 events, and the addition of new nodes is expected to enhance connectivity in emerging markets while allowing node license holders to earn rewards. The Huddle01 Media Nodes serve as the backbone of this innovative network, addressing the high operational costs and latency issues associated with centralized RTC networks. By significantly reducing the reliance on traditional data centers, Huddle01 can lower developers' server costs for audio and video calls by up to 95% compared to conventional services like AWS. CEO Ayush Ranjan emphasizes that the media nodes will improve latency, particularly in regions with a dense cluster of nodes, thus providing a competitive edge over existing web2 solutions. The platform's native app, Huddle01 Meet, integrates web3 tools, allowing users to connect wallets and utilize NFT avatars, further enhancing the user experience. The node sale will offer 46,900 Huddle Media Nodes, starting at $320 each, and will occur in two phases. The first phase will see 20,000 nodes available for purchase, with participants receiving an NFT key upon purchase. The sale is structured to reward early participants with higher returns. Additionally, an incentivized testnet will launch shortly after the sale, rewarding active node holders with $HUDL tokens. With a total supply of 200 million $HUDL, the project aims to engage a broad user base and enhance the decentralized communication landscape.

The first two weeks of the Incentivized Testnet have provided valuable insights into the distribution of rewards among relays, revealing trends that are crucial for optimizing the network's performance. Utilizing data from the Smartweave Distribution Contract, the analysis indicates that the current reward emission rate is at 25% of what will be seen on the mainnet. On average, relays are earning 0.4 tokens per day, with those in the upper quartile earning 0.75 tokens. A significant correlation has been observed between the rewards and the bandwidth of relays, suggesting that higher bandwidth directly influences the amount of tokens distributed. This relationship is vital as it aligns with the network's primary need for increased capacity, particularly for exit nodes that handle more traffic. Geolocation data has also been made available, showcasing the distribution of relays across various regions. The mapping of relays onto H3 hexagons highlights areas with dense relay populations, indicating potential overlaps in server providers. The introduction of geolocation multipliers aims to incentivize diversity by penalizing relays in overcrowded IP ranges, thus encouraging operators to utilize more residential IPs. This strategy not only promotes a more balanced network but also addresses the risk of malicious actors attempting to de-anonymize users by ensuring a wider geographical spread of relays. Another critical aspect of the incentive structure is the introduction of uptime rewards, which will be integrated into the upcoming AO distribution logic. This initiative aims to create a fairer reward system by recognizing relays that maintain consistent uptime, thereby encouraging participation from smaller operators. As the network evolves, it is essential to engage in discussions about its future direction, focusing on outreach, education, and governance to foster a resilient and diverse relay ecosystem. The journey for Anyone is just beginning, and these insights will guide its development moving forward.

XProtocol has officially announced the launch date for its innovative crypto-powered Android phone, the XForge, set for October 30, 2024. This entertainment-focused Ethereum layer-3 network is offering a pre-sale of 10,000 units, each priced at $299. The launch follows a successful Xardian node sale aimed at empowering and rewarding communities. According to Dragonix, a contributor to XProtocol, the initial pricing is expected to increase after the first batch. Each phone will also come with free Xardian Nodes, allowing users to participate in the DePIN network and earn various cryptocurrency-based incentives directly from their devices. In addition to the phone launch, XProtocol has completed multiple fundraising rounds totaling $5.2 million, with participation from notable investors such as Dragonfly Capital, Coinfund, and Razer. The company’s unique proposition lies in its use of Base superchain technology, which provides a scalable and developer-friendly platform for entertainment and gaming projects. XProtocol is compatible with all Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) projects, facilitating easy migration and offering tools for developers. The upcoming dApp store on the phone will serve as a gateway for users to access web3 applications built on the XProtocol superchain. The XForge is designed with high-end specifications tailored for gaming, featuring an Octa-Core CPU, Dual Nano SIM capability, a 6.67” AMOLED display, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The inclusion of Xardian nodes aims to enhance network decentralization, with operators earning rewards for their participation in the consensus process. Furthermore, XProtocol has locked in 20% of its total token supply for node license holders, to be distributed over 36 months following the mainnet launch later this year. With a team experienced in web3 gaming, XProtocol is poised to revolutionize blockchain-based gaming, enabling creators to develop and scale consumer-focused products effectively.