Latest DePIN Funding News

In an exciting development for the intersection of AI and blockchain, VentureMind AI has announced a partnership with Theta EdgeCloud. This collaboration aims to leverage Theta's decentralized, low-latency compute and streaming resources to enhance VentureMind AI's capabilities. By integrating EdgeCloud, VentureMind AI will be able to scale its AI tools, optimize video rendering, and offer real-time robotics control, significantly improving its service offerings in sectors such as construction and security. This partnership marks a significant step in creating a comprehensive ecosystem that merges AI innovation with decentralized finance and advanced robotics. VentureMind AI is a pioneering platform that allows users to create, mint, and trade AI tools as NFTs, providing a unique layer of ownership and income potential. The platform also features a custom Autonomous Agent builder, enabling users to launch tokenized communities and manage market-making activities. Since its inception in June 2023, EdgeCloud has gained traction in both academic and enterprise settings, with institutions like Seoul National University and companies such as GenAI search Liner utilizing its infrastructure to advance AI research and applications. With the integration of Theta EdgeCloud, VentureMind AI is set to redefine possibilities in the realms of AI, robotics, and Web3. The partnership will facilitate scalable compute for AI innovation, reliable robotics control, cost-effective video processing, and enhanced integration for NFTs and autonomous tools. Founded by Jermaine Anugwom, VentureMind AI has rapidly evolved from a collection of specialized AI tools to a robust platform that incorporates blockchain technology and tokenomics, positioning itself as a leader in the emerging Web3 landscape.

Theta has announced a significant partnership with Seoul National University (SNU), South Korea's leading academic institution, to enhance AI research through its EdgeCloud platform. This collaboration will specifically benefit SNU's AIoT Lab, directed by Associate Professor Hyung-Sin Kim, who is renowned for his expertise in Ambient AI and IoT systems. The partnership aims to accelerate research in areas such as AI-powered healthcare innovations and real-time data processing, leveraging Theta's advanced hybrid cloud GPU resources. SNU, established in 1946, is recognized for its excellence across various disciplines and is consistently ranked among the top universities in Asia. Since the launch of EdgeCloud in June, Theta has gained traction in both U.S. and Korean academic circles, partnering with several prestigious institutions including the University of Oregon and KAIST. The AIoT Lab at SNU has already made notable contributions to the field, with Professor Kim leading efforts that have garnered numerous awards and high-impact research grants. Recent achievements include accolades at major conferences and competitions, showcasing the lab's commitment to advancing AI and IoT technologies. The integration of Theta's infrastructure is expected to further enhance the lab's capabilities in developing adaptive models that prioritize data privacy and real-time health insights. Professor Kim expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting how Theta's decentralized AI infrastructure will redefine the GPU landscape and enable groundbreaking advancements in Ambient AI and IoT applications. This partnership not only reinforces Theta's commitment to supporting world-class AI research but also positions the company as a key player in the academic landscape, with aspirations to onboard more top-tier institutions in Asia and North America. As Theta continues to expand its influence, the collaboration with SNU marks a pivotal step towards fostering innovative real-world applications in AI and IoT domains.

Digital Currency Group (DCG), under the leadership of Barry Silbert, has officially launched Yuma, a new subsidiary aimed at promoting innovation within the Bittensor decentralized AI network. Yuma's mission is to equip startups and enterprises with the necessary resources to develop, train, and utilize artificial intelligence in a decentralized framework. Central to Bittensor's ecosystem is the $TAO token, which incentivizes participation by rewarding contributors for their computing power and the quality of their work. This model not only encourages efficiency but also fosters collaboration among users, making it a compelling alternative to traditional, centralized AI systems dominated by major tech companies. Yuma is designed to support various AI-driven projects that can earn rewards through the Bittensor network. The company offers two distinct partnership models: an accelerator program tailored for startups and established enterprises, and a subnet incubator that facilitates the creation of new projects from the ground up. Through its early subnet incubator program, Yuma has already formed partnerships with several firms, including Sturdy, Masa, Score, and Infinite Games. Additionally, it has collaborated with Foundry to launch the S&P 500 Oracle subnet, showcasing its commitment to building a robust ecosystem around decentralized AI. As Bittensor co-founder Jacob Steeves noted, the platform was created to provide a competitive alternative to the conventional top-down approach that restricts access to advanced AI capabilities. DCG's involvement with Bittensor dates back to 2021, and its asset management arm, Grayscale, has since introduced a Bittensor Trust and a decentralized AI fund, with Bittensor accounting for 21% of the latter. This strategic investment underscores the growing importance of decentralized networks in the future of artificial intelligence and digital ownership.

Tory Green, with over two decades of experience in entrepreneurship and investment, has recently taken a significant role in the blockchain sector as he leads io.net, a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN). His extensive background includes serving as a venture capitalist at Tiller Partners, where he supported various portfolio companies in executive roles. Green's previous experience as COO and CFO at Hum Capital, along with co-founding The Art of Charm, showcases his diverse skill set and commitment to innovation. His educational background includes a BA in Economics from Stanford University, coupled with athletic experience at the United States Military Academy at West Point, further highlighting his multifaceted approach to leadership. Io.net recently completed a successful Series A funding round, raising $30 million to enhance its decentralized infrastructure capabilities. The platform utilizes a tailored consensus mechanism optimized for distributed infrastructure, enabling efficient participation from diverse nodes without high computational demands. Security is a key focus, employing cryptographic techniques and node verification to protect the network from malicious actions. Additionally, the integration of edge computing significantly boosts performance by processing data closer to its source, thereby reducing latency and improving response times for users and developers alike. Interoperability with other blockchain platforms, such as Solana, is a cornerstone of io.net's strategy, enhancing cross-chain data flow and broadening adoption potential. The network's multi-layered security approach ensures data integrity through device authentication and encryption, while scalability is addressed through horizontal distribution of workloads and sharding techniques. Green envisions a transformative impact on DePINs by integrating AI with decentralized infrastructure, aiming to revolutionize industries like healthcare and finance with improved data security and cost-efficiency. His leadership philosophy, shaped by resilience and a hands-on problem-solving approach, is pivotal in driving io.net's mission forward in the rapidly evolving blockchain landscape.

In a recent podcast episode of DePIN Power, Starpower co-founder Laser engaged in a conversation with Kuleen, the DePIN lead at the Solana Foundation, about the future of energy-focused DePIN projects. Starpower is positioning itself as an open distributed energy network protocol, aiming to connect third-party energy devices and surpass Tesla in device connections within five years. With the mainnet launch expected in the first quarter of next year, Starpower is optimistic about the growth of DePIN in the energy sector, especially as they conduct airdrop activities to build momentum before the launch. Kuleen expressed excitement about the intersection of DePIN and energy, predicting that energy DePIN will emerge as a significant trend in the coming months. He highlighted the need for a transformation in energy infrastructure due to climate change and increasing energy demands. Kuleen's experience at the Solana Foundation, where he collaborates with various teams, has allowed him to witness the potential of DePIN in addressing energy challenges. He noted that the decreasing costs of renewable energy sources, particularly solar, make this an opportune time for innovation in the sector. Both Laser and Kuleen emphasized the importance of community and collaboration within the Solana ecosystem. Kuleen pointed out that the cultural fit, technical advantages, and economic foundation of Solana attract many DePIN projects. As the ecosystem grows, maintaining community interaction and support becomes crucial. With talented founders entering the energy DePIN space, there is optimism that the right conditions are aligning for significant advancements in energy infrastructure, driven by decentralized solutions and innovative technologies.

In the rapidly evolving world of web3, DIMO has made significant strides this month with the launch of several key features on its Developer Platform. The introduction of the Telemetry API now provides developers with enhanced data capabilities, including tire pressure and oil life for select Ford and General Motors models. This addition not only enriches the existing dataset but also empowers developers to create more functional applications. DIMO is dedicated to supporting developers in transforming their innovative ideas into reality, making it easier to integrate with DIMO data. Reflecting on the past six months, DIMO has transformed its developer experience by launching multiple SDKs that streamline integration processes. Initially, developers faced challenges integrating DIMO API by API, but with the introduction of the dimo-node-sdk in Typescript and subsequent SDKs in Python and transactions SDK, the integration process has become significantly more straightforward. The recent launch of the login-with-dimo React Component SDK further simplifies sharing vehicle permissions, allowing developers to integrate vehicle data into their applications in just three steps. This evolution marks a pivotal moment for DIMO as it continues to lower barriers for web3 builders. Additionally, the highly anticipated Developer Console v2 is now live, featuring updates designed to enhance the developer experience. Users can easily sign in using Google or GitHub, which streamlines account management. The console allows developers to purchase DIMO Credits (DCX) to power their projects, akin to AWS credits. While existing developer licenses from the old console remain valid, they will not be managed through the new platform, paving the way for a more unified and efficient ecosystem. DIMO encourages feedback from developers to further refine its offerings and continue fostering innovation in the blockchain space.

The DIMO Foundation has announced a significant partnership with MATT3R, aiming to enhance the interoperability and decentralization of modern vehicle ecosystems. This collaboration is set to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous vehicle (AV) models by improving data collection, validation, and accessibility. MATT3R will be the first company, after Digital Infrastructure Inc., to fully integrate within the DIMO ecosystem, utilizing the DIMO SDK and introducing a new hardware device to collect unique video datasets. This initiative represents a crucial step in expanding the DIMO protocol, which is designed to facilitate diverse data types and create a more interconnected environment for developers. In the realm of computer vision, the ability to interpret visual data is essential for the advancement of autonomous vehicles. However, a major challenge lies in the acquisition of vast, high-quality datasets necessary for training AI models. MATT3R addresses this issue by enabling users to collect and share data from their vehicles through the K3Y device. This device allows for the aggregation of visual and sensor data, which is then categorized and labeled for developers' use. By leveraging a crowdsourced approach, MATT3R can provide developers with access to a wide array of real-world scenarios, thereby improving the robustness of their AI and AV models while ensuring user privacy and control over personal data. The partnership also includes the integration of the DIMO SDK into MATT3R's Consol3 mobile application, allowing for seamless access for existing DIMO users and new users alike. This integration not only enhances user experience but also fosters a mutually beneficial relationship between developers and users. As MATT3R prepares to launch the presale of the K3Y devices in November, this collaboration promises to create a trustworthy data ecosystem that enhances the efficiency and quality of AI and AV model training on a global scale. The DIMO protocol's validation framework will further ensure the integrity of the collected data, paving the way for a decentralized future in automotive technology.

Barry Silbert, the CEO of Digital Currency Group (DCG), has expressed his belief that Bittensor could be as transformative as Bitcoin. To support this vision, DCG has launched a new company named Yuma, which will act as an accelerator for startups interested in exploring the Bittensor ecosystem. Bittensor itself is a decentralized network that incentivizes contributions of data and computing power for various AI tasks, ranging from text translation to complex protein structure prediction. Silbert likens Bittensor to the World Wide Web of AI, highlighting its potential to democratize AI technology and reduce the dominance of major tech corporations. Yuma aims to incubate and build businesses that utilize decentralized AI, with plans to support startups and enterprises in launching their own subnets within the Bittensor framework. Silbert will take on the role of CEO at Yuma, which is expected to start with around 25 employees. The company operates under a model similar to Y Combinator, providing resources and support for both accelerator and incubator partnerships. Currently, Yuma has five active subnets, with additional projects in development, showcasing a diverse range of applications including bot detection, time series predictions, and AI research. The interest in decentralized AI is not a recent development for DCG, as they made their first investment in Bittensor back in 2021. With the addition of funds dedicated to AI through Grayscale, DCG is positioning itself at the forefront of this emerging technology. The native cryptocurrency of Bittensor, $TAO, plays a crucial role in incentivizing decentralized workers, whether they are miners providing computing services or validators ensuring quality contributions. As Yuma continues to grow, it aims to foster innovation and collaboration within the Bittensor ecosystem, paving the way for a new era of decentralized AI applications.

Recent developments in the blockchain space are highlighted by the progress of Toncoin (TON) and Shiba Inu (SHIB), alongside the rising presale token Yeti Ouro (YETIO). Toncoin has made significant strides by launching the $TON Teleport $BTC feature, which facilitates trustless Bitcoin transfers to its blockchain using a synthetic token, tgBTC. This innovation aims to enhance the usability of Bitcoin in decentralized finance (DeFi) activities such as trading and yield farming. Currently, Toncoin is trading at $5.51, experiencing a slight daily drop of 0.19%, but maintains a robust market cap of $14.02 billion with a circulating supply of 2.55 billion TON. Despite a decrease in trading volume, technical indicators suggest that the token is poised for consolidation, indicating potential stability ahead. In the Shiba Inu ecosystem, the community's commitment to the SHIB burn initiative has led to the removal of 624 million SHIB tokens from circulation in just one week. This effort aims to increase the token's scarcity and long-term value. SHIB is currently trading at $0.00002531, reflecting a 2.53% increase in the past 24 hours, with a market cap of $14.91 billion. However, technical analysis indicates the formation of a bearish pennant pattern, suggesting possible downside momentum. Despite this, the active engagement from the community and ongoing burning activities may positively influence market dynamics, although the Average Directional Index indicates a low trend. Emerging in the presale charts is Yeti Ouro (YETIO), an Ethereum-based memecoin that has quickly gained traction, raising over $500,000 with more than 40 million tokens sold in just a few weeks. The project is centered around a play-to-earn game, Yeti Go, which utilizes the Unreal Engine for an immersive gaming experience. Early adopters are currently enjoying a 20% discount on purchases until November 25, further fueling investor interest. With its unique blend of blockchain technology and gaming, Yeti Ouro is positioning itself as a formidable competitor in the crypto landscape, alongside established tokens like Toncoin and Shiba Inu.

AKT, the native token of Akash Network, has recently emerged as a significant gainer in the cryptocurrency market, particularly after securing a perpetual listing on Binance Futures. On November 19, the token surged by 35%, reaching a six-month high of $4.66, which elevated its market capitalization to over $1 billion. This remarkable increase has allowed AKT to re-enter the top 100 cryptocurrencies by market cap, currently holding the 99th position. The trading volume for AKT also saw an astronomical rise of 2500% in just one day, exceeding $368.1 million, indicating a robust interest from traders and investors alike. The price increase can be attributed to Binance Futures' announcement of the AKTUSDT Perpetual Contract, which allows traders to leverage their positions up to 75x. This has attracted many traders looking for high-risk, high-reward opportunities. Additionally, rumors surrounding potential changes in U.S. capital gains tax policies, particularly those that could benefit cryptocurrencies issued by U.S. companies, have further fueled interest in AKT. As Akash Network aims to revolutionize cloud computing through decentralized, blockchain-based solutions, the AKT token is expected to play a crucial role in its ecosystem. Despite the excitement within the AKT community, analysts are cautioning about a potential price correction. TraderSteve_, a pseudo-anonymous analyst, highlighted that AKT might encounter selling pressure at the resistance level of $4.732, a threshold it has struggled to surpass in the past. While the current indicators suggest that AKT is overbought, with a Relative Strength Index reading of 76, the long-term outlook remains positive, with speculations that the token could eventually reach as high as $28. However, it is essential for investors to remain vigilant as the market dynamics evolve.