Latest DePIN Funding News

Roam, a decentralized WiFi roaming network, is emerging as a key player in the DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) ecosystem. Unlike other projects that focus on niche areas, Roam aims to create a global open wireless network that supports decentralized telecom services. A significant challenge in decentralized systems is the manipulation of location data, particularly in gaming, where users exploit GPS systems to bypass geographic restrictions. Roam addresses this issue by employing decentralized identities (DIDs) and verifiable credentials (VCs) to ensure accurate GPS data, thereby reducing the risks associated with location-based exploits. Currently operational in over 190 countries with around 750,000 self-deployed nodes, Roam connects users to a vast network of 3.5 million OpenRoaming™ nodes. The Roam app facilitates seamless connectivity, allowing users to automatically connect to available nodes without repeated logins. Central to Roam's protocol is its user identity verification system, which creates a digital identity upon app installation. This system ensures that user identities are verified each time they access a WiFi node, enhancing security and privacy across the network. Roam's ambitions extend beyond WiFi services, as it seeks to establish itself as a decentralized telecom data layer, similar to how Layer 1 blockchains provide infrastructure for decentralized applications. The network collects and records user data on the Solana blockchain, contributing to a decentralized ledger of telecom data. Roam also encourages community participation through a mining system that rewards users with Roam Points for operating WiFi nodes. With a vision to become a public utility within the DePIN sector, Roam is poised to play a crucial role in the future of decentralized networks, fostering an open-access model that attracts more projects to its ecosystem.

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.

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.

Web3基础设施平台Ankr最近宣布与开放网络（TON）区块链的集成，这一举措将为开发者提供更便捷的去中心化应用（DApps）开发体验，特别是针对Telegram用户。根据10月24日的公告，这一集成将消除TON的节点设置，节省开发者在构建、校准和修复问题上所需的时间。Telegram的用户群体估计达到9.5亿，基于TON的热门DApps包括Telegram Mini Apps，例如Hamster Kombat，这款tap-to-earn游戏在短短几个月内吸引了超过3亿玩家。 通过此次集成，Ankr将提供远程过程调用（RPC）连接，使开发者能够直接与TON网络进行交互，执行交易、获取钱包余额和检索所有权信息等任务。TON的RPC端点将通过Asphere部署，成为一个全球范围内低延迟的区块链节点的地理分布网络。Ankr的联合创始人兼首席执行官Chandler Song表示：“由于这款消息应用在我们的行业中至关重要，我们非常期待看到创新的新功能随着构建障碍的消除而实现。” TON区块链还提供了自己的RPC服务，允许开发者直接与网络互动以构建Telegram上的DApps。然而，Ankr表示，其与TON网络的集成消除了节点管理的复杂性。此外，TON基金会最近选择了Axelar的Mobius Development Stack（MDS）来连接其生态系统与68个网络，允许开发者跨多个区块链构建DApps，消除了通过互操作性层的桥接解决方案的需求。值得一提的是，TON区块链在9月份获得了来自加密交易所Bitget和Foresight Ventures的3000万美元战略投资，旨在加速TON基础应用的开发，尤其是像Hamster Kombat和Notcoin这样的游戏。

Game development company Studio369 has announced the migration of its mech shooter title MetalCore to the Solana blockchain, aiming to enhance the gaming experience through faster on-chain transactions. As of October 24, the Solana blockchain is processing an impressive average of about 3,000 transactions per second, a key performance metric that underscores its capabilities. MetalCore will leverage Solana Labs' GameShift platform, which integrates a storefront and payment systems for in-game purchases. This free-to-play open-world game features both player-versus-player (PvP) and player-versus-environment (PvE) battles, allowing players to acquire assets from defeated opponents and convert them into Web3 assets for trading. The migration to Solana comes as the network has been attracting various protocols looking to improve scalability and reduce costs. Studio369's decision reflects a broader trend, as other projects like MetaBlox's Roam network and the decentralized wireless communications protocol Helium have also transitioned to Solana for its faster transaction speeds and scalability. With the gaming sector increasingly gravitating towards blockchain technology, Solana's infrastructure is positioned to support these developments effectively. Despite its advantages, Solana has faced challenges, including significant periods of downtime that have raised concerns about its reliability. The latest outage, which lasted about five hours, occurred on February 6, 2024. In response to these issues, the Solana Foundation is working on the Firedancer upgrade, with a full version expected in 2025 and interim updates to manage the growing network activity. As Solana continues to evolve, it remains a focal point for gaming and decentralized infrastructure projects seeking robust blockchain solutions.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has recently highlighted the significant challenges facing the Ethereum network, particularly the urgent need for a unified ecosystem. In his latest insights, he discusses the future goals of Ethereum, especially during an upcoming phase known as "The Surge." This phase aims to enhance scalability, enabling swift cross-chain transfers and creating a more cohesive user experience. Buterin points out that Ethereum's biggest hurdle is its fragmented ecosystem, which currently consists of various Layer 2 (L2) solutions, each with unique features. He envisions a future where these solutions achieve interoperability, allowing them to function as a single, cohesive unit rather than 34 separate blockchains, ultimately fostering innovation and improving user experience. The ambitious goals of "The Surge" include achieving over 100,000 transactions per second (TPS) across both Layer 1 (L1) and Layer 2 solutions. However, Buterin emphasizes that this scalability must not compromise decentralization and security, which are core properties of Ethereum. He advocates for the integration of L2 solutions that maintain trustlessness, openness, and resistance to censorship. Additionally, Buterin stresses the importance of scaling the base chain, as a highly scalable L2 could pose risks if L1 struggles to process transactions. Instead of merely increasing the gas limit, he proposes making specific computations cheaper while preserving decentralization, suggesting improvements like multidimensional gas pricing. Furthermore, Buterin underscores the necessity of enhancing user experience within the Ethereum ecosystem. He believes that using L2 networks should feel seamless, allowing users to send tokens across chains without the technical burden of manual bridging. As Ethereum transitions from a monolithic roadmap to a rollup-centric approach, Buterin acknowledges the unique challenges this shift has introduced. The recent Dencun upgrade has been pivotal in scaling Ethereum, but it also raises concerns about siphoning users from the mainnet. Ultimately, Buterin's vision for Ethereum is to address these challenges while preserving its foundational values, ensuring that the evolution towards an L2-dominated ecosystem does not compromise what makes Ethereum unique.

September marked a transformative month for CUDOS, characterized by significant developments, impressive growth metrics, and strategic partnerships. A highlight was the proposal for CUDOS to join the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (ASI), aiming to synergize AI and cloud computing for sustainable innovation. The community's enthusiastic response culminated in a successful vote for the merger, paving the way for a new chapter in CUDOS's evolution. Detailed resources, including a voting guide and migration steps for the upcoming token merger with $FET, have been made available to assist users in this transition. The month also witnessed remarkable operational achievements, with a staggering 8,475 new virtual machines (VMs) deployed, reflecting a 159% increase from the previous month. This surge brought the total number of VMs across the CUDOS Intercloud to nearly 30,000. Additionally, the user base surpassed 11,000, and the platform logged over 500,000 compute hours, showcasing the diverse workloads being supported. Financially, CUDOS generated over $700,000 in revenue, underscoring its robust performance and growing adoption in the market. Infrastructure expansion was another key focus, with the establishment of new data centers in Norway and the USA, enhancing global computing capabilities. These facilities are equipped with advanced hardware to ensure efficient service delivery. Furthermore, CUDOS engaged with the community through events and discussions, including an AMA with CEO Matt Hawkins, who emphasized the merger's potential benefits. The media also recognized these milestones, with coverage in platforms like Cointelegraph, highlighting CUDOS's commitment to advancing AI and decentralized computing. Looking ahead, CUDOS is poised for continued growth and innovation, thanks to the unwavering support of its community.

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.

Last week, the Gitex Global Conference took place from October 14th to 18th in Dubai, UAE, where our team had the opportunity to collaborate with our partner Grenton. This annual event serves as a significant platform for fintech decision-makers to connect, share ideas, and network. Located at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Gitex Global attracted tens of thousands of participants, including entrepreneurs, investors, and industry insiders. Our focus during the conference was to showcase the integration of blockchain technology with AI and Smart Home solutions, emphasizing their potential benefits for sustainability and the development of smart cities. During the event, we engaged with key decision-makers and investors, presenting how our joint solutions can enhance community engagement and facility management through innovative technologies. Notably, Bartlomiej Gierszyn, CEO of Grenton, delivered a presentation during the Tech Talks segment of Gitex 2024. He highlighted the aggregation of data from smart homes for notifications and alerts, the role of AI in facility management, and the application of blockchain for fostering community engagement. This presentation not only provided valuable insights but also sparked significant interest among potential investors and attendees. Overall, our experience at Gitex Global was highly productive, allowing us to expand our network and generate interest in our collaborative solutions with Grenton. We believe that the conference could have been even more beneficial with a longer duration, as the discussions and networking opportunities were incredibly valuable. To stay updated on our developments and future initiatives, we encourage following our social media channels.