Latest DePIN Funding News

The Streamr team has reached a significant milestone with the completion of their 1.0 Mainnet, marking the end of their 2017 roadmap. This achievement allows the team to transition from research and development to focusing on full protocol adoption. The overarching goal remains to revolutionize the data streaming landscape through decentralized, peer-to-peer technology. The team has successfully built a feature-complete decentralized publish/subscribe network, incorporating elements such as censorship-resistant messaging, end-to-end encryption, and a robust tokenomics model designed to incentivize operators. However, the journey ahead involves redefining a multi-billion dollar industry dominated by established players, and the team is calling for community support to achieve this vision. Currently, the Streamr DAO is voting on SIP-22, which proposes to unlock an additional 100 million DATA tokens from reserves to fund ongoing development as existing funds are projected to run out early next year. The current monthly project expenses are around $230,000, with a notable decrease in development costs since the completion of major tech building blocks. The allocation of resources is strategically focused on marketing, protocol development, and operational costs, with the aim of achieving a 30% growth in network usage and diversifying funding sources. The team is also prioritizing the delivery of high-profile use cases, including live video broadcasting, to demonstrate the network's capabilities. Streamr is actively pursuing commercial adoption across various sectors, including decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN), live video streaming, defense communications, and AI integration. The team has onboarded multiple partners and is exploring innovative use cases that leverage the unique strengths of the Streamr Network. With a focus on enhancing video delivery and establishing secure communication channels for defense applications, Streamr aims to position itself as a leader in decentralized cloud technologies, contributing to a more resilient data management ecosystem. As the community prepares to vote on SIP-22, the team emphasizes the importance of collective participation in shaping the future of the Streamr Network.

Impossible Cloud Network (ICN) has announced the launch of its incentivized testnet, marking a significant step towards establishing itself as a leading decentralized cloud infrastructure provider. With a strong foundation built on the expertise of Impossible Cloud GmbH, which serves over 1,000 enterprise clients, ICN aims to leverage its web2 experience to create a scalable, multi-service cloud platform. The testnet invites blockchain developers and community members to engage with the platform, providing a hands-on environment to explore features and contribute to its development ahead of the mainnet release scheduled for next year. The testnet serves two primary objectives: refining the platform for stability and functionality, and enhancing community engagement. By simulating real-world conditions, ICN aims to onboard more validators, ensuring a smooth transition to the mainnet. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute to performance improvements while being recognized for their efforts. A FairDrop mechanism will reward the top 20,000 contributors with a share of 10.5 million ICNT tokens, emphasizing genuine contributions such as bug reports and feature testing. Backed by notable investors, including 1kx and HV Capital, Impossible Cloud has successfully raised $18 million to date. The company plans to further decentralize its network through a node sale and the introduction of a native token for decentralized governance. With its innovative approach, ICN is poised to provide an enterprise-grade alternative to traditional cloud providers, aiming to become a decentralized leader in the cloud services space, akin to AWS but with a community-driven focus.

Crust Network, a prominent player in decentralized storage solutions, has announced a new partnership with Yoghourt Cloud through its Crust Grants Program. This collaboration aims to enhance the functionality of the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), thereby improving the scalability and usability of the decentralized web. Yoghourt Cloud, a decentralized storage platform that utilizes the IPFS protocol, will receive funding to support its development efforts. The grant will focus on optimizing storage and retrieval processes, ensuring faster and more reliable file access for users, while addressing key challenges in decentralized storage such as data availability and latency. The objectives of this grant project are multifaceted. Firstly, Yoghourt Cloud plans to leverage Crust’s advanced storage architecture to develop more efficient storage management techniques for IPFS. This includes upgrading storage protocols and enhancing retrieval speeds to improve overall performance. Additionally, the integration of Crust’s decentralized storage capabilities into Yoghourt Cloud will provide users with a robust and scalable solution for their data storage needs. The project also aims to implement user-friendly upgrades, such as faster file uploads and smoother retrievals, which will enhance the overall user experience across the platform. Crust Network's commitment to decentralized storage infrastructure for Web3 is further exemplified through this grant. By supporting innovative projects like Yoghourt Cloud, Crust seeks to make IPFS more practical and accessible to a broader audience. This partnership not only marks a significant step in improving decentralized storage systems but also aims to strengthen the IPFS ecosystem, benefiting a wide range of decentralized applications (dApps). Together, Crust and Yoghourt Cloud are set to drive the future of decentralized storage, exploring new possibilities and optimizing existing solutions for Web3 applications.

In a groundbreaking announcement, C4E has partnered with Native to enhance the utility of Bitcoin within its ecosystem. This collaboration leverages Native's Bitcoin Liquidity and Interoperability Scaling Stack (BLISS), which aims to integrate Bitcoin into C4E's energy and e-mobility products. By doing so, C4E seeks to empower Bitcoin as a valuable asset within its network while simultaneously contributing to the green transformation of both the Bitcoin and energy industries. The immediate focus will be on integrating BLISS with C4E's existing Layer 1 DePIN Blockchain infrastructure, enabling users to access native Bitcoin across the C4E and IBC ecosystems. The integration of BLISS will allow C4E's energy and e-mobility products to benefit from Bitcoin's liquidity and security. Users will be able to engage in cross-chain transfers, manage multi-chain liquidity, and explore innovative use cases. This partnership marks a significant advancement in incorporating Bitcoin's robust security and liquidity into Cosmos-based applications, paving the way for staking services, collateral deployment, and advanced trading strategies within the C4E and IBC ecosystems. Looking ahead, C4E plans to explore Bitcoin restaking, which would enable BTC holders to actively participate in securing the C4E and IBC ecosystems. This shift could transform Bitcoin from a passive store of value into an active participant in the security of interconnected chains. The introduction of these services is expected to create new financial primitives and unlock economic opportunities for Bitcoin holders, as well as for the broader C4E and IBC networks. Together with Native, C4E is committed to fostering a future where Bitcoin plays a pivotal role in decentralized applications and market dynamics, contributing to a more sustainable energy and e-mobility landscape.

In a recent analysis of a16z's report on the "State of the Crypto Industry," Lily Liu, Chair of the Solana Foundation, highlights a notable EVM bias that overlooks Solana's impressive achievements in transaction fees, NFTs, and the DeFi market. Despite Solana leading in NFT addresses and transaction volume over the past year, the report fails to acknowledge significant innovations in decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN), such as Helium and Hivemapper, which thrive within the Solana ecosystem. Liu argues that the report's binary framework, which positions EVM and non-EVM ecosystems as oppositional, misrepresents the true landscape of blockchain development and user engagement. Liu emphasizes the importance of transaction fees as a more meaningful metric for assessing ecosystem activity and health, rather than relying solely on active addresses or Total Value Locked (TVL). Since introducing a fee market, Solana's transaction fee market share has surged from below 1.5% to consistently above 10%, peaking at 25% in July 2024. This shift indicates a growing economic value within the Solana ecosystem, narrowing the gap with Ethereum when considering Real Economic Value (REV). Furthermore, Liu critiques the report's gaming sector analysis, which fails to adequately include non-EVM networks like Solana, leading to incomplete comparisons that do not reflect the full blockchain gaming ecosystem. Additionally, Liu points out that the report's focus on TVL for DeFi comparisons is insufficient, as it overlooks critical metrics such as transaction volume. While Solana's TVL is only 10% of Ethereum's, its monthly DEX transaction volume often exceeds that of Ethereum, highlighting its capital efficiency. Liu also notes that Solana's low transaction costs have driven significant consumer behavior changes, exemplified by the success of platforms like Drip Haus. The absence of DePIN innovations within the report raises questions about its comprehensiveness, as groundbreaking projects like Helium and Hivemapper are primarily developing within the Solana ecosystem, showcasing the real-world applications of decentralized networks.

Helium (HNT) has recently shown remarkable resilience in a generally bearish cryptocurrency market, gaining approximately 12% over the past week. As of the latest updates, HNT is trading at $6.88, having outperformed Bitcoin (BTC) and many other decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) tokens. This surge in price is attributed to increased buying pressure, as indicated by the Relative Strength Index (RSI) crossing above 50 for the first time in over two weeks. Additionally, network activity has spiked, with weekly fees reaching a three-month high, further fueling bullish sentiment among investors. The technical indicators surrounding HNT suggest a potential for continued growth. The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) has shown a bullish shift, crossing above the signal line, although it remains in negative territory. This indicates that while there is growing strength among buyers, the overall trend has not yet fully reversed. The V-shaped recovery observed on the daily chart reinforces the notion that HNT is rebounding strongly after a previous decline. If the current buying momentum persists, HNT could reach the 1.618 Fibonacci level of $7.81, marking a complete recovery from its recent lows. Moreover, the derivatives market is witnessing increased interest in HNT, with futures trading volumes rising by 60% and Open Interest climbing to its highest level in nearly three weeks. This uptick in speculative activity could lead to increased volatility in HNT's price. The Long/Short Ratio of 1.04 indicates a balance between long and short positions, suggesting that traders are cautiously optimistic about HNT's upward trajectory. Despite a positive crowd sentiment, it is noteworthy that smart money remains bearish, highlighting a divergence in market perspectives that could influence HNT's future performance.

The CUDOS merger with Fetch.ai ($FET) is entering its final phase as part of the ASI Alliance, following successful tests on the Dorado testnet. The CUDOS testnet was halted two weeks ago, paving the way for significant upgrades this week. Key events include a software upgrade for the CUDOS Network, which will temporarily halt the CUDOS chain, and a corresponding upgrade for the Fetch.ai network that will integrate all CUDOS accounts into the Fetch.ai ecosystem. Two governance proposals will be initiated on each network, and token holders are encouraged to participate in the voting process from October 22 to October 27, 2024. The CUDOS mainnet is set to halt at block height 12,385,627 on October 28, 2024, with the Fetch.ai mainnet upgrade following shortly after. As a CUDOS token holder, no action is required on your part during this transition. The migration of your CUDOS tokens to FET will be handled automatically through the software upgrades. Your new FET balance will reflect in the same account where your CUDOS tokens are currently held. However, it is essential to keep your private keys secure post-merger. All new FET tokens will be subject to a three-month vesting schedule, during which they can still earn rewards through delegation. Current CUDOS Validators are largely migrating to ASI, ensuring that your delegations remain intact. Looking ahead, the merger signifies a new chapter for CUDOS and Fetch.ai, combining their strengths to create a more robust decentralized network. The transition is not just a technical upgrade but a strategic move towards greater innovation and sustainability within the blockchain space. The CUDOS community's support has been invaluable, and as the merger unfolds, there is a palpable excitement about the future possibilities that lie ahead. Together, CUDOS and Fetch.ai are poised to achieve remarkable milestones in the blockchain ecosystem.

Theta Labs has announced a significant partnership with Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS), marking the latter as the newest customer of its EdgeCloud AI platform. This collaboration comes on the heels of Theta's growing influence in the academic sector in South Korea, where institutions such as Korea University, Seoul Women’s University, KAIST, and Yonsei University have already integrated Theta's infrastructure to enhance their AI research capabilities. The partnership will enable LAB HAI at HUFS, under the leadership of Professor Ikbeom Jang, to utilize Theta's scalable EdgeCloud platform for various advanced projects, including LLM-based multimodal data training and biomedical data compression. Professor Ikbeom Jang, who oversees the computer cluster at HUFS, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the potential of Theta EdgeCloud to significantly boost their multimodal medical AI research. The use of high-performance NVIDIA H100 GPUs will facilitate a wide range of AI applications in healthcare, thereby enhancing Korea's competitiveness in AI technology. Professor Jang's expertise in artificial intelligence and deep learning, along with his previous experience at Harvard Medical School, positions him and his team to make substantial contributions to the field, as evidenced by their recent publications and research grants. This multi-year agreement underscores Theta Labs' commitment to supporting AI research by providing decentralized GPU resources to esteemed institutions like HUFS. With over 33,000 students, HUFS is poised to leverage Theta’s advanced technology to drive innovation in healthcare AI, particularly in areas such as medical imaging and disease prediction. Mitch Liu, co-founder and CEO of Theta Labs, emphasized that this partnership is a pivotal step in expanding the application of decentralized computing in academia, positioning Theta as a leader in AI computing solutions in the region.

The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a significant resurgence, with venture capitalists predicting Bitcoin could soar to $88,000. This optimism is largely fueled by the stabilization of the market and the emergence of new projects in decentralized finance (DeFi) and decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN). As of August 2024, crypto venture capital has raised an impressive $2.2 billion across 24 funds, indicating a robust recovery from previous downturns. Factors contributing to this revival include the market cap reaching 93% of its previous peak, increased institutional adoption from major financial players, and the maturation of investments made during the 2020-2022 boom, which are now presenting new opportunities for investors. Among the notable projects gaining traction are Base, EigenLayer, and SolLayer, which are reshaping the DeFi landscape. These projects are attracting midsized venture funds, signaling a shift from the smaller funds that characterized the early days of crypto. However, larger VC megafunds are still facing challenges due to high valuations and deployment difficulties. The outcome of the upcoming US presidential election may influence these trends further. Three standout projects to watch in the DeFi/DePIN space include Theta, BitTorrent (BTT), and World Mobile Token (WMT). Theta leverages peer-to-peer blockchain technology to decentralize video streaming services, promising high-quality streaming without buffering. BitTorrent, originally a sensation in 2019, continues to offer utility through its token, incentivizing users to share files. Lastly, World Mobile Token supports a blockchain initiative aimed at connecting underserved populations, rewarding participants in its ecosystem. As we approach 2025, the crypto funding landscape appears poised for a vital resurgence, instilling optimism across the sector.

Ambient, the largest distributed network for environmental monitoring, has announced the successful deployment of blockchain-based air quality monitoring sensors in Los Angeles’ Japanese Village Plaza (JVP). This initiative aims to enhance the environment and well-being of the area, which attracts over 5,000 visitors daily. According to Ambient's CEO, Luca Franchi, the project highlights the growing importance of air quality awareness among consumers and businesses, while also promoting incentive-based behavior to drive better insights and foster a healthier experience for all. Historically, air quality monitoring has been a costly endeavor, primarily managed by government agencies and large corporations. The limited number of locations being tracked in Los Angeles underscores the need for more comprehensive monitoring solutions. With the World Health Organization reporting over seven million premature deaths globally due to air pollution, effective monitoring is essential to address health risks associated with poor air quality. The deployment at JVP not only improves the quality of life for its visitors but also serves as a model for broader applications in urban centers. Ambient, in collaboration with Parami, is deploying Kaiterra Sensedge Mini sensors across 30 retailers in JVP, providing real-time data on temperature, humidity, particulate matter, and more. This innovative approach leverages blockchain technology to record data on the Solana Blockchain and offers token-based incentives for participants. By investing in Ambient tokens, participants can benefit from data sales and commercial activities derived from the network, driving meaningful change and innovation in environmental monitoring.