Latest DePIN Funding News

The DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) sector is currently witnessing a significant surge in interest, as evidenced by a recent poll conducted by CoinList. The poll asked users about their preferred project categories, with DePIN emerging as the top choice, highlighting its growing prominence in the blockchain space. In response to this trend, U2U Network, a Layer 1 blockchain focused on DePIN, has announced a collaboration with CoinList to launch an exclusive incentivized mainnet campaign. This initiative marks U2U Network as the first DePIN project to undertake a growth campaign on CoinList in the fourth quarter of 2024. DePIN is recognized as a transformative technology that aims to decentralize critical infrastructure services such as computing, energy, and telecommunications. This approach not only enhances scalability and resilience but also offers cost-efficiency that surpasses traditional centralized systems. With a market capitalization exceeding $33.6 billion, the DePIN sector is attracting substantial investment from venture capitalists, signaling a robust confidence in its potential. According to a 2023 report by Messari, the market potential for DePIN is estimated at $2.2 trillion, with projections suggesting it could rise to $3.5 trillion by 2028. This growth is further underscored by leading DePIN projects securing over $1 billion in funding. The U2U Incentivized Mainnet Saga Campaign, set to run from November 12, 2024, to February 10, 2025, aims to reward participants with $U2U tokens. Users can participate by bridging $USDT to receive $pUSDT, which can be staked in the U2U Incentivized Staking Pool, with a total reward pool of 10,000,000 $U2U tokens available. Beyond this collaboration with CoinList, U2U Network is also planning a campaign with Bitget, further expanding its influence in the DePIN ecosystem. As the anticipated listing approaches, U2U Network is poised to make significant contributions to the blockchain industry, fostering innovation and value for its users and the broader community.

Theta Labs has made significant strides in the realm of AI and blockchain research by announcing Peking University as a new customer for its EdgeCloud AI platform. Peking University, a prestigious institution ranked among the top 10 globally in computer science, will utilize Theta's hybrid cloud GPU infrastructure to enhance its research capabilities. This collaboration is part of Theta's broader initiative to support advanced AI research across various academic institutions, including notable universities in the US and Korea, such as the University of Oregon and KAIST. The addition of corporate clients like Liner and Jamcoding further underscores Theta's growing influence in the AI sector. Professor Zhen Xiao, a leading figure in distributed systems and AI at Peking University, has been pivotal in this partnership. With a Ph.D. from Cornell University and a robust publication record, Professor Xiao's research spans multiple domains, including deep learning and blockchain. His involvement with Theta began in 2022 when he joined the Theta Advisory Board, contributing to the development of the EdgeCloud platform. The collaboration has already yielded several joint research papers presented at prestigious conferences, showcasing advancements in adaptive defense mechanisms for AI models and scalable blockchain frameworks. The integration of EdgeCloud's hybrid cloud GPU infrastructure is set to revolutionize AI research at Peking University. Professor Xiao expressed enthusiasm about the potential of EdgeCloud to facilitate large-scale distributed AI projects, stating that it represents one of the most complex hybrid GPU systems he has encountered. This partnership not only enhances research capabilities at Peking University but also positions Theta as a leader in decentralized GPU platforms for academia in Asia, with aspirations for global expansion. The future of AI innovation is likely to be driven by infrastructure companies like Theta that effectively harness distributed computation and GPU resources.

The Akash Network (AKT) is currently making headlines as it approaches a significant milestone in the cryptocurrency market. Trading at around $4, AKT is nearing a billion-dollar market cap with a current valuation of $994 million. Over the past week, the altcoin has experienced a remarkable surge of nearly 50%, igniting discussions about its potential to reach a new 52-week high of $8.31. Analysts are closely monitoring the price action, particularly after a notable breakout from a falling wedge pattern, which has resulted in a 100% return from its previous low of $2. Technical indicators suggest a strong bullish momentum for AKT. The price has surpassed the 50% Fibonacci retracement level at $3.60 and is currently trading above the 200-day exponential moving average (EMA). This bullish trend is further supported by the potential for a golden crossover between the 200-day EMA and the 50-day EMA. Recent trading sessions have shown a significant intraday surge of 22.73%, forming a bullish engulfing candle that indicates strong buying pressure. The MACD indicator also reflects this positive trend, marking the third consecutive week of bullish momentum, which raises expectations for continued upward movement. Looking ahead, if the Akash Network maintains its current trajectory, analysts predict that the price could reach $6.19, paving the way for a potential breakthrough above the $6.85 mark. Fibonacci projections suggest that if this level is surpassed, AKT could aim for targets of $8.31 and even $12.09. While the bullish sentiment is strong, experts caution that minor corrections could occur, providing opportunities for consolidation before further upward movements. Overall, the Akash Network's future appears promising as it gains traction in the cryptocurrency space.

In recent discussions about the intersection of cryptocurrency and consumer artificial intelligence (AI), a notable trend has emerged highlighting the potential for collaboration between these two rapidly evolving technologies. Over the past year, interest in this intersection has surged, leading to numerous project launches aimed at leveraging AI's capabilities within the crypto space. While traditional consumer AI applications have become more intuitive and accessible, the crypto sector still grapples with the need for engaging consumer-facing applications that can effectively utilize blockchain technology. The current landscape presents a unique opportunity for developers to create innovative solutions that combine the strengths of both fields, particularly in areas like gaming, content generation, and personalized user experiences. The traditional consumer AI market has seen significant growth, with content generation tools leading the charge. Reports indicate that these applications account for a substantial portion of the most visited consumer AI products. Notably, the recent a16z report and Y Combinator's latest cohort highlight the ongoing evolution of consumer AI, with many new projects emerging in categories such as productivity, gaming, and edtech. However, the crypto sector remains relatively underdeveloped in terms of consumer applications, with only a small fraction of projects effectively integrating AI and blockchain technology. This gap presents a ripe opportunity for builders to explore innovative applications that cater specifically to the needs of crypto users, enhancing their experience and engagement with digital assets. As the landscape continues to evolve, the potential for AI to enhance crypto applications is becoming increasingly apparent. By harnessing AI's ability to personalize user interactions and streamline processes, developers can create compelling consumer applications that not only drive user engagement but also foster a deeper understanding of blockchain technology. The integration of AI into crypto projects could unlock new avenues for monetization, incentivization, and user participation, paving the way for a new wave of consumer applications that redefine how individuals interact with digital assets. As both technologies mature, the collaboration between crypto and consumer AI holds the promise of transforming the digital landscape, offering exciting opportunities for innovation and growth in the coming years.

Ponder.One has recently announced a strategic partnership with Movement Labs, a network specializing in modular move-based blockchains. This collaboration positions Ponder.One as the flagship Meta-Aggregator for Movement Labs, enabling users to explore and compare various financial opportunities within the blockchain ecosystem. The partnership aims to enhance user experience by providing insights into staking, borrowing, and lending options, thereby fostering a more informed investment environment. As a fully integrated comparison engine, Ponder.One is set to play a pivotal role in the evolving landscape of Web3. The platform will facilitate comparisons across a range of emerging trends, including restaking, BRC-20 Ordinal marketplaces, Real World Asset (RWA) NFT marketplaces, and Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) protocols. This comprehensive approach not only streamlines the decision-making process for users but also highlights the diverse opportunities available within the blockchain space. The collaboration between Ponder.One and Movement Labs signifies a significant step towards creating a more interconnected and user-friendly blockchain environment. By leveraging the strengths of both platforms, the partnership is expected to drive innovation and enhance accessibility for users looking to navigate the complexities of Web3. As the blockchain industry continues to evolve, such partnerships will be crucial in shaping the future of decentralized finance and related technologies.

In October, Solana's real economic value (REV) reached an impressive 111% of Ethereum's, driven by significant growth in decentralized finance (DeFi) and innovative projects such as Hivemapper and Helium. The price of Solana (SOL) surged by 36% recently, hitting $213, but it now faces a crucial challenge at the $221 resistance level. Despite strong network activity and a notable increase in staking, concerns linger about the sustainability of this momentum. The decentralized exchange (DEX) volumes have also seen a remarkable rise, with daily trading exceeding $5 billion for three consecutive days last week, totaling $16 billion from November 10 to 15, primarily driven by Raydium and Orca. Staking activity has emerged as a key factor in bolstering investor confidence, with over $8 billion worth of SOL staked, which helps alleviate selling pressure and enhances price stability. This represents one of Solana's strongest metrics during its current rally. Technical indicators support a positive outlook, as the average directional index (ADX) for SOL stands at 32, indicating a strong trend. However, the inability to breach the $221 barrier could result in a price range between $201 and $221 in the short term, with potential pullbacks signaling a reversal of the bullish trend. Solana's DeFi ecosystem continues to thrive, with meme coin trading contributing to a daily volume of $1 billion, showcasing its growing appeal among retail traders. The network's impact extends beyond DeFi, with projects like Hivemapper mapping a significant portion of global roads and Helium expanding its device network. With robust staking, increasing transaction volumes, and strong technical indicators, Solana is poised for further growth. However, breaking the $221 resistance is critical for unlocking greater potential, with medium-term targets projected between $400 and $500, supported by a bullish cup-and-handle formation on its chart.

In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, Aptos (APT) has made headlines with a notable 21% surge, bouncing back after a significant drop earlier this month. This resurgence is attributed to the cryptocurrency reaching its Fibonacci retracement level, which has sparked renewed optimism among investors. The increase in active addresses, peaking at 1.27 million in June, further supports this bullish trend. As of now, Aptos is trading at approximately $9.38, with analysts suggesting a potential rise of another 19% to reclaim its October peak. Meanwhile, Bittensor (TAO) has also experienced a remarkable 20% jump in a single day, driven by positive sentiment following recent elections. However, the cryptocurrency faces resistance as indicated by the Ichimoku Cloud, which could pose challenges for further upward movement. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has surged into the overbought territory, suggesting that while there is strong buying interest, a correction may be imminent if the momentum does not sustain. Traders are closely monitoring TAO's short-term moving averages for signs of a trend reversal that could lead to higher resistance targets. The standout performer in the current market is BlockDAG (BDAG), which has successfully raised over $122 million in its presale, attracting significant attention from investors. With over 15.3 billion coins sold at a price of $0.0234, early participants have already seen returns exceeding 2240%. BlockDAG’s innovative DAG-PoW technology positions it as a strong contender in the Layer-1 blockchain space, aiming for a target of $600 million. As the presale progresses, the urgency for investors to join increases, highlighting BlockDAG as a potential breakout altcoin that could redefine the market landscape.

The Auki Network has recently announced a significant update regarding its third-party custody solution for its token, $AUKI. Emphasizing their commitment to radical transparency and accountability, Auki Network has opted to migrate its digital assets to a new custody provider. Third-party custodians play a crucial role in the blockchain ecosystem by securely holding and managing digital assets on behalf of clients, ensuring the safety of private keys and enhancing overall security. The choice of custody solution is vital for any blockchain project, as it directly impacts asset management and security protocols. The migration process involves transferring tokens to new wallets under the new custody solution and resetting permissions for various operational routines. The previous custody arrangement had some limitations, including the consolidation of all cold wallet $AUKI tokens in a single wallet, which hindered clear on-chain separation between different pools of unvested tokens. Additionally, the previous custodian's internal token movements could have led to perception issues within the community, as any unlisted $AUKI tokens would be considered circulating supply without prior notice. Auki Network's decision to change custodians addresses these concerns and aligns with their goal of implementing best practices in asset management. The new custody solution involves migrating assets to Hex Trust, a centralized custodian, while smart contract administration roles have been assigned to Safe Wallet, a decentralized custodian. This dual approach not only resolves the issues faced with the previous custodian but also enhances visibility and transparency for the community. The new setup provides comprehensive insurance coverage of USD 50 million for all wallets, significantly improving security. As a result, the community can expect more accurate circulating supply data on platforms like CoinGecko, reinforcing Auki Network's commitment to transparency and accountability in their operations.

The launch of the DRF token represents a pivotal moment for the DRIFE ecosystem, which aims to revolutionize the ride-hailing industry through decentralization. As the first fully transparent decentralized ride-hailing platform, DRIFE introduces the DRF token to empower users, drivers, and riders alike. This initiative not only provides a stake in the platform's future but also fosters active participation among community members. Drivers can enhance their earnings while riders enjoy reduced costs and increased transparency, creating a collaborative environment where all users contribute to the ecosystem's growth. The DRF token also serves as a versatile payment method within the DRIFE platform, allowing users to pay for rides using DRF tokens in select regions. This integration promotes seamless and secure transactions, reducing reliance on traditional currencies. Additionally, DRIFE incentivizes user engagement through a rewards system, where both riders and drivers can earn DRF tokens for their activities. Staking opportunities further enhance the token's appeal, enabling users to grow their holdings passively while supporting the platform's development. Subscription benefits, such as priority booking and discounted fares, add further value for token holders, enriching their overall experience. With a carefully structured token distribution model, DRIFE ensures long-term growth and stability. The allocation of tokens among various stakeholders, including team members and investors, is designed to prevent immediate sell-offs and promote ecosystem health. The introduction of the DRF token not only empowers drivers and riders economically but also fosters a transparent and decentralized ride-hailing experience. As DRIFE continues to expand its offerings, the DRF token will play a crucial role in shaping the future of mobility, establishing a user-driven platform that rewards participation and redefines the ride-hailing landscape.

The IoTeX Network has made significant strides with the launch of its 2.0 upgrade in Q3’24, which aims to provide decentralized infrastructure, public goods, and governance tools for Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN). This upgrade has led to a notable increase in network activity, with active wallets and transactions rising by 13% and 8% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ), respectively. The introduction of the ioID protocol has been pivotal, transforming hardware devices into on-chain entities with verifiable identities. As of Q3’24, the network is secured by 112 delegates who are actively staking $172 million, marking a 17% increase QoQ, and achieving an average staking participation rate of 41.3%. The IoTeX 2.0 upgrade also features an enhanced tokenomic design that seeks to balance inflationary staking rewards with deflationary token burns, thereby driving the utility of the IOTX token. Throughout Q3’24, IoTeX has integrated with several prominent networks and protocols, including Solana and Polygon, which positions the IoTeX Network as a robust ecosystem for DePIN projects. The middleware solution, W3bstream, is set to launch on the mainnet in Q1’25, further enhancing the network's capabilities by providing verifiability and scalability for DePINs. In addition to the technical advancements, IoTeX has established the Marshall DAO to manage a pool of IOTX tokens dedicated to funding DePIN projects. This community-driven approach allows token holders to propose and vote on initiatives, fostering a collaborative environment for innovation. The DePIN ecosystem on IoTeX has expanded significantly, with over 230 dApps and more than 50 dedicated DePIN projects, solidifying IoTeX's position as a leading player in the decentralized infrastructure space. The future looks promising as the network continues to evolve and attract diverse applications across various sectors, including DeFi and GameFi.